We just picked up our first DSLR

[Smossy]

I finally took the plunge and decided to finally pick up a nice DSLR camera, I was into photography along time ago and just never had the means to progress in my interests.
Now these days things have changed and Im looking forward to taking lots of memorable photos.

Camera is a Nikon D3300 and it came with an 18-55mm lens, Decided to also pick up the 55-200mm lense also to open more options.
Really excited about it.

To you photo gurus out there, any basic tips you can throw at me would be great. 

[boneaddict]

Nice thing about the D in DSLR is that it doesn't cost anything to pull the trigger.  Shoot lots of images.  If you don't like, delete and do again.  Have fun.   

[Smossy]

Agreed.

[rim_runner]

I’m guessing you will be downloading your photos to your PC. It may not be a problem right away but the sooner you set up a good file structure to store your photos in the easier it will be for you. 

[billythekidrock]

Probably won't be too long and you will also need an external drive for storage.

[huntnphool]

I’m guessing you will be downloading your photos to your PC. It may not be a problem right away but the sooner you set up a good file structure to store your photos in the easier it will be for you. 

 Be sure to pick up two seperate portable hard drives, one to load your images in and the other to copy them.

[huntnphool]

I’m guessing you will be downloading your photos to your PC. It may not be a problem right away but the sooner you set up a good file structure to store your photos in the easier it will be for you. 

 Be sure to pick up two seperate portable hard drives, one to load your images in and the other to copy them.

Agreed, my external just died and took a lot of great pics with it.

 You can get them retrieved, but it will not be cheap.

[TheHunt]

You might want to pickup a copy of Lightroom.  Adobe sells it.  The function is a catalog for your photos.  It also has some tools to update some photos.  They have things similar to plug-ins on the web for functions.   

[Smossy]

Cool thanks for the tips guys, Didnt think about the external storages. Going to be doing lots of nature/star photography. Pretty much all I'm interested in.

[Alchase]

If you use a flash card, after each download of your pics to your PC or backup, reformat the card. Buy multiple cards and batteries.
Use Lightroom or other software and though it might take you longer to upload, use your metadata to catalog the topics (or each person) in each pic.
This will let you search every pic by subject in multiple ways.
Want pics of Smossy's girl? or Smossy's girl only at th zoo?
Metadata is you friend, the more you add the more ways you can search and recall by subject.
If you use a web hosting site like shutterfly, Smugmug, etc...
Read the ULA closely. Some will use your photos depending on what level of service you buy.
Smugmug does not use anything of yours period, and provides an awesome service. They do not make money on your product. They rent you space.

Read anything by Scott Kelby, he is an awesome photography teacher.

[Bean Counter]

• You will need a tripod for astrophotography. And a nice jacket 
• Another vote for Lightroom. Wait until you've done some shooting and have a few hundred photos sitting around. Download the free 30 day subscription and really dive into it. Learn how the catalogue references your files. Learn what non-destructive editing means. After 30 days you should know whether you love it or not. I don't even want to mess with Photoshop because LR is cheap and gives me nearly everything I'll ever need. Its also easy which is a plus for my lazy azz.
• Yes, shoot lots of images, but delete lots of images, too. If I go out to an event with my family I may shoot 120 photos, but usually try to delete it down to about 20-30 after I'm done editing. With rare exceptions you only want to keep your best. Who has time for blasé photos?
• This magazine was for sale at Costco a year or so ago. It is freaking awesome and you should do whatever you need to in order to get your hands on it--including buy it from the UK if necessary. Seems where they're based. http://www.magbooks.com/mag-books/digital-photography/getting-started-in-digital-photography-2nd-edition

[Alchase]

Another function Lightroom gives you (others software would as well) like Bean Counter said, take lots of pictures, then delete all but the best. I make a really quick pass through the pics I just uploaded in Lightroom without looking at the content, by just clicking in the pic (zooms in one level) if the pic is out of focus in the slightest, I delete it.
I then go back through for content. I look at which parts of the pic are worth keeping, and crop the rest out. This is especially valuable when taking pictures of large groups of people. Rarely do you get a pic with lots of people where someone is not doing something you won't want in the pic. Little Johnny picking his nose, someone scratching inappropriate parts, mouth open talking, blinking etc...
But the pic might be great after you crop those out.

Another recommendation is a Black Rapid shoulder strap.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Rapid-RS-7-Camera-Strap/dp/B002WR7VSS/ref=sr_1_1/178-8262179-6523436?ie=UTF8&qid=1414092556&sr=8-1&keywords=blackrapid+camera+r-strap

And if you use a tripod or monopod, a quick detach plate so you can attach/detach from your tripod/monopod with the turn of a cam.

[Bean Counter]

Those Black Rapid straps look top of the line and a huge improvement over the beastly neck strap.

I personally prefer a wrist strap. I have the Op/Tech. Its decent for lighter weight camera and lens combos, but since its neoprene it may bounce all to the ground if you drop a heavier setup. This Click Elite might be better for heavy setups.
 
http://www.adorama.com/OTSWSBK.html
http://www.adorama.com/CEKWS.html

[Smossy]

Pretty nice Bean Counter. I like my neck strap though, I just want to get something that has alittle more cushioning around the neck so it doesnt rub as bad. I like to be able to just kick my camera to the side like my purse

[Knocker of rocks]

I’m guessing you will be downloading your photos to your PC. It may not be a problem right away but the sooner you set up a good file structure to store your photos in the easier it will be for you. 

