Very first pictures and some questions

[JustJamie]

hi there, I introduced myself in the designated forum and after two days of researching, looking at tutorials, reading the cameras manual, etc, I have finally decided to post some of my very first pictures. I am trying to grasp the concept of the Triangle, though I am having a hard time remembering the terms and what they mean. Terminology was always a downfall of mine. I know the book 'Understanding exposure' is HIGHLY recommended, but I am a bit hesitant to buy it as I am afraid it will be filled with a bunch of terminology I wont remember or really be able to take in. I bought a Nikkon d5000 and a 50mm 1.8 lens. Someone told me I should have got a 35 mm lens instead.. should I return the 50 mm lens?

anyway.. ANY helpful pointers would be appreciated, I am all by myself learning this.

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[Matt24138]

Understanding exposure is the book that finally broke it down in terms I was able to grasp. I was having the same problem you are having. The book won't let you down.

 

[JustJamie]

Thanks for the advice. I wasn't sure if it be all 'jargony'.

 

[Meekminx]

My library actually had a copy, you may want to try yours!

 

[tirediron]

Some outstanding tutorials can be found here.

 

[Matt24138]

One thing I will add I like your concepts but try not to always put your subject in the middle of the shot. Look up rule of thirds. Not that you always have to use it.

 

[Starskream666]

photo 3 is really cool

 

[Derrel]

Have you considered turning the camera tall-ways on some shots???

 

[Breaux]

The 50mm lens is good for portraits, and the 1.8 maximum aperture is good for low light situations. A 35mm would be considered a more "normal" perspective on your camera, that is, similar to how your eye sees. The choice is up to you, based on what you intend to shoot.

 

[KmH]

..I am trying to grasp the concept of the Triangle, though I am having a hard time remembering the terms and what they mean. Terminology was always a downfall of mine...

Thanks for the advice. I wasn't sure if it be all 'jargony'.

Apparently you're a mom. Do you have problems with all the mom jargon?

It sounds like you're giving yourself a ready-to-use excuse for failure.

Flip #1 so NIKON is right side up.

I don't like thinking of the 3 exposure adjutments as a triangle, because they are not directly proportional. I do think of them as a triad though.

For me understanding how each of the exposure triad: lens aperture, shutter speed, and ISO works helps me to underatnd how to use them to my advantage.

There are many other technical aspects to doing photography well. Depth-of-Field (DOF), image composition, framing, lighting.

I highly recommend the short but informative basic digital photography tutorials at http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm

 

[DiskoJoe]

Have you considered turning the camera tall-ways on some shots???

LOL.

 

[JustJamie]

Thank you everyone for the link to tutorials.
I am still researching and reading, spent most of the last few days doing so.

As for the jargon, it's not that I dislike or have trouble with jargon.. it's the way it has been presented to me thus far has left me confused beyond comprehension, not ALL of it, like 'vertical and horizontal', but the more technical things like the mechanical aspects of the camera. It doesn't come natural to me like being a mom does. I will keep at it, I just didn't want to buy a book that I couldn't comprehend.

Again thanks for the help, we all start somewhere, and I know I am a complete beginner :blushing:

 

[DiskoJoe]

Thank you everyone for the link to tutorials.
I am still researching and reading, spent most of the last few days doing so.

As for the jargon, it's not that I dislike or have trouble with jargon.. it's the way it has been presented to me thus far has left me confused beyond comprehension, not ALL of it, like 'vertical and horizontal', but the more technical things like the mechanical aspects of the camera. It doesn't come natural to me like being a mom does. I will keep at it, I just didn't want to buy a book that I couldn't comprehend.

Again thanks for the help, we all start somewhere, and I know I am a complete beginner :blushing:

it comes along in baby steps. you'll figure it out.