Cutting corners by taking an online course?

<p>I am considering the online course <a href="http://www.nickcarverphotography.com/teaching/online_courses/how_to_shoot_in_full_manual/">Nick Carver Photography/How to Shoot in Manual</a> , but feel I may be cutting corners. I am reading <a href="http://www.ppsop.com/unex.aspx">"Understanding Exposure"</a> by Bryan Peterson as I work through my frustration.<br>

I began using a DSLR camera in 2010 and I remain confused on what I am doing. I have managed to surround my self with all the needed gear, but all the best gear does not make you a photographer or even close. My main problem ...the <em>basics,</em> I have not grasped them. For example I cannot look at scene or shot and select the right settings. I seem to do better with concert shooting as I have been doing that since 2010 and use some ingrained/familiar settings, but put me in a landscape or portrait setting and I panic. I get blown out shots or the lack focus, etc. I have tried classes, on-line courses and I still struggle. I have decided that I am not going to give up. I am going to carry my camera with me as mush as possible and shoot anything. I am going read all the material I have collected again until it clicks. </p>

 

<p>Instead of getting an online course, which can be expensive, why not take a photography course at the local community college? At least then you can network with fellow students. Or how about a free idea...join a local photography club?</p>

<p>Why is shooting in "full manual" desirable to you? The camera's exposure meter and the histogram are tools that allow you to make the correct decisions and adjust the settings accordingly. If you understand why the camera selects a certain exposure setting, and understand when that setting needs adjusting, then eventually you can look at a scene and decide what the exposure parameters will have to be for a good exposure. IMO, practice makes perfect - not the taking of an online course. And looking at a scene and guessing the exposure isn't "the basics" but comes with experience - but it certainly is a good exercise - and with a digital camera you can get immediate feedback (which certainly helps in getting you ahead on the learning curve). <br>

FWIW, the guessing game for a landscape shot starts with the "sunny 16" rule: 1/ISO as the shutter speed at f/16. (for myself, I would start with 1/500 and f/8 at ISO 100, which pretty much amounts to the same thing). Take the shot and check the histogram, then adjust accordingly.</p>

<p>Hi there,<br>

Having your camera with you is a great way to improve your skills. Practice makes perfect is not a saying that fell out of the sky! :)<br>

I did not have time to inroll in school to learn photography, so I stumbled upon and loved the New York Institute of Photography. The school mails you all of your assignments lessons. I learned at my own page and received an extensive education there. I now run my own photograohy business. <a href="http://christipowellphotography.com">http://christipowellphotography.com</a><br>

If you are really interested in learning how to know your camera inside and out, be able to see the picture you want and make the shot turn out the way you hoped, try this place! Just look into it and see what you think! I don't work for them, or receive any benifits by recommending them... I was just a student, and received a better education in Photography than I had ever hoped for! Best of luck in your endeavours!</p>

<p>Hi George,</p>

<p>If you shoot digital, I would start by buying and studying Dennis Curtin's book, The Textbook of Digital Photography. After that you can decide what to do next.<br>

Lynn</p>