 Be sure to pick up two seperate portable hard drives, one to load your images in and the other to copy them.

Agreed, my external just died and took a lot of great pics with it.

I have all 18,000 of my photos backed up to an external drive and DVD's

[Becky]

Tagging.

We're gonna be taking a DSLR class soon  I'm excited.

[hrd2fnd]

I personally found the wrist strap on the Nikon 3100 I have was more of a pita when trying to shot pictures so I went back to the neck strap

[grade-creek-rd]

Three important things to get started:

1. Double back up photos (2 external hard drives)
2. Get a high speed class 10 SD card (writes & downloads images faster)
3. ALWAYS have a filter (even if its just a UV) on your lense! If you scratch or brake a filter its much cheaper than scratching or chipping a lense.

G-C-R

[Netminder01]

Tagging.

We're gonna be taking a DSLR class soon  I'm excited.

What class? I've looked at a few but I'd like the one I attent to be geared towards outdoor photography. I'm probably looking too local, I'm sure there's plenty around.

[huntnphool]

Tagging.

We're gonna be taking a DSLR class soon  I'm excited.

What class? I've looked at a few but I'd like the one I attent to be geared towards outdoor photography. I'm probably looking too local, I'm sure there's plenty around.

 To maximize your learning experience in the class, study the dials, settings on your camera so you know how access everything before going, ISO, aperture, shutter speed etc.

 Also, learn the difference between aperture, shutter speed and ISO and the relationship they have while changing one or the other.

[Becky]

It's a class specifically teaching about DSLR cameras. What all the settings mean, best setting for the situation, that type of stuff.

[Wazukie]

Three important things to get started:

1. Double back up photos (2 external hard drives)
2. Get a high speed class 10 SD card (writes & downloads images faster)
3. ALWAYS have a filter (even if its just a UV) on your lense! If you scratch or brake a filter its much cheaper than scratching or chipping a lense.

G-C-R

I don't like having filters on my lenses, it just takes being careful with the high end glass and always have a hood on. Just my    Most important thing is shoot, shoot, shoot some more and have fun!

[Bean Counter]

  I have either a clear or UV filter for most of my lenses, but mainly because my house is a war zone of chitlins. If you're taking an important or high contrast shot, it's best to have it off for maximum image quality. For lenses worth a hundred bucks or less, it's definitely not worth a protective filter. 

[Becky]

Tagging.

We're gonna be taking a DSLR class soon  I'm excited.

What class? I've looked at a few but I'd like the one I attent to be geared towards outdoor photography. I'm probably looking too local, I'm sure there's plenty around.

Where's "local" to you? lol..

So the one class I finally called on, the one that teaches all about "how to master your DSLR" is an online only course and that's not what I want. I called them and the lady was nice and said they have 4 ground classes and the beginning and intermediate photography do cover learning your DSLR just not the main focus. So we're gonna do that probably seems kind of just broadly covers everything.

It's Pierce College continuing education in Puyallup - attached is the Fall quarter but they have the same thing coming up in Winter, starts January 14th.

[Becky]

I have either a clear or UV filter for most of my lenses, but mainly because my house is a war zone of chitlins. If you're taking an important or high contrast shot, it's best to have it off for maximum image quality. For lenses worth a hundred bucks or less, it's definitely not worth a protective filter. 

How bad does it degrade the image quality to have it on the lens? I would think any $10 cover to save a $200 lens would be worth it  but I'm the type that dang near plastic wraps all my electronics.

[Bean Counter]

If you're just shooting snapshots of stuff to upload on the web you usually won't notice much image degradation. I will take mine off if I'm shooting a landscape or starscape I might want to print large or something else that might count for nice.

If you want to start a fire, log onto a photography forum and ask about filters. Then grab the popcorn. I try to use the lens hood in lieu of a filter. It will protect your objective glass from bumps and drops and keep the sun off to boot. Be advised that anything is going to crack your filter is likely to come through and crack your lens as well.

If you want to split pixels a clear filter is more appropriate for a DSLR than a UV filter. DSLRs aren't affected by the ultraviolet spectrum as was film so putting a UV filter only introduces a color cast--however slight--to your images. A better quality UV filter wont do this as much but will cost you more. You'll also  pay more for multi coated filters as opposed to single coated or Uncoated filters as they are easier to clean and will resist flare when shooting into the sunlight or with harsh artificial light. Again, take it off  to have even less flare.

When cleaning lenses or filters (or binoculars for that matter)  never use windex or any  other harsh ammonia based product. The ammonia will erode the coatings and ruin your glass. Use a blower when possible, or  a microfiber cloth or brush. 100% isopropanol or methanol is appropriate when you get greasy smudges but make sure it's 100% and not the 70% or even 91%. I learned that the other 30% has perfumes and oils meant to keep it tasting nasty so alcoholics don't drink it. Oils and crap are exactly what you're trying to remove.

