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New to photography and boy is it confusing!
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Mar 14, 2019 15:57:23   #
MarshaC Loc: From WISCONSIN retired in Forks WA
 
Hello!! I'm new to photography and this forum. I'm retired and relocated from Wisconsin to Washington's beautiful Olympic Peninsula. I started out taking photos with my iphone, but missed so great wildlife shots because the zoom is limited, so decided to purchase a canon t6 bundle. Because it was my first digital, I didn't want to stick alot of money into it, not knowing for sure, if I would stick with photography. Dang I'm hooked! I don't leave the house without my camera. But I have an issue. I am so confused with all the manual settings, what apature, shutter and iso settings to use when, so most of the time I use auto settings. I have youtubed so much info about settings, but I had a stroke a few years back and it affected my memory so I was hoping there is a cheat sheet of some sort I can carry with me? I've browsed through this site and the forums and everyone is so nice and helpful to each other. This newbe will take all the help she can get please :-)

I do have some pics I'm pretty proud of (for me lol) If there are things I can do better please I would love your comments. The waterfall I have somewhat figured out. The elk and crashing waves were taken with a opetka 420-1600 telephoto lens that was given to me (beggers can't be choosy lol). I did used a tripod, but for the life of me can't get the settings right for a crisp photo, and frankly as I said, I don't understand the manual settings. Would love some advice. Have a great day!

Marsha















Reply
Mar 14, 2019 16:02:30   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
Hi, Marsha. Welcome to UHH. Perhaps these will help.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-page?upnum=2774
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-page?upnum=2775
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-page?upnum=2778
--Bob

Edit: BTW, some of the photos you posted are quite nice. Others are close and some just beginner's missteps.

Another bit of advice, as you'll be overwhelmed with suggestions of books to read and videos to watch. Look at photographs posted by people making the suggestions of those books and videos.

MarshaC wrote:
Hello!! I'm new to photography and this forum. I'm retired and relocated from Wisconsin to Washington's beautiful Olympic Peninsula. I started out taking photos with my iphone, but missed so great wildlife shots because the zoom is limited, so decided to purchase a canon t6 bundle. Because it was my first digital, I didn't want to stick alot of money into it, not knowing for sure, if I would stick with photography. Dang I'm hooked! I don't leave the house without my camera. But I have an issue. I am so confused with all the manual settings, what apature, shutter and iso settings to use when, so most of the time I use auto settings. I have youtubed so much info about settings, but I had a stroke a few years back and it affected my memory so I was hoping there is a cheat sheet of some sort I can carry with me? I've browsed through this site and the forums and everyone is so nice and helpful to each other. This newbe will take all the help she can get please :-)

I do have some pics I'm pretty proud of (for me lol) If there are things I can do better please I would love your comments. The waterfall I have somewhat figured out. The elk and crashing waves were taken with a opetka 420-1600 telephoto lens that was given to me (beggers can't be choosy lol). I did used a tripod, but for the life of me can't get the settings right for a crisp photo, and frankly as I said, I don't understand the manual settings. Would love some advice. Have a great day!

Marsha
Hello!! I'm new to photography and this forum. I'm... (show quote)

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 16:06:45   #
Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV
 
Not a bad start, but you've got some room to grow. If you would provide down load or list camera settings with the photos it would help a lot as far as critique and helpful suggestions go. Don't get too down on yourself. Photography is a skill and like all other skills it takes time to master.

Reply
 
 
Mar 14, 2019 16:23:20   #
Jack729 Loc: United States, planet earth, milky way galaxy
 
Hi Marsha and welcome - I'm new here too. So far, very friendly folk πŸ‘
What helped me when starting out was setting the camera to manual and just start playing around with settings - make a note of what your settings were, go from there - the beauty of digital photography is your not going to mess anything up, and it doesn't cost a dime to shoot 300 pictures 😏.
I started with film.
There is the basic triangle - ISO (sensitivity to light), F stop (how much your shutter opens), and Speed (how long it stays open) - once you understand those, your on your way.
Very over simplified version, but mastering the art of "how" to do it is half the fun.
Nice pictures btw - thank you for sharing

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 16:26:46   #
Raz Theo Loc: Music City
 
MarshaC wrote:
Hello!! I'm new to photography and this forum. I'm retired and relocated from Wisconsin to Washington's beautiful Olympic Peninsula. I started out taking photos with my iphone, but missed so great wildlife shots because the zoom is limited, so decided to purchase a canon t6 bundle. Because it was my first digital, I didn't want to stick alot of money into it, not knowing for sure, if I would stick with photography. Dang I'm hooked! I don't leave the house without my camera. But I have an issue. I am so confused with all the manual settings, what apature, shutter and iso settings to use when, so most of the time I use auto settings. I have youtubed so much info about settings, but I had a stroke a few years back and it affected my memory so I was hoping there is a cheat sheet of some sort I can carry with me? I've browsed through this site and the forums and everyone is so nice and helpful to each other. This newbe will take all the help she can get please :-)

I do have some pics I'm pretty proud of (for me lol) If there are things I can do better please I would love your comments. The waterfall I have somewhat figured out. The elk and crashing waves were taken with a opetka 420-1600 telephoto lens that was given to me (beggers can't be choosy lol). I did used a tripod, but for the life of me can't get the settings right for a crisp photo, and frankly as I said, I don't understand the manual settings. Would love some advice. Have a great day!

