misssalsa1 Loc: New Braunfels, Texas

Drum Roll:
Everyone, please <roll their eyes>

~~Im asking for someone who has the time to help me: make a SMALL yet effective cheat sheet in a very short time~~
This condition=this lens=setting

I realize I am a Pre-Kindergarten student among PHD's in this forum.

**I am going to Alaska Feb 9th for the finish of the Yukon Quest dog race
Then ANC/NOME to the Iditarod Dog races March 1-18th.
**I went last year and had a Point and shoot.

**Now am armed with a Canon & little knowledge.

Please: ***Before everyone attacks me**
~~~~~~I am VERY serious about learning~~~~
I have taken a class, even though it said beginner:
**I was the only one that had not touched a SLR camera
**I was intimidated-no instructor 1:1
**I finished the class but it seriously confused me.
Since then I have:
**read the manual (x2),
**read everything I could in this forum/still searching subjects everyday.
**read Ben Longs Book
**Scoured the net/taking notes
**taking photos but have no-one to tell me: change that/do this/use that lens, ect

Here's what I have: a Rebel Sxi450D
EF 18-55mm
EF 300mm 1:4 L IS
EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Wide Angle Lens
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head
Remote shutter release

I do not understand the capability of the lenses or when to use them.
**I just got the 300 and 28 (3 weeks ago), a very good friend photographer: his wife had a stroke and he sold both to me for $500.

**I also ordered the following-
Since I already have some handshake/the cold will add to that: I thought (hope??) the bodylink would help me stabilize the camera in all positions: kneeling, lying down, standing
Http://www.clikelite.com/products/bodylink-telephoto-pack/

I am only looking to take the best photos (I can) on very restricted knowledge/settings of the camera & lenses.
**I have attached 2 photos which are very attainable for even <point/shoots>

I am a dog handler so the picture opportunities are endless as I am allowed in the Chute at the start & will be there for the duration of the mushers finishing at all times of the day and night.
***I suspect night will be my enemy:lack of knowledge and external lighting they put up

If anyone would want to help me I'd appreciate it. And if not, its completely understandable.

I'm also betting the laughter erupting is audible pertaining to the camera body ~vs~ lenses I have, .
<Topsy-Turby> is the camera's name!

I bet the first repose will be <use AUTO only> <cringe>

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

You didn't mention any post-processing/editing abilities or aptitude. Got anything going on there?

Trevor Dennis Loc: New Zealand (South Island)

The problem with asking for that sort of advice here, is that you are going to get too much of it, and mostly from people who have never been to Alaska, and I bet people who have never even seen snow will feel empowered to tell you how to go about it.

Way better to Google acounts from people with real expetise in that area:

http://www.alaskawildland.com/photography-tips.htm

http://www.alaskaphotographyblog.com/how-to-photograph-the-northern-lights-with-a-digital-camera/

http://www.alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/References/kpphototips.html

http://rising.blackstar.com/10-tips-for-photographers-shooting-in-alaska.html

Wish I was going. have a great trip.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Ain't that the truth!

You may find this Ugly HedgeHog forum of interest:
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-106-1.html

misssalsa1 Loc: New Braunfels, Texas

Its ok, to get all the info I can. PLS throw it at me!!

I even print off info in here and put it in a binder to read in Fairbanks, because in Feb it will only have about 3-5 hours of reasonable daylight. So before the first winner comes in I will have 2-3 days of using the camera.

Alaska is no different than any other state when it comes to photographing, cept its cold at the times Im going.
***I know all the camera care for the cold/dressing, ect//been there.

Its using what lenses with the least amount of overwhelming changes that would be helpful.

And I WILL take my lil <Kodak point/shoot> that did a respectable job even at -37......!!!

When I left Texas it was 80 /Alaska= -37 (last year)
My first step out the airport door doubled me over.
Within 3 days, I knew how to dress and all was good!! Electric Cigarettes rock!!

I just missed allot of shots I should have gotten.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Salsa, I have never even photographed a dog, let alone in Alaska.
And I don't know the capabilities of a rebel. But I think I know what you need to practice. You've got dogs, so use them. Your 300 will give you some of the best shots if you are further away. I think the skill you will have to have down is focusing. Play fetch with your dogs and shot them at the distances that you plan to shoot at. It's very difficult to lock a good focus on something as small as a dog if it's comming at you fast. Going across is easy, but at you is hard, especially if your camera is not well designed for it. Practice on days such as you will have light wise, such as overcast. Use your center focus point. Learn your focus system and know how to use it.
I'll wait to see what others inundate you with before I say anything else.
Using auto can be ok in many situations. Don't be afraid to try it. It may be better than you think. Millions of dollars were spent to develope it. Problem is you have to use all the focus points when using it and have less control of which point it uses. But for left/ right movements may be great. Experiment. A month is not very long to learn what you are trying to learn.
Good luck Salsa.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Hey misssalsa1, it sounds like you have done a lot of work to get here so let us see if we can break this down and help.

Here is the Canon EOS Lens list http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup
with that in mind, you have
EF 18-55mm (Standard Zoom)
EF 300mm 1:4 L IS (Telephoto)
EF 28mm f/1.8 USM (Wide Angle Lens)

