You don’t take a photograph, you make it.
— Ansel Adams
Your camera is a tool, plain and simple. When it comes to making stunning photographs, you, the photographer—with your artistic eye—matter the most. You are ultimately what will make all the difference between a technically good photo and a stunning photo infused with something that is hard to put into words but has the power to strike the viewer in the emotional gut. Whether you shoot with a digital SLR, point-and-shoot or mobile phone, it is paramount that you understand how to best use your tool to help you realize your creative vision.
This chapter focuses on getting to know your DSLR—the basics of how it works, an introduction to your DSLR’s various exposure modes, demystifying the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed and ISO), an introduction to your camera’s built-in light meter and information on why it’s useful, and a helpful survey of lens types.
Mobile photography tips will be woven in throughout, and we’ll take a breather halfway through the chapter with my Top Tips for making awesome photos right now! No matter your device or skill level, you can apply these top tips to your photography today and see immediate improvements in your photos. At the end of the chapter we’ll take our first steps away from your DSLR’s full Auto mode and begin the journey of learning how to use all that your DSLR has to offer in order to make more creative photos.
When it comes to using your DSLR, it’s all about being in the driver’s seat and controlling its features to yield well-exposed, in-focus, creative photos.