Marsha
Hello!! I'm new to photography and this forum. I'm... (show quote)

Welcome Marsha, pretty good shots for a newbie. Of course you do reside within the true middle of God's finest countryside.
I would recommend you start with Program Auto ("P" on your mode dial) which allows you some input without going total Auto. Your user manual or Google will explain the basics. With your enthusiasm, a little familiarity with your manual and a lot of practice, you'll get an idea how the Exposure Triangle works. Then you can move along to the other programs when you're ready. Good luck.

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 16:27:46   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Welcome to the forum.
You're off to a good start.

Read the manual, re-read the manual,
re-read the manual while holding the camera,
re-read the manual,
experiment to see how things work.
Enjoy!

(You might want to check out http://digital-photography-school.com/)

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 16:30:33   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
Welcome to the forums.

You may this tutorial (it is one of mine) on exposure, here on UHH helpful.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-573456-1.html

Reply
 
 
Mar 14, 2019 16:41:31   #
Silverrails
 
MarshaC wrote:
Hello!! I'm new to photography and this forum. I'm retired and relocated from Wisconsin to Washington's beautiful Olympic Peninsula. I started out taking photos with my iphone, but missed so great wildlife shots because the zoom is limited, so decided to purchase a canon t6 bundle. Because it was my first digital, I didn't want to stick alot of money into it, not knowing for sure, if I would stick with photography. Dang I'm hooked! I don't leave the house without my camera. But I have an issue. I am so confused with all the manual settings, what apature, shutter and iso settings to use when, so most of the time I use auto settings. I have youtubed so much info about settings, but I had a stroke a few years back and it affected my memory so I was hoping there is a cheat sheet of some sort I can carry with me? I've browsed through this site and the forums and everyone is so nice and helpful to each other. This newbe will take all the help she can get please :-)

I do have some pics I'm pretty proud of (for me lol) If there are things I can do better please I would love your comments. The waterfall I have somewhat figured out. The elk and crashing waves were taken with a opetka 420-1600 telephoto lens that was given to me (beggers can't be choosy lol). I did used a tripod, but for the life of me can't get the settings right for a crisp photo, and frankly as I said, I don't understand the manual settings. Would love some advice. Have a great day!

Marsha
Hello!! I'm new to photography and this forum. I'm... (show quote)


Hello;
To assist you in determining your "Manual Mode" settings, try the "I AM SHOOTING" method.
1.) I = set your ISO ( 100, 200, 400, etc.)
2.) AM = Set your Aperture. ( amount of Light as required, ex. 1.8 or as necessary, high as lens allows.)
3.) SHOOTING = Set your Shutter-Speed. ( Whatever setting to eliminate any possible motion Blur.)

When all 3 steps are done, you should be at the "0" on your Camera meter

If you are not at "0" either + or -, just re-adjust your ISO either up or down to reach the Zero on your meter.

Watch U-Tube videos on the "Exposure Triangle"

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 16:42:22   #
Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV
 
Jack729 wrote:
Hi Marsha and welcome - I'm new here too. So far, very friendly folk πŸ‘
What helped me when starting out was setting the camera to manual and just start playing around with settings - make a note of what your settings were, go from there - the beauty of digital photography is your not going to mess anything up, and it doesn't cost a dime to shoot 300 pictures 😏.
I started with film.
There is the basic triangle - ISO (sensitivity to light), F stop (how much your shutter opens), and Speed (how long it stays open) - once you understand those, your on your way.
Very over simplified version, but mastering the art of "how" to do it is half the fun.
Hi Marsha and welcome - I'm new here too. So far, ... (show quote)


Jack, not to be too critical but there is one mis-statement in your post. I'm not being too critical, I hope but it's important. f stop is concerned with how open the iris in the lens is. It has nothing to do with shutter speed although it is one corner of the "exposure triangle"

