This challenge started in April 2012 when I got my first DSLR and wanted to learn how to use the camera settings. It started out that the winner of the challenge would pick someone else (most of the time) to host the next challenge. Wow, it was so much fun to learn. In those days it was more of a learning tool rather than a contest although we did have voting.
I am wondering if there are a lot of people on 365 in that situation now. Perhaps you had a point in shoot (or use camera from your phone) and now have a DSLR and would like how to use the settings. Or some people have had the camera but usually use auto only since they don't know how to use those other settings.
MY QUESTION: Should we start this challenge from square one - to help those people who want to learn how to use their camera? IF YOU WANT TO LEARN SAY YES I NEED TO LEARN.
MY SECOND QUESTION: If Steve is not able to host the next challenge should we pass the baton to one of the others who was up for the vote (say the 2nd place person)?
MY THIRD QUESTION: Has the interest in this challenge died and we should just let it go?
MY FOURTH QUESTION: If we start from scratch would YOU be willing to be on the "expert" list that Newbie DSLR users can draw upon.
MY FIFTH QUESTION: Should we continue the challenge as it has been going and just keep adding to it rather than start over for newbie DSLR users.
I'd say start it again from scratch. I'd say we've about run through all of the often used and most of the esoteric ones too. Anything I can do to assist, let me know.
Let's start this again for sure! The couple of times I participated in it, I learned a bunch of things I had no idea about before! Let's start it from the beginning.
Even non-DSLR cameras have settings. My camera isn't DSLR, but I have participated. It's a great way for everyone to learn settings. If they start it up again, I'll participate, as long as you don't make it for DSLR only.
Yes indeedy, start again from scratch—having taken a year away and gotten lazy with my camera, it's EXACTLY what I need. Like for instance just yesterday I discovered Back Button Focus (how did I not know about it before?), and I'm realizing that if I stick with it daily, it's going to be a game changer.
I'm sure this must have come up before, but it would probably good to think about the distinction between the Settings Challenge and the Technique Challenge, too... yes?
I say start from scratch too :) It's such a great tool for starting out and I don't think we should worry about repeating "lessons" - there is always more to learn! I've had my DSLR for five years now, but there are still so many settings I don't know or understand. Even now I still often default back to auto if I don't have something particular in mind already and I just want to capture the scene.
A great theme for anyone who wants to get better. The timing is perfect for a 're-boot' of the theme, without regard to what has already been addressed. I think this thread is one of the great ones for those fairly new to the site.
I'm happy to help for Nikon users, though not an expert at all.
Yes, let's have this challenge again.....I was not aware of it the first time around, but I would be very interested in it since I got a new camera with way too many settings and controls!! I am a Nikon user, and fairly comfortable with my previous DSLR camera, the D90, and I would be happy to help with any questions I can answer, and also looking forward to some new knowledge! We all learn together....and, for anything else there is Google, and @frankhymus, and @abirkill, who have been incredibly helpful in the past!
@squamloon@brigette
The difference between Camera Settings Challenge and Technique Challenge is:
Camera Settings Challenge is to learn different settings on the camera. Sometimes using a specific technique helps practice that setting. For instance to learn about using a fast shutter speed the technique used may be freezing action. Those who host the challenge should always keep in mind is that the goal is to learn a camera setting NOT the technique specifically. But often the best way to understand that setting will be trying a technique so you can see if you got it right.
Technique Challenge is not about learning camera settings but specific results. It could be using a specific software (although that hasn't been used much). It could be portrait photography, high key, Black & white photography, it could be getting water crowns etc. etc. Often to help learn how to get that results you may need to know specific settings as well.
I'd say start from scratch. And I'd definitely join in. There is so much to learn - and remember. Just go for it, and decide on the first topic and then the winner can go on from there.
I am in the "want to learn" camp. I vote for "start from scratch." This is the year that I am hoping to learn, not just shoot. It may make my project less conventionally "pretty," but it is the only way I can see to make progress. Work is busy this year, but I would like the chance to try to follow along, dip and out, participate when I can. Thanks!
Yes! Start over. I'll be glad to chime in as a helper. I have AI Servo down and my famous (haha)"sock monkey" demo available. I think we could just start from beginning. I credit this challenge and one night stand challenges as the most helpful learning challenges for learning the settings of the camera in some form of manual mode!
I always use the auto function on my camera, which is sort of a waste since I did spend a lot of money on it and would like to know how to use it properly.
@theresefriis You are exactly where I was April 2012 - and because of the challenge I am now comfortable being one of the mentors! You will want to follow the challenges and take part in them and learn.
