Hello - New to this but in training!

[NuttyTart]

Hi All,

Just thought I would say hello and introduce myself. I am Ellen. I am 29 and live in Suffolk with my husband and 18 month old son.

I have always been into 'taking pictures' for as long as I can remember but have become increasingly angry with my terrible lighting issues and the fact that if it moves I cannot get a decent shot over the last few years. I do have some good shots but am ashamed to admit that they are more down to luck than judgement.

Anyway - My husband bought me a Canon EOS400D (which I LOVE) late last year and I have just started an online diploma course in photography to try and sort out my lighting and moving issues!

I think that I understand most of the theory behind the exposure etc and so all I really need to do is learn how to use my camera properly rather than point, shoot and expect it to be perfect every time!

So anyone on here who has the same camera as me (or knowledge of mine), let me know how to stop down please
Yeah I know

Ellen x

 

[Dave]

Hi Ellen and welcome, if it's any consolation all of my good shots are luck.

As for stopping your camera/lens down, this refers to closing the aperture slightly as most lenses are sharper when stopped down a bit.

I don't have your camera but if you put it in aperture priority mode and turn the control wheel it should change the aperture value up and down.

 

[SeeHear]

Hey I have a 400d and learnt all the basics on it. I am still learning now (we are all learning all the time lol) its a great camera, welcome to the boards and to a very addictive/expensive hobby!

Terri
xxx

 

[Gordon @ Convergent AV]

Welcome aboard Ellen

 

[denno75uk]

As Dave says, just decrease the aperture in Av mode. Common wisdom says a lens is best at least one stop down from it's maximum aperture.

 

[steadyeddy]

Hi Ellen - I found this link quit a useful quick summary

Bernie's Better Beginner's Guide to Photography

 

[LiMPiNg]

Hi Ellen. Reading your intro, you pretty much summed up why I am entering the DSLR world myself. I am actually expecting my own 400D to arrive tomorrow and I am looking forward to playing around with it. I was think of taking an online course as well to learn the basics to be able to put them in practice. What course are you taking, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Deleted member 173019]

Welcome to the boards from another novice (I'm actually 100% beginner). I have just bought a Canon 1000d and have found these boards the place to ask questions (in my case even daft ones).

Rich

 

[ranjit]

Hi Ellen. Welcome to the boards. I'm also a novice here I've had the 450D for about 6 months.

Just do as Dave says and you'll be there. These boards are a great resource, even though i don't get to post as much as i'd like, I'm always reading the posts when I'm supposed to be working .

This is a good site for some hints and tips:
All Things Photography Tips from Wedding or Child to Stock Photography
If you haven't already done so I'd recommend reading Bryan Peterson's 'Understanding Exposure'. It's a favourite among all photograhers I know starting off in this expensive hobby.

Like LiMPiNg, i'm also thinking of doing a course, but it's hard to find time with a 2-year old!

Good luck!

 

[NuttyTart]

Hi Ellen. Reading your intro, you pretty much summed up why I am entering the DSLR world myself. I am actually expecting my own 400D to arrive tomorrow and I am looking forward to playing around with it. I was think of taking an online course as well to learn the basics to be able to put them in practice. What course are you taking, if you don't mind me asking?

Hi Limping - I am doing a course which is through The Photography Institute. So far it seems really good... although I will be posting my answers for checking on here before I submit them!

Thanks to all for a lovely welcome! I look forward to playing with my camera more and getting to know you guys better.

Ellen x