Please help!

EllaElla · May 20, 2012

New to the forum and new to photography. I've always hated taking photos with a pocket camera and hating the quality. So I finally decided to buy a decent camera. I picked up a Nikon D3100, not knowing anything about it. I am on a deployment on a ship, so I figured I would have plenty of time to learn, and plenty of stuff to shoot. Anyhow, I have read some of the tutorials by Tiberius and s few others. They are VERY helpful, however I am still having trouble. I have always lacked the creative way of thinking. When I shoot something, I just point and shoot it. I never think about how I can make the subject more interesting to look at. I am trying to use the different "priority" modes on my camera, but I lost the instruction book...I am not exactly sure how to adjust the aperture, shutter, etc. Besides all that, my biggest problem is, what to shoot??? I live on an aircraft carrier. There are plenty of things to shoot, but for some reason I can walk across the whole ship and take only a couple of shots. I know it sound stupid. Maybe it's just because I don't really know how to use the camera yet... I guess I am asking what are some of the things that catch your eye or inspire you to take a photo?? Thanks for any input or advice any of you have!

KmH · May 20, 2012

Not keeping track of the single most important hard copy document that came with your camera is a fairly common new camera owner issue we hear.

However, the complete D3100 user's manual is a PDF file on the disc that came with your camera. Nikon does anot include a hard copy of the user's manual, just a hard copy of their Quick Guide.

Plus you can download any of Nikon's user's manuals here - Nikon Product Manuals available for download

And there are some links at the start of this thread that you may find helpful, particularly the ones related to composition - http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-forum/267492-info-those-new-photography.html

KenC · May 20, 2012

As far as subjects, I think the best thing you can do is to look at photos wherever you can - probably mostly on the web since you're on a ship, but that's OK because there are plenty here. You'll get ideas from looking at them, either consciously or unconsciously.

EllaElla · May 20, 2012

Well, I actually left my camera bag, with the disc and the book in a friend's car. But he's thousands of mile away now. Have to wait until I get home. I'll find one some how.

Anyhow, I have been messing with the camera all day today. I printed out some of the tutorials on the site and have been reading them all day. Definitely learning a lot! Now that I am learning how to take certain types of photos, it is becoming easier to find things to shoot. Can't wait to get off the ship and get some photos tomorrow!

With limited internet connectivity, and limited web browsing hours on the ship, it's difficult to post photos. But I will whenever I can. I'll be looking for any kind of criticism I can get. thank you!

belial · May 20, 2012

I like David busches camera manuals. They go a bit more in depth than the manufacturers manual and they have kindle downloads if you have an iPad or smart phone

Jaemie · May 20, 2012

Nuts, bolts, shadows, ladders, grit, grease, wires, angles, leading lines, deck shots, people running, exhausted sailors, afterburners, shock diamonds... Geez, I'd go on a non-stop photo spree in your shoes! Of course, I'd take them off, first, hehe..

SCraig · May 20, 2012

There is nothing on this planet that describes the words "Power" and "Energy" more than a modern aircraft carrier. You are also in the company of some of the finest ships in the world as part of your screen. How can you NOT find something to photograph? Make it your goal to record that power in images and you'll come away with something worthwhile.

Look at the diamonds of pure energy that a Hornet fires (literally!) against the JBD. Look at the energy that is dissipated when that same Hornet traps at the end of a hop. Look at the millions of gallons of water displaced by the screws and bow wave. Now figure out a way to make the rest of us feel that energy.

IByte · May 20, 2012

Maybe just "see" the image without your camera. Like a couple walking a city street under an umbrella. Use the perfect gifts what God/science gave you. Sit at a park enjoy some coffee/tea and watch people go by, or stare at an abandoned building those subjects will come to you. One last thing I carry around a small notebook to write ideas and crude sketches of what I am trying to accomplish. Happy hunting OP.

greybeard · May 20, 2012

Well, start shooting anything and everything. Not like the bad old days of film, you don't have to send the film away and have it developed. Take your time looking at the shots later on your computer and then decide what you like and don't like and then go out and shoot some more. Shoot what you like, and try to find ways to make things look interesting as a digital picture. The more you shoot, the better you will get.

boborone · May 21, 2012

The bridge from the deck. Long hall of doors. Low angle shot of control board. High angle mess hall. Your view of the head. Low of boots on floor. Lot of angels in engine room. Clouds on endless horizon. Guns on deck. Planes on deck. Sailors on duty. Lots to shoot.

Trick is to obey the rule of thirds and I try to not go at objects how we normally see them. You see boots on the floor from eye level all the time. But if you take it from a low angel in one third on either side with an interesting background like the long walk way or the length of the deck, makes those boring shoes more interesting.