Soooo, I just bought a new camera! Now What? There's much more to photography than just owning a camera.
Opening the Box and Camera Classes
Soooo, I just bought a new camera! Now What?
If you've been following my photography series here, you've probably already figured out that there's much more to photography than just owning a camera. There's always learning to do, and that includes even when you open the box!
The first thing you'll want to do when you open your new equipment box, and this sounds kinda obvious, but make sure EVERYTHING is in there. Cameras often come with cords, chargers, caps, CD software, warranty/registration papers, and a shoulder strap. If you purchased a lens, they might include a lens hood, a carrying bag, caps for both ends, and warranty/registration papers.
Camera kits that include both a camera body and lenses will usually include everything mentioned and will sometimes include memory cards, editing software, batteries, card cases, card readers and small tripods. Be sure to check off everything that was listed in the advertisement so you've got everything you need to get started right away. Keep in mind that most cameras require different batteries and cords so if you're missing any original camera accessories, pay close attention when you're replacing them to get the correct one.
The first thing that I tell everyone to do with a new camera is to adjust the diopter! You probably had no idea your camera had such a thing, but it's a 10 second adjustment that can make a world of difference. The diopter is a small knob that is usually located right beside the viewfinder. As you look thru the viewfinder, just adjust the dial up or down until you get the sharpest focus. I've seriously had friends call me saying "This camera is awful! Every photo is blurry!" But all they had to do was adjust the diopter to their specific eyesight!
The next thing I tell everyone to do, and you're not gonna like it, is READ YOUR MANUAL!! I realize most people would rather have their teeth pulled than read a manual full of tech talk, but it's seriously one of the best things you can ever do for your photography. If you don't know your equipment, you certainly won't be able to use it to the fullest potential.
Here's what I did when I purchased a new Nikon a few years ago...after the kids went to bed, I sat on the couch for a few hours each night and browsed thru the manual. I checked out the diagram of what all those buttons were called and then I would go thru maybe 4 or 5 different functions. I would take a picture, adjust the setting I was reading about, then take another picture just to see what changed or what would happen. I have about a million bad photos of my entertainment center that was within shooting distance of my couch! You don't have to read it thru like a book, just familiarize yourself with settings and functions a few at a time if you need to. You'll thank me for it later I promise!
After you've read the manual and you're familiar with the basics, I highly recommend finding a camera class that fits your learning style. There are so many fabulous opportunities to learn photography right now, here's a few options to get you started:
In-Person Workshops
I personally believe there's nothing that quite compares to learning "in person" from someone else who knows what they're doing, and enjoys sharing that knowledge with others. Yes, I just happen to teach Camera Workshops myself, and it's one of my absolute favorite things to do as a photographer. I have a very hands-on presentation that highlights the Elements of Exposure, All Those Buttons, and Christy's Creative Tips. My workshops last about 2 1/2 hours and I answer plenty of questions and you'll have your camera right with you to make sure you find all the right buttons and menu options that we'll be talking about. Visit my website to find all the details to my Camera Workshops. And if you mention that you're a fan of Dayton Local I'll give you a $25 Discount on any group or individual workshop!
Online Blogs/Forums/Tutorials
Although it's easier for me to learn when an actual person is showing me what to do, my schedule and budget doesn't always allow for that. Which is why I'm so grateful for all the information on the internet! There's plenty of free photography blogs that offer great information. A few of my favorites are Texas Chicks Blogs and Pics and Digital Photography School. And don't forget that I share photo tips and tutorials quite often on my own blog.
There's quite a few online forums also that are a small monthly or yearly fee. These are great to get peer critiques, feedback, and information regarding pretty much every aspect of photography. I'm a Chic Insider at Chic Critique and have found it's a great place for learning and has photographers of every level involved in the forums.
YouTube is overflowing with tutorials as well...just do a general photography search and you'll have plenty of videos you can kill several hours watching.
LOCAL CAMERA CHATS & CLASSES
Almost every local camera store offers some kind of group classes for new photographers. Also local community colleges will typically offer a series and most of the time they're very reasonably priced.
I know that Cox Arboretum has photographers at their park sometimes offering photo critiques and tips for free. You can find a list of these events on their website. I offer what I call "camera chats" several times during the year at local parks too. I'll just announce a day and time and anyone who wants to show up can ask questions and we'll just chat about all things photography. It's very casual, very fun, and free! I only announce this on my Facebook page and Instagram so be sure to follow me on both of those medias to keep up with all the fun stuff.
So have fun opening up that new box and learning all about your new camera! More great info is coming your way soon :)
