A few weeks ago, my son and I joined my parents to go camping.  We had a blast enjoying the outdoors.  Each evening my mom, son and I would head out on a walk just to explore the beautiful nature we have surrounding us.  A day or so after arriving, my mom asked me to help her learn how to take pictures.  She explained that often she is able to envision scenes that would make good photographs but really didn’t know how to use her camera properly to record the images.

Using a digital SLR on full manual mode can certainly be intimidating.  Don’t let this stop you from taking pictures though.  Learn how to use your camera’s settings a little bit at a time.  At first, you may want to begin by letting your camera choose all the settings for you.  Get used to how it feels in your hand.  Practice your composition skills.

Once you start to feel more comfortable, experiment with aperture priority mode and then shutter priority mode.  Discover what happens when you use f5.6 as opposed to f11.  What kind of effects are you able to achieve by slowing the shuter speed down?  Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.  That’s how we all learn!

Your confidence and skill will continue to grow the more opportunities you take to get out there and shoot.  One of the great things about digital is that you get instant feedback.  That’s no excuse to be lazy though.  Evaluate each frame you take.  What do you like about it?  What don’t you like?  How could you make it even better?  Then try it!!