Newbie trying to digest inforamtion...

[Cr8tor]

I bought a Rebel XT a couple of months ago and have been immersing myself in as much information as possible. I’ve done a ton of research and have even put together a "cheet-sheet" excel doc with what I think are common bits of information that I want to keep handy and included as a zip attachment with this post. (I hope that’s ok, it’s all I can "give back" for now)



I’ve gathered, read, and digested so much information that I find i’m not sure what the key points are and where I should focus on sharpening my skills first.

I’ve seen a couple of people mention that they tape a note to their camera so i’m quite literally going to do it myself.



Given the size limitation of a standard post it note, what would you recommend I put on it?

I envision a small list that I can refer to every time I get ready to click a shot.

For example:

1: ISO

2: White Balance

3: Shutter speed

4: Aperture

5: ???



I moved recently so i've only managed to click off about 800 shots but the more I take the more fun i’m having and the more it makes me want to learn...



I’ve spent quite a few hours on this forum already as well as many others and even read the manual a couple of times and I want to say thanks to those out there that have already provided me with tons of advice and information!!!!



PS: P.O.T.N. Op-Tech Strap (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=62858)is on order! :)

[Curtis N]

You didn't mention whether you're shooting RAW or JPEG. If you're shooting RAW you can just leave the white balance on auto and worry about it later. Shutter and aperture are displayed in your viewfinder, along with exposure compensation, and it's good to make a habit of reading those on a continuing basis. ISO is the thing that can get you (there's currently a thread running on that topic). I've made a habit of checking that every time I pick up the camera.

What else is there? Let's see... don't forget to charge your batteries, make sure your lens is set on autofocus, make sure there's a CF card in the camera, file size (raw vs. the various jpeg options), and one last thing... take the lens cap off before you shoot.

Keep shooting and have fun. This stuff will become almost automatic with practice.

[Cr8tor]

I shoot mainly jpeg for now. I figure once i get used to moving through other options while shooting then ill start looking at using raw. For now i want to learn the basics and then move into raw processing and what not.
After posting this i also realized that the function button/arrow on the back are a good reminder so if i can remember to think about or check each of those settings im off to a good start.

Im still open for suggestions if anyone wants to add to this...

Also, if anyone has suggestions for the Cheet-sheet let me know.

[MrGibbage]

Where is the "current" thread on ISO?

Skip

[Curtis N]

Here ya go, Skip
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=77893&highlight=1600+iso

[PhotosGuy]

Here's a tip: When you're finished shooting for the day, set Av, Tv, & M settings + ISO, picture quality & WB to a "standard". For instance, Tv = daylight exposure with a fast shutter speed; Av = daylight exposure with a small DOF; M = daylight exposure with an average setting.
Next day when you pick up the cam for that "Grab shot", it's just one click of the dial to select something appropriate. ;-)

[Cr8tor]

Good idea PhotosGuy...
MrGibbage/Curtis N, ive been thorugh that post in regards to ISO. Im just barely getting comfortable with ISO selections and being able to accuratley select a proper ISO for shots.

PhotosGuy, can you give me more specific examples of what you would set the exposure too for each setting?

Also, I've seen some posts in regards to sites to upload photos to so that "clients" can purchase them... Whats the current favorite among POTN members for this or is there a better alternative?
Im not really "selling myself" but would like to get up to speen on as this in case i get some good shots sometime soon.

[BrandonSi]

There's a white balance option on my camera?!! :)

Use RAW, concentrate on shutter speed, aperture and ISO and post process the rest. Then when you've gotten a handle on that you can take time and experiment with WB, EC, etc..

[Cr8tor]

Thats an interesting way to do it... i had not though about doing somehting like that.

Thanks for the suggestion/idea BandonSi...

[d'homme]

I think you should do the opposite. With all your lists, your taking the fun out of it. If you shot raw, all your information is there with the pics for you to see later.

Go out shoot some pics. Have fun. Come and look at them. Analyze what you like and what you don't like. Learn from your mistakes. Determine was you could have done differently. Reshoot it. It will become more second nature to you that way. Just my 2cents.

[Cr8tor]

Hehehe,
I like lists way too much, i’m one of those types that makes a list for everything.
I'm having plenty of fun though... for the most part I just go out and experiment but I need to feel organized or I start feeling dirty... hehehe :)



Seriously though, i’m having lots of fun. Every chance I get to snap some pics I think I learn something new. I’m a computer tech by day so i’m used to learning new things and I enjoy it. This is one thing i’ve found that I haven’t gotten bored with so that helps too. I think it’s because it allows me to be creative which is not something you get to do too much with computers.



I’m hoping to get some pics posted soon too and get some feedback on them. Most of what i’ve taken so far are experiments so they don’t look so great and I have a good idea of what needs to be fixed for them already. Once I get to the point where I can’t figure out how to improve them ill start posting them for advice.

[PhotosGuy]

PhotosGuy, can you give me more specific examples of what you would set the exposure too for each setting? I start with ISO 100. The Av setting is sort of determined by your lens. With a 28-70 f/2.8, I'd set it at F/4. "M" might be at 1/250 @ f/11.
If you're using a Kit lens, the aperature is determined by the amount you've zoomed. So, maybe set f/5.6 or 8.
A general rule of thumb for Sunlight exposures is 1/ISO @ f/16. Read the "Stickys", shoot a lot, & learn from what works, & what doesn't. And, learn how to use RAW so you can save yourself when you screw up! ;-)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=43761&highlight=sunliner