You are right about the Canon only allowing three exposures. But I do find that if you are shooting in RAW mode, a single exposure allows a +2 or -2 exposure, which gives a range of -4 to +4 in single stop increments.

I hadn't thought about bracketing aperture. Does depth of field changes result in any ghosting or loss of quality? (Something for me to try)

I have to agree with everything said so far, especially about the character of your instructor.

I even carry at least two camera bodies with me, just in case I need the other one. I wonder what he would make of that!

I am guessing, but the answer is probably focus. If you are using autofocus, I would only use a single focus point but even better is to use manual focus. If you can, use a tripod to eliminate camera shake. And, of course, look for depth-of-field. DOF is very much limited in macro mode. Stop down and use the highest "F" number you can. I don't know about the T3 but my 400D and 5D Mk2 both have depth-of-field preview buttons which allow you to see the probable result before shooting.

Try:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JPEG
Also try:
jpeg.org

I have this feeling you have some horror stories to tell of using JPG. either in-camera or externally. All I can say is that if you go for lossy compression, then you have to expect the downside of "lossy" with the upside of "Compression".

I only ever use explorer to copy my files. I always create a date-stamped directory and then immediately copy that to an external drive before deleting the files from the CF card.

Also, beware of overwriting. Always save to a different (but hopefully connected to the original) file name.

Many programs, including the built-in ones, allow one to take account of the "archive" or "modified" switch on the file. Look at explorer and you can display this.

Sorry to all you Mac users, I only use Windows but I am sure there are similar facilities on the Mac.

Good, very good and Wow!
But my view changes, and I do not always agree with others. Perhaps the criterion should be "I like it today", "I liked it last week", "I still like it"?

In answer to your question; of course they do (speaking of my own experience).
How often have you taken a shot which you know need cropping, but cannot get the framaing right?
Do you ever "waste" shots knowing that there are possibilities which need exploring?
Do you have a marvellous shot, but want to make it as near your idea of perfect allows?
How often do you see a scene in an existing shot in which there is another subject waiting to come out?
P/P is only another tool. As you say, people have done it since the darkroom, only now it does not take minutes or hours to see the results, let alone the cost of rubbished print paper.
Plus ca change, but I always view my results in a post/p package, even those I know I will discard.

All the replies make me think. I will now try switching off VR as I have noticed some of my tripod and "quick" exposures have turned out more fuzzy than I would have liked. One question, and I should know the answer, but if I am shooting on 1/30 sec. or longer, hand-held (and don't say you shouldn't be doing it) how long should I give it for the VR to take effect?

Just a small matter of interest, I have take a number of hand-held HDR exposures. All it requires is holding your breath and a very firm hold. But...., a tripod does help and if not, a very firm "something" to rest against.

Just take photographs, and then take more. OK, you will throw away most, but you will find out what works.

Take the same shots (identical scenes if you can and vary the shutter speed, aperture, ISO setting and anything else which seems appropriate). A tripod is always useful for this.

Oh, and play with post-processing. No need to get too technical but cropping, colour etc. is worth experimenting with.

And because I never had time to record all the shot settings, take in RAW because the settings can be retrieved from each exposure.

Then go and take another batch of photographs.

I go along with most of the suggestions made already, but I think a time limit of 3 - 5 days is too short. Call me lazy, but I only tend to check on here every 3 days or so, so an "open" period of a week would be about right for me, and it is also bound to cover a weekend.

Nice to meet you.

Hi and a welcome from England. I am just getting used to this site, so will probably post only on topics which I feel strongly about. I am half-way between enthusiastic amateur and part-time professional. The kit I use is a Canon 5D Mark 2 and a Canon 400D plus a point-and-shoot Sony Cybershot (That last one is always in my handbag for the moments when I am not carrying the others).

Hi. As long as I have enough card space left I always bracket +- 2 stops for landscapes and "contrasty" scenes just to ensure that I have covered all exposure options. Very rarely will I use the resultant exposures for HDR work, I find that editing software gives a good enough result for most circumstances.