Beginner Starting off

[MikeisEdge]

So I've been reading a couple books by Bryan Peterson, but I just recently got my Nikon d60 SLR. I understand how to go about getting a "correct" exposure and whatnot... I just can't, for the life of me, figure out how to know if you have a "correct" exposure.

Also, random question, but I was wondering if I would need a polarizing filter in order to shoot slower shutter speeds during the day? (For implying motion in clouds during the day without too much light getting in.)

Thanks for any help given!

-Mike

 

[MTVision]

Go to the beginners forum and look for a thread titled "brand new to photography". It Should be at the top since it was started today. This thread explains with pictures how to tell you are getting a correct exposure. Bryan Petersons books explains how to do it too.

 

[MTVision]

If you have understanding exposure by Bryan Peterson there should be a section called "the heart of the triangle:the light meter". It's on pg 22 in my book - this explains with pictures about how to tell you are getting correct exposure. Pretty simple once you know how to do it! Good luck!

 

[analog.universe]

So I've been reading a couple books by Bryan Peterson, but I just recently got my Nikon d60 SLR. I understand how to go about getting a "correct" exposure and whatnot... I just can't, for the life of me, figure out how to know if you have a "correct" exposure.

The histogram is the easiest way to see if your exposure is correct. You can consult your camera's manual to figure out how to display this histogram. This is a pretty good article on how it works and what to do with it once you've got it enabled: Understanding Histograms

Also, random question, but I was wondering if I would need a polarizing filter in order to shoot slower shutter speeds during the day? (For implying motion in clouds during the day without too much light getting in.)

The filter you're thinking of is a Neutral Density filter, which blocks an even amount of light in all colors (supposedly, more of a get what you pay for thing), so that you can do longer exposure.

A polarizing filter blocks light entering the lens based on the angle that it was reflected off of something. This means first, that it only works on reflected light, and second, that you have to be at a certain angle to said light (closest to 90 degrees works best). It's most often used to block some of the light in the sky scattered by the atmosphere, for deeper blues, and more contrast in clouds. It also works on light reflected off water and snow etc... very useful filter to have, but it won't help you make long exposures.

Thanks for any help given!

-Mike

You're welcome! Welcome to the forum.

 

[MikeisEdge]

This has all been helpful. I haven't had the opportunity to read that book yet, but I will look into it as soon as possible. Thanks!

 

[Shoal]

To get the hang of exposure, try using the Program mode and taking note of the apeture and shutter settings. Although you will have to be mindful not to get a very slow shutter speed (e.g 1/40) or you will have hand shake bluring your images. Than you can focua on ISO before you move on to controlling the shutter speed and apeture.