BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Action & Sports Pictures

Photography Question 

Debbie
 

Tips for SLR Photography


My husband just bought me a Canon Digital Rebel SLR. I am a picture fanatic but was getting frustrated because my action photos (sports, riding, etc.) with my point-and-shoot camera weren't coming out. Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for using this camera's features.


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August 27, 2005

 

Irene Troy
  Hi Debbie –
I shoot with a Minolta camera, so I cannot give you specific suggestions for your Canon; however, as someone who is still learning the ways of better photography I can offer a few suggestions based on my own experiences. My first suggestion is to take the time to read your camera manual carefully. You have no idea how many people skip this important step and then wonder why they have trouble with camera features.
After reading the manual to the point that you have at least a grasp on the important features of your camera, get out and shoot in as many varying conditions as possible. Post your images here for some of the real skilled folks here to critique. If you can handle the criticism (and most of us can, since we are all here to learn), you will gain some important insights. Go ahead and post your mistakes as well as your successes – almost everyone here has, at one time or another, posted their mistakes and it is very rare for anyone to be nasty in their criticism. In fact, for the most part, people are kind and very helpful, eager to share their knowledge and willing to tell you how to improve.
I have found the classes here to be great! I highly recommend that you take one or two beginner classes and then move on to the other, more advanced, classes. The bottom line, for me anyway, in learning photography (and most anything) is to read, shoot, and share your work with others who can offer honest critique. I hope that this helps you!


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August 27, 2005

 

A C
  I would try taking some pictures using the sports setting instead of manual and then take a look at what shutter speed, etc., your camera used. You can do this with the File Viewer Utility your camera probably came with. Just select the image and the information will come up on the right side of your screen. Then you can try taking some pictures manually and adjust the settings based on what you've learned from the camera.
But if you have the time, it would be great to take a class or two. I have not had any time to take a BetterPhoto class; however, the one photography class I took from a university helped me by leaps and bounds!


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August 27, 2005

 

David S. Nadal
  Read, practice, take classes, practice, and keep repeating the process. I moved up from an advanced point-and-shoot to a Digital Rebel with some accessories in January. For me, it's been a major investment, so to protect it, I've purchased lots of books, taken a few classes locally (some of the betterphoto classes are looking very interesting too), and signed up for a couple of learning sites like betterphoto.com.

One thing I've noticed in my 'studies' is that even the best photographers who post to these sites, or write the books, are always researching, sharing information, and practicing in order to get another technique or type of "shot in their bag" to borrow an analogy from golf.

I agree with Cherylann: understand your camera, spend the time to learn what it will do, learn what other people do that works, and then try to practice in ways that use those capabilities. With digital, you don't have to pay (as much) to eat your mistakes!

Specifically for the Digital Rebel: Magic Lantern publishes a good aftermarket manual...it doesn't provide any shocking new insights, but it's a lot more accessible than the Canon manual. Also, I'd suggest printing the Canon manual from the PDF on their website: it's a lot easier to read and make notes.

Have fun!


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August 30, 2005

 

Rene P.
  Hi Debbie,

I agree with all the response (from Irene, Cherylann, and David) that it require a lot of reading, practice, and familiarization of the features of your camera. I can say this cause I'm on the same stage were I want to produce a excelent picutures on my camera and hoping to become a Pro (some day, hopefully that day will come).

With regards to your about sports, it depends on which condition (indoor or outdoor). If its outdoor (during day time) you just need to set your camera to Action or TV mode. But if your shooting indoor sports, you need a fast lens (with large aperture).

Hope this helps


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August 30, 2005

 

Linda D. Smith
  HI Debbie,
Sounds like maybe this is the first SLR that you have gotten?! The first thing I have told every student that has taken my class. Is get your camera and your owners manual and read a chapter at time and do hands on with your camera at the same time. Carry your manual everywhere until you know your camera. Good cooks start with good recipes and books, and so do photographers. Read, practice and have fun. And yes if you are able, take a begining photographers class. Your local collage may have one, or check with some of the photo labs in your area.


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August 30, 2005

 

David A. Bliss
  Debbie, the common theme here is to read your manual. I was already well versed in SLR photography when I bought my 10D, but I have read the manual cover to cover. Twice. Not to mention the amount of times I use it for reference. I keep it in my bag, so I have easy access to it at all times. It is starting to get a little beaten up, but I don't figure the manual is for looking pretty! ;-)


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August 30, 2005

 

Debbie
  Thank you to everyone who has responded so far. I really appreciate the feedback! Guess I'll be doing some reading. Rene had mentioned whether I was shooting indoor sports or outdoor sports -- the answer is both. My daughter plays volleball (indoors) and my son plays football (obviously outdoors) so I'll be trying to master both -- I'll be posting what I come up with and look forward to your comments. Thank you again!!


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September 01, 2005

 
- Bob Cournoyer

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Bob Cournoyer
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  I have the digital rebel..the old one, not the xt. Sport mode, I think, is what you want.....it continually focuses/sets iso/aperture/shutter speed, just hold the button down and follow the action as long as your memory card can keep up.
I've had it for a year, and, yes, as others have said, my instruction book is always in the camera bag....:-)
Bob


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September 01, 2005

 
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