Newbie here

[prairieorchid]

Hi there, I am about as new as new can be. My hubby bought me a Canon Rebel T3 last week and I am just beginning to take pics. Right now I have mastered turning it on and taking a couple photos in auto mode. I have a long, long way to go. We are going to a rodeo tomorrow and I would like to try and get some action shots for reference for my oil painting. Now I know that I cannot expect anything great because I know absolutely nothing about digital photography, but is it possible that some one could give me a couple of reasonably simple tips as to how I might accomplish this. I know this is not the place for a full blown tutorial and I don't expect miracles, heck at this point I don't even know what aperture is! But I thought it might be a good place to play around with some of the things my camera can do. If I put it in sport mode can I just shoot photos like that or are there way to many things to learn in one night. The rodeo is out doors and the forecast is for sunny skies.

Robin

[3bayjunkie]

Aperture is how much the lens opens to let in light.

I would suggest shooting in P (program) mode, this is pretty much the same as Auto except the flash won't fire. Good luck with the photos hope you post some when you are done.

[prairieorchid]

thank-you for the reply! So I put it in P mode. There is a screen that says ISO 800, RAW, and I can choose between one-shot autofocus, AI focus or AI Servo. which of these should I go with?

[3bayjunkie]

umm id shoot in jpg mode, and i dont' know about the auto focus. my last camera didn't have all that fancy stuff ive only dealt with auto focus continuous or auto focus single

[Niresangwa]

Your best bet right now is to let the camera do as much work as possible for you... treat it like a glorified P&S, and see what you get out of it.

The reason that this is good for your development is to then examine the settings the camera chose, and figure out why it did so as you explore the exposure triangle and learn the basics, using your shots as a reference.

This process of learning from your camera will be invaluable in your early progress, and as you start to understand the underpinning technique and theory that goes with the functions and settings, you can gradually start taking over for the camera in certain areas.

You've got a lot of reading and learning to do, don't put too much pressure on yourself. There's no real hurry right now to jump into manual shooting...cameras are fantastically sophisticated, and you paid a great deal of money for that sophistication... use it to your advantage, and don't be too quick to turn it all off...

So, my advice, auto everything for this gig, then break it all down afterwards.

Oh, and shoot in high quality jpg... forget about RAW for now. At your level of development, at least for this weekend, you don't need it... all it will do is confuse matters and fill up your cards quicker.

[prairieorchid]

thank-you, thank-you..I'll go auto everything. I like the idea of looking back at what the camera does and seeing the why in that. I'd love to get a shot of an air-born cowboy in bull riding as a reference for a future oil painting I'm planning. Thanks again for the help and suggestions!

Robin

[Mocha]

Sports mode would be good for action shots. If that doesn't freeze the action to your liking, you might want to try shutter speed priority. It should be the "Tv" setting on the dial. Then you should be able to adjust your shutter speed. I would start at 1/250 and adjust up or down from there. I know this sounds complicated, but the camera will adjust the aperture and ISO to get you a good shot at the shutter speed you choose. I am not familiar with the new T3, but I use a T2i, which is a step down from your camera. Both being Canon, they should be similar.

As far as learning about photography and how to get the most out of your DSLR camera, this is a great site. I would also suggest looking into classes offered by local camera stores, adult education programs through the public schools, or (my favorite) division of continuing education at the local community college. None of these are extremely expensive. Of course, start with your manual. But after that, it is nice to get into a classroom situation where you can get hands-on experience and a chance to ask questions.

I hope this gets to you before you go to the rodeo. Have fun! I look forward to seeing some pictures!