Newbie needs help

[deadbrowncow]

I just bought an Xsi after tons of research. Almost all ofmy photography is done with helmet cameras while in freefall, but I would love to learn more about photography on the ground. Any hints for a new photographer? Smart asses can keep your comments about "read the manual" to yourself. I've come to rely upon the good ol' green square and sports mode, but would like to learn how to really use this camera to it's potential. I appreciate any help you all might be able to lend.

[eddarr]

Welcome to the forum.

It may be smart ass but it is very important to read the manual. You must know where the controls are and what they do without having to think.

Start by reading Ben's newbie guide sticky (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=414088).

Depending on your knowledge you may want to get a copy of Brian Petersons Understanding Exposure or Understanding Exposure for Digital. I have not read the second but the first is pretty good.

Start shooting in M instead of the green box. It's not that hard. Read the suggested above and then just do it. If you commit an afternoon to just playing around you will be able to get properly exposed shots.

[deadbrowncow]

Thanks a lot. I used to be a photojournalist about 20 years ago and I've dabbled with photography for years. WHen I realized that the film stuff I was used to doing was slowly becoming a thing of the past, I opted for digitals in the point and shoot varieties. My camera helmet has an XTi on it, thanks to my job, and I've been pleased with it. Tons of research pointed me in the XSi direction, and I'm pleased thus far, but I've only taken a few shots. I've become dependent on the auto modes for family pics, kids sporting events, etc but I'd like to start trying to get a little more artistic. I've got the basics down, but just a little more "oomph" to my photos would be nice. I'm going to check out that link you sent me. Thanks so much!!

[midnight_rider]

Practice and don't get stuck in a pattern. so many of the people that I shoot with seem to stick their cameras in AV and leave it wide open. The best thing you can do is ( as mentioned above me ) stick it in manual and have at it. Welcome to the forum and happy shooting.

[deadbrowncow]

Thanks for the advice! I don't know what it is, probably the fact that I just dropped 1200 bucks on a camera (which on a military salary is a LOT of scratch) and I don't want it to end up being a "green square" gig that I could have stayed with my 8MP Kodak for. I'd just really like to be able to get my current snapshots a little nicer and incorporate the junior varsity artistic side of me that I think that I have. Thanks for the warm welcome, I look forward to learning from everyone!

[Woolburr]

Welcome to POTN....the easiest way to learn with digital is to experiment. By adjusting the various settings on your camera, you will soon see the exact effect of changing the Shutter speed, the aperture and the ISO values. The next step in the process is to ask questions here....we have a ton of good people and most are more than willing to share their experience.