Anne

When I moved up to Digital cameras I created a small info library for myself with 3 x 5 Index cards on the topics I seemed to need help with the most and carried them in my camera bag. I had individual cards on how to change the exposure, ISO, white balance, and other things that I needed frequently and referred to them until it became automatic. We all having different styles of learning and for me tis was most helpful. Just a tip from someone who has been there.
Anne

Ted Liette Loc: Greenville, Ohio

As others have said, read as much as possible, be patient and the knowledge will come with time, and practice, practice, practice. I have a Canon t3i and have really come to love it, as it is my first DSLR. I found that if I used the camera as it felt comfortable to me that I was able to slowly advance to other features on the camera that I was able to use.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here are some links for night photography.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/night-photography.htm

http://digital-photography-school.com/night-photography

http://www.dslrtips.com/workshops/How_to_take_photos_at_night/manual_long_exposure.shtml

http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-Explore/Photography-Techniques/fu02mdwb/1/Taking-Pictures-at-Dusk-and-at-Night.html

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-take-AWESOME-night-photos-WITHOUT-a-tripod/

http://www.basic-digital-photography.com/how-to-take-night-photos.html

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/digitalcameras/how-to-take-clear-pictures-at-night/1967

http://www.startrails.de/html/software.html

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Then..... Take some shots are read it again. 8-)

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Buy the latest edition.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Fly_Boy Loc: South East Michigan

One of the best things I did when I got my new camera, was to take a course through our local parks and recreation. I toward well because the instructor would discuss a topic, show us examples, then have us try the same, including using our camera manual to find the specific information for our camera. He also assigned home work which we would review at the next class. It was very hands on and gave me experience that stuck with me. After taking a class in person, the online information made a lot more sense.
Good luck with your new camera.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I've had my t3i for over a year and I find it to be an excellent camera. Though I shoot mostly video with mine the still quality, to me anyway, is excellent. Others wouldn't agree but that's ok.

Have you looked for a "dummies" version of the instruction book? Setting it up isn't difficult but it's far more than we could go into here.

There are plenty of on line help sites as well. Explore your options. Don't be disappointed if you don't get it all right away. Take your time and learn. Best of luck.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Mastering photography is all about coming to understand the trade-offs involved. That's particularly true regarding the exposure triangle, but is also true for dozens of other choices you have to make. Once you have the basic equipment, there's no marginal cost to taking a shot - keep shooting, don't be afraid to try things, and you'll reach an a-hah moment when it all clicks.

As an aside, I've always felt that photography was a fascinating analogy for life itself, since we end up leading our lives by evaluating a series of life trade-offs.

ggttc Loc: TN

Good advice!...shoot in Program

halmitchell

If you really want to know what you are doing, and thus how to solve problems, you must start with an understanding of how exposure works. Get a decent light meter (I know that these are much less common with fancy digital cameras everywhere but get one.) Then set your camera on manual. Learn what adjustment of the ISO (old ASA), aperture, shutter speed, etc have to do with exposure. Learn what backlighting does to exposure. Learn the concept of incident light vs reflected light for exposure control. You have to understand the concepts unless you want to permanently be a slave to the machine (camera.)

Then get a really high quality book on digital photography. I recommend one by Tom Anh. It is exceptionally thorough and well illustrated in all aspects of digital photography. As someone else suggested, shoot lot and lots of images. Take advantage of the fact that shooting now is almost free. You can discard all the digital images that you do not like after you assess them for what was right or wrong with them.

Then, you must remember that you need to be smarter than the camera. You must remember to set it properly before you press the button!

Randy_Rainey

Do what the old timers... (Film) used to do... Set the camera in Manuel mode, select an ISO speed, and then guess the F stop and Apeture setting, Keep shooting at this ISO setting until it becomes second nature to walk out in the sun and be able to get acceptable results. I used to use Kodak Vericolor Negative film and rated it at 100 iso, and Kodak 400 speed for dark settings. Now if I want to shoot manual on my Nikon D300s I have no problems with the settings for these 2 ISO settings. With digital you have the ability to look at the results in both auto and manual instantly. this will help a lot.

Akron1950 Loc: Akron, Ohio

Ebbote, LOL Thanks for saying that. I think the same as you. But I was told to use the other settings if I want the best shots. Auto is my safety area though.

anotherview Loc: California

Learning, understanding, and using the Exposure Triangle will put you more in control of your camera for producing well exposed photographs in line with your intention.

Effective image composition will enhance the visual satisfaction of your photographs. Study the Rule of Thirds as a good starting point for composition. BTW: The Rule of Thirds presents a visual principle for a dynamic image.

These two entry avenues, the Exposure Triangle and image composition, all serious photographers will learn and use to their advantage.

You may wish to attend a workshop that instructs in how to operate your camera. It will give you a foundation and confidence for learning the craft of photography.

Good luck.

Birdshooter Loc: Wisconsin

With your first time DSLR I would recommend starting with AV (Aperture Priority) - you set the aperture and the camera does the rest. Or just use the auto features which I did when I started in 2007.

That being said, I purchased the book mentioned above - "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson and it is wonderful. For the first time I was able to use the "TV" setting in which I was able to "stop action" and catch birds in flight. I highly recommend it.

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

As a former administrator in education, I believe this is the most important issue in learning. Ask yourself what style of learning has been most successful for you. After answering that question, look for and/or ask for resources that support your learning style.