A few weeks ago, I shared my fab news: I’m a Nikon MOMents Blogger! Over the next 12 months, I’ll be documenting my life (nothing new) with my Nikon D3300 camera (very new – and exciting). After taking in an informative training session last month, I felt ready to unleash my inner shutterbug.
Now if there’s one thing I learned from the Nikon D3300 training, it’s this: purchasing an expensive DSLR camera, and then proceeding to shoot in Auto, is likely one of the most costly mistakes you’ll ever make. It’s kind of like buying a car and not using the air conditioning, radio or power moonroof! Because if you don’t take the time to understand your new DSLR and its features, then you’re better off using your camera phone. Seriously, I mean that.
I’m guilty, of course. Last year, I purchased a DSLR camera and thought I was so-o cool. Sure, the quality of my pictures improved, but I was shooting still objects. And using the flash. And pretending like I knew what I was doing. That is, of course, until my son ran across the lawn, yelling “take a picture of me!” and as I held down the shutter in Auto (Flash Off) Mode… it returned a gloriously, über high quality, BLURRY photo.
But I spent hundreds of dollars on my camera! How rude!
And that’s why it’s great to have a kick-ass camera, but it’s equally important to know how to use it. After training, playing around, learning and being curious about the functions of my Nikon D3300 camera, I’m really starting to feel comfortable behind the lens. Today, I’m actually kind of giddy to show you how far I’ve come!
Now y’all probably know that my husband and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary two weeks ago. We trekked up to the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, where we spent a few wonderful days celebrating our marriage and family. Camera in tow, I dared myself to move away from Auto to my new favourite mode, Aperture.
Ah, Aperture. Where have you been all my life?
Aperture refers to the opening of a lens’s diaphragm through which light passes. It is calibrated in f/stops, where the lower f/stops give more exposure because they represent the larger apertures, and the higher f/stops give less exposure because they represent smaller apertures. I *could* go into detail, but honestly, that’s what Google is for. All you have to know is this: Aperture mode gives you MUCH more control over the brightness, creative blur and sharpness of your photos.
The following photos highlight our stay, and show off several modes of the Nikon D3300.
Although I tried to avoid the Auto Scene Mode as much as possible, sometimes, it’s simply a viable option. The clarity and focus of the Nikon D3300 is incredibly stunning in plain ol’ Auto, as witnessed in the photo below. You may notice the seagull in the top left portion; it is literally frozen in mid-air. Not bad for Auto, eh?
The old Lena would have probably stepped on tip toes to get a shot of the lake over the thick iron fence. The new Lena shoots through the iron fence, using creative blur to her advantage to stage the photo. And that is the last you’ll hear of me talking in the third person, promise. Photo taken in Aperture Exposure Mode.
One of the highlights of our stay was the Pontoon Boat Cruise with Muskoka Sports and Recreation. Once on the lake, I put Nikon’s 18-55mm lens to the test, zooming in across the vast lake to snap the photo below, taken in the Landscape Scene Mode. Even after zooming in as closely as possible, there is not a hint of graininess in the photo. Truthfully speaking, I don’t think I could say the same for my other DSLR. Colour me impressed.
(Let us all pause for a moment to marvel at the perfectly calm lake. A dream.)
Before learning the ins and outs of the Nikon D3300, I admit I would have tried to take a photograph from the moving boat in Auto (Flash Off) Mode. Because, of course, that was one of only two modes that I was comfortable using. So you know what? I took a photo of the water in Auto (Flash Off) Mode. And it’s downright scary.
However, I do know better. So I adjusted my dial to Sports Scene Mode, and retook the picture. The mode is built on the principles of sports photography: continuous focusing, large apertures and fast shutter speeds. Quite the difference, no?
And as the sun streamed through the clouds, I caught my little guy, mesmerized by the waves. Although I took the photograph in Child Scene Mode, Reid was so serene, almost any mode would have captured his innocence.
Later that evening, we dined at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, where I ordered the seafood pasta. The restaurant was very dimly lit, and I worried that my pictures would simply not turn out. Quite the predicament when you’re reviewing the establishment! And really, flash photography is simply a no-no when dining at night, so I was in quite the pickle. Normally, I simply would have shot in Auto (Flash Off) Mode and hoped for the best –
But now, it’s like the heavens parted and the angels descended on earth, declaring one word: Aperture.
When opening up the light through the lens, you can almost trick the camera into thinking you’re shooting in daylight. Remember, the above photo was taken at 8:30pm in a very dimly lit restaurant! Nikon D3300, how I love thee!
I hope I’ve demonstrated the importance of learning to use your DSLR. I promise this will be one of the more technical posts as part of my collaboration with Nikon MOMents – from here on in, we can simply enjoy the photography! To begin, how about a super cute kid licking an ice cream cone?
I am part of the Nikon MOMents program with Mom Central Canada, and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Great photos and tips! I have to say I am guilty of not using my own camera to its full capabilities as well.. Why? Some of it is laziness but it is mostly a lack of knowledge.. which could easily be fixed with some simple googling of tips!
Congrats again on being part of the Nikon MOMents program and looking forward to hearing and seeing more! :)
Thank you Soozle. Sometimes even an hour of knowledge can up your photography game! I hope you explore your camera!
I have a DSLR camera.. oi.. sooo much to learn I haven’t even started.. I need a class, but for now I’m thankful for the tips.