Times I use a protective filter include when dust and sand are blowing, chemicals are present, or the kids are running around crazy. Or I'm switching lenses back and forth when shooting group events at church. It's nice not to have to fiddle with the lens caps when reaching in and out of the bag. Most of those candid portraits aren't make it or break it with filter induced softness anyway. Oh yeah shooting macro as well. My macro lens requires me to get close and if you loose your balance or don't realize how close you are you just might bump into your subject. 

[Bean Counter]

UV Filter vs No UV Filter - DigitalRev TV Test

[Alchase]

Tagging.

We're gonna be taking a DSLR class soon  I'm excited.

What class? I've looked at a few but I'd like the one I attent to be geared towards outdoor photography. I'm probably looking too local, I'm sure there's plenty around.

 To maximize your learning experience in the class, study the dials, settings on your camera so you know how access everything before going, ISO, aperture, shutter speed etc.

 Also, learn the difference between aperture, shutter speed and ISO and the relationship they have while changing one or the other.

There is a really good app (iphone) called "Expositor"
Shows the relationships between ISO, F-stop, and speed so it is easy to understand.

Another called "Digital DOF" (Depth Of Field)
That shows what the Depth Of Field would be with Camera, Lens, and Aperture settings you want to use.

[Becky]

  I didn't know it was such a big controversy around filters, thanks for the info and video. It is very helpful.

Ooh, thanks for the apps, we'll look into those since I can't find my photography book I had from last Christmas

[grade-creek-rd]

I didn't know filters were evil and the devils work either...all I know is that they protect my lenses glass, no matter how "cheap" or expensive the lens costs, and I use them for what they are designed for...to filter light in different ways.

God forbid I put a polarizer on my lens and shoot a snowy mountain with clouds and a blue sky to make it look better...but then again, I don't do much post processing so one could say all photo editing programs are evil and junk, just take a good photo to start with...(sarcasm) but in reality a lot of what one is trying to accomplish with photo editing software can be done by using the camera's functions and filters...theres that evil word again...

For me, and for you two who are "just picked up first DSLR" I recommend getting some filters, using them and deciding for yourself if they are worth it or not...it only takes one time to wipe some dirt/mud/sand etc off your lense even with the softest cloth to scratch the coating...I would rather scrath the filter and be out the $20 than to be out the "cheap $100 lens" as others have put it on here...

There are some great websites out there, and of course a lot of "free" opinions...you get what you pay for, so most of all, just go out and use your camera and take a lot of pictures!

One last piece of advice and then I am done...look through magazines (not just hunting ones, but others like backpacker, outdoor photographer, and others) and really look at the photos for things like composition, angles, focus, lighting, etc...it's in the magazine because it has some good qualities so why not learn from those examples.

G-C-R

PS. If you want to have a lot of fun, take your cameras to Northwest Trek...it adds a whole new dimension to taking animal photos when you know what to expect.

[Alchase]

I didn't know it was such a big controversy around filters, thanks for the info and video. It is very helpful.

Ooh, thanks for the apps, we'll look into those since I can't find my photography book I had from last Christmas

This site has some cool tutorials
http://digital-photography-school.com/

Here is a link to Scott Kelby's site
http://scottkelby.com/

I buy his book in the Kindle version. They are a fantastic source of information (he also has a sense of humor) and he explains things so "novices" can understand.
You can buy them separately

http://www.amazon.com/Scott-Kelbys-Digital-Photography-Updated/dp/0321966759/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414608667&sr=1-6&keywords=scott+kelby

[MLHSN]

tag

getting a DSLR soon also.  Some good pointers here.

[GUscottie]

The biggest thing I can give, for my less than professional experience, shoot lots of photos. I went out tonight and literally shot 10 different shots of the same thing and changed one thing at a time to see what the differences were, even if they were so slight. I also only changed one thing at a time, like ISO, exposure, etc

Josh

[Firedogg]

One thing no one mentioned is read the darned manual! Play with each function as you go through it so you understand what it does.
  Now comes the real important part... Be ready tp part with more money because once you get going you will find the stuff you got needs to be improved (saying this in general, not about your specific gear). But like a lot of outdoor stuff, with camera gear you really do get what you oay for, especially when it comes to lenses.
  Go ahead and throw a clear or UV filter on your lens. At this point you won't notice the difference. Do get a circular polarizing filter, it's an amazing tool for outdoor photography from making clouds pop to eliminating glare from reflective objects. The nice thing about that one is you can see the effect before you even put it on the kens, just hold it up to look through and give it a turn.
  Now your long lens you have is probably a bit slow so unless you have lots of light put the camera on a tripod or else you will get soft blurry photos. Sucks when you see that nice buck and he's all fuzzy.
  If you are going to carry the camera around a lot get it off your neck. I shoot sports all the time and having the camera off my neck has reduced sore muscles and headaches. I use the sling strap from Black Rapid, a Washington company based in Seattle. They make great products.
I could keep going but since you are new to your DSLR you have a lot to take in.

Did I mention read the manual?  Well, read it again. lol