CharlieX started a blog series Photography 101 a little while ago and it inspired me to look out our ‘proper camera’ in order to have a go. Unfortunately it transpires our old Kodak 2MP digital camera (purchased in 2005) had decided to send itself to camera heaven. Disheartened, because I do love taking pictures, I mentioned this passing to my Aunt and she has treated me to a new one. Given my inexperience, especially in light of the changes in technology when it comes to cameras I popped into CharlieX’s DM’s and asked him for help. He recommended the Canon EOS 4000D, 2000D or 250D depending on budget. The 2000D was in the middle of the 3 and so that is the one I now have. As a side note, whenever I take images with this new camera I will be sharing the image details with you.
Canon EOS 2000D EF-S.
Now I am no expert in camera specs, and although CharlieX gave me a run down on them I suspect it will be a while before I fully understand them. As such, if I were to real them off here it would be empty words, making me look smarter than I actually am. I have the kit camera which comes with an 18-55mm lens.
Camera Practice.
I spent a few days reading the manual, and watching YouTube Videos on how to set it up. Then I went to CharlieX’s Photography 101 page and began reading. I do struggle to get outside so taking pictures was not going to be easy, but after a few days of taking pictures of my two cats and the crochet I was working on, I wanted to get outside and practice. This first outing I used only the auto settings to see what the images would look like. I was very impressed!
The way the flower jumps out, the colours and detail. I couldn’t get over how good it looks.
More practice.
Emboldened by these pictures, I read more on the manual settings, and on Friday (after a brief conversation with the photo guru) I headed into the garden. This time I set the camera on manual and setting the ISO to 100 and the aperture to F11, I began taking pictures, adjusting the shutter speed with each shot to see the changes. Unfortunately the images were too dark to see anything. It was only when I changed the ISO to 200 that a few images were visible.
I also took some images were I set the Shutter speed and the ISO. This time I adjusted the aperture each time. I wanted to observe the effect. I then adjusted the shutter speed a little too. In the slide show below you can see how with each change the image becomes brighter.
Image Details: Canon EOS 2000d. F14, 1/4000 sec, ISO 800, Focal Length 18mm. 
Image Details: Canon EOS 2000d. F13, 1/4000 sec, ISO 800, Focal Length 18mm. 
Image Details: Canon EOS 2000d. F11, 1/4000 sec, ISO 800, Focal Length 18mm. 
Image Details: Canon EOS 2000d. F8, 1/4000 sec, ISO 800, Focal Length 18mm. 
Image Details: Canon EOS 2000d. F5.6, 1/4000 sec, ISO 800, Focal Length 18mm. 
Image Details: Canon EOS 2000d. F5.6, 1/2500 sec, ISO 800, Focal Length 18mm.
A happy accident.
One image that I took which I like even though it is probably technically not perfect is this one.
The way the light is just touching the top of the flower makes me think of early morning sunrises, the water of dew and well, I like it.
As always I hope everyone is safe and well. Remember to keep having fun where you can!
Sweetgirl x
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This post is linked to The Fun Theme Photo Meme #2 Springtime, click HERE to see more posts and images shared.
I like that picture too with the light just on the top. When I look at Instagram or 500pix or even Flickr so many pictures are technically perfect but boring. So don’t worry about perfection just shoot what you like and learn how things work. I kinda envy you 🙂
Well thank you
The hardest method of photographing to master is manual focus, and you are doing beautifully! I have a hard time manually focusing digital cameras although I have no problem with analogue ones. No idea why, it’s just harder for me, even though I shoot digitally most of the time. I think I need to adjust the settings. It was my sister’s camera so I don’t know as much about it as I should.
Anyway, didn’t mean to take away from your post. Photography is one of my passions and what I have my degree in, so it’s exciting to see others take a serious interest in it. I can’t wait to see what else you capture!
Oh no please feel free to comment at length – I love the interaction! A degree in photography…. wow I envy you. I did art at school and failed it… I kid you not
I would say you have mastered the use of your new camera. I don’t have the patience to screw around with shutter speeds and exposure, so I use my fancy camera as a point and shoot. Usually just use my iPhone for… well you know, most photography.
and a grand job it does 🙂 thank you
It’s so exciting to have a new camera! I like how you’re playing around with it and exploring. I hope it’s fun!
I really like that picture of the pink flower, the accident, because of the light and how it’s darker apart fro where the light falls on the flower!
thank you!!
I am going to enjoy this journey of yours, getting to know your new camera 🙂
Great image!
~ Marie
Me too lol expect to see lots of boring images though lol
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