ok...learning to use my camera...

...is going to drive me to drink! I have taken more pictures in the last few weeks...then I have in the last 6 months...and they all SUCK...I had decided that I was going to figure out this camera and start taking better photos but they all SUCK...do I just give in and quit and go back to the old way or stick with it...I'm so frustrated!

Renee, what kind of camera are you using? Are you trying to take pics manually or auto? Sorry to hear you're frustrated but maybe one of us can help?

I have a Rebel Xti that I've had now for several years...and I guess I'm trying to learn to take pictures manually right? auto...was what I also did before...I'm noticing lately there's some specks of dust on my lens...and I'm having some troubles getting them to auto focus even...it's driving me crazy...I want to get better at taking pictures inside...the color is ALWAYS off...even when I'm trying to take photos of my projects...

I'll tell you, I had the hardest time learning manual. That whole aperature/shutter speed/iso thing I just couldn't get the hang of. I finally took a couple of classes. I've taken Karen Russell's class and Maggie Holmes class. Now, I still don't take pics like either one of them, but I learned so much from both classes. I finally "got it" with the whole triangle of the aperature/shutterspeed/iso. I'm still learning myself, and am always trying to advance. Every so often I go back through my photo classes to pick up what I missed the first time around.

So, I don't know if classes are an option for you right now. They are pricey but well worth it. However, no matter how worth it they are, if the funds are not available, it doesn't matter! I get that!. Another option might be to try Scott Kelby's Digital Photography book. It's really, really good! He has some really great practical instructions. Here's the link.

A good lens can also make a huge difference in your photos. I had the kit lens that came with my camera and then as I became more knowledgeable, I invested in some higher quality lenses and I can tell you, the difference is astounding!

Here's a link to some camera recommendations on Karen's blog.

I know there are a lot of great photographers online here at the forum so I'm sure they'll have probably more info for you.....I hope this helps at least a little!

I haven't used the kit lens at all...I bought a 28-135mm several years ago but maybe it's already time to upgrade...right now I'm taking Candice Stringham's class and I'm just really frustrated...maybe there's just too much "crap" going on in my life...and I am just not focusing as well as I should be...

I am happy to announce I was working in manual this afternoon and actually took a photo I liked yeahhhh me! lol

That's great Renee!!! We'd love to see them!

ok ... my camera and I have a LOVE - HATE relationship...we are def. on the OUTS again! seriously...I don't know what I am going to do with it...I think I am about to throw it against the wall!

Don't throw it Renee, wondering how your class is going wanted to take it but was to late. Have a new DSLR, and want to start shooting manual too. I am thinking of you girl, LOL.

I have a question? You said you were having difficulty with auto focus. I just took a class using the manual modes only and the instructor said that you have to focus the camera in those modes.

I have found that anything in AV mode where you go below 60 apreture you would want a tripod, those photos are usually clear close up (focus subject) and the background has a nice blur. If you use the same setting and go to lets say an F/8 or F/11 the item is still in focus and the area behind/around starts to get clearer and then if you go to lets say F/13 or F/22 The whole frame will be in focus.

I was also told you don't need the tripod if it is over 60 apreture. That is you see those numbers flashing it means you are down too low for the light and need to bring it up.

Of course this is all great, until you have to do it.

Renee I think you are too hard on yourself.
It will be okay.

Have a glass of wine and try again.... just don't give up!

I am there with you though... I am not good at the manual mode yet and I figure I will be learning for quite a while.

Ksimmonds wrote:

I have a question? You said you were having difficulty with auto focus. I just took a class using the manual modes only and the instructor said that you have to focus the camera in those modes.

I have found that anything in AV mode where you go below 60 apreture you would want a tripod, those photos are usually clear close up (focus subject) and the background has a nice blur. If you use the same setting and go to lets say an F/8 or F/11 the item is still in focus and the area behind/around starts to get clearer and then if you go to lets say F/13 or F/22 The whole frame will be in focus.

I was also told you don't need the tripod if it is over 60 apreture. That is you see those numbers flashing it means you are down too low for the light and need to bring it up.

Of course this is all great, until you have to do it.

...you are RIGHT...until you have to do it! lol

alligatorally wrote:

Renee I think you are too hard on yourself.
It will be okay.

Have a glass of wine and try again.... just don't give up!

I am there with you though... I am not good at the manual mode yet and I figure I will be learning for quite a while.

You are right...I am...I think I might drink the whole bottle with the way I have been feeling! When I'm in manual...everybody gets tired of smilin' and then we are all FRUSTRATED! lol

Also, I have read people having focus issues and it is actually the camera not you! If there is dust on the lens or inside the camera you might need to send it to canon to be cleaned and recalibrated.

rebeccak wrote:

Also, I have read people having focus issues and it is actually the camera not you! If there is dust on the lens or inside the camera you might need to send it to canon to be cleaned and recalibrated.

...yes I know I need to do this...but the thought of being w/o it for 2 weeks or more makes me sick...but I also know how important it is to get it cleaned too...