I have a nikon d40, I have just started using it off auto so I am doing all the work on my own.... learning from scratch mostly.
any tips or tricks someone can pass on that they have learend when going from 'auto' to manual?
also, I really want to learn photoshop, right now I use picnik (easy easy) but it does not do well for printing ... so any classes that would be good? or anyone in my area willing to teach? Frederick MD
I am also an owner of a D40. One thing that I just started doing recently was actually paying attention to the light meter that is built into the camera. This will allow you to make a conscious decision on the exposure when you are playing with both shutter speed and aperture settings. Also, I find that the 'auto' white balance on our camera is pretty warm, so I would become familiar with custom setting the white balance or at least setting it to a setting that fits your situation. I.E. direct sunlight for sunlight, fluorescent if you have fluorescent lighting, etc..
Keep on shooting with a bunch of different settings to get used to what setting provide what results. It is a digital camera after all and those settings are saved to the camera as well as the file that you see on the computer.
I've had my D40X for a couple of years now. When I first moved off the auto setting I mainly shot in Aperture Priority and this is still my preferred shooting mode. This setting gives you control over the depth of field and you don't have to worry about setting the shutter speed. I'm now moving into using the fully manual mode.
The best thing I can suggest to you is to experiment. Take multiple photos of the same subject, changing the settings for each shot then compare the photos (better done on the computer).
As well as changing the white balance settings, play with the ISO. Higher ISOs are better for low light situations and vice versa. Though I find noise starts creeping into the photo after ISO800.
Also, learn about using the histogram feature when previewing your shots on the camera. If you use the up and down buttons while previewing a photo you'll cycle through a whole bunch of information screens. One of these will be the histogram (graph). Learning how to read this will help you tell if a photo has been over or under exposed.
I recommend checking out the Digital Photography School website ( http://digital-photography-school.com/). They have great beginners resources and tutorials for both using your camera and photo editing with (among others) Photoshop.
Sarah, I agree with Lisa. Start trying to shoot in either aperature or shutter priority. This will get you thinking about your settings but the camera will take care of the other settings.
If you aren't yet comfortable with picking aperatures and shutter speeds, I would recommend Byran Peterson's "Understanding Exposure". (Actually, I would recommend that even if you do understand them)
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Keep on shooting with a bunch of different settings to get used to what setting provide what results. It is a digital camera after all and those settings are saved to the camera as well as the file that you see on the computer.
I've had my D40X for a couple of years now. When I first moved off the auto setting I mainly shot in Aperture Priority and this is still my preferred shooting mode. This setting gives you control over the depth of field and you don't have to worry about setting the shutter speed. I'm now moving into using the fully manual mode.
The best thing I can suggest to you is to experiment. Take multiple photos of the same subject, changing the settings for each shot then compare the photos (better done on the computer).
As well as changing the white balance settings, play with the ISO. Higher ISOs are better for low light situations and vice versa. Though I find noise starts creeping into the photo after ISO800.
Also, learn about using the histogram feature when previewing your shots on the camera. If you use the up and down buttons while previewing a photo you'll cycle through a whole bunch of information screens. One of these will be the histogram (graph). Learning how to read this will help you tell if a photo has been over or under exposed.
I recommend checking out the Digital Photography School website ( http://digital-photography-school.com/). They have great beginners resources and tutorials for both using your camera and photo editing with (among others) Photoshop.
Most of all. Have Fun.
If you aren't yet comfortable with picking aperatures and shutter speeds, I would recommend Byran Peterson's "Understanding Exposure". (Actually, I would recommend that even if you do understand them)