1st post w/ first week of photos

[KmH]

I see you have cross-posted this in multiple forums.
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/faq.php

Cross-posting isn't allowed, so I have merged the 2 threads.

 

[timor]

I see you have cross-posted this in multiple forums.

Sorry Keith, it's my fault, I asked Woz to post pics here in order to get some C&C what, I guess, worked well.
Thanks for merging.

 

[Rick58]

Rick- For the water I was using the tripod (flimsy) with a 1/4 shutter speed and I tried some at 1 second but I felt there was too much blur with the water.
I'm trying to remember back and I think i was holding the camera for the window picture against the wall with 1/4 as well. I'll keep that in mind trying not to shake or move the camera. (I'm having a big 'dur' moment right now) The tree I was taking looking up from the car so i'm not sure. I guess it gives me an excuse to drive back down to the smokys and try again



Mifleur- I didn't know that. Is there a setting for that? As far as where the eyes go....what do you mean?

Guys sorry if these questions sound dumb this is all very foreign to me.

Hey, don't think your questions sound dumb. The only dumb questions are those not asked. You really need to start with finding out why all your stuff is out of focus. As I said before, the snow covered trees should have provided more the ample lighting for a handheld crisp shot.
Lets start with the basics. Go out on a sunny day. Put the sun to your back and find any large object and snap a photo. It doesn't matter what it is, we just want to eliminate camera problems. Jot down your settings and post your photo with the settings.
Sorry your first postings didn't fair very well, but we'll get you squared away. Welcome!

 

[SCraig]

Hey, don't think your questions sound dumb. The only dumb questions are those not asked. You really need to start with finding out why all your stuff is out of focus. As I said before, the snow covered trees should have provided more the ample lighting for a handheld crisp shot.
Lets start with the basics. Go out on a sunny day. Put the sun to your back and find any large object and snap a photo. It doesn't matter what it is, we just want to eliminate camera problems. Jot down your settings and post your photo with the settings.
Sorry your first postings didn't fair very well, but we'll get you squared away. Welcome!

The snow-covered trees were shot at 1/1000 second, ISO 400, f/5.6. Some of the images have EXIF data, some don't. Most were shot around f/5.6 so my guess is that the OP is using the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and leaving it wide open most of the time. Your aperture is part of what determines how much of your image is in focus and how much is not. Don't ignore it, learn to use it since it is a very important part of the equation. Shooting wide open will degrade sharpness and will also limit your depth of field to a very narrow margin.

You're doing fine for one week of experience. KEep at it.

 

[Rick58]

Hey, don't think your questions sound dumb. The only dumb questions are those not asked. You really need to start with finding out why all your stuff is out of focus. As I said before, the snow covered trees should have provided more the ample lighting for a handheld crisp shot.
Lets start with the basics. Go out on a sunny day. Put the sun to your back and find any large object and snap a photo. It doesn't matter what it is, we just want to eliminate camera problems. Jot down your settings and post your photo with the settings.
Sorry your first postings didn't fair very well, but we'll get you squared away. Welcome!

The snow-covered trees were shot at 1/1000 second, ISO 400, f/5.6. Some of the images have EXIF data, some don't. Most were shot around f/5.6 so my guess is that the OP is using the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and leaving it wide open most of the time. Your aperture is part of what determines how much of your image is in focus and how much is not. Don't ignore it, learn to use it since it is a very important part of the equation. Shooting wide open will degrade sharpness and will also limit your depth of field to a very narrow margin.

You're doing fine for one week of experience. KEep at it.

Ahhhh...that makes sense. I'm still forgetting to look at the EXIF data. Too many years of having that data recorded on a pad with a pencil.

 

[TheWoz]

Wow thanks everyone!! Definitely a lot of information, but all good information. I spent some time tonight going through the manual again. I'm spent some time trying the completely manual mode today to get the feel how each setting effects the others. I tried capturing smoke from a match and some sunset stuff.

Rick-I will get out tomorrow and try to see if I can get some more crisp-ness in my shots. Unfortunately it was bitter cold in Chciago today so I didnt stay out too long.

Also I went to best buy to pick up a wireless shutter release..but apparently the d3100 doesnt work with a wireless remote. (stinks) But I did find some other recommendations for 3rd party gear. Cost me about $50 more than the nikon remote and had great reviews so hopefully this will help my shaky hand a bit.

I still don't understand the VR setting on the camera lens.... but I'm going to try to find some additional reading. Spent the 1st part of the night reading about trout habits Not I need to read on how to take good pictures of them haha

 

[Rick58]

Wow thanks everyone!! Definitely a lot of information, but all good information. I spent some time tonight going through the manual again. I'm spent some time trying the completely manual mode today to get the feel how each setting effects the others. I tried capturing smoke from a match and some sunset stuff.

Rick-I will get out tomorrow and try to see if I can get some more crisp-ness in my shots. Unfortunately it was bitter cold in Chciago today so I didnt stay out too long.

Also I went to best buy to pick up a wireless shutter release..but apparently the d3100 doesnt work with a wireless remote. (stinks) But I did find some other recommendations for 3rd party gear. Cost me about $50 more than the nikon remote and had great reviews so hopefully this will help my shaky hand a bit.

I still don't understand the VR setting on the camera lens.... but I'm going to try to find some additional reading. Spent the 1st part of the night reading about trout habits Not I need to read on how to take good pictures of them haha

You have a good attitude. Hang it there and it'll come. BTW, I hear you about the cold. I used to be able to sling a camera around my neck and fill my pockets with trail mix, and could be gone an entire January day. Now the bones don't cooperate like they used to.