learn photography first steps


		First steps in taking a picture / camera handling

		Make sure that you have read the manual of your camera very carefully and marked / flagged the important points/pages needed to be refered again

		Attach the lens to the camera body as instructed in the manual

		Set the AF/M switch to AF on both camera and the lens. Certain cameras may not have a switch but option of choosing Auto and manual focus in the camera menu. Make sure not to manually rotate the focusing dial on the lens if the camera/lens is set on autofocus. However in some lenses you may do so as instructed in the lens/camera manual.

		To focus lightly press the shutter release button. It needs a little practice to press it halfway and not all the way down. Once the focus is achieved you may hear a beep sound unless you have kept it off through the camera menu. Learn to focus at the most important area of the subject generally the eyes and then without lifting the finger from the shutter release button recompose the shot the way you want it to be.

		Remember, every lens has a specific minimum focus distance less then which it cannot focus so do not move too close to the subject where it is not possible for your lens to focus.

		Hold the camera steady. Rest the camera lens on the palm of your left hand while holding the grip of the camera as shown. Always keep the strap around the neck, keeping the camera high enough not to touch the belt buckle (to avoid scratches on the lcd)

		Set the camera on aperture priority. Av or A mode. Do not confuse the A with the Auto mode. Depending upon the kind of depth of field you are planning for your photograph select the aperture accordingly. Open up for less DOF and close down for more DOF. However keep and eye on the shutter speed as you change the aperture and it should not fall under 1/60th of sec. In case it so happens, move the aperture in a manner so that you get a higher shutter speed. Otherwise change the ISO to a higher number but doing so leads to quality loss. If you are shooting a still life, tripod may be used. Tripod and image stabilizing system is for camera shake and not for the subject movement.

		Focal length dial on the lens lets you change the framing of the subject. Moving towards the lower number lets you see a wider angle of view whereas moving towards a higher number lets you see narrow and further away view. Also changes the perspective and depth of field.
		Hold the camera vertically as well wherever required

		Do not switch off the camera while the card is being written to / light is on

		Make sure that you are inserting the CF/ SD card the right way in.

		To begin with venture out shooting in good natural light instead of shooting indoors and in low light. This will boost your confidence and help you understand lighting and camera functions beter.

		Once you get the hang of your camera also explore various metering modes and exposure compensation features on your camera.

		Do use a UV filter and appropriate lens hood. But ensure that you always use a good quality uv filetr only. your digital camera does not require one and it is only for the safety of your lens.

		Concentrate on your composition as well as you learn the features of the camera.

		Do check out the Depth of field preview button in good natural light for a better understanding. As you close down the aperture, view gets darker but clearer.

munish khanna