Ideas and Help Needed.
Hey guys, I have been a lurker to this site for YEARS and admire the work done here. I have now joined in hopes that you can help me out. You guys are amazing.
I am a perfectly amateur photographer who has a Nikon D50 that I got for college graduation 5 years ago. I love taking pictures, but the more time goes on, the more I realize how important it is to take pictures of your family and loved ones.
That being said, I just don't feel like my pictures are as 'memorable' and good as they could be. I am hoping that you all can help give me some guidance to help me to that next level.
As stated above I have a Nikon D50 and I normally shoot with a Nikon DX 18-55 lens, but I also have a 30-80 and a 70-300 that I pull out ocassionally. I do not have an extra flash, and do not see myself being able to get one anytime in the near future.
Here is a variety of shots I have taken the past year or so to give you an idea of what I need help with. (actually it is just one file, it seems it will not let me upload any more.)
Any help or tips is appreciated.
I am a perfectly amateur photographer who has a Nikon D50 that I got for college graduation 5 years ago. I love taking pictures, but the more time goes on, the more I realize how important it is to take pictures of your family and loved ones.
That being said, I just don't feel like my pictures are as 'memorable' and good as they could be. I am hoping that you all can help give me some guidance to help me to that next level.
As stated above I have a Nikon D50 and I normally shoot with a Nikon DX 18-55 lens, but I also have a 30-80 and a 70-300 that I pull out ocassionally. I do not have an extra flash, and do not see myself being able to get one anytime in the near future.
Here is a variety of shots I have taken the past year or so to give you an idea of what I need help with. (actually it is just one file, it seems it will not let me upload any more.)
Any help or tips is appreciated.
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Comments
And it sounds like you have shot quite a bit as I have of my family.
I see you only posted one example as I think that's all you can attach to a post.
Perhaps you have a site where you upload to that you can link here?
Would give me a better idea of how to advice you
I really only started shooting with a dslr 3 years ago, primarily used a P&S on auto prior to that. The first thing I can suggest is to not use a mode that does not give you at least some control over camera settings.
Having said this, now you need to make sure you understand most if not all of the functions and features your camera has. If you don't you will never use anything other than Auto.
When I upgraded to my DSLR I went with the Volume 1 of the Kebly - Digital Photography Books. Not sure why I went with this but I was glad I did. For me it was useful because it go me started fast. I also purchased a book to walk me through using my camera, I think it was the Field Guide series but I'm not positive.
However, I really needed more understanding of my camera settings and how each played a part in exposure. For example, how changing aperture can slow shutter speed, or conversely increase ISO to increase shutter speed. I learned most of this from this Dgrin thread and a site called Digital Photography School.
Again, this is what worked for me so YMMV.
Good Luck!
http://picasaweb.google.com/wysiwyg412/DropBox?feat=directlink
Cool
I think you can only attach one file at a time here
Set the camera yo A mode and bump your ISO and shoot at the widest aperture possible while indoors.
Utilize window light as often as possible.
I say this because you mention that a dedicated flash is not within your reach right now....
Also don't be afraid to shot candid style, it will teach to to capture moments vs having people pose for you all the time.
If you can spare 100 dollars, pick up a nifty fifty (50MM), it's a great little lens for shooting in low light.....
Post some of your photos afterwards. I would love to see them.
Don't worry. I can fix you in photoshop.
Just an after thought on flash. I'm not sure what flashes you are looking at price wise but if you want a decent budget flash you can try these:
Vivitar 285 HV - You can find them for sale used between $40 - $70 depending on condition.
DealExtreme also has some cost effective flashes that seem to be fairly effective.
In my earlier post I forgot to mention strobist.com and lightenupandshoot.com . Strobist is a great place to learn about flash and gear. But be careful it can lead to "gear envy".