600D/T3i Learning Plan(s)?

Got my T3i for Christmas and have been reading David Busch's book (which I would recommend to all new 600D owners. Don't remember the exact title but it is the T31 guide).

Anyway, as I'm reading about and discovering the huge number of options and setting choices that can be made, I'm wondering if anyone has a "learning plan" they may have developed. Something along the lines of, "This week set the mode to Av, take several photos at different shutter speeds, compare and contrast." And have different exercises or tasks that have you using most if not all of the menu options?

I know I could do something like this myself but why re-invent the wheel if it isn't necessary?

Any suggestions, URLs, etc. appreciated. Thanks

Bill W

Buy "Understanding Exposure by Brian Peterson" an work your way through it.

wildbill001 wrote in post #16554901
Got my T3i for Christmas and have been reading David Busch's book (which I would recommend to all new 600D owners. Don't remember the exact title but it is the T31 guide).

Anyway, as I'm reading about and discovering the huge number of options and setting choices that can be made, I'm wondering if anyone has a "learning plan" they may have developed. Something along the lines of, "This week set the mode to Av, take several photos at different shutter speeds, compare and contrast." And have different exercises or tasks that have you using most if not all of the menu options?

I know I could do something like this myself but why re-invent the wheel if it isn't necessary?

Any suggestions, URLs, etc. appreciated. Thanks

Bill W

Begin with the camera in Program AE, the "P" setting on the control dial. Concentrate on framing and composition at first. After you have an idea of what you can can achieve this way, you're ready to attempt other approaches. There is no weakness in using the camera's auto exposure modes or built-in flash. Most important is to first concentrate on making pictures rather than playing with settings.

wildbill001 wrote in post #16554901
Got my T3i for Christmas and have been reading David Busch's book (which I would recommend to all new 600D owners. Don't remember the exact title but it is the T31 guide).

Anyway, as I'm reading about and discovering the huge number of options and setting choices that can be made, I'm wondering if anyone has a "learning plan" they may have developed. Something along the lines of, "This week set the mode to Av, take several photos at different shutter speeds, compare and contrast." And have different exercises or tasks that have you using most if not all of the menu options?

I know I could do something like this myself but why re-invent the wheel if it isn't necessary?

Any suggestions, URLs, etc. appreciated. Thanks

Bill W

Heya,

1. Read the manual. Know your tool. Know the lenses. Know the mechanical concepts of the things you manipulate.
2. Get a book on light, by anyone, and simply get the basics so you can leap forward on understanding how to combine the holy three settings and concepts of light and composition, etc. This can also be a simple google search to avoid spending money. You do not need to read a novel. Nor do you need to copy what some pro says to do, unless you want your photos to looks just like theirs.
3. Discover the rest through your viewfinder, as you shoot. Go shoot everything.
4. Make sure and have a tripod, extra batteries, shutter release, a flash, etc. Essentials to fully discover manipulation of light.

Very best,

I second Seall's recommendation to Buy Bryan's book. I read through it a couple of times when I first got it and read it about once a month in regards to specific shooting situations that I am coming across. Just the whole correct vs creative exposure makes the book worth buying.