Comments on: Looking Sharp – tips & tricks for getting great photos with your dSLR

By: Jessica

Jessica — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:24:37 +0000

If I remember correctly the Nikon DSLRs have Auto, P(rogram), A(perture proirity), S(hutter priority), and M(anual) modes and probably some others that I don't remember. I don't own one, but I think the Auto, P,A,S,M is correct, I would have to double check with my little brother (he's the one with the Nikon DSLR).
Understanding exposure is probably the most important thing when using any type of manual camera. In digital photography it is typical to expose for the highlights and not the mid-tones as you would if you are used to shooting negative type film. In regards to the tripod, don't they make the small collapsible/telescoping leg types anymore? I picked up an old one at an estate sale for $9, it is not as super duper stable as a full sized tripod but it's compact and works in a pinch. It is mostly steel and aluminum though, so it's not the lightest thing in the world, but it is also not as heavy and cumbersome as a full sized tripod.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagestitches/36...
Also remember that if your shutter speed is slower than the reciprocal of the focal length of your lens, you must use a tripod; i.e.- using a 50mm lens, don't shoot at anything slower than 1/50. Anything faster than that and you should be okay, unless you are Mr. Shakeypants or you or you subject are in motion. If your subject is moving, double this shutter speed. If you are moving (such as in a boat or plane) triple the speed. If you are doing macro work (.25 magnification or greater), always use a tripod. :-)

By: bob

bob — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:00:37 +0000

steve = naive

By: mattstratton

mattstratton — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:54:45 +0000

Really? It's all in the owner's manual? Including the book recommendations? This article is intended for people who are looking for quick tips on getting started, which would NOT be the folks who have pored over the manuals.

BTW, I see you claim your email address is at CNN.com. Yeah, right.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:47:28 +0000

if you have stock in cannon or buy their crap then this artical is for you… nothing this clown states is not already mentioned in your owners manual. rehash the same trash. yawwwn

By: Tweet Tweet « Good Old Rock – Nothing Beats That

Tweet Tweet « Good Old Rock – Nothing Beats That — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:02:45 +0000

[...] @BOREDmommy Here’s a post I wrote recently about it…mattstratton.com/photography/dslr-tips (cc @kizabrat) [...]

By: mattstratton

mattstratton — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:22:23 +0000

I agree about Kelby assuming knowledge…but only in Vol 2 and Vol 3. I've found Vol 1 to be pretty good for the neophyte – since it's built as a “cookbook' as opposed to a theory book.

Vol 2 is all about flash photography (well, that's a bit unfair) and Vol 3 continues. Vols 2 and 3 really are where you start to lose value if you aren't going to invest in studio equipment, I think…but that's just my take.

But you are bang-on about this- without Understanding Exposure, you'll have no idea WHY Kelby is telling you to do what he is telling you to do :)

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:18:58 +0000

Nice set of recommendations. I'd recommend the books in this order: Magic Lantern, Understand Exposure, Kelby's vol1 and vol2 (I've not read vol3 yet). Kelby's work is fantastic, and the books are awesome, but he assumes you know a fair bit. To get the most from his books, you'll need to be familiar with the other two.

By: rachel

rachel — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:10:59 +0000

i heart this post. i could have used it a year or so ago when i was just getting started!!

(also, i'd like to reach through the camera and grab that lens right now)

By: mattstratton

mattstratton — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:14:21 +0000

Thanks! It's not done yet, but the stage has been set…

By: TotallyHeather

TotallyHeather — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:11:02 +0000

I like the new blog look.