So, in the simplest terms, your 18-55 is a walking around lens, the 300 is for getting in close when the subject is far away and the 28 is for wide angle shots like landscapes, vistas, etc.

These may explain it better though http://www.usa.canon.com/app/html/EFLenses101/focal_length.html
and http://digital-photography-school.com/choosing-lenses-when-to-use-which-lens-and-why

On a side note, you may also hear the term Prime Lens in reference to your 28 and 300. It simply means the focal length cannot be adjusted like the 18-55. Typically Prime Lenses are sharper as they have less glass to focus.

These are good references for you too http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html
and http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/app/pdfs/quickguides/CDLC_EF_Lenses_QuickGuide.pdf

As for the rest if you feel comfortable going beyond Auto I might suggest you try P or Tv to capture your shots. P lets the camera choose the Aperture and Shutter Speed, where Tv is more for sports and speed allowing you to choose the Shutter Speed while the camera chooses the Aperture for you. The main issue will be light so you may want to play with these before you need the shots.

While I do not have a manual for the Rebel Sxi450D I would suggest you look for how to set your AF and Drive Modes specifically to understand One Shot vs AI Focus vs AI Servo.

Another question you need to ask is how you feel about post processing. Do you shoot JPG or RAW? We all have our opinions...

That should probably get you started, but if there is anything else we can do to help please feel free to ask and make sure you post some photos for us to enjoy!

ronsmith Loc: Morrinsville. New Zealand

I'm off to Alaska in July on a 7 night cruise
I've had some really helpful advice for this trip
You may like to go to "Main Photography Discussion" and look up "Alaska Cruise"
Enjoy

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Hi Miss Salsa, from the UK,

Whilst I love the sense of "your motivation" from what you have written, I'm not able to take on the role of "true mentor" for you, but feel I'd like to give you one thing to concentrate on which will be an absolute "key" to your getting good pics in Alaska ...... and that is a good knowledge and control of "shutter priority", "aperture priority" and "manual" exposure modes.

You may have already covered this in your classes, but do you understand it and have control over when to use it? Your lenses will help you achieve certain goals, as has already been pointed out to you. But you should look at learning how to use these lenses in the different exposure modes.

I don't want to give you too much, or your mind may get clouded, so I offer you these to help you learn and get a good grasp of the exposure modes ......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaFSNTegKSk

http://digital-photography-school.com/aperture-and-shutter-priority-modes

http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/1330/which-mode-is-better-aperture-priority-or-shutter-priority/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlSuInza16E

I hope these help you at least master the main exposure modes and achieve the results you're so clearly looking for.

With kind regards and best wishes for your trip ......

EstherP

What I would like to suggest, is that you try and find an experienced photographer, and go out for an afternoon, to some park, a fair, or whatever.
Take your cameras but ask that person to use a lens similar to yours. Then go and take photos of the same subjects, and let each of you explain to the other what settings you are using and why you are using those settings.
At the end of the afternoon, go buy that person a coffee or a burger or something.
Go home, look at your photos on the computer with as critical an eye as you can, and see if you could improve and how. If the other person is willing, invite him/her to show his/her photos on your computer as well and discuss them.
Now go out by yourself and do the same thing. But really think through WHY you are using certain settings and not others.

Is there a photo/camera club in your area? Join!

If not, is there a camera shop nearby? The staff there usually very helpful and they may even know someone you can work with.

EstherP

2MATO Loc: CNY -Central NoWhere

I am going to agree with EstherP here for one reason: time. Hire a one-to-one PRO to work with you for a day/morning... whatever.

The links others have provide are excellent and those will reinforce your learning with a PRO (... someone who is also accustomed to TEACHING.)

Also agreeing that the more clicks you put on before your adventure, the better.

Good luck and I hope to see some great pix.

BTW, your post was clear and detailed so you got some terrific responses. Everyone started somewhere, you just really have a handle on your needs. :mrgreen:

Ken W Loc: Long Island Ny

Best hand me your credentials and tickets, not to mention the glass. Have a great time. Ken

gtwhogger Loc: Lawton

A lot of those previous posted links will get you a lot closer to your goal.

I envy you, I haven't been to Alaska since I was in the Navy and spent a few weeks in Anchorage, beautiful country, enjoy your venture.

misssalsa1 Loc: New Braunfels, Texas

@Ken..lol
To the rest of you:
Thank-you so very much for all the suggestions.
I will read and watch every link provided!!
I dont have time to hire a Pro (much to my disappointment)

The shutter priority/aperture/& manual: is exactly what is confusing me. (how they need to work together and when I need to change them)

I realize there is no Bible.

The attached picture is the best one I took at Christmas!!


Just kidding!!~~ but I thought its a rather cool picture and I dont even know what I did wrong!! Bailey's maybe?

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

Have you read the book Understanding Exposure? It will explain how shutter speed, iso and aperture all work together. After that pick up Understanding Shutter Speed, by the same author.

I think it might help you get a better grasp on what you will need for your trip. I also recommend taking the pups to the dog park, throw the ball for them and snap away. At least you will get practice on the action shots.

Good luck, I'm jealous..