9 replies to this topic

[BigBoy33]

Hello there,

Im new to the forum and new to photography.. I have a D3200 I just purchased with 3 lenses (Nikon 18-55mm, Nikon 55-200mm, & a Tokina 11-16mm F2.8).. I am interested mainly in landscape photography and will be headed to the ocean next week.. I guess Im looking for some advice on the best way to capture the beauty of the ocean with my new camera.. I have taken a basic "How to use my Nikon Camera" class..

I realize its a vague question but Im looking for things like: Do I need lens filters? Any cool settings I should try when there, etc..

Any help you could lend this noob would be greatly apreciated.

Thanks all, very excited to be a part of the community..

[james23p]

Kind of hard to start without knowing how much you know but you have a nice wide angle lens so your good there with a very capable camera. The first thing is to take some pics and learn from trial and error plus with pictures we can look at your settings and make suggestions. Next for landscape I would invest in a nice tripod it sure does help when shooting in low light it will allow you to take pictures when your shutter speeds are to low for hand holding. Also with your camera a IR remote shutter release will also help in low light these are very cheap and worth their price in gold. Here's some questions do you know Depth of field and how it relates to the aperture setting? Are you using the scene modes or have you moved to the more advanced settings like Aperture Priority and Shutter priority? How well do you understand exposure? Once we know where you stand it will be easier to help you along and give you more than just general help. I am very glad you joined us others will chime in with more advice so hang in there I know it seems like a lot but you'll pick it up in no time. I hope my questions are not offensive just want to gauge where we need to start. Jim

[BigBoy33]

No worries ever about offending me with questions!! Promise!! I am a true Noob! I took an “Intro to Nikon” class at a camera store here locally and we learned the basics about ISO’s, Aperture & Shutter Speeds.. I won’t call myself an expert but I know enough to be dangerous (I think!!).. I have just been tinkering in both the Aperture & Shutter Priorities.. As well as scene mode for landscape.. Again, just shooting and seeing what looks right.. I’ve downloaded some cheat sheets to keep in my camera bag in order to reference them when the bullets are flying.. I will be getting a tripod before going out next week and considered some polarized filters in order to cut down on glare off the water & rocks.. I’ll look into a camera IR remote shutter release (cause I have no idea what that is right now! But after all, that’s what Google is for). Exposure I’m a little foggy on and as far as shot composition it’s just whatever I see that looks pretty.. So any advice there would be helpful. Thanks Jim, I have been spending some quality time on the site and have learned some things in the couple of hours Ive been browsing.. I’m happy to be here!!

[Dennis]

When taking shots of the water, like at a beach, be mindful of the horizon line. Also, don't make the horizon, or any other dominate line, right in the middle, more sky or more water. as a rule of thumb. And there will be times to break rules as well. And welcome.

[Old Dog New Tricks]

A polarizer filter would help. A tripos is useful if you want to do the "soft water" effect. Close the lens down as far as it will go (larger f stop number, i.e. 22) getting the slowest shutter speed. Polarizer will also help keep the speed down. Which coast. If you go East, get up for the sunrise. Try and get something in the foreground for framing. My 2 cents. Have fun. Cliff

[BigBoy33]

Perfect guys.. Im headed to Florida and will actually be on both sides.. Ft Lauderdale Ill make sure to get up for sunrise.. Siesta Key on the Gulf side has some of the pretties sunsets Ive ever seen.. Its actually what made me want to start taking photos.. Stay tuned!!

[Herman]

CP filter does wonders! Reduces glare from water surfaces and provides terrific skies (subject to the weather man)... Best CP filters are those that are multi-coated. For very wide-angle usage consider the slim-line filters to reduce light fall-off.

[fotofill]

Around water there is so much reflected light, it can give your meter readings that just are not very accurate. But, with your camera, you can look to see if the the photo is too dark or too light! There were cameras that did not do that. From what you see, you can alter things to get what you'd like to get. Decide which part of the fame is most im[portant and get the exposure right for that. Most often the sky will look a lot lighter. I am a photoshop user. Do you have some software that will help you edit photos? I have found best results when I shoot until I get what I "think" I want, then shoot more exposures that appear darker. Good luck and don't pass up looking down on the beach. Phil

[BigBoy33]

Thanks Phil.. Yes, have Adobe Lightroom 5.. And as challenging as learing to use my camera correctly is I think that is going to be the bigger bag of snakes!! I will spend a week watching the beach and the water.. No worries there!!

[james23p]

Oops the IR remote lets you trigger the shutter without touching the camera it helps reduce camera shake when mounted on a tripod using slow shutter speeds. It's a remote for your camera like we need more remotes . Plus it's nice if you want to be in the picture without having to run around the camera with the delayed timer set. Jim