How to take better pictures

I have always wanted to take better pictures with my Nikon DSLR camera. Kate from Centsational Girl posted about one of her affiliates Shootflyshoot. It caught my attention because they show you how to use the manual mode on your DSLR camera via videos.  I liked the idea that I could watch the videos on my own time, stop and start them when I needed to.  So I purchased their Photography 101 videos and I must say, I love them!  I watched the videos on my laptop, with my camera in hand.  It was so helpful to actually manipulate my camera while watching the video.

I am not affiliated with Shootflyshoot, or getting paid to do a review.  But since I bought their product I thought I would give you my personal review of how I liked their product.

I used my master bathroom tub area to try out the manual mode.   Granted, they aren’t perfect, but I am very proud that I adjusted all the settings myself to get the picture.

What do you think?  Not too shabby right?  I think the one thing I got down was the lighting {fstop} but I still need to practice more so I can remember what to do every time.

This is the waterfall is outside the master bath window. I was very proud of myself that I was able take a picture with moving water using my manual mode settings. Still a lot to learn though.

So if you are looking for a leisurely way to learn how to use your camera in the manual mode, ShootflyShoot videos are a great way to go.  The only draw back for me was that they use a Cannon camera for their tutorials, I have a Nikon so I had to figure some things out on my own.  Other than that, the videos were very simple to understand and they break down every aspect of the settings in a manner that I could grasp, I liked that.  I haven’t finished all the videos yet, but that is what is great about their courses.  I can do it at my own pace.

If purchasing the videos aren’t in your budget, I’ve collected free tutorials from the blogosphere as well on my pinterst board “How to take better pictures”  I have read a lot of them, and they have been very helpful.

I just pinned one on how to take better pictures with your iPhone.  I always have my iPhone with me, so this was very helpful

I am no where close to understanding the whole manual thing, or being able to shoot like Kate, but with these videos to refer to, and the free tutorials I have read, I am getting closer to never putting my camera in Auto ever again.  Have you tried the manual mode on your camera?