Photography 101

As you all know, this is my month to learn more about photography and how to use my camera. I am absolutely a beginner when it comes to taking good pics. About two years ago we invested in a nicer camera, but I haven't really taken the time to learn how to be creative with it. I have a Canon Rebel xsi.


Until lately I've only used the automatic settings which are great, but don't allow you to use your own creativity.


This is the Mode dial on the Rebel. Above the fully automatic mode is the creative zone, below it is the basic zone.
Although the creative zone is INCREDIBLY confusing to me, I'm beginning to understand a teensy bit more about how it all works.
We spent this weekend up at our cabin and I was able to practice using the M setting which allowed me to change up all kinds of things.

Manual Mode (M) - This mode provides the most control of all, as you are able to adjust every aspect of the shot. There is absolutely no camera assist in this mode. You are able to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for yourself. Most experienced photographers will exclusively use manual mode due to the level of customization it offers. (source)

Here are a couple pictures I took that demonstrates the difference between using the Auto Mode and the Manual Mode.

ABOUT THIS PHOTO: I used the Auto Mode. Notice how the lake is gray and all looks a little blaw.

ABOUT THIS PHOTO: I just love the difference the Manual Mode can make. Brings out all the colors and really captures the beauty of it all. Taken with a 55-250mm Canon Zoom lens; shot at 1/100 sec., f/4.0, ISO 400

I'm still learning what ISO, F/stop and shutter speed even means. Right now it's all kind of going over my head, but I'm confident that as I persist I will begin to understand a little better.

Here are a couple more pics I took over the weekend.







Don't ya just love this picture. I used the Auto Setting here because I had to be quick in order to catch this precious moment of Oliver praying with his daddy. Priceless!


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18 comments:

Kristina P. said...

These are lovely, Crystal!

Verena said...

This camera is great! I love the picture how Oliver is praying with his Daddy! Soooo... cute!

Jessica at Me Sew Crazy said...

Great Photos! And I love the one of Father and Son praying.

I am still stuck in Auto Mode - not sure if I will ever find my way out of that one :)

Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

Very good! I love the shots, and have to say, learning the stuff is hard, so good for you!

Rebecca Dot Com said...

love love love that last picture! absolutely precious!

Heather said...

I've been dying to learn more about my Nikon D40...I might have to follow your lead on this goal! The pictures are great-little Oliver is so cute praying with his Daddy!

Addison, Crew, Carter & Canon's Mama said...

We have the exact same camera :)
I need to learn how to use mine too!

Theodora Ofosuhima said...

I think you are doing a great job. The last pic is sooo cute!

I am happy to hear that you are TTC! It will be so awesome if it happens to us around the same time :)!

I wish you all the best!

Amy said...

You got some great pictures. When I was trying to learn to use our Nikon I took a class through the U of U Lifelong Learning. It was a good class overall, although not specific to the Nikon. You can also check PictureLine for free classes specific to your camera. Unfortunately, I've reverted back to the Auto mode because most of my pics are taken on the sly without time to set up for it :)

Liz Mays said...

They are gorgeous! I wish I could afford a nice camera like that. I'll forever be stuck with a point and shoot.

Shell said...

Fabulous pics!

NatureGirl said...

Keep going...the deer are beautiful!

Unknown said...

love the pictures! its snowy here too!

Danielle said...

Great pics, looks like you are pro already!

Mom+Girls said...

good for your! I deel so bad for people that spend the money on this nice cameras and then have not idea how to used it! I had a Pentax and now a Nikon D3000 (ready for a new camera now). I love Nikon cameras and love my pictures! I DON'T use AUTO, I hate AUTO, I use MANUAL all the time and the pictures come out so much better. Take the time to learn and you are going to love it!

Candace @ Candace Creations said...

I love your photos, they are great and make me want to live in Utah! lol! The one of Oliver and his Daddy praying is priceless!

CK said...

Great job, Crystal! Way to use the manual settings ;)
I LOVe that one of your son and husband praying!

PS if you want to join us as a contributor at
photochallengeus.blogspot.com
we'd love to have you ;) Check it out and let me know what you think ;)
carriekimmel@gmail.com

CK said...

Great job, Crystal! Way to use the manual settings ;)
I LOVe that one of your son and husband praying!

PS if you want to join us as a contributor at
photochallengeus.blogspot.com
we'd love to have you ;) Check it out and let me know what you think ;)
carriekimmel@gmail.com

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