Just got a camera...results

[MMMPR3S]

Hey guys, I just got a new to me Nikon D40 with a kit lens, it's my first SLR and I've been taking a few pictures randomly. Here's some of what I've taken with minimal editing with iphoto. I would like any type of feedback from some people that have much more experience shooting. Anyway...here we go!



His eyes are closed...











Thanks for looking and being constructive and not destructive.

[kartikeya]

I really like that second pic. Looks like a warm place to be.

[C.Johnston]

My tips would be to shoot in manual mode! That will teach you a lot. Just mess about and have some fun at first, thats how I learn the best.

[MMMPR3S]

Yeah it is pretty warm it's Florida haha, I have been trying out manual mode a little but with no tri-pod or VR lens they come out a little blurry, but I'm working on it.

[nykwhy2]

shoot in manual at a high shutter and crank that iso.

[danyi03]

just like everyone said, shoot in manual!

http://lifehacker.com/328488/master-your-dslr-camera-part-2-manual-mode-and-more

this article will help you to get the main relation between ISO, Aprture and Shutter speed...these are the basics you have to understand, and everything beyond these things depends on your creativity and experience

and about the tripod...if you don't have one yet, start thinking out of the box. you should bring something with you what you can place the camera on, and it works like a tripod. but usually you can find some rocks, bench or something you can rely on as a tripod!

hope this helps a bit, good luck with photography!

[Withers]

When you go to set up a shot, try to make sure that the subject is properly lit. It doesn't need to receive full on sunlight or anything, but in order to get detail in your shots you'll need to make sure the subject is receiving light of some sort.

Photography is an art and light is the medium you use to paint the picture with.


Edit: And I would actually recommend against using manual mode to start out. I would shoot in aperture priority, so you get to play with the aperture and the camera will select the shutter speed it thinks is best. Shooting in manual for a beginner will only get you overwhelmed and frustrated. It's too many variables to concern yourself with until you understand the fundamental processes going on in the camera and how they affect each other.

[kartikeya]

x2 on AP mode. I found it was easier to learn by seeing what it did, then finding out why, and how my changes affected the outcome. Shutter speed isn't really something that needs much playing around with anyways, at first. I still shoot in AP when I'm lazy, or just taking snap shots.

[Withers]

I shoot in Aperture Priority 90% of the time unless I'm doing an actual photoshoot or I need a constant shutter speed (rolling or panning shots).

[Kielan]

100% agree on shooting in AP or TV.