Just Purchased a DSLR - C&C please.

I recently got a Rebel T2i, and am trying to get a handle on the camera. I have no idea what i'm doing, so any suggestions or info would be appreciated. Don't worry about hurting my feelings, I just want good information. Also, it's my first post, so let me know if I embedded these photos wrong according to the forum rules.

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Top one, white balance is off. The camera was probably on auto and just got it wrong. Don't be afraid to play with the manual settings, just take the same shot over and over and see what each change brings about...

Also, your composition is very centered...everything runs right up the middle of the frame. Google 'photography rule of thirds' for some info there.

Nothing replaces shooting, and shooting and shooting some more. But lots of reading helps =)

Agree with the previous poster. I like #3 and don't mind the "centred" look there as it is functional; nice symmetry.
#2 should be cropped "portrait" and then makes a nice portrait: exposure is good, focus is on the eyes and the whitebalnce is also good.
#1 has a white-balance problem which can be corrected if you shot in RAW.

Looks like your off to a good start. Get to know your camera,composition,lig​hting,and a lot of those other need-to-know photography things. Google,youtube,and POTN is your friend.

Thanks for the comments. #1 I edited some in Photoshop so that might be where the white balance issue is coming from? I shot these photos in Av mode, and at the lowest F stop I could get for the two portrait shots using the kit lens, but just in normal 18MB exif jpg mode. Thanks again for the replies.

I don't have anything to add to the comments that were already made. My observation is that the purchase of an SLR does not magically turn one into a better photographer. The skills that you bring to your SLR are the same ones you had with your previous camera. If you work on perfecting your craft you will find yourself becoming worthy of your new camera.

Yah, nothing new to say that hasn't already been said. Composition, Lighting, and just getting the feel for the camera in manual mode is what you need to figure out. I might suggest using Aperture Priority mode at first and then once you see how the different aperture settings change your shutter speed you'll begin to see the coalition between the two. ISO settings too are important. I genuinely stick with ISO 100 - 400 outdoors and 200 and up indoors depending on the lighting situation. Lots of variables come into play with photography. You just need to learn how to adjust for those variables.

I'd also highly recommend a class in photography. Check your local colleges and see if any of them offer a photography course or two. Mine offers a portraiture course and a product course. There's another college by me that offers a film photography course. It covers the basics of photography but requires a film camera. You may be able to find something similar for digital photography.

Congrats! The T2i is my main camera; it's terrific. Just keep shooting.

Yup. That's the last point I forgot to mention. Take a lot of photos. You'll never learn if you expect each one to turn out perfect. If it doesn't, recheck your settings and shoot it again. If it still isn't right then adjust and shoot again.

Shoot, shoot, shoot!!! And have fun with it!

Ask Santa for a book for Christmas. It's called, Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Great book to help jump start the learning curve.

dave

Learning composition is a big part of what separates a photographer from a snapshooter. There are times when creative cropping can save a poorly framed image. Enjoy your new camera and take the time to learn the magic it can create. Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of very helpful folks here that are more than happy to help you grow your skills and vision.

snyderman wrote in post #13468159
Ask Santa for a book for Christmas. It's called, Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Great book to help jump start the learning curve.

dave

plus 1

CameraMan wrote in post #13467991
Yup. That's the last point I forgot to mention. Take a lot of photos. You'll never learn if you expect each one to turn out perfect. If it doesn't, recheck your settings and shoot it again. If it still isn't right then adjust and shoot again.

Shoot, shoot, shoot!!! And have fun with it!

Thanks for reminding me that practice makes perfect. That's what I plan on doing. I worked for Olympus as a tech support agent for the point and shoot line a few years ago, and had a little experience with some of the E series. So I have some basic understanding of photography. I'd like to balance my attention between being artistic with my photos and being technically proficient at taking said pictures. It's just applying what I know to make good photos.

snyderman wrote in post #13468159
Ask Santa for a book for Christmas. It's called, Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Great book to help jump start the learning curve.

dave

I actually just got this book, I'm reading a few more at the moment as well and can't wait to crack this one open. I'm reading Mastering Digital SLR Photography by David Busch right now.

With a good camera and the want to learn, the skies the limit!

snyderman wrote in post #13468159
Ask Santa for a book for Christmas. It's called, Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Great book to help jump start the learning curve.

dave

Why go out and make a purchase that really isn't necessary? The internet is a #1 information resource. Plus,it's free. Save your money for other photography goodies.

Exposure triangle explained.
Aperture http://www.youtube.com …ture=mfu_in_ord​er&list=UL
Shutter speed http://www.youtube.com …ture=mfu_in_ord​er&list=UL
ISO http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=l2UkVP-Z77s