Say No To Pop-Up Flash & Auto Mode: Learning Your DSLR!

   I've had many people tell me they're new at photography or that they just got a new camera and are in the process of learning it, so I thought, 'Why not write a post that can help them improve their photos on a daily basis?'  The biggest mistake I see photography newbies make is using their pop-up flash constantly.  Unless it is absolutely too dark, the pop-up flash should be avoided altogether. The pop-up flash is the mood-killer of photography. I'll show you what I mean below! 

   When you're in an area that is well-lit (or even decently lit) you won't need that thing! (This may seem obvious, but I once saw another photographer on location doing an outdoor shoot for a family in the middle of the day, and she was using her pop-up flash. I was kinda baffled, but I guess lots of people make this mistake. I too made this mistake when I started out, so if you're doing it, you're forgiven. ;)) 

   If you're looking for a flash alternative to the pop-up flash and don't have the money to purchase an expensive speedlight flash, check out the Lightscoop!  The Lightscoop is a nifty little device that is very inexpensive, and you use it with your pop-up flash to bounce the light off the ceiling or a wall to evenly light the scene you're photographing instead of flashing the light directly at your subject. Here are two photos I took using the Lightscoop before I was able to purchase my first speedlight.

See how evenly lit they are? The thing works great!

   Another misconception about photography, is that you can purchase an expensive DSLR camera and suddenly get more amazing photos just by shooting in auto-mode, or thinking that manual-mode is just for the pros. The photos taken by a DSLR will be of a higher quality than those taken by a point-and-shoot camera, but they won't look much better unless you learn how to make the most of the DSLR, and discover all that it can do. Even the beginner entry-level DSLRs can take really amazing photographs if you learn how to use the camera. (I am still shooting with an entry-level DSLR actually, although I'm desperately trying to save money to purchase a big-girl camera! ;))

   To show you more of what I mean, I took a few photos in manual-mode, the way I always shoot, and then flipped the camera mode to 'auto' and took the same photo that way. Also, each time I flipped the camera to 'auto' mode, the pop-up flash popped itself up, so its also a great example of flash vs. no flash! Here are those shots:

See? That flash is a total mood-killer.

^That's me as a child. :)

   I want to encourage everyone who has recently received or purchased a DSLR to practice practice practice! And bust open that camera manual and start teaching yourself how to use your camera in manual mode. You will thank yourself when you start to see your photos get better and better! Also look into getting a Lightscoop! Its an inexpensive way to take better photos indoors of your family, friends, kids, or just anything and I highly recommend it! Have fun experimenting and feel free to ask me any questions you have about manual mode, flashes, etc.! I'm always very happy to help when I can!