I believe it would - if there are any challenges that doesn't fit you would just sit out for that specific challenge but it is about learning those manual settings.
YES PLEASE! start from scratch. even after two photography courses I have no idea how to begin using my camera manually. It is my goal for 2015. This is my second year on 365 and I have learned so much from seeing others photos and can understand how much more you can achieve from using your camera manually.
I am totally on board with starting this over. When I first joined here I went back through the earlier ones they were so good. I have missed some and really it wouldn't hurt to do a few again anyway.
Yes, I want to learn. I've been shooting pictures for quite some time, but there is so much for me to still learn. I'd like to just start at the beginning, at square one, and work through with the group. Please, keep me informed if you start something. I am very interested.
Would love to help out Kathy. I too shy away a bit from the idea of "expert" but I have been using a camera manually for about 6 years and may have something to offer (feel free to scan my project and ignore my offer if I am just delusional :) ) I've never really managed to participate in the challenges yet as a photo a day is challenge enough for me with little kids, but if I can be of any help I am more than happy to answer questions etc :)
I'd been keen to participate and also help where I can - My camera stays on manual but that does not make me an expert but I love passing on what I know.
I'm new here. I'd like to participate too, as I'm mostly self taught... Some functions I'm familiar with and others not to much. I think it would be a great learning tool and opportunity to help also.
I think a restart is long overdue. I know you could go back and attempt the previous challenges but you miss out on the sense of involvement and the feedback you get from an active discussion.
The Brand New Camera Settings Challenges will start Soon.
You will recognize it as Camera Settings Challenges 2015
There will be some changes to the original camera settings challenges but I think the changes are all good!.
@alinz in the banner at the top of the page, click on 'you' go to settings, click on picture and you can upload any picture. That picture will become your profile picture. Hope this helps!
@craazyal The challenge gets you to learn how to use c the different features and settings on your camera. Each time is a different setting put forward and the idea is to get you off automatic and to using your manual mode. I think we should be able to take part with most of it with this model of bridge camera!
@sparkle71 You will LOVE IT! I completely remember what that was like and the camera settings challenge is what helped me to really learn how to use it. At first i was confusing but so much fun at the same time. Welcome to 365!
@alinz glad you were able to post a profile picture! Since I have a major aversion to selfies (or any picture of me) I have one of my precious fur kids as my profile pic! You can change your picture anytime you like by following the same process.
Can I ask how the challenges work? I'm new to 365 as of Jan 1, and at the moment I'm using my project as a daily photoblog of sorts - I've only just discovered the "discuss" area.
I have a dslr and know enough about it and photography to mostly get the results I want, but would love to learn more! :)
@sarahsthreads we will tag and post the challenge. They will be posted in the challenges. You just follow along take your photo using the settings given post on your page as normal and enter code on discussion page for feedback. We will walk you through as we go forward! Welcome to 365!
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I'd be willing to help out although I am not sure I really qualify as an "expert"...
I'm sure this must have come up before, but it would probably good to think about the distinction between the Settings Challenge and the Technique Challenge, too... yes?
I say start from scratch too :) It's such a great tool for starting out and I don't think we should worry about repeating "lessons" - there is always more to learn! I've had my DSLR for five years now, but there are still so many settings I don't know or understand. Even now I still often default back to auto if I don't have something particular in mind already and I just want to capture the scene.
Thank you - maybe I can dip in and out!
I'm happy to help for Nikon users, though not an expert at all.
The difference between Camera Settings Challenge and Technique Challenge is:
Camera Settings Challenge is to learn different settings on the camera. Sometimes using a specific technique helps practice that setting. For instance to learn about using a fast shutter speed the technique used may be freezing action. Those who host the challenge should always keep in mind is that the goal is to learn a camera setting NOT the technique specifically. But often the best way to understand that setting will be trying a technique so you can see if you got it right.
Technique Challenge is not about learning camera settings but specific results. It could be using a specific software (although that hasn't been used much). It could be portrait photography, high key, Black & white photography, it could be getting water crowns etc. etc. Often to help learn how to get that results you may need to know specific settings as well.
Sometimes they do tend to cross over.
Thanks very much - hope this will also help me!
I always use the auto function on my camera, which is sort of a waste since I did spend a lot of money on it and would like to know how to use it properly.
I would also like to know how to put a photo where the little face is next to my reply...
You will recognize it as Camera Settings Challenges 2015
There will be some changes to the original camera settings challenges but I think the changes are all good!.
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I have a dslr and know enough about it and photography to mostly get the results I want, but would love to learn more! :)