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Hi, I am Dianne, 72 yrs. old, I have a Canon EOS Rebel E6.
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Aug 14, 2018 13:02:33   #
kaindianne
 
My necessary info is above. My important info is: I love to take pictures of nature - when we walk in the forest, or around our block. Watching a whale breach but only getting a bit of the tail. I did get the 'blood moon' earlier this year but only in its final phase. We travel and I get so many shots but most of the time I miss the good picture. We are heading to Iceland soon. I have wanted to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) since I caught a tiny bit of it when I was a little girl of 5 or 6. We are hoping this trip will be the trip to see it.
My forum hope is that someone will help me understand what I need to be do to get the perfect shots. I have a small lens and a big one but which do I use? I am bringing a trip-pod to set the camera on for steadiness. I also have a wired button to to press take a picture while the camera is on the stand. I've heard that you don't just point and shoot. I bought my camera about 3 yrs. ago at Costco.
Can we discus or give me help - simply explained - to get some great pictures? Thank you, Dianne

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Aug 14, 2018 13:06:48   #
dyximan
 
Diane there are many here who can help you and will. But be prepared for some snarky and snide responses just let them go. And enjoy what sounds like will be a wonderful experience. But they will want to know a little more information about your camera, exact make and model, and lens make and models. So that they can help you to use your equipment to the best of its, and your ability.

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Aug 14, 2018 13:10:36   #
nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY
 
I believe you mean a Rebel T6, right?
Is there a local-to-you camera club, or ask around to photographers about getting help? You sound like you badly need to learn basics about photography, lenses,
exposure modes, etc etc. I'd bet personal contact would be better for you than an avalanche of on-line information.
"Small lens and a big one" conveys no info at all.

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Aug 14, 2018 13:17:33   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
kaindianne wrote:
My necessary info is above. My important info is: I love to take pictures of nature - when we walk in the forest, or around our block. Watching a whale breach but only getting a bit of the tail. I did get the 'blood moon' earlier this year but only in its final phase. We travel and I get so many shots but most of the time I miss the good picture. We are heading to Iceland soon. I have wanted to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) since I caught a tiny bit of it when I was a little girl of 5 or 6. We are hoping this trip will be the trip to see it.
My forum hope is that someone will help me understand what I need to be do to get the perfect shots. I have a small lens and a big one but which do I use? I am bringing a trip-pod to set the camera on for steadiness. I also have a wired button to to press take a picture while the camera is on the stand. I've heard that you don't just point and shoot. I bought my camera about 3 yrs. ago at Costco.
Can we discus or give me help - simply explained - to get some great pictures? Thank you, Dianne
My necessary info is above. My important info is: ... (show quote)
Dianne, welcome to the forum.

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Aug 14, 2018 13:21:08   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Welcome to the forum.

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Aug 14, 2018 13:33:50   #
sirlensalot Loc: Arizona
 
Suggest looking at some youtubes on nature and landscape photography. You are going in the right direction with your tripod and remote shutter release. Also good to learn semi-automatic and manual (my favorite) modes on your camera. Lots of info available for free online or join a camera club, or both. Cameras can make good photos - photographers make great photos.

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Aug 14, 2018 13:36:32   #
zzzynick Loc: Colorado
 
I would suggest you buy some L lenses, if money is tight look for them used on craigslist.
A 24-105 mm L, would be a good choice. It has IS, image stabilization which for us older folks helps. At 24 mm it's pretty wide. Wide means you can get more of the area into your picture.
And it zooms to a 105 mm, which gives you a little more reach. Reach means you can bring a object closer. Think of binoculars.
A wired remote trigger will work. However a wireless one is better. I bought a SMDV from ebay for 50 dollars. I recommend it.
I just bought a MIOPS, it is light and sound sensitive. I should be here anyday. It is 220 dollars, but it will capture lighting. It may be great for the northen lights.
You could go to their website and email them and ask about it.They are very responsive.
Before you leave, google how to take pictures of the Northern Lights, read up, take notes. I am sure there is a site that will help you with what camera settings to use. They may not be prefect for where you are, but it is a starting base.
I think the best advise I could honestly give you is, have way too much fun.

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Aug 14, 2018 14:11:13   #
kaindianne
 
Thanks for your suggestions. Dianne

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Aug 14, 2018 14:13:36   #
kaindianne
 
Thanks. I have been following it for about a month now and I take notes when I think the subject responses are applicable to me. This is a great site.

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Aug 14, 2018 14:22:48   #
kaindianne
 
Thanks. I have seen some members give those snarky remarks to members. I love our travels and although my photos are not perfect, they keep the fun and memories alive. I delete the bad ones and smile at the kept ones. There are people everywhere that need to show their superiority - so let them. As you said ignore them, don't give them reason to smart off again. There are more people around that are helpful, happy, and treat everyone with respect. Thanks for the reminder.

