Thread: Trying the manual. Please CC

Okay... I made my way outside today to try out manual. I was only able to get a few shots because it started raining. I figured I would start out with something that didn't move rather than my 2 year old
I didn't do any editing so I'd like your thoughts and advice on these few. I changed the settings around and just snapped a few. Let me know if you need any other stats.
Thanks in advance for your help.
#1 Exp. 1/125 Aperture f/5.6 ISO 200
[IMG][/IMG]

#2 Exp. 1/125 Aperture f/5.6 ISO 400
[IMG][/IMG]

#3 Exp. 1/13 Aperture f/16.0 ISO 400
[IMG][/IMG]

Good for you! I'd say you're off to a good start already, but here are my thoughts ...

1. this one looks under exposed. As this is not a moving target, you could drop your shutter speed to increase the exposure. Or, if your len will let you, open up the aperture a bit more - say to 3.5 or so. You can also increase your ISO (as I see you did in the next shot). All of these adjustments can be done to up your exposure.

2. Exposure looks a lot better here, maybe still a bit under exposed, but if so, then only a little. Detail looks nice.

3. This one looks a bit over exposed. The glare on the berries detracts a bit. You can increase your shutter speed a bit to bring it back down.

These are a GREAT start to working on nailing your exposure! Focus looks very good in all of these already.

Glad to have you jumping in, Mel!

Best,
GiGi

When starting out, I would try to take some pictures and only change one thing. Between the first two, you changed the ISO and saw what happened. But then in the third, you changed everything, so it would be harder for you to tell what exactly is happening.

1/13 is way too slow a shutter speed for much without a tripod. Personally, I always keep my shutter speed at 1/125 or higher. I don't shoot with a closed app like f/16 unless it's so super sunny outside that I have to.

Yeay for jumping in! I would just keep working on still subjects like this, but try only changing one element and see what happens between 4-5 shots. Then try something else. You'll slowly start to see how everything works together.

I agree with everyone else. Looks like you are on the right track. way to go for switching over!

I agree with others- great practicing! 1/13 is wayyyyy to slow of a ss. I would suggest keeping it above 1/150, or with still life, I still don't like to go below 1/50.

Great job going out there and jumping in! I think that the other ladies have said it all, but I just wanted offer my encouragement!

Good job on taking the plunge!
Good idea starting on something that can't run away from you too! The other day I ended up with pics of only my 2yo's backside. I'd run to get ahead of him, get low to take a pic and he'd turn right back around and head the other way! And laugh. Very frustrating when you're trying to learn!