capitol_t Loc: Louisiana

Well here I am, 6 months into having my first real camera (Canon Eos Rebel T2i) and I still enjoy picking up the instruction/owners manual. Though I have learned so much, I still feel like I'm in the dark and each time I think I have something figured out...turns out some small detail is different than before. I got so much advice on here from so many great people and I have to say I followed most of it lol..I read front to back my cameras instruction manual ( and still pick it up often, it lives in my camera bag) along with any material I can get my hands on or read online. I started out using the auto setting and have just recently branched out to setting my own aperture, ISO & shutter speed and WOW..I lose the words to properly explain just how ...well, I'm still very much in awe of my camera and just how complex it is. Also I took advice from a very nice gentleman here and bought Topaz Adjust along with Photoshop Elements 10 Plus and I have never had so much fun or been so satisfied with my photos, So, Thank You to everyone here who gave me advice and critique and very helpful hints. They have been put to good use, my camera stays by my side and even takes the grocery store ride with me lol however with a recent diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome I cant spend the amount of time I want to getting lost in the view finder...but that's not to say I dont't try :) I think with this camera I will always be finding something new about it and that makes me very happy indeed!!!:) I will post some pics in the photo section so please feel free to critique and/or comment and let me know what you think!:) Thank you for any feedback :thumbup:

notnoBuddha

I too have that camera and also often feel over awed and under qualified. I also use Elements and once more I'm not so sure if I should even be allowed to use it. Although I understand the knowledge that can be gained from a owners manual and I do know where mine is, I have found books such as a book by Jeff Revell titled "Canon EOS Rebel T2I/550D -From Snapshots to Great Shots" and "Photoshop Elements - the Missing Manual" published by OReilley to be much more user friendly. Adobe also has their own videos that I find useful. Will be watching to see what you do - always fun to see not only the different techniques but the personal perspectives we all bring to the table.

capitol_t Loc: Louisiana

I totally agree with the perspective thing, everyone sees everything in a different light and it's always interesting to see someones photos and know without a doubt that I see not only what they see but also something completely different than whats there. Imagination is a beautiful gift , that's my favorite part about editing I can take 1 photo and do 5 different edits on it and I have 5 different photos. The whole Photoshop part of it is still a little confusing for me lol mainly because I need to learn it and all I've done is use it to see what it will do, I've taken a few tutorials to learn a few things but I feel like my brain isn't large enough to hold all the information on it's powers lol:) The camera itself still blows my mind every single time I turn it on, it literally goes everywhere with me and I'm all the time pulling it out to shoot on the side of the road. Whenever anyone sees the photos that it's capable of they set up a date & time for me to come do family pics, I've done senior portraits, prom photos, birthday and sister photos and I have to say I truly never get tired of it. My time to do my stuff though is usually after midnight and i set up on a tripod connect to my computer and use Eos Utility to do some remote shooting of the moon and all that wrapped up makes me eternally happy ;) It's nice to know someone else has this camera and feels like I do ..It's the 2nd love of my Life hahahaha

notnoBuddha

Oh - there are lots that have a Rebel and many that have this specific model. Nikon and Canon seem to be the most common but I have no misconceptation that any is any better than the other, or about 10 other brands for about 99% of us. It is always the one behind the camera that makes all of the difference as to how to use and what to point at. Looks like you are much more into people pictures than I - I like subjects that don't move, which for me is easier. Although I have kinda of got roped into doing a very low key wedding - I hope their expections {in regard to the photography} match my skill, or lack of. Have a good day & keep on a shooting.

Gidgette Loc: Boerne,Texas

Welcome to UHH. As for PSE 10, I'm a firm believer in "Teach Yourself Visually Photoshop Elements 10" by Mike Wooldridge and Brianna Stuart. It is way better than the Missing Field Guide, Dummies PSE 10, or several others that I've bought and was still intimidated by them. It gives click by click from start to finish. I started reading it and looking at the directions on the page and understood exactly what they were saying. Look on Amazon, less than $25.00. Someone just asked about watermarks, look on page 308-309 and every click you need to do it is there. It opens up each file and 2. click on this and when it opens, click on this. It is like Mike and Brianna are there pointing out each step to you. They actually open each step and number the sequence in order to use. Good Luck. I was hoping they had a Visual book on the Nikon D90. LOL

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

So glad you enjoy UHH and your camera. There is so much to learn and it is a lot of fun trying to learn it all.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Try to imagine how your camera sees the world then taking photos will become that much easier. That and never give up!

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

Shoot and Shoot and Shoot and then show on the hog. You will learn here.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

What I find most fascinating is the continuous opening up of something new to find out about. Like walking toward the horizon -each step forward brings more into view and it never ceases...

zuzanne Loc: Crawfordville, FL

I have the Canon T3i and feel the same way. overwhelmed and awed. Thanks for the info on the book for photoshop 10. I have 8 and am totally lost and confused with it. I think I will upgrade to 10 and get this book. I too take my camera everywhere. It's addictive.

Suzanne

notnoBuddha

Not suggesting you don't, but am curious as to why if you are not comfortable with the #8 you would upgrade to Elements #10? I too have version 8 and have considered the upgrade, but I have no idea of what I would be gaining - and no I have not looked into it. I do know that often the difference between such new versions is at times minor and others are more than a number change. Thank you.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

Suze: Get the book for PSE 8. Once you've gotten familiar with that - - THEN decide if you need to spend the extra to "upgrade" to 10 ! I have PSE 2 and am quite satisfied with it's capabilities !! Plus - - it offers web building functions that are NOT FOUND in later versions !!!
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Here's a link that may help you decide whether PSE 10 will be helpful for you versus just figuring out how to use #8
http://prodesigntools.com/photoshop-elements-10-vs-9-8-7-6-differences-between-version-compare.html
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Whatever - - good luck, and welcome to the hog !!

notnoBuddha

Good link explaining the differences between versions of Elements, thanks.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

It's fun to learn new things. I still am learning a lot doing this.

Platterivercarol

I just love this site.
1st-I have learned so much here.
2nd-someone always brings up different ways to answer a question, or presents a new way to look at something.
3rd-I don't feel so frustrated when I know I am not the only one that doesn't quite get something.
4th-I have gotten some excellent sites pertaining to issues I have had trouble with. I can't wait to get my hands on "Teach yourself visually...
Thank you all so much. Can't wait for tomorrow's forum.
Sincerely Maggie