New 5d - any helpful tips for getting started?

[panic]

Finally got a new (used) and a Canon Zoom lens EF 24-105 1:4 L IS, and Canon 100mm EF 2.8. I have a tripod coming in a couple of days. I need a little help getting the most out of this camera since this is my first "real" camera. My first objective is to take nice clean macros of my coral and our orchids. I only have Lightroom to work with right now for editing. Where should I start with settings, w/b, etc? It has 1 or 2 more features than my point and shoot...
Thanks in advance!!

 

[Hookup]

That is a very open question.

My best piece of advise would be to imitate someone. Find a photo you like, and try to recreate it. If you have something in mind, we could probably give direction.

If you do not understand ISO/Shutter/Aperture (i.e. Exposure) then get Peterson's Book "understanding Exposure". Great book...

 

[dendronepthya]

My recommendation is to take thousands of photos and critically look at the settings on the computer. I learned a lot by looking at a bad photo and thinking how it would have been better if it was shot with a faster shutter speed, bigger/smaller aperture, better framing, higher/lower ISO, etc.

 

[BlueCorn]

I agree on the Peterson book. To really make good photographs you need to be in control. Learn to work in manual exposure mode.

 

[Jacob D]

My first objective is to take nice clean macros of my coral

*someone*... ahem should consider making a sticky topic for the most often repeated tips for macro photography of corals, or more generally anything inside an aquarium.


- use a tripod
- shoot perpendicular to the glass, or straight down from the top
- use self timer or remote shutter release
- manually focus, use live view if available (not on 5D)
- clean your glass
- turn off pumps

- learn about focus stacking if you want to go nuts

 

[IPT]

Probably out dated by now but I learned a lot from Art Wolfes books. My recommendation is to shoot in Manual mode. Great way to learn about exposure. Use the exposure compensation dial to over and under expose and see how it affects. You'll be suprised how often you will purposly over or under expose and image (based on the camers meter) to get the exposure you really are trying to (like +2 for snow etc).

There are TONS of online tutorials also. Still, the best way is by just doing. Still, havng an idea abour what you are trying to achomplish a will help guide you and keep you focused (no pun intended). Understanding exposure and DOF (depth of field) are vital. You can then get into composition and creative stuff after that. Digital is wonderful for learning!

.

 

[highfyre]

My suggestion is to just listen to your Capt. ..... a real master!!

 

[panic]

I did! Stop yelling! At least I have an idea of what all the buttons do and how to work with the light now - you are the man with the skilz

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14842737#post14842737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by highfyre
My suggestion is to just listen to your Capt. ..... a real master!!

 

[panic]

Thanks for the tips! Highfyre got me started woking in manual with Ap/ss/ISO and I get that now, and has a remote switch he is letting me borrow. I downloaded an Exif viewer for my Mac so I can keep an eye on what others are doing. Now I need a tripod, photoshop, and some time to play.

 

[xsquyz]

Having a good tripod makes a world of difference. Set shutter on timer or go wireless trigger

 

[panic]

I had a full day this weekend to get to know the system, and I am amazed. My Mac decided to lock up on me, which has never happened before, so I can't move any of my files over. The tripod has a pistol-style grip on a ball-head which I really like. I am going to get one exactly like it. Is there a lens that gets even closer than the 100mm ef 2.8 with as much quality?