So, you have a new camera and you hastily unwrap it. Excited by the potential of what comes next, you take it out of the box and then you think, well what do I do now?
You unpack everything and see that it’s recommended to read the user manual before operating your brand-new camera. You look at that, and it’s a whopping 400+ pages long! (Sigh) Instead of spending many hours reading, you choose to overlook this recommendation and jump right on in and start playing with your shiny new camera. After all, that’s what you bought it for… exciting times ahead!
But then you realise a few things are not quite (or not at all) right…
- the camera is focusing on anything and everything, except for what you want!
- you have little or no idea what this button or that dial does!
- where on earth is that setting in the menu? It’s just got to be there, right!
- you’re shooting and seek to play your photos back… oh no, there’s no photos to view, where are they? Oops, I forgot to put a memory card in. Why on earth did the camera let me do that?
You say to yourself: “I didn’t buy a new whiz-bang camera only to use it on Auto-mode! There’s just got to be a way to gain better control over it to achieve the photos I want.”
Does this sound like anyone you know? Well, the good news is, there’s an easier way to master your camera!
Mary’s experience…
Over the years, Mary has participated in many of our photography walkabouts, private tuition sessions and retreats. Recently she upgraded her camera from a Nikon cropped sensor D5200 to a full-frame D750 and she knew she wanted to quickly learn about a bunch of new features and grasp how to use them to her advantage.
Intently reading through the camera’s user manual might eventually help her understand everything. But, not only did Mary not have the desire to interpret the mumbo jumbo, as is often the case in camera user manuals, the outdoors and actually shooting is far more appealing. As it is with most photographers.
So, after experimenting with her new camera and taking few photos, Mary discovered that some things were not just quite right. Unable to pinpoint all the reasons why, she felt the next best step was to get in touch with us to discuss what she wanted to achieve – quickly and efficiently.
As a bird photography enthusiast, Mary wanted to focus on refreshing what she already knew and understood. Also, she wanted learn how to drive her new camera with more confidence. That way, sooner rather than later, she’d be out and about photographing birds in their natural habitat.
What is a
Master Your Camera tutorial?
A Master Your Camera tutorial is a 1-hour private photography workshop that gives you the opportunity to learn from Roy’s technical expertise and learn how to drive your camera and take advantage of its features.
6 things to consider doing before shooting with your new camera
- Check for firmware updates
- Set the date, time & timezone
- Format memory cards in-camera
- Edit copyright information
- Configure the camera to your shooting style
- Set the image type and quality to your preferences
Having recently upgraded my camera, I booked a "Master Your Camera" lesson and it was so worth it! My camera is now set up so that I can easily make the adjustments I want and my photos are already improving. Roy is knowledgeable, encouraging, and patient. Highly recommended.
Mary M, Aust (Tas)Google review
You can master your camera too…
Whether you have a new camera or would like get more from your existing camera, a Shutterbug Walkabouts in-person tutorial is the perfect choice for anyone who is visiting, or lives in Hobart, Tasmania. If you’re not in Hobart though, a Master Your Camera tutorial with Roy can just as easily be conducted over Skype or FaceTime. Just get in touch with us to find out how.
Another option is a half or full day private outdoor photography workshop – a practical learning experience to significantly improve your individual photography techniques and skills. You’ll be learning from Roy Vieth, an expert nature and landscape photographer and accredited professional member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography. Roy has achieved many a national and state award and has received many commendations over the years for his works.
