I wanted to share my excitement with someone who understands and I know my fellow 365-ers will.
I think I can finally say that I'm "getting it". I bought my first DSLR in October of 2010 so I am still a newbie in the photography world. Up until then, I took pix with a point-and-shoot. I always wanted to really learn about photography...what the f-stop, shutter speed, lighting, ISO, etc. was all about. After taking a basic class (and just signed up for more!), reading, and practicing, practicing, practicing, I think it's finally starting to sink in. I've learned to take the camera off of auto settings and it's all starting to make sense.
No, I'm not bragging, I don't consider myself a pro by any means...I have TONS to learn yet...but I'm at the point of at least feeling better about it all and my confidence to go further is building. I edit a little but not really into that yet...I need to know I can take a good picture myself before I want to start getting into the creative aspects of editing. For now, I dabble with that and I can see more classes will be needed to learn the ins and outs of it all.
A big contribution to my excitement and learning has been 365. I can't say how nice it's been to share pix, comments, ideas, and thoughts here! You are all wonderful! Your work is incredible! Thanks, Ross, for creating a great site!
Hi Debbie, this site is great i am addicted to it, its great talking to other photographers who share the same passion as i do and get some positive feed back and some great discussions on help with products and photography in general, i have started to joining a photography club near where i live, and this has made me explore my camera settings.
I think we are all still learning as there is still loads to explore and learn.
@simon0128 - The encouragement I get from 365 is amazing. Like I said, I have so much to learn but i'm just excited that I can see my improvement...and 365 has helped that, too. We all want something different from our photos and from 365 and it's all appreciated here. That's so cool.
Thanks Debbie. Love this place. I'm just wrapping up my first 365 days soon. Not sur I'll continue or if my music is calling me back, but I sure do love this site and the people. My other half is a much better photographer. I tend t take decent photos and then play a lot with photoshop to clean them up some. But I've learned a lot about perspective, framing, etc. I havene done much with ISo, f stop, etc bc I use a point and shoot that, while it has some flexibility, is limited in its settings. Anyway, I really have enjoyed comments and feedback and getting to know the world through this site... It really goes to show you that all over the world people are really all the same. Goodness is everywhere and our similarities outweigh our differences. Ok. Enough rambling from me. :)
Yaaahhhh for you, Debbie! I have tiny "get it" moments, but I'm still working toward feeling more confident. Your saying this inspires me. Thanks Debbie
Looking forward to getting where you are and couldn't agree more about all the information and positive support on this site! There are so many people far more knowledgeable than I on this site that are so generously willing to share their expertise. I cherish the friendships I have made here and the knowledge gained already.
I have only been on this site for a few days and I am already addicted. I have never met such a positive group of people. Everyone is so helpful and encouraging. I just got a DSLR in August this year, so I have a LOT to learn. I know that the feedback on this site will be a huge help.
@herussell - there's so much to learn but I'm enjoying every minute of it. My "bad" shots help me learn and I'm excited when I think I have a "good" one. And I love sharing with others on 365. And, look, I got to "meet" great people like you!
@grammyn - I agree, Katy. Some of the work on here is far beyond my skills. But, whatever level someone is at, no matter how sophisticated their eqiupment or not, I enjoy each and every photo I look at. Very inspiring.
@shadesofgrey - You know it!! The relation between the 3 main aspects of ISO, aperture, speed...was a little befuddling. I'd manage to get a decent shot but had no clue why. I'm finally piecing that together. And I kinda know now what to check for if the shot doesn't turn out as anticipated. There's something to be said for auto settings...I like using them, too, but it was/is my goal to get the manual stuff down and I can say I'm finally heading in that direction. Still need work and probably always will!
I am planning to use my hub's DSLR more this coming year and I feel both nervous and excited. I wish I lived in a city where I could take a class, but I am going to have to rely on online tutorials and my WONDERFUL 365 friends. I will most likely be starting out on auto, and gradually progressing to manual as I learn about f-stop, shutter speed, lighting, ISO, etc. I have read several people on this site who say that picking one feature and using it for a week or so is a good way to learn, so I think that will be my plan of attack. One of the big challenge for e will to get in the habit of taking it with me every day... I have gotten pretty lazy and relied on my iPhone a lot lately. Wish me luck!
@marilyn - Baby steps, Marilyn. I picked up a book (on Amazon) recommended by someone on 365 and it's helping alot. "Understanding Exposure" (3rd, revised edition) by Bryan Peterson. I haven't gone thru the whole book yet but, after the first chapter, I was much more comfortable to switch to manual. I use auto settings for a lot yet (especially when I have to shoot in a hurry) but I love manual. Oh...I pretty much leave the ISO on auto unless it's not doing what I want it to or if I want a different effect.
I'm starting to find out that pros use the P mode for in a hurry situations. I haven't messed around with it too much but I know it seems to get the settings pretty close but still lets you adjust...not sure what the setting is for Canon though!
@shadesofgrey - Yep...P mode is where I started. Still use it sometimes. I never us full auto. I don't like the results. I rarely use a flash...prefer natural lighting. Not, when I get into more portrait work, then will use my extended flash. I discovered the "no flash" mode on the Canon and love that for quick results.
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I think we are all still learning as there is still loads to explore and learn.
@floriandra - welcome to 365!