Back to my Camera
Since this is my week to share “this and that” I’m going back to my camera and share some new things I’ve learned on my Nikon P1000 the past few days. I’ve been shooting mostly in program modes now and excited to learn the difference about all the different modes. It’s actually not has hard as I thought it would be.
These gorgeous male bluebird was perched on the top of Lia’s swing set just waiting for me to snap his picture. I was hoping he would turn around so I could get a picture of his beautiful blue feathers!
Automatic Mode
When I first got my camera I kept the mode on the little green camera icon which is totally automatic, I didn’t have to do anything with the settings, the camera did it all. Then the weather changed, the sun came out so did the birds! Our backyard was filled with bluebirds, doves, cardinals flickers and little wrens. Now was my time to practice on the manual modes while the birds where hanging out enjoying the sun and berries in the trees and in no hurry to fly away.
Aperture Priority Mode
Aperture is the size of the hole in the lens that let’s light into the camera. The smaller the aperture the less light come in and the larger, more light comes in. ISO is the sensitivity level of the camera’s sensor. When using low ISO the photo will be less grainy. When using the Aperture Priority mode I can set my aperture (F stop) and ISO. The camera takes care of the shutter speed.
I still have to work on the back lighting, on a sunny day the background can be all washed out if on the wrong settings. These are when I was working on my settings, the first picture of the flicker and the bluebird is too bright in the background. After adjusting some settings, they came out a bit better. Not perfect but better! I also haven’t figured out how to catch a moving object since the birds fly so fast and by the time I find them in my view finder they are gone. But I’ll get to that eventually…..I hope!
Shutter Priority Mode
Shutter speed is the length of time the shutter is open and exposing light onto the camera sensor. A fast shutter speed has less light coming in and the slow shutter speed has more light coming in. I find the Shutter Priority mode is easier for me to use and adjust the shutter manually while the camera sets the aperture and ISO.
There was nothing special about this first shot of the morning dove or love birds as we call them. But after I shot it, another dove came around the corner. They hung around so I could work on my settings.
When out birdwatching, I set the camera on continuous or burst mode. This way I can hold the shutter button down and it takes up to seven pictures at once! Then I can pick the best picture in the group. Thanks to my blogger friend Doug Jarvie for this tip. These are three of a seven shot group, just a slight difference but if I had single shot I probably would have missed this little blue bird holding the berry in his mouth. I also turned all the camera audio sounds off, no clicking when I snap a picture as that can scare an animal or bird and I may miss the best shot!
As the days go by and I see more interesting subjects to photography, I hope to continue to learn more about my camera and get even better shots while learning about the different settings. So as Bugs Bunny would say.. that’s all folks!
I love bird watching too! These are some great shots!
I find to very relaxing to watch the birds in our yard Jean.
I remember the camera my spouse had years ago. He was always playing with settings. He could not understand why I could not take the pictures with the quality. Me, I am a iPhone camera girl, and that is probably the best I’ll ever manage. You descriptions of what the settings do were easy to understand. You certainly have some lovely photos.
I was very intimidated with it at first Debra, I was happy with my Android phone but this one takes awesome closeup from far away.
It sounds like you’re having a great time exploring the different modes on your Nikon P1000! I can relate to the feeling of excitement when learning new things about photography. I think it’s wonderful that you’re taking the time to really get to know your camera and the different modes it has to offer. It’s not always easy, but with practice and patience, you’ll be taking stunning photos in no time.
I love that you’re taking advantage of the different modes and learning what they can do for your photography. The Aperture Priority mode and Shutter Priority mode both sound like they would be useful for different shooting situations, so it’s great that you’ve been able to experiment with both. (By the way, I have been using Nikon cameras since I was in middle school – using my Dad’s whenever I could… and then continuing and only buy Nikon! Go Team Nikon).
The tip about using continuous or burst mode for birdwatching is a great one, too. Sometimes getting that one perfect shot can be a challenge, but with burst mode, you can increase your chances of getting the shot you want. Good luck on your photography journey!
Great to know that you are a Nikon guy Paul! There is so much to learn on these “grown up” cameras but I’m working at it!
Charlie needs to come visit you and you can teach him photography which he is wanting to learn. I just haven’t found a class that takes teens. But I’m not giving up I will find one or create my own. Anything to keep him learning. Have a good Sunday and a wonderful week as we wrap up the #UBC. Tell Lia C now has a girl.. friend not girlfriend. LOL
You Tube has some great videos on this camera also Glenda. I’m more of a trial and error type of person!
Wow, Martha, what fun you are having with that camera! I thought my iPhone camera was sharp at 12 megapixels, but I just saw a friend’s Android that has 48 megapixels! Will I ever be satisfied? 🙂 My sister and you both have that Coolpix P1000, and I crave to have one also. Thanks for the great images and explanations!
My Android takes awesome photos Kebba, I even got great shots of the moon! That was until I used the P1000 and I could actually see all the face in the moon! LOL
Great photos!
Thanks Amanda, having fun learning.
You have learned so much about your new camera so quickly Martha!! I am loving these pics… stunning each one of them
Thanks Vidya, there is so much more to learn, I’ll figure it out!