DSLR Cameras

Using my DSLR Camera: So where do I begin?

Isaiah Burch

 |  May 10, 2019

As part of my Graphic Design studies, I was introduced to the field of photography and had to purchase my first DSLR camera. After a lot of window shopping and research on where to start and which brand name to go with, I decided on an entry level camera – a Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm VR lens – which I managed to find on EBay at a great deal.

I remember the day that it arrived in time for my online classes how excited I was, not only to start using my first digital camera, but to learn a new skill. The first question I asked myself, was “Where do I begin?”

The Camera Manual

This should be a no brainer for everybody, especially when you first order something online, have it arrive at your front door, and tear open the package. I scan through a few sections, like the introduction, naming every last part, the power switch, mode dial, viewfinder, etc. As this is a great reference, with brief explanations on how to get started, a few more examples for a newbie like myself couldn’t hurt, like some hands-on videos.

When in doubt, consult with Google

As anxious as I am to start taking photos, I’m still a little cautious. I’m sure there are some individuals who are comfortable with just removing the body cap, turning on the power button and just start impulsively snapping photos right away. But me? I’m sort of the opposite – I’m excited, yet I want to know that I’m doing things right before I go picking up camera and start pressing random buttons. And I personally like a little encouragement with each step along the way. That’s why I went straight to Youtube and Google, searching on “DSLR Cameras for beginners” or “Nikon Digital SLR D3200 for beginners”, where I found a wealth of videos that assisted me out with taking my first photographs.

Try the other modes besides “Auto”

Everybody needs to start somewhere, and the “Point and Shoot” method for me in Auto mode was perfect for not only taking my
first shots with a digital camera, but also get a feel for the camera, how to hold it properly, in different orientations, relying on

only the viewfinder and zooms lens to frame my subject.

But there came a time when I had to make that leap from Auto to Manual mode and open myself up to a new realm of possibilities on adjusting my own images based on the surrounding environment. Daytime shooting, Night time shooting, overcast, back light, moving objects, and many more factors now come into play. This was the time to start practicing and learning about how to adjust for these different elements.

Understanding the different photography terms

Here are some of the terms I feel it is necessary to get up to speed on:

Shutter Speed

Aperture

ISO

The Exposure Triangle

Rule of Thirds

Depth of Field

Can’t afford to hire a model?

I discovered that I don’t necessarily need to hire a professional model – that the surrounding people will work perfectly. When I get outdoors and capture individuals from afar, in a group, or perhaps up close, with their permission of course. There are plenty of opportunities for taking great photos:

Family, friends, neighbors, pets – Most people don’t mind having you take their photos. There are a few who might turn you down, because they’re “camera shy” or they want to fix themselves up before hand.

Still Life – Random objects around the house can work, and the best part? They’ll never say no to you! Fruit from the refrigerator, dishes, bowls, furniture, decorations that you can set up in the right spot with the right lighting. Afterwards, I can even do a little manipulating or tweaking in Adobe Photoshop if there’s something that didn’t quite come out right, like sharpness, contrast with the curves tool, or additional touches with the filters.

Self Portraits – With the Self Timer and Remote Control Modes – this allows you to take your own “selfies”, but with more precise adjustments.

Landscapes – The best part about this is that is can be taken anytime and anywhere in any season, whether you’re in a suburban cityscape or rural landscape – particularly as sunset or sunrise when your’e attempting to capture the right mood and lighting.

Practice Taking photos all the time

I found the best way to improve my skills and get better as a photographer was to take have my DSLR camera with me at all times. Like an artist, having his pencil and sketchbook with him in his book bag, I started charging my Lithium battery every night and packing my camera case in the trunk of my car on a regular basis. This motivates me to get into the habit of not only using my camera on a regular basis so that the settings and different functions become second nature, but I also started to develop a keen eye. Sometimes, while I’m walking, driving, or running, I’ll notice a landmark, a landscape, a couple walking their dog, or a particular subject, and start to make mental notes on how I would frame that shot, where would I position the rule-of-thirds, or the lead-in line?

I’m not saying that I’m obsessed with taking pictures every time I’m out and about, but I have found little tricks like this helpful in my learning process.

I would be interested to hear everybody’s thoughts on this. Thanks!