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 16:44:53   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
MarshaC wrote:
Hello!! I'm new to photography and this forum. I'm retired and relocated from Wisconsin to Washington's beautiful Olympic Peninsula. I started out taking photos with my iphone, but missed so great wildlife shots because the zoom is limited, so decided to purchase a canon t6 bundle. Because it was my first digital, I didn't want to stick alot of money into it, not knowing for sure, if I would stick with photography. Dang I'm hooked! I don't leave the house without my camera. But I have an issue. I am so confused with all the manual settings, what apature, shutter and iso settings to use when, so most of the time I use auto settings. I have youtubed so much info about settings, but I had a stroke a few years back and it affected my memory so I was hoping there is a cheat sheet of some sort I can carry with me? I've browsed through this site and the forums and everyone is so nice and helpful to each other. This newbe will take all the help she can get please :-)

I do have some pics I'm pretty proud of (for me lol) If there are things I can do better please I would love your comments. The waterfall I have somewhat figured out. The elk and crashing waves were taken with a opetka 420-1600 telephoto lens that was given to me (beggers can't be choosy lol). I did used a tripod, but for the life of me can't get the settings right for a crisp photo, and frankly as I said, I don't understand the manual settings. Would love some advice. Have a great day!

Marsha
Hello!! I'm new to photography and this forum. I'm... (show quote)


Marsha, welcome to the forum.Glad you are hooked on a great hobby to exprerss yourself. Your images may show your talent. It could very well be that it is your Opetka 420 - 1600 lens is not sharp. Here is a test pattern to understand that.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/how-to-test-your-lens

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 16:53:06   #
Jack729 Loc: United States, planet earth, milky way galaxy
 
Retired CPO wrote:
Jack, not to be too critical but there is one mis-statement in your post. I'm not being too critical, I hope but it's important. f stop is concerned with how open the iris in the lens is. It has nothing to do with shutter speed although it is one corner of the "exposure triangle"


No worries, I can take criticism - I've been married 😏.
I might have worded things a bit unclear.
I know when I started out in digital it was very difficult. but once I understood the triangle, its like a flash went off πŸ˜†
I did say F stop is how much your shutter opens (?)

Reply
 
 
Mar 14, 2019 16:54:30   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Silverrails wrote:
Hello;
To assist you in determining your "Manual Mode" settings, try the "I AM SHOOTING" method.
1.) I = set your ISO ( 100, 200, 400, etc.)
2.) AM = Set your Aperture. ( amount of Light as required, ex. 1.8 or as necessary, high as lens allows.)
3.) SHOOTING = Set your Shutter-Speed. ( Whatever setting to eliminate any possible motion Blur.)

When all 3 steps are done, you should be at the "0" on your Camera meter

If you are not at "0" either + or -, just re-adjust your ISO either up or down to reach the Zero on your meter.

Watch U-Tube videos on the "Exposure Triangle"
Hello; br To assist you in determining your "... (show quote)


I myself would first adjust either the aperture or shutter depending on the requirements (speed or depth of field), ISO only if necessary.

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 17:21:23   #
Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV
 
Jack729 wrote:
No worries, I can take criticism - I've been married 😏.
I might have worded things a bit unclear.
I know when I started out in digital it was very difficult. but once I understood the triangle, its like a flash went off πŸ˜†
I did say F stop is how much your shutter opens (?)


Yes, you did. Again, f stop has nothing to do with the shutter. It describes how wide open the iris of your lens is. Just like the iris in your eye it controls how much light gets to the film/sensor. Your shutter "opens" completely with each photo taken. If it didn't you would get cut off images. Shutter speed controls how LONG the shutter stays open to allow enough of the light that has passed through the iris of the lens to reach the sensor and provide the proper exposure.

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 19:13:41   #
MarshaC Loc: From WISCONSIN retired in Forks WA
 
Thank you so much for your input, suggestions and links!! I have had lots of mishaps, but the good thing, I live amongst all this beauty so will get second chances to get it right. Right now I'm a bit overwhelmed, but still having fun!

Reply
Mar 14, 2019 19:38:05   #
MarshaC Loc: From WISCONSIN retired in Forks WA
 
Thank you so much for the response! I'm not sure how to provide a download here, but I did go into file info on my photos and collected this information, and again, not sure what some of it means lol

Pic 1: ΒΌ sec. f/22 20mm ISO 100

Pic 2: ΒΌ sec. f/22 32mm ISO 100

Pic 3: 1/200 sec. f/16 30mm ISO 800

Pic 4: 1/250 sec. f/5 200mm ISO 200

Pic 5: 1/400 sec. f/8 75mm ISO 100

Pic 6: 1/125sec. f/13 24mm ISO 400

Pic 7: 1/60 sec f/5.6 300mm ISO 400

Having the mishaps turn out only makes me more determinded to figure this out. I know it will take me time to get it all down, but I'm still having fun and enjoying taking pictures. Let me know if I gave you the right info and what you think!

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