Extreme novice!

[Tony B]

Am Tony from pa. USA. I made a big mistake buying a DSLR, my logic was to buy a better camera and it would take better pictures, my logic was so wrong, I should sue Nikon for even having a auto focus as it’s absolutely useless, but now am stuck with this complex thing as there a dime a dozen on eBay and wouldn’t get a third of what I paid for it, it’s so frustrating that I don’t even want to use it as am always very disappointed with the results, I never realized I practically had to become a professional photographer to use it, it’s one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made. I think the most satisfying thing I can do with it is take it to the shooting range and use it for target practice!!! It’s like buying a problem, I can’t believe anyone would want one, no wonder there’s so many for next to nothing on eBay, I should have just bought a pixel!

[Jeff Anderson]

I feel your pain, Tony.

 

A few things:

First, study the camera manual forward, backward, up, down, left, right.

Second, choose a shooting subject you think you might enjoy & focus on getting good at that style.

Third, select one lens & shoot exclusively with it.

Fourth, don’t give up. When you get a picture or two that make you say “DAMN!”, it will be worth it.

Fifth, sometimes, because cameras do not have the same amount of receptors that our eyes do, the camera will not capture the scene you remember in your mind. Post processing will be necessary in *most* images, especially for newbies.

Last, take a picture, try to make it great, then post it & ask questions on here to improve.

 

It will take a little time, but with a whole lotta practice & a little help, the results will be well worth it.

[Federico Alegria]

Hi there Tony, basically all cameras work in the same way since the 19 century, so don’t feel too bad about your pick on this DSLR. We are here to help, please share with us some of the results you’ve been having with it and maybe some other members would guide you into the right path!

[JasenkaG]

Hello Tony, Jeff and Federico gave you some good advice. DSLRs are pretty standard and user-friendly cameras, but it can take some time to learn the basic settings and improve your skills. It takes some time to master all the necessary skills, but you don’t have to become a professional to take good photos.

[Federico Alegria]

Nor to enjoy what photography has to offer. There’s a cultural trend which scares people away from enjoying something just because we think achieving a professional level is mandatory, and is clearly not @tonyb-2, so have fun mate!

[Anonymous]

Don’t despair. A whooooole bunch of excellent photographers started at exactly the point you are now, thinking “if only I get a good camera, I’ll make great pictures.” Hardly ever works that way. There are several keys to improving your photography: (1) experience. ideally with (2) contact with people who can help you to see and learn how to do what you are doing better and (3) choosing the conditions you are shooting in and (4) loving learning and self expression. That last bit is probably the most important: if you don’t love to express yourself through a visual medium you won’t have the patience to do any of the first 3.

Relax. There are joys in store and many surprises await you as you learn to see the world anew through the medium.

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

Don’t worry, lads. You’ll catch the bug soon enough. 😉

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