Taking my DDs holiday photos myself with my new DSLR... I need help, never used this kind of camera before

I took the plunge since it was time to upgrade my old Olympus point and shoot. I always read on here about the DSLR's so DH got me the Nikon D3000 for the holidays.

So far I kind of "get it" from reading the owners manual. I mean, it makes sense for the most part. The battery isn't charged yet, it's on the plug currently so I am hoping to play with it before the big 'moment'. Any recommendations to set the camera so that I can get a good shot? I may only get one chance. Both my kids are sick and my 19m old doesn't hold a pose very well. Today with my old Olympus I tried 18 times to get a pic of my 19m old kissing the 4m old on the head. Fortunately, the 19m old loves kissing the baby, but I didn't get even ONE picture. I got the shot after she moved away. I tried snapping before saying "go kiss the baby"... nothing worked. What would be the best setting? Auto, child or sport? And if I take it off auto on the camera, do I have to change the setting on the lens to manual? I have everything on auto right now. How awsome would it be to have a pic of her kissing the baby on our holiday card? My old p&s camera is definately not up to the task obvisously.

Lastly, I know there is a flash in this thing... does it pop up when the power is turned on? Or is there something I have to do? Does it know when it needs the flash and when not or do I have to figure that out? How can I make a "backdrop" or a nice setting in my home? Would "Close up" good for a head kissing shot? "Portrait" mode for a shot with them sitting on the sofa?

Sorry if these are dumb questions.

Re: Taking my DDs holiday photos myself with my new DSLR... I need help, never used this kind of camera before

Not dumb questions at all. I will be wondering all the same things when I finally get a DSLR too!

I know my response doesn't help you but maybe it will bump it up a bit for you so others see it and answer. I'll be wondering what the answers to your questions are too.

Re: Taking my DDs holiday photos myself with my new DSLR... I need help, never used this kind of camera before

Well, we can try to help eachother through it.

I have to say, now that the battery is charged I've been playing with it. I'm amazed at how easy it is to use and even how well it takes pictures. DD#1 kept shutting her eyes or squinting from the flash, so I put it on the no-flash setting and the picture came out great and she didn't squint. I"m going to have a lot of fun with it. If I can get some good shots of holiday photos later, I'll try to post them. I still have to upload the software.

Re: Taking my DDs holiday photos myself with my new DSLR... I need help, never used this kind of camera before

The flash will pop if its on auto if not you'll need to pop it yourself with the top button which is right by the D3000 emblem.

Re: Taking my DDs holiday photos myself with my new DSLR... I need help, never used this kind of camera before

I personally would prob just shoot the pic in auto since u just got it and then play with settings after the holidays! Good Luck!

I also have the D3000, got it when it first came out in Sept and I'm still learning so much about it (I also took a class at the community college)

Re: Taking my DDs holiday photos myself with my new DSLR... I need help, never used this kind of camera before

I think when other areas of my life "calm down" a bit, I may also try a class somewhere. Anyone know if there are any workshops for a few hours?

Overall, I like it a lot. The only thing I like "better" about a P&S is that I have to put this camera together every time I want to use it (I store it in the bag and it came with 2 lenses). I kept the battery in the camera, I'm not sure if your not supposed to, I may get a second back up battery just in case. With the P&S cameras you just turn them on, which is easier. However, I love that it takes the picture so fast and very clear. The auto setting is so easy to use.

Re: Taking my DDs holiday photos myself with my new DSLR... I need help, never used this kind of camera before

Re: Taking my DDs holiday photos myself with my new DSLR... I need help, never used this kind of camera before

If you're gonna keep it in auto, pop the kids by the biggest window you have and snap away. If you don't have enough light the flash will pop up to correct the underexposure.

The 'Child' mode on the Nikon is great for keeping colors vibrant and skintones pretty even. I'd use this or the portrait mode if you're going to keep it in auto. You don't have to fiddle with the lens at all if it's on autofocus (labeled AF on the camera)..


Hope that helps a bit...