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Aug 14, 2018 14:29:01   #
gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN
 
Welcome to the forum Dianne.

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Aug 14, 2018 14:35:45   #
robertjerl Loc: Corona, California
 
kaindianne wrote:
My necessary info is above. My important info is: I love to take pictures of nature - when we walk in the forest, or around our block. Watching a whale breach but only getting a bit of the tail. I did get the 'blood moon' earlier this year but only in its final phase. We travel and I get so many shots but most of the time I miss the good picture. We are heading to Iceland soon. I have wanted to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) since I caught a tiny bit of it when I was a little girl of 5 or 6. We are hoping this trip will be the trip to see it.
My forum hope is that someone will help me understand what I need to be do to get the perfect shots. I have a small lens and a big one but which do I use? I am bringing a trip-pod to set the camera on for steadiness. I also have a wired button to to press take a picture while the camera is on the stand. I've heard that you don't just point and shoot. I bought my camera about 3 yrs. ago at Costco.
Can we discus or give me help - simply explained - to get some great pictures? Thank you, Dianne
My necessary info is above. My important info is: ... (show quote)


Welcome

If you click "Quote Reply" we will know just what you are replying to.

A. Just what are the lenses? Small and big doesn't tell us much and the lenses will largely determine how you take pictures of different subjects. For example my favorite lens is a 100-400L mkII with a 1.4x extender that I use for birds, butterflies, airplanes etc. I am going to make a WAG and go for you having the 18-55 and either the 55-250 or 75-300 lenses that are often bundled with Canon Rebels as "kit lenses".

B. How much experience and or training do you have in photography?

C. Do you have any good books on basic to intermediate photography?

D. You have a tripod and a wired remote shutter, 2 lenses and a T6 body. Do you have a flash, extra batteries, extra memory cards or other gear? When traveling extra memory cards and batteries w/charger are important. Some kind of extra camera as an emergency backup in case something happens is also a good idea. In addition to my 5DIV and 80D I carry a little Panasonic pocket zoom for emergencies. In fact I buy two pocket shirts and always keep it in the right pocket, my pen notebook etc go in the left pocket. And my wife has an SX-50 superzoom/bridge camera that we can also fall back on.

1. A very good general digital photography book that costs $10 as an e-book (available in both Nook and Kindle-the reading apps are free and as a PDF no app needed, just a laptop or tablet) is "How to Create Stunning Digital Photography" by Tony Northrup. In the e-book version for Nook or Kindle it has links to over 14 hours of tutorials. As a paper back it is $20 new but it can sometimes be found used for less. It is a general "bit of everything" book that goes up to intermediate levels. Yes there are better books on individual aspects of digital photography but this book covers a little bit of it all. If I remember right it is the #1 or 2 best selling digital photography book of all time. Tony and his wife also have a YouTube Channel you can subscribe to where they post videos about 3 times a week and have a list of tutorials you can watch that includes the ones linked to their book and a lot of others. http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDkJEEIifDzR_2K2p9tnwYQ

2. I buy Wasabi Power batteries as extras for my cameras, my wife's camera and some other electronics. They are very good, inexpensive etc.
For your T6 Amazon right now lists 3 different Wasabi kits a. two batteries and a single charger $15.99 b. two batteries and a double charger $19.99 c. two batteries that are compatible with your canon charger for $13.99 You can also get just the charger with car and European plug adapter for just $6.99. I would recommend a two pack plus charger combo because then you will also have a backup charger.

3. I would also recommend a flash if you don't have one since the built in one is pretty weak.

As this thread grows you should get a lot of help and advice.

Oh, I am also 72, a retired teacher and have several hobbies, all more or less expensive in both money and time. Lately it is so hot here in So California and so much smoke from a nearby large fire that I am staying indoors on the computer or reading.

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Aug 14, 2018 15:01:04   #
kpmac Loc: Ragley, La
 
Welcome. Have fun.

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Aug 14, 2018 18:04:22   #
Cany143 Loc: SE Utah
 
Hi, Dianne, and welcome to the forum.

Not counting times when something has happened suddenly, was unexpected, and might've come and gone in seconds --say, a whale breaching--, what is it about other shots you've taken that you see as being less than 'perfect' (whatever in the world that might be...)? Are they blurry? somehow lacking in some ineffable 'pop'? maybe have you questioning what the subject is? Something else altogether? I imagine you're comparing your results to other people's pictures, right? and thinking theirs are 'better' than yours? What is it about those other people's shots that you'd like to see in your shots? However complicated some things might seem, sometimes there's simple ways to get you where you want to go. Maybe you'd like to post a shot or two that you've taken and let us know what YOU think is wrong with them? There's a lot of non-snarky knowledge lurking around here, and odds are there'll be those who can make some suggestions you'll find really useful.

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Aug 15, 2018 06:22:47   #
shadows creation Loc: san antonio
 
Welcome to the hog

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