Newbie here..

Shellyclaire · Mar 24, 2012

Hi all,

I am new to this forum and new to DSLR! I am hoping for some advice, honest criticism and pointers. I recently purchased a Nikon D5100 and I am yet to step away from using the auto function. I am hoping by joining this forum I will get some help tips on how to develop my skills.

Looking forward to hearing about the experiences of others.

Shellyclaire

Tiberius47 · Mar 24, 2012

Hi and welcome!

The most important thing for you in learning photography is to get out of auto mode and start using Aperture priority, shutter priority and manual modes on you camera. Have a read of the links in my signature. They've give you a good foundation.

Shellyclaire · Mar 24, 2012

Thank you Tiberius47!

I will take a look! I need all the help I can get.

AgentDrex · Mar 24, 2012

I say stay in auto mode now and focus on compositional placement of subjects first. Once you get a good feeling for how something should be placed in the frame then dive into the more technical side of camera adjustments. Until then, stay in your comfort zone and start practicing proper placements. If you do it the other way, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Do you have any photos to show as examples of what you're doing so far?

KmH · Mar 24, 2012

You'll find more useful links in this thread, and at my blog (link down there in my siggy ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ) - http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-forum/267492-info-those-new-photography.html

jms12886 · Mar 24, 2012

Self teaching photography is all about trial and error... keep picking up your camera and you'll do great. Also some construtive critisisum might help as well. post a photo and people will help you out.

cgipson1 · Mar 24, 2012

AgentDrex said:
I say stay in auto mode now and focus on compositional placement of subjects first. Once you get a good feeling for how something should be placed in the frame then dive into the more technical side of camera adjustments. Until then, stay in your comfort zone and start practicing proper placements. If you do it the other way, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Do you have any photos to show as examples of what you're doing so far?

Funny.. I have always believed the technical should come first... otherwise they just get crappy, under/over exposed, blurry photos.... with good composition. but still crap photos....

If they learn the technical first.. they have a base to build on....

HJW · Mar 24, 2012

When I had picked up on photography, a cousin of mine told me: Shoot in Manual. Of course, a beginner then, I didn't understand much. However you can really get a feel for what what does, and reinforced with online resource. The technical side will greatly help you I feel, and just as important as composition.