rmcquese Loc: NW Georgia

I bought a Canon T3i and I am very new to the picture taking business. I have used it to take lots of photos and I am trying to learn all I can to keep my camera off the AUTO feature. Have captured great images but still lots to learn.

I have read several discussions regarding iso, aperture, and all those other bells and whistles a DSLR has to offer. My problem is I understand the settings as I am reading it but when I actually go to use my camera I get lost and confused on which is which. I have already shot about 4k pics since October 11 (lots of shots with kids playing sports).

I look at other pics that others have taken with this camera and similar lens and I can't wait till my photos " POP " like some of these do. I think they are good pics but could be Great pics if edited in PS. I would rather learn how to make my images "POP" without PS though.

I have the T3i with the Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens and the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

I would like to purchase a different / better lens but I'm not sure what would be best for me or if these lens will be OK. I know I need to spend some quality time with my camera to become more familiar with it before I go out and buy another lens. But I am still looking anyways.

Any Comments are welcome. I will post some pics later.

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

Welcome to the group

judy 2011 Loc: Northern Utah

Hi! That's alot of pictures!
I too, have the Canon T3i. I'm in the same boat as you. I read and then go to the camera to do what I read and I get lost. My husband bought me a Tamron 18-270 and I love it. I don't have to carry two lenses while hiking. The other lens I use the most is Canon 100-400. I like to photograph wild life. And backyard birds.
Happy 'shooting'!

auclair784 Loc: Winchester, TN

Welcome my friend!
You can't digest it all at once, that is why you forget when you get to taking pictures. Concentrate on one area at a time and learn it well, such as fstops, read some, play some. Eventually you will remember what to do, when. We are all leaning here, even the ones that have been doing this for mega years. If I had to pick an additional lens at your point of expertise, it would be a wide angle lens. The wide angle will give you a wider field of view, pretty close to what you see with your eyes. Just my point of view. I have been taking pictures for over 30 years and am still learning and forgetting a lot. This is a great forum for learning. Go get em'

rmcquese Loc: NW Georgia

Thanks. There is a lot of useful info on this site. Just wish I found it sooner

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Welcome!

I'm in your shoes...I have the same camera kit with the same lens.

My advice would be two things:

1.) learn to take good shots with what you've got. (Also, buy Bryan Peterson's book "Understanding Exposure)

2.) You MIGHT want to buy the next typically recommended lens which is the "nifty fifty". It's the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens which you can get for under $120.00 all day long...sometimes as low as $80.00.

It's fast, (good for low light) sharp, and useful and you might not take it off your camera for a month!

It's ONLY draw back is that on our camera's it's a little long for typical indoor close shots...but it will work.

Welcome!!

PS: Another great site for us Canon Rebel T2i folks is the Canon T2i forum...all T2i info all the time!

http://www.t2iforum.com/

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Welcome from another member in NW Georgia....There is a lot to learn, take your time & lots of photos. Practice makes perfect (most times anyway). Do you have any photo clubs in your area?. That's also a good way to learn . Another suggestion is to read Bryan Peterson's book "Understanding Exposure" to learn how different shutter speed, aperture & ISO settings affect the image & how they are intertwined...

rmcquese Loc: NW Georgia

Thanks rpavich

I may have to give the "nifty fifty" a try. Maybe it will go onsale after Xmas. Several have mentioned that book so I will look for it and give it a read.

rmcquese Loc: NW Georgia

I live in Trion GA which is not too far from Dallas. Trion is a very small town and I don't think there are many photo clubs in the area but I will look into it.

I will have to get that book. Thanks for advice.

rmcquese Loc: NW Georgia

I took the picture of the deer that is my avatar pic. I took it at a local college while trying out my camera. Every time I focused in on this deer he raised his head up and opened his mouth. Not sure if he had something wrong with him or not but it makes and interesting pic. Not the best pic of all my shots that day but it is the funniest. I will upload some pics soon.

rmcquese Loc: NW Georgia

Thanks for that advice. I am a Computer Technician and I am used to everyone throwing everything in my lap at once and then trying to sort it all out and figure out how to make it all work.

I guess for once I do need to slow down and take it one step at a time and learn one feature then move on to the next.

Great advice. Thanks

dansparks Loc: georgia

Hi
welcome to the hog I'm sure you will enjoy your t3. shoot lots...delete less.

rmcquese Loc: NW Georgia

Just Curious Noticed you live in GA. Where at?

PlushToy Loc: Nebraska

Welcome to the group

rmcquese Loc: NW Georgia

Thanks