Just saying hi...

[Jusmore]

Hi.

Okay, that's all.

Anyway, I'm brand new here...just found the site about 10 minutes ago.

I have a brand new Canon Rebel XT with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. To be honest, I've been reading more than picture-taking. I have a full-time job and a 2-year old, so time is extremely limited, and 2-year olds tend to try to grab the camera!

I haven't ventured far from "auto" mode due to the above reasons. I bought two books that I'm trying to get through (one of them is the oft-recommended 'Understanding Exposure') so I really AM trying to learn.

I look forward to learning from all of you, too! This site seems to be FULL of info.

I'd post a pic, but I used auto and the flash (horror!) so it probably wouldn't be welcome! I'm working on it....promise.

[Buddy4344]

Welcome to the site. trust me, if you can take blunt feedback, start posting. You will get better more quickly with the site's feedback. I have gotten info on framing, exposure and the use of features on my camera from this site.
Buddy

[Jusmore]

I uploaded one pic to my brand new gallery.

Other than "use manual" and "turn off your flash"...do you have any comments?

[Rufford]

Welcome! My advice? Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. You'll get better the more you shoot.

Good luck

[ChronosIII]

I am currently writting some articles on this exact issue, once I complete them I will see if the moderators will post them in a how to forum. in the mean time start from what the auto tells you and try tweaking the settings and noting the results and if they are taking you closer to what you were looking for or farther away and then correct. With digital the learning is free so shoot away and learn from what you do right and wrong.

The biggest piece of advice I can give a beginner would be to keep a notebook and write down the settings for each shot and then the results, this is still the fastest way I know to learn exposure.

good luck and I will make it known if my articles get posted.

The Big Kahuna

[Sambo]

Welcome to the site! As a long time "picture" taker and a amature "photo" shooter, I recommend posting any and all photos that you like (or don't like) and learn from the feedback that these wonderful and quite talented folks give you. They can be blunt sometimes, but it is always constructive criticism. I know that my photos have gotten much better the short time I have been a member of this site. It is always helpful to look at the photos here that you like, and read the comments about what people like and dislike about them. And...take all the photos you can!
Sam

[MikeyB]

hey, welcome to the team! Like everyone's said, the best way to learn photography is to keep firing. Aim to take literally thousands of photos over the next few weeks, try new things, listen to advice, do a little reading, look at other people's pics and before long you'll be firing with the best of them!

[Jusmore]

Thanks for the welcome, everyone, and thanks for the tips. Now I just need to find time to work on them!

[SMcEvoy]

Welcome! Practice makes perfect - you have a two year old - and I know that makes for a busy life, but look around the house (beyond the usual chaos of toys everywhere ) and start shooting what you see - the cat, the dog, your son (especially sleeping!) a ball in sunlight, lights, shadows and textures. Shoot them all, then start playing with the settings shooting each one over and over on a different setting. One of our posters is also a busy mom who doesn't get out of the house much - check out TNEmily's gallery - http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/s...e=2&si=TNEmily - she has some super shots of 'ordinary' objects.

[Jusmore]

Hi...thanks for all your helpful replies. I'm still working on this!

I ventured slightly out of auto, and used TV today. We have almost NO light in this house and I wanted a higher shutter speed to go with a higher ISO. I did NOT use a flash this time!

I uploaded 2 new pics to my gallery today...could you look at them and tell me what you think? The only thing I've done to them is re-sized them. Also, I know one of them has a shadow, and the other side is somewhat blown out, but I kinda like, actually. Of course, with my subject, I like ALL that I see of him!

Thanks!