Digital SLR Photography

Learn about digital SLR photography here. These digital camera basics will help you start taking better pictures with your SLR camera.

I remember the day I got my first digital SLR camera. It was a bit intimidating at first. I was used to taking pictures with a basic Pentax film SLR camera. That camera didn't have any where near the number of buttons that my new DSLR had.

I was afraid I'd never be able to figure at what all of those buttons did. I'd like to tell you that I learned by reading the manual because that's what I'm always encouraging you to do, but I mostly learned through trial and error. I waited until I had a basic knowledge of the camera before I cracked open the manual to find out how to really work it correctly.

Learning to use my camera was fun once I got over my initial intimidation. Now it's not a problem at all. I'm sure you'll have the same experience. Here are some digital SLR photography tips that will help you become more comfortable using you DSLR camera.

Read Your Manual

I just admitted that I didn't read my manual right away, but honestly, that held me back in the beginning. I didn't know what all my camera was capable of and my pictures suffered because of that. This is a classic case of do as I say not as I do. Reading your manual and knowing how to properly use your camera will help you in the long run.

Try Out Every Setting

You're probably not going to use every setting or mode on your camera, but when you're first learning to use it you should try them all out. Take a picture using every single setting on your camera. Doing this will give you a good jumping off point. You'll know what each setting does and how it changes the photograph and your control over it.

Buy a Prime Lens

I think everyone who is learning digital SLR photography should own a 50mm f/1.8 lens. These lenses are sharp and fast. When you're first learning how to take pictures being dependent on zoom isn't necessarily a good thing. Having a good prime lens will make you work for your pictures. You'll have to get in close to get the pictures you want. That will make you think about composition a bit more.

Shoot in RAW

Every DSLR gives you the option of taking pictures in RAW format files. Yeah, these files are big and take up a ton of space, but they are a lot better to work with when you're editing your pictures. Find out more about taking pictures in RAW here.

Keep Taking Pictures

Practice makes perfect and that's especially true with digital SLR photography. All of your favorite photographers have taken pictures that just didn't work out. You may have to take hundreds of bad pictures in order to get that one gem. If you don't take a lot of pictures, you're less likely to get that great picture.

Don't Be Embarrassed

This is hard advice for me to follow. I'm guilty of not taking a picture just because I feel too embarrassed to get my camera out. I have to get over that and so do you. It doesn't matter if people look at you or think you're strange. What matters is getting the picture. Even in places where taking pictures may seem awkward just take the picture. You'll regret it if you don't. Knowing your rights as a photographer will help you feel more comfortable taking pictures in public. Find out about your rights here.

If you liked these digital SLR photography tips and want to learn more check out these digital photography tutorials.