Bought a New Digital SLR Now What?

[Tim Fishell]

Well I bit the bullet (or arrow in this case) and bought my first Digital SLR camera.  After lots of research I ended up going with the Olympus E-510.  It was a little more cost than some of the others but offered a lot in built in features and accessories.  

So my questions is now what??  This is my frist SLR camera and I have always enjoyed taking pictures.  Wondering if any of you seasoned verterans can give me some good pointers on taking good looking pictures.  I know we have a few very good photographers here on this site so I would love some pointer for a beginner.  

A couple questions I have right off the bat:
1.  What are the lens hoods for.  I got a 18-45mm and 40-150mm lens so far.  Both came with a hood so I am curious what purpose these serve.  Is there a time to use them and a time to not?
2.  The camera I bought has a built in flash but I also purchased an external electronic flash as well.  Should I use the external at all times?

I know some of this will come with experience in learning what the camera will do and lighting and all that kind of stuff.  Sorry for the long post just wanted to make sure I got the questions out there that I had so far.  Like I said I just got the camera yesterday so I havent had much play time yet.  Thanks in advance and I look forward to your responses.  

Tim

[ks_stickbow]

Take lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of pics while learning all the features of you camera and how to get to them fairly quickly. Then look online for tutorials...then take more pics...taking pics is free and your not going to wear it out...then take more pics.

there are lots of books out there...you can look for used school text to learn about things such as the rule of thirds...Just do a google search for "Photography basics"

Have a look at this article...I found it a very interesting read (http://www.amadirectlink.com/features/2004/PhotoTips.asp) it's about motorcycle but has great info.....you got an unlimited amount of info here on the net....

don't be afraid totry stuff you can always delete what you don't like....take your camera to the park and take pics of squirles rabbits....ect...youll learn alot about your camera while in action

[MI_Bowhunter]

Most of my exp comes from film camera but here goes.  Take lots and lots of pictures.  Play with all the different settings and see what they do and how they affect the shot.   Experimentation is the funnest part.  Be glad you don't have to pay for processing.  

1. The lens hood will keep sun off of the lens when taking pictures towards or at an angle towards from a strong light source.   It just keeps light from reflecting in the lense and causing flare in the picture.

2. Use both depending on the situation.   The built in flash's tend to be OK for closere range and fill.    The external flash, I'm assuming, is stronger and will be more usefill when you need a lot of light.  I.e outdoor shots, large rooms, etc.   Also, an external flash held at a steeper angle can reduce/eliminate redeye that you might get otherwise.

Hope this helps somewhat

[Sagitta]

Originally posted by Tim Fishell:


A couple questions I have right off the bat:
1.  What are the lens hoods for.  I got a 18-45mm and 40-150mm lens so far.  Both came with a hood so I am curious what purpose these serve.  Is there a time to use them and a time to not?
2.  The camera I bought has a built in flash but I also purchased an external electronic flash as well.  Should I use the external at all times?


Tim

Hi, new to the board.  But maybe I can help.

Lens hood will reduce flare as said...
But more importantly to me they will protect your front element from scratches.  I always have my hoods on. Always.


Im not familiar with your brand but I assume its like all other flashes.
External are much much more powerful.
Outside in the sun a flash can fill shadow will light to give you a better range of light (see: dynamic range)

With animals and birds it will make the eyes shine  better (and scare them easier too lol)

Say you are talking a photo of the Buck your buddy downed.  He is posing with the buck and the sun is setting behind him.  You can meter the camera to the sky behind him and the flash will fill him and the buck in with light so his isnt just a dark figure. (see: Fill flash)

Inside you can turn the flash to face the wall or ceilings and reflect light to get a better looking photo with less harsh shadows (see: bouncing flash)

The flash is very important in photography.

[Tim Fishell]

Sweet!!  Thanks guys for you help.  I am having fun playing for now but I still have a lot to learn.  This could very well turn into an addicting and expensive second hobby!!

[luv2bowhunt]

Oh it will turn into a very fun and expensive 2nd hobby!!!

We should get together this winter for some photography bud, I always enjoy a good hike through the woods with the cameras  

You got some great information from these guys, the best advice is to shoots LOTS of pictures. Experiment a lot... take the same pic with several different settings just to see the different results. Play with shutter speed, aperture, exposure... you can get as creative as you want and the results can be stunning!

Kevin.

[ks_stickbow]

Check this out...same pic with a slower shutter. experimenting is what photography is all about...at least for me!

 

 

[Tim Fishell]

Thanks again Jeff I love the pics with water and the slower shutter speed!!

Kevin,  That would be awesome to get together sometime.  I would love to learn a few things.  I will be in touch and we will see what we can get together.  

Tim

[paleFace]

right off the bat read, read and re read the manual that came with your camera. know what every button, knob and control does.  the more you know about your camera the better your images will ultimately be.

like others have said take pictures.  we learn from experience. with digital the cost is up front. do be so quick to erase images that don't look great on your cameras lcd. instead change up some settings and click the shutter again then compare them on your computer screen later to see what works and what doesn't.

something else that will really help is to look at others work, especially work that you enjoy viewing. surf the web and when you find a photographer that you like. figure out what it is about his or her images that grabs your interest and try to use that in your own outings.

lastly and probably the most important is to have fun and enjoy it. share the images with your family and friends and ask for feedback both positive and negative. post your image on here and ask for advice, but remember advice usually comes in the form of opinions so don't take things to hard.

[JL]

Point the external flash towards the ceiling when indoors. It will give a much softer/shadow free lighting effect. Being you have control of the camera, don't be afraid to play with the shutter speed/ISO setting's. Try to use indirect natural lighting whenever possable. Consider buying some top end lens. My D70 was OK with the kit lens but then I got ahold of a 1.8 50mm lens and wholy cow! It was a huge difference in sharpness/color and contrast! Good glass is where it's at! Enjoy you new camera and post some pics. Oh yea, buy a good aftermarket manual book on your camera model. I bought one for my D70 and it really,really cleared up the questions of "What does this button do?". It was also very handy instructing on how to compose each shot. Always remember the 1/3 rule and apply it! It make a big difference on how your photo's will turn out.

JL

[Tim Fishell]

Thanks guys.  I have been playing around quite a bit with it in the last few months.  I have gotten some pretty neet pictures.  I will continue to play around and see what comes of it.

[pobs]

Originally posted by ks_stickbow:
Check this out...same pic with a slower shutter. experimenting is what photography is all about...at least for me!

   

   

ah yes, the soft water effect, cool isn't it, for the slower shutter speeds I;d say use a tripod or just rest the camera on something.
this website is the most helpful resource I've found. tons or talented and helpful people, quite a few pro photographers on there too, it;s mostly geared toward canon shooters but really anybody is welcomed. feel free to shoot off any questions ya might have.

PS: keep shooting (with the camera in this case)

[Lone Wolf]

I agree with PaleFace, read the manual that came with the camera from cover to cover.
Get a skylight filter for every lens.A scratched filter is easier to replace then a lens.
I have a point and shoot as well as an SLR. When I hunt, I take the point and shoot, when I go into the woods to take pictures I take the SLR. I find trying to make a max effort in two directions does not work.