Is it just me?

[jefferybull]

Hello everyone,I have just started here at Proud Photography and I really like it so far especially the tutor help and these forums I am sure will be great.My issue is I have moved up to the world of DSLR as many of you also I am sure have.My question...I in addition to the class ( I am on lesson 5 ) read alot online and watch videos about photography,but I still seem to take bad out of focus pictures especially when it is very sunny outside.Is there a simple way to adjust Aperature and F# or is it just that hard and takes a long time to understand.I want to use my cam to have better pics especially of my little son,but I feel like the time I can do well on it he will no longer be young.I am using a Nikon D80 with 18/135mm glass.Maybe I need an external light meter? Any thoughts to if this is a good buy or not? Thanks to you all and look forward to spending some time here with you guys.

Jeff:)

[reval8r]

Hi Jeff,
When you say you take out-of-focus pictures are you using auto focus or manually focusing? In auto focus your camera may not be focusing on the subject. Also, the f-stop and distance from the subject can effect your focus. Slow shutter speeds can cause pictures to have motion blur with you may think are out-of-focus. Post some images and it will give use a better understanding on how to help you.

The most important thing is to keep snapping that shutter. Learn your camera where it's like an extension of your hand. You'll not only get faster, but better. All of use have taken our share of blurry images, but the more you practice and concentrate on having images that are sharp, the easier it becomes.

Good luck,
Larry

[jefferybull]

Thanks Larry and no I only use auto function in less light photos but usually I use manual.I did however use a low F# but I was in aperature priority mode so I thought the camera would choose the correct ( fast ) shutter to compensate.Isn't there an old ruls called "sunny 16 rule" for the f#? I heard that in something iI was reading I think.I will get some pics up here real soon and maybe that will help too.Thanks for your reply and talk again later.

Jeff

[colelover178]

He is talking about auto focus on your lense there should be a switch time thing where it can be put on af for auto focus or m for manual and as long as you have that on and pointed at your subject and keep your camera steady it should come out clear but pictures might help to see what you are doing wrong. I hope i helped.

[LensBaby]

Yes, can you post some of the photos so we can see. We might be able to tell from looking at them.

[jefferybull]

Ok I will add pics but site isnt letting me now so I need to see why.I am a member of the online class too so should be ok so I will ask them why login is not functioning...TY-Jeff

[jefferybull]

Ok here are some terrible pics from this weekend.Seems no matter what I do this cam will not take good pics.I didn't realize how hard the Nokon was to take a nice pic.Too late though now,hahaha.Ok I am going to upload files to see if it will work.I even use the view finder meter and it sais the exposure is ok so I shoot and this is the result.

Thanks Jeff