First Manuals/Editing

[Codge13]

Ok let me try this again.





I know this is not much of a before and after, just simple black and white conversion using Picasa 3 and quick crop. This was my first attempt getting out of the auto modes and using the manual.

Thanks to all and dPs for the information and encouragement for then Newbies!

Camera: Nikon D3000
Focal Length: 55 mm
Lens: Nikkor 55-200
Speed: 1/80
ISO: 800
Aperture: f 4.0

[LeeR]

I am not sure I understand your motivation for wanting to shoot manually. Most modern DSLRs have remarkable systems that operate in a tiny fraction of the time it takes us to do the same mental gymnastics. I have always thought that the smarter approach was to learn to work WITH the camera's systems rather than turning them off completely.
I say this because I shot film for years and had to do everything manually. Auto-exposure was a godsend and helped me catch some shots I had previously missed. Auto-focus has not been quite as beneficial for several reasons, but once you master the idiosyncracies of these systems and learn to work around their flaws, going back to manual is like going back to horse and buggy.

[Codge13]

Well, as you stated the modern DSLRs will do everthing for you, but I am learning how the picture/exposure is changed when I alter one portion of the "exposure triangle". By taking away the camera's ability to compensate these for me, I am learning how each (speed, aperture, and iso) are affected by the other.

Many forums have recommended the book understanding exposure, I am currently reading and trying many of the applications in the book. I would truly like to understand photography and how to take photos comparable to the amazing photos I see on dPs every day.

Yes the camera can do a lot of these things for me, but I want to know why the camera is doing what is doing. I guess I tend to over think my hobbies. I guess its not true manual, I still use Autofocus, and auto white balance. I am using the manual mode on my camera not necessarily manual on my lens.

Thanks for the response.

[LeeR]

I am a big fan of the Zone System. It was originally developed for b&w film but has tremendous implications in the digital age. I suggested the OP look into it but another member actually wrote out a very succinct and easy to understand explanation of what it is and how to use it. I highly reccomend you check it out here.

[100LL]

Lee, thanks for the link, Ken describes it in a manner even my pea brain can comprehend!