foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

If your shots are "too light" underexpose it slightly. AND THEN PEEK! If they're too light your camera will show you that they are. I tend to underexpose as a matter of course. Unless it's in bad light.

jcspics

Hey buddy please don't let that criticism get to you. I know that there is a lot to learn however that camera is the best 'Bang for the buck" DSLR Nikon that you could've bought. I'm here to tell you that I'm on my third D7200 and am putting a link to a website that will help you get a few things setup like back button focus (a must have change).

https://ditchauto.com/top-5-settings-change-nikon-d7200-2/

I'm a sports photographer but in my experience any camera that can shoot in the no-flash and low light that gymnastics photography demands can pretty much take any type of photograph.

The next thing is understanding metering modes and how to setup your camera to get the exposure right.

https://photographylife.com/understanding-metering-modes

I don't want you to give up and just remember that practice is how you get to Carnegie Hall...

Hope you find the linked info and moral support helpful and to answer your question: I'm my own worst critic. I wish I was able to work with you to help speed up the learning process...

-Jim Cameron

JCStudio Photography

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Only upload iPhone images to social media until you have a grip on the DSLR.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

As for the camera, there are only three settings with which you need to concern yourself, ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

Now that we got that out of the way, the next is the advice to shoot a lot. That works to some degree. But the advisory to that is this. If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got.
--Bob

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

Dear PICO:


They're on to US.......I too am hesitant to do much posting cause I am so far behind in all the practices I need to be accumulating at old age and would rather read about other people's mistakes and not mine.

As an elder photographer/voyeur , I have become a Slacker and have made a plethora of excuses for my inconsistency with the hobby , now-turned my only love left it would appear.

So I thoroughly enjoy reading your dilemma this morning and thanks for making me feel Not- So- LOST as I did yesterday.

We understand old people better as we become one I think.....Hilarious.....YEP !
Love you man !

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hello Pico, I too share your frustration but maybe there is a solution for you. Having the same camera, here is what I did in the same set of circumstances as you: “in your camera’s menus system set card slot #1 to record images in “raw” format and slot #2 to record in “jpg” format. Save all your “raw” images in one file and your “jpg” images in a second file. Never post or display your “raw” unedited images, only post or display your “jpg” images straight out of camera assuming you have set up your D7200 in camera “jpg” settings first. I find with a little tweaking of the D7200’s picture control settings my jpg images are acceptable quality “snapshots” for sharing to social media or friends until you can post process your “keeper” raw images which you can then export from your post processing software and share the finished product with your wife and friends saying something like: “here is what me and my camera can do once I have completed the process of developing the image”. This approach often works for me as it becomes a starting point to expand the conversation as to what it takes to produce an image worthy of being printed and displayed for others to enjoy. However, it is also true that in this world of “instant gratification” there are some folks that do not have the patience or interest to listen to the whole story so do not be dis-heartened if some people leave you in mid sentence!
All the best in your photographic journey, Garth

pico

Curmudgeon,

First, let me offer my sincerest thanks for all of your helpful thoughts! Second, I had to explore the definition of "curmudgeon." Very interesting profile name. I wonder if it really describes you based on the wonderful advice (opinion) you have offered.

I will look for David Busch's book. Right now, I have Darrell Young, Mastering the Nikon D7200. I also have Peterson's Understanding Exposure book.

I fully agree with the importance of shooting acceptable pictures at the very beginning as what you describe is happening to me (minus visiting eBay!). You also have given me a new perspective on the use of the A mode which I have avoided (a major sin for photographers?). Interesting, I did use the A mode on the last set of pictures I took on our recent beach outing. They turned out better than any of the other modes I used! A good example of "discouraging!" I will revisit my approach by doing exactly what you have suggested rebuilding confidence. I will change my camera from raw to jpg fine as you suggest.

For post-processing, I am using Elements 2019. Not only am I learning about my new camera, but I also have to get used to the new software. Challenges! Challenges!

Thank you for providing clarity on the Ugly Hedgehog Forum options. I think I stumbled into the right section to share my dilemma.

I have refreshed my thinking thanks to all of your thoughts. What I have come to realize is that I have started my journey attempting brain surgery long before I have learned to master the scalpel! I am going to restart that journey. I will also be a little more cautious about sharing my results until I feel much better about them and less worried about cell phones producing quality photographs that are in the lead at the moment.

Finally, are you really a "curmudgeon?"

My sincerest thanks!

P.S. As an afterthought, I guess all of those cellphone cameras are operating on Auto exposure as well@

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I am my greatest critic. For the conditions you describe, I use f/8 or 11 plus exposure compensation. I’m assuming you’re not in auto mode.

pico

Thank you. I think I will restart my journey and use the auto mode as I continue getting used to all of the camera features.

pico

I also like to use underexposure as a start.

pico

Blair,

So very nice to hear from you. Shaving in the dark is very difficult as I try to avoid looking in the mirror as a reflection of the journey I have been on. Where did all those wonderful years go? I have always had an interest in photography back as a teenager when my sister bought me a developing kitMagic, watching those images appear! Now, digital photography is a whole new world. During one of my recent visits to my doctor, I was impressed with the photographs in his office that he took. When I mentioned how impressed I was, he said, "with digital photography, you can't go wrong! With as many exposures one takes, you are bound to get a good one!" I know it is a little more complicated than that but it is a great description of the impact of the digital world.

Don't give up the fight! It still is better than the alternative we all face.

pico

Excellent! Turtle and the hare race! I will eventually catch up! Much appreciated!

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

My greatest critic is my wife as well! I can have a finished image that I'm really happy with, show it to her, and it's greeted with, "Hmm, it's OK, I guess."

Ouch...

pico

Garth,
Wow! Well said! Thanks for the tip on using the two different memory cards. Is this something that happens automatically where the camera will store both images in the correct card? And, I did realize after a couple of attempts of explaining what I have been experiencing, the understanding was not there! And, "how soon can I see the pictures you too so I can post them on Instagram?" Another challenge! I am learning so much and appreciate your comments as well as others who have been down this road before me.
Joe

pico

Steve,
Oh, so very true! And, suddenly my defensiveness rears its ugly head! "I guess I am a lousy photographer" has been a couple of inappropriate responses on my part! Thanks for adding to this heartfelt and sensitive issue!
Joe