DTL Photo

Moving up from a basic compact camera or smartphone to a DSLR creates a whole new range of photographic possibilities. Not only will a more advanced camera offer you increased control over the settings you use, but with easy know-how, you’ll be ready to achieve creative effects such as long exposures and blurry backgrounds. Of course, this added functionality means extra buttons and dials that may seem pretty alien to you when you first pick up the camera... Start in auto mode Our advice would be to start in full auto mode, which is usually marked by a green square on the main mode dial. In this mode, your camera will behave like a point-and-shoot compact and you won’t have to worry about settings. Next, move on to ‘P’ mode, which is similar except you’ll be able to change the balance between shutter speed and aperture and turn off the flash. Once you become more familiar with the camera, you can move on to the semi-automatic and manual modes. Let’s take a look at what some of...

Having your photo kit stolen is the stuff of nightmares. If you’ll love your camera like a child, and would have to endure a roller coaster ride of disbelief, denial, bargaining, guilt, anger and depression before you could accept it was really gone. So it’s well worth doing everything possible to protect, what is for most of us, a considerable financial investment that would be very difficult to replace. Unfortunately, many photographers lose kit because of a simple lack of common sense. For example, they might leave their kit bag open on the floor of a busy street while taking a shot in the opposite direction. Or they might leave it unattended in a bag on the beach while they have a quick dip. So it’s worth training yourself to think defensively when you’re out shooting. Can anyone get into my bag without me noticing? Am I in a dodgy area where I could be mugged? Is this hotel room really secure? But there are some...