Love the pictures the Nikon takes!!!!
Please do carve out some to learn your camera Darlene – it is SO worth it!
I love the comparison of the water from the boat in auto vs. sports mode! And the photo taken through the iron fence :) It’s so fun to see each of the different #NikonMOMents posts going up and to see the perspective of each blogger!
I’m looking forward to reading them all this weekend!
Lena your pictures are beautiful! I have to agree with you since holding and learning about our new Nikon, I have found my inner shutter bug. A new confidence behind the lens has broke out. The picture of the lake just makes me happy to be Canadian. Capturing a little boys wonder makes me smile. Thanks for walking us through your memories captured in time.
Aw, it warms my heart to read your words. Thank you Tammy!
Great photos and tips! I have to admit that I am an “auto” fan and rarely move off of it but after reading this I really think I need to get brave and play with my camera!
Yes! Be brave! Auto is great… but aperture is my new best friend!
The detail in your sports mode pictures is stunning. I can see water drops!
I know right?? One of my fave pics!
Awesome shots and great tips, I really need to get me a camera, taking pictures with my phone just doesn’t cut it
Phone pictures are great, but a quality camera makes your memories come alive :)
Gorgeous photos Lena! Thanks for the tips!
You’re very welcome!
I too need some sort of class. We tried not staying in auto mode during a very costly trip and came out with the worst, most disappointing pictures of our life.
I feel your pain! My husband decided to experiment on our first trip to Disney… I have about 5 good photos. Cry!!
We buy this great equipment & the never use it to its full potential my smart phone is 1 example
I hear you. I use my phone to pick up calls and tweet! LOL
oh I want one of those cameras so bad, one of these days Im going to win one because I sure cant afford them. ice cream looked good too :) . what a diff between the water shots.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
good tip
Thanks!
What a difference aperture makes!
I was thinking the same thing!
Indeed it does! Please get to know this mode!
I love the picture through the window to the kids of the trampoline, great shot!
Thank you Renee!
What amazing pictures!
Thank you Athena :)
I don’t have a DSLR yet, but WOW – the difference in the modes is amazing. I have a film SLR camera, so I know a little about how to play with apertures etc and I am so glad to hear that their digital brothers have the same features.
Now that I have seen the amazing shots (water droplets) you can capture with it, I think it is time to stop stalling and start seriously thinking about investing in a DSLR – (and thanks to you the Nikon D3300 seems to be leading the pack).
That is so wonderful to hear. You deserve it, and I have no doubt you will take beautiful pictures!
you take great photos! it’s fun to follow your journey as photographer :-)
Thanks Nicky!
I would give my left arm to have a Nikon as my Fuji digital is on its way out and my Father has always sworn by a Nikon
Don’t do that! You need your left arm to hold the camera! :)
I love the photo of the little guy eating the ice cream cone! ADORABLE!
Aw, thank you!
Have to ask what does Aperture mean?
Hey Chandra, I *sort of* explained it in my post – that’s the best I can do :)
The picture through the fence is very cool.
Thank you Nicoline!
Great tips for the budding photographer.
Thanks! I appreciate it!
You do take wonderful photos! Great tips!
I’m learning Victoria :) Thank you!
Wow, amazing some of the difference! Great pics- looks like your learning so much. :)
Yup, getting a little better each day! Thanks Rossana!
Your new pictures look great! :)
Thank you Keri!
The waterfall pic would look fantastic with a slower shutter speed
I know, it would. I need to play with that a bit.
Great pictures!
Thanks Eldon!
I think some of us are guilty of not bothering to learn the various settings on our cameras *cough* guilty here. Awesome pictures!
Thanks Melinda! And no excuse now!
Great review most informative! Many Thanks
Thanks Jane!
I Love the pictures. and appreciate the tips provided.
I’m looking forward to my continued learning as I go!
Awesome tips and very nice pis , i need to take classes as well i have a camera and i don’t know half of what it can do .. thanks for sharing :)
You’re very welcome Treen!
good to remind us of the features – would love to take a course
I think it’s so worth it. I learned so much!
Awesome pictures and thanks for all the info. and tips.
Thanks Marissa, and you’re welcome!
Love all the photos! Great job mama!
Thank you Jenny!
I am looking to buy a new camera and these pictures look great. Love the post and pics. Will definitely look into getting this camera!
Please do Hibbat, and thank you!
Beautiful cascading water on rocks photo – don’t think a professional could do much better. Certainly beats the photos taken on my LG Android phone. Not a camera buff in any way but never too old to learn – have a 10 year old son and 1000 of more photo and memories shots to take. Fantastic giveaways Lena, if fortunate to win I will post pic of my Da Vinci. Thanks.
Eva Mitton-Urban
You’re right Eva – it’s never to late to learn!
Wow! I have always wanted to learn more about photography. Great post!
Thanks Christine!
Beautiful photos!
Thank you Lyn :)
Lena, you’ve taken some very memorable photos with this camera. You’ve passed on a number of great tips too!! Great photo of your son enjoying his ice cream…you know it’s good when it get on your nose. :) Thanks for the blog.
Your comment made me smile, thanks Rob!
All the photos are great and kudos for learning how to use your camera!
Thank you Jolee!
Those pictures are beautiful.
Thank you Stephanie!
You’ve got great pictures here and I bet the camera is amazing but the photographer has something to do with it to.