travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Hello belfastgirl: Welcome to the forum, sit back, relax and read everything you can about photography. Learning how to use your Canon camera will be an on going process. Start by reading your manual, after reading it you will probably have more questions than answers. Don't let that worry you, after a bit all those pieces of information will start to gel. I would also recommend buying a few books on digital photography. Author/ Photographer Scott Kelby's books "The Digital Photography Book" is a great place to start. There are three in that series, they are very plain spoken and easy to follow. While reading them practice doing what he is teaching with your camera. Here are a couple more websites that cover some of the most important areas of photography. They will help you gain a foundation on Apeture, ISO and Shutter speed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=DBshTYrFbKI then here is another one that is easy to read and follow and will give you an even better understanding on how the three work together. http://www.cameraporn.net/2007/12/24/aperture-iso-and-shutter-speed-the-good-kind-of-threesome/ I hope this helps you get started. Remember we all have to start somewhere and all of us were beginners at one time in our life.

infestation Loc: Brampton, Cumbria, UK

I have had friends use this service from jessops http://advice.jessops.com/venues/belfast.aspx the courses are run using specific camera models as well, may be worth looking at if you have one of the models

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

Adult ed classes on digital photography at your local college is a good place to look. BTW, it's a Canon camera, not a Cannon towel... :oops:

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

One thing I highly recommend is, if you have bought a DSLR, find an aftermarket book specific to your camera model. The original users manual is good to tell you what all the controls are, but not so good telling you when and why to use them. After that, there are more generalized Digital Photography books that will be helpfull because by then you know where all the controls are and what they do.

The reason I suggest a model specific manual to start with is that there is little standardization of camera controls even within brands beyond the location of the shutter button and the lens cap!

Sure, all the basic functions are there but, just like when you get into a different car you never know where it is or how you are going to operate the windshield wiper switch. Do you push, pull, turn right/left, twist, press in or whatever?

Welcome to the Hog!

belfastgirl70 Loc: BC Canada

Thank you, appreciate the welcome

belfastgirl70 Loc: BC Canada

Greatly appreciated. I have put these sites in my favourites and will definitely peruse them.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

The Canon S5is is a bridge camera

belfastgirl70 Loc: BC Canada

HI: It's a Cannon EOS Rebel Xsi. I purchased it used and thought I would try to shoot the big moon tonight, (weather permitting, lol.) I have received a few hints from the forum on settings to get me going, so hopefully, with a little trial and error, I might have something to brag about soon.

Thank you for your response.

belfastgirl70 Loc: BC Canada

I stand corrected. Thank you.

belfastgirl70 Loc: BC Canada

To all those who have responded, I thank you. I will definitely put into practice what you have suggested. Alas, there was no Manual but I did find one on line.
What a friendly place.....thank you again!

Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip

Lesson one READ THE MANUAL
Lesson 2 DOWN LOAD the software you got with the camera
Lesson 3 shoot, learn from your mistakes
Lesson 4 go to local college courses for photography
Lesson 5 buiy and read Bryan Petersons UNDERSTANDING EXPOSURE
Lesson 6 shoot and post your shots here and ask for critiques
Oh and have fun

belfastgirl70 Loc: BC Canada

Sounds good to me.

Thank you :thumbup:

belfastgirl70 Loc: BC Canada

First, let me thank those who responded to my query and for the helpful sites and tips to follow.

Since joining I have had an accident and am dealing with the complications. Once I get on top of things I willl get on the ball again.

At least I now know how to specll Canon!!

Thank you all