Cavik

OK – I have had this Canon T6 for about 2 months and I have been learning many new things every day. Started with the basics of the exposure triangle and how they interact with each other – controls on the camera – lenses – filters – etc. Then tackled some more advanced things for me like the rules – exposure compensation – white balance – etc. On top of all that I watched videos, read articles and even checked out the exif data on photos I liked but I could not mimic the quality of the pics I investigated. I had started out in full auto mode and quickly realized that was going to get me nowhere so I jumped full in to M mode. It has been fun but I was still not getting what I wanted. Even with adjusting the white balance my pics looked dull or washed out. Eash time I tackled a new topic I read, watch videos and shoot many pics to try out the setting - I think I may need a new camera before I learn how to use this one effectively. (smile) Then today my new assignment was to start using some of the creative modes which I always assumed were just glorified "automatic" modes like the full auto mode. But I decided that I needed to learn what they had to offer too so I chose the “close up” mode and WOW! That mode lets you make very vivid colors pop in your photo – one of the things I wanted to do. I am very excited to learn what all the creative modes are capable of producing but it does bring a couple questions to mind. So my questions are these… do you more experienced photographers use the creative modes when you shoot? And… can you recreate a pic in the M mode that looks like it was done in creative mode? I am trying to figure out if the M mode can compete with the creative modes if a photographer is more experienced / knowledgeable. By the way I have gained a lot of knowledge from reading the posts on UHH and just wanted to thank all of you that share with us newbies.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Do you more experienced photographers use the creative modes when you shoot? Once I learned how to indulge my creative explorations in post-processing, there was no turning back Sitting at a computer may not be for everyone, but the possibilities are endless.

Can you recreate a pic in the M mode that looks like it was done in creative mode? You mentioned "vivid colors." That could be done, to an extent, by under-exposing and seeking out dramatic lighting.

Another creative mode choice you could mimic while in M is soft focus.

Cavik

Are the great pics I see on UHH done with post processing then? And not with the initial shot with the camera?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Depends on whose photos you're looking at. Most members here are willing to answer questions about their photos; don't be shy about asking.

TB4 Loc: TX

Are you shooting raw or jpeg? If raw, they need to be processed. As Linda said, some folks really enjoy the computer time and being creative. And I suspect that many of the really outstanding photos you see have been post processed by a very talented and creative person.

Cavik

Thank you. I will try to get up to speed quickly - at least enough to ask an intelligent question. The excitement of this new hobby is so overwhelming and my knowledge is very limited at the moment so I am having a tendency to try to learn everything at once which includes looking for answers to questions that are far beyond my grasp right now. I will slow down and work through the basics and then start asking questions again.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Don't lose the joy and sense of wonder!

Cavik

For now I am shooting JPG. Over the years with the point and shoot that is all I encountered. Not sure when I will move to RAW. I can see where RAW has definite advantages over JPG but am still getting my feet wet with DSLR cameras so I think I will tackle the camera first then progress to post processing.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Personally I don't ever use the "creative mode" but my wife does. And she takes pretty nice photos. Most of my photos are very close to SOOC with very minor post processing. So I probably delete more photos than those proficient with Post Processing do. I have been shooting jpeg from the beginning.

Cavik

Linda - I do not think I could loose the wonder - this adventure reminds me of the feeling I had when I started with computers back in '82. That was also a challenge but the road traveled was a great adventure with a wonderful destination and I believe this one will be too.

Cavik

Thank you for the encouragement!

kenievans Loc: Dallas

I have the T6 as well and love using it. I have been attempting to learn and shoot seriously for a little over a year. I have learned and continue to learn so much from the folks here on UHH. I shot in manual for several months to help me get to know my camera and apply all the technical things I was learning. I then ventured to appeture and shutter priority when I needed to shoot faster than my brain could remember and calculate but I really prefer to shoot in manual.

In the last few months I have been learning and using Lightroom and Photoshop and I am so glad I did. I love the creativity and how much better my pictures look. There are lots of post processing programs out there. If you do a search you will find lots of discussion on the different apps. As Linda said (she is very knowledgeable and talented), keep it fun and don’t let it overwhelm you. I am looking forward to a lifetime of learning and growing. Looking forward to seeing your shots!

Cavik

Thanks kenievans - good to know a fellow T6 owner. Do you have any of your pics posted here on UHH? Since you have the exact same camera I have I might pester you occasionally for some information if you don't mind.

Transbuff1985 Loc: east central Iowa

I have the T6 also and at time I use the creative mode to see what the camera recommends and than switch to Manual and change what I want to have control of - depending on the type of shot I want. For landscape always use a CPL - helps foliage color. Always shoot 1/3 to 1 full stop under for color also. Bob

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Cavik, great that you are enjoying the journey! If you like the results you're getting, just keep on doing.
Don't remember ever using a creative mode. IF you switch to RAW, you can accomplish the same thing in Post but it's more work...., AND I believe a lot of your creative modes are NOT available in Raw! The only thing Manual will gain you is controlling the camera as you wish, as long as you know what you want, but it's also easy to screw up one-of-a-kind shots if you don't know.
Just keep learning and move along as you feel ready.
You might also take some classes. Classes are not to help you learn the camera but to help you see with it. I would recommend an instructor with a minimum of a BFA that fully understands the visual impact of images!
AND if you consider a pro camera as an upgrade, you may be very disappointed, as the tend to have very limited creative modes!!! LoL
Good luck!!!
SS