From the earliest of times, human beings have strived to capture their surroundings in images, for a being with fleeting time images are key to memories and the connection to times bygone.
Why do we love pictures? Well, the answer is our brain processes them faster and better than words. They are universal and have the power to communicate. The early human being left vast collection of cave paintings which gave way to renaissance painters and their take on the world around them. With the advent of photography, the ability to capture memory/images became near universal. Point-and-shoot Cameras and DSLR Cameras are common place now.
Why learn to operate various modes in your DSLR Camera
Most users use DSLR in Auto mode, making minimal use of the variety of controls that DSLR allows the user to access. Using various modes in your DSLR Camera will help you unlock and express your creative side. You can excel in visual storytelling and realize your dream of being an artist. It will give you an opportunity to become aware, capture and share the various moments of life, happening around you. Photos can be eternal; they serve as beautiful memories for a lifetime. And imagine – how proud you would feel to see more likes on your social media posts!
Here’s how your DSLR Camera works
Refer the above diagram.
Ever wondered – how you can see, what you are about to capture through the eyepiece (viewfinder)? Well, the light from the scene, you are going to photograph enters the lens, passes through the aperture opening into the (reflex) mirror. The mirror then forwards the light to the prism (above) which directs the light into the eyepiece (viewfinder).
Next, you press the shutter button to capture the scene. Now, the mirror swings upwards and allows the light to enter inside. The shutter opens for a particular period of time and the light enters the (image) sensor. The sensor then records the image, after which the shutter closes. Then, the mirror drops back to its original position; it directs the light again into the eyepiece.
Lastly, the DSLR processor takes the information/data from the (image) sensor, processes it and writes it into the memory card.
Which DSLR Camera can you use for best Photography
Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony, Lumix have some of the best DSLR Cameras, you can use to click great pictures. According to your budget and purpose, choose either an entry-level DSLR or a high-end DSLR and set out on a journey to explore photography like never before!
What to learn for capturing photos with your DSLR Camera
Well, for beginners – we suggest, you first understand 3 key things to develop your DSLR photography skills i.e., both artistic (creative) and technical skills.
1) Exposure (Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO – the Holy Trinity of Photography)
The ability to control the amount of light reaching sensor is what defines how a photograph turns out.
Understand what settings to use for Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO to set the correct exposure such that your photos don’t come out too dark or too bright.
While modern photo editing software like Lightroom allows you to manipulate the amount of light, there is no alternative to a well shot picture.
To read the blog: What is Aperture in DSLR Photography, click here
To read the blog: Understanding Shutter Speed in DSLR Photography, click here
To read the blog: Decoding ISO in DSLR Photography, click here
2) Focus
To give your photos the Wow Factor, you need to know how to set focus on your subject so that the subject appears sharp, making your photos stand out from the rest.
To read the blog: How to get better focus in DSLR photography click here
3) Composition
Composition is the way in which you arrange the different elements in the scene you’re photographing within the frame of your DSLR. Learn how to artistically compose your photos to create aesthetically pleasing & eye-catching photos.
To read the blog on different Composition techniques/guidelines, click here
Where can you learn DSLR Photography
Once you’ve bought your DSLR, we suggest – don’t settle for the Auto Mode. Instead, be bold and experiment/play with different modes and settings of your DSLR. This way, you will have the control; you can create/bring amazing images (of the scene you saw) to life and share them with the world.
We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips which will help you to learn DSLR Photography.
Click on the below image to see the Comic wherein Jo meets a Magical Camera who gives him DSLR photography tutorials.
When you do photography: Remember the 5E’s – Explore, Experiment, Experience, Enjoy & Express to develop your own style as a photographer.
Do Share The Learning – Like It, Post It, Pin It, Tweet It!
Did this blog help you with any ideas to improve your photography skills? For more useful photography tips, examples, ideas & inspiration, please subscribe below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email. Thank you!