Skip to main content

Learning the Functions of Your Camera

     As I began my photographic adventure, I forgot to spend time learning something very important... my camera. It was the one thing I thought I knew. My pictures were good, but they just were great. Todays DSLR cameras are high tech pieces of equipment that can do amazing things, only if you know how to properly operate the functions.     
     I’ve had my camera for almost 2 years, a Nikon D3. I have to admit and with some embarrassment, I haven’t learned every function this camera has to offer. Most of my photos are landscape shots, taken in that golden hour as the sun in coming up or going down. I bought this camera specifically for it’s speed and ability to take photos in lower light conditions. 
Taken before learning about white balance.
     About 6 moths ago I decided to spend at least 1 hour a week reading and learning about my camera. I have to say my photos are much better, and now I don't feel like there is a shot out there I can't capture. 
Taken after learning about white balance.
     Spend some time with your camera... you might just learn something new that will help you capture that perfect shot.

Labels:

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 6, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    Ray, the difference in your pictures does not come from WB settings but exposure correction (+/- EV).

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Addicted to taking photographs

     I wonder if I am the only person that must take photos on a regular basis. If there is a day that I don't hit the shutter on a camera, any camera, I just don't feel like my day is done. I love it. I am addicted to it. It calls my name. It's like a drug. It is my passion.      So I find myself carrying my Nikon D3 around with me all the time. Given the size of this unit, not an easy thing to do for the past 3 years. My friends have given the camera a nickname… “Precious”. They know that she comes before a lot of other things, and she is very important to my sanity.      Precious and I have been through a lot. We get out on a regular basis and explore. I can hardly tell she is on my back when we are out there away from civilization. That is, until I get back home and my backs stiff from carrying the extra weight.      She and I work like a team, and she is a great partner. The photos that we...
5 comments
Read more

Planning to Shoot

    Ever wonder how your favorite photographers capture those magical moments? Those shots were planned days, weeks, months, and in some cases years in advance. In may instances a photographer will keep a journal of conditions or times to revisit certain locations.      For me I plan my shots out to the next season. In the Spring, when I go to a particular location, I try to imagine what the Summer, Fall, and Winter scene will look like from that spot. I write it down and set reminders in a calendar a week or two in advance, to revisit that area. And, depending on the weather conditions this may even be a year or two away. Have you ever anticipated the bright colors of Fall to only wake up to a heavy rain fall? The leaves disappear almost over night.       Below are a couple of shots that it took me some time to get just the way I wanted them. From the type of light to the amount of water flowing over the waterfall. I by no means...
3 comments
Read more

Entering My First Photography Contest

     Entering a Photography Contest was a hard thing for me to do. This meant I would be going head to head with other photographers to see whose final photo would be the judged, "The Best".      I found out quickly that doing this is more about the experience, than the win.  It gave me the chance to appreciate different photography styles and techniques.  After seeing the winning photo, I felt quite honored knowing that I was judged at the same level.  I like to  study the winning shot to find out why it won and captured the judges eye.       The above shot was my first entry into a contest. It didn't make much of an impression on the judges. Looking back, I see a lot of things I could have done better-- under exposed wrong angle for that time of day should have had less sky dust specs on the actual waterfall burn out on the top of the waterfall     ...and the list could go...
1 comment
Read more