For those that take super fancy pics of baby...

Skipperg82 · April 2009

So I just got a Nikon D60 (SO EXCITED!!) But I feel super lame that I've only been using the "auto" setting since I don't have a clue about cameras/photography other than reading the camera's manual and reading some stuff online.

For those that are really into taking pictures (and I've seen some beautiful pics on here from you ladies)...did you take a photography course? ?Or just mess around with your camera? ?I feel like I should take advantage of this great camera and actually LEARN all the features....just curious to see where you took a photography course, if you did!!?

sarahtx57 · April 2009

I am about to take one that is offers through kitz camera store.

You may try calling local camera stores, or even your community college. I know our comminuty college has photography 101.

You definetly should take a class, you can do amazing things with such a great camera!

Sunny1inTucson · April 2009

we have a nikon d40. at first we took straight automatic sjots and thought, wow, these are great pics.

then we got lucky and went on this photography tour of a canyon in northern az and learned SOOO much about the camera and now we tend to get even better shots. so yes, I would recommend either reading the manual thoroughly and/or a class of some sort.

iris427 · April 2009

Ditto pp, look into taking a photography class at your local community college. I have learned photography through classes and playing around (and my parents taught me a lot, they both work in the photo industry).

The great thing with digital is you don't have to wait around and pay for processing while you learn--you can instantly see whether you are doing things right or not. It's so much better than learning with film, IMO.

MEJ2008 · April 2009

I have the same camera, and you will love it. I took a class at a local college years ago but they made us use a regular SLR instead of a DSLR. I still learned a lot. It is easier with the DSLR, though, because you get immediate results for different experimenting, where as the SLR I had to take notes on what I did for each picture and then wait until they were developed to see how it turned out. Have fun!

fall-love · April 2009

I have a Canon EOS 40D DSLR that I got for Christmas.... my advice:

Read your manual... it will give you all the basics of how to use your camera. And check out this website... it's a wealth of info for a beginning DSLR photographer.... https://digital-photography-school.com/

I have quite literally spent hours on this site. You can even sign up for weekly email newsletters. It will help you wrap your brain around the concepts of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which you have to understand to shoot in manual or semi-manual.

And practice, practice, practice. That's the beauty of digital... shoot, shoot, shoot, and delete anything that doesn't work.

In the meantime, use your auto settings - use the portrait and landscape and other specialized auto settings to get a little more control until you're ready to move into av, tv, p modes, and ultimately (maybe) full manual, if you ever want to get there. My favorite is the AV (aperture priority) mode, so I can control my depth of field to get blurry backgrounds and sharp portraits.

Congrats on your fun new toy, and have fun!

fall-love · April 2009

Oh, and start saving your $$, because as soon as you start getting proficient, you're going to start jonesing for really nice lenses.

Sunny1inTucson · April 2009

Sunny1inTucson:

we have a nikon d40. at first we took straight automatic sjots and thought, wow, these are great pics.

then we got lucky and went on this photography tour of a canyon in northern az and learned SOOO much about the camera and now we tend to get even better shots. so yes, I would recommend either reading the manual thoroughly and/or a class of some sort.

ok I reread my response and laughed. when I said "this canyon in northern az" I didn't mean the grand canyon.

it's antelope slot canyon in page, az. it's kinda dark in there, so hence the tour where they gave us extra time to help with changing the exposure and other settings:

fall-love · April 2009

Sunny1, that's a beautiful pic!

jennandare · April 2009

I think ritz camera offers classes for free or cheap. Once you learn the basics it's practice, practice practice. Have fun with your new toy!!

Kaye Weaver · April 2009

I highly?recommend?a book called "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. ?It's an easy read, he explains things clearly and you learn a lot. ?:)

destea1 · April 2009

No class, just lots of online reading, that book recommended above (Understanding Exposure) and TONS of practice. Congrats on your new toy!

MrsL1022 · April 2009

I am taking a 4 week photography workshop in May. I have a d40. I am SOO excited for this!

Skipperg82 · April 2009

Sorry all - I didnt get a chance to re-check this post until now...I'm looking right now for classes at some local colleges!! ?I'm so excited to learn everything, but I think I will definitely sign up for classes. ?I'm more of a class person than reading online but will check out all your recommendations...

Thanks again!?