Quote:
Originally Posted by Gratris
This here photography lark ain't as easy you think is it?
I have a new camera, new lens, a beautiful surrounding area and still can't get it right!
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The camera is just a tool, and like any tool, the user has to learn to use it skillfully. A cheap point & shoot in the hands of a professional is more likely to produce a good photo than the most expensive camera in the hands of a novice. Some of the ads can be misleading, that if you buy this camera, you will produce this kind of photo... but that photo was taken by a pro!
Personally, I don't see a need for a tripod everywhere you go. Lugging one of those around with you can soon discourage you. If your lens has a vibration compensation (or optical stabilizer) switch on it, make sure it's turned on. If not, even a monopod will serve to stabilize your camera, too, and it won't tire you out lugging it around.
If you are using a zoom lens and are zoomed right in, there is more likelihood of getting camera shake and a slightly blurred picture. During daylight hours, the optical stabilizer should take care of that, but it also depends on the aperture you are using. A tiny aperture will need a longer exposure which could lead to blurring. A wide open aperture leads to a shallower depth of focus, thus putting some parts of the photo out of focus. You can find the 'sweet spot' (optimum aperture) on your lens by taping a piece of newspaper to the wall, set your camera on the tripod and take a series of photos from the smallest to the largest aperture. See which photo shows the sharpest newsprint, and that aperture is your sweet spot. My Sigma 18-250 lens is about f/11.
Learning exposure is also a good thing. There are some excellent books on exposure (Brian Peterson's '
Understanding Exposure') is a great book, but there is also a wealth of information on the Internet.
Just one more thing, if your camera has a 'Landcape' option in the shooting menu, it makes a difference.