HELP

kevinp

kevinp

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kevin
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OK Had my Nikon D3100 about 3 months now BUT only used it a few times. this is my first DLSR.
Cameras Ive hd before were just used on Auto and got some decent shots with them.
Anyway tried to get some local lessons but can not get any, so just been reading up and trying different settings but still can not get any decent photos.
The main photos I am trying to take are of my dogs out and about running, jumping ect, but just can not get them right.

Even on Auto some of them are coming out rubbish.
Begging to think there is a fault in my camera but not experienced enough to know.

Any help on settings ect will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Kevin
 
You need to concentrate on shutter speed for dogs running and jumping about. Depending on light available the auto mode may be using less than ideal shutter speeds as it balances shutter,aperture and ISO to give you the best assumed image (it doesn't know you are taking a shot of a dog running about)
Try P mode where the camera is still deciding but you can override it by turning the wheel and you will see your shutter speed go up and down. If still not high enough then increase ISO and see how that increases shutter speed.
 
Hiya Kevin, this forum is full of very knowledgeable and helpful people. Why not put up a few of the shots that you're not too happy with and the reasons that you're not too happy with them and then just wait for the responses. We've all been where you are now and we've all benefited from help and advise from others
Regards
NN.
 
As above. Firstly why are they rubbish. Are they out of focus, badley exposed, blured, It would be easier to help if you post some sample shots.
 
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Hiya, I'm like you, new to Dslr's and have just bought the D3100. I've also bought a book called D3100 from snapshots to great shots, which so far seems a good read and easy to follow. Might be worth a look to help with learning techniques and ideas specifically referenced to your camera.

Would be interested to see some of your shots too, to see how they are coming out so far.
 
I can second the book recommendation from jonjay

I would also recommend trying to just use the A mode and the S mode (aperture and shutter) and learn how the settings change things.

If there is motion, use S mode and play with different shutter speeds

If it is scenic, use A and see what the difference is.

Then turn off auto ISO and set it to manual and go from there.

I spent a few evenings on my own in my dining room taking photos of a toy or 2 on the table to see what happened, you don't have to be outside to learn.
 
And I'll second the not needing to be outside to learn. My missus is on the border of killing me due to the amount of pictures I've taken of her in the last week or so. Nothing interesting particularly, just the same things over and over with different settings, different zooms, different isos, just to see what happens.

I find that Apature priority is easier to get results from that Shutter at the minute, but I think that's mainly because I'm not trying to catch or depict movement yet.
 
 
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The first few look like you need to clean your lens!
You need to put your autofocus on "servo" instead of "1 shot" so it's constantly "following the action" so to speak then it will be much faster to capture a shot.
Set your ISO higher, say 800, that will give you a much faster shutter speed, also set your aperature to F5.6 or lower, you need as fast a shutter speed as possible when there is movement.
The last 2 pics are really starting to get there. The main thing is don't worry, keep practising. For me personally, If I take 50 pics of something, I can sometimes only come out with half a dozen that I'm happy with. That's the joy of digital, practice is unlimited. The more you take, the more you just enjoy being out with your camera, the better it will get. It's like everything in life, "Relax" and it will be easier. :)
 
What shutter speeds were used on these?
Not sure what has happened to the first few, were you pointing towards light?
The black dogs on snow will confuse auto and are always going to be challenging.
The last few look better but are suffering from movement (you) possibly?
 
Kevin, were the first few of those taken through a window?

The last couple are starting to get there :)
 
Regarding the cloudy appearance, try photoshop elemenets (free 30 day trial) click on smartfix and then auto.

Ignoring the cloudyness for a moment, in the first one even the grass has motion blur. so your shutter speed was too slow or you wriggled too much!

Does your camera have a "sport" mode? try that first. Then read up on the basics of exposure etc. there is a great tutorial here:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=99841
 
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