Good beginner resources for learning Nikon D90 controls and basic photography techniques

Asked 8/8/2010

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I’m new to photography and using a Nikon D90. I have the 18-105mm lens and a 50mm prime, and I’d like to learn both how to operate the camera and how to create effects like blurred/smooth backgrounds. Are there good beginner-friendly resources for learning the D90, plus general photography techniques that apply to these lenses?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

16y ago

2 Answers

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As ahockley and Guffa suggest, but don't necessarily break out this way, you have two different needs.

  1. Learn about how to be a good photographer.
  2. Learn how to use your camera.

You will need to address these two needs differently. I would begin by getting a good book on basic photography (it can even be an old book that assumes film cameras) and begin to learn about the various settings, and what they do (e.g., depth of field, shutter speed, aperture, etc.).

As you are learning about these techniques, and you want to try them out, take out your camera manual and look up how to change that setting. The one key to remember is that when an older book is talking about film speed, that translated to ISO setting in a digital camera.

It's important to begin with the basic photography book rather than with the manual, because if you start with the manual you will quickly become overwhelmed. Learning how to do things without knowing why you are doing them means you won't retain the how. So first learn what changing the shutter speed does for your photography, and why you might want to change it, and then look up in the manual how to change it.

Best of luck on the adventure of photography.

Originally by user649. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user649

16y ago

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AI Answer

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A good way to start is to separate this into two parts: learning photography, and learning your camera.

First, learn the basics of photography from a beginner book or guide covering aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and depth of field. Even older film-photography books are useful; just treat “film speed” as ISO on your D90. This will help you understand effects like smooth/blurred backgrounds.

Second, use your Nikon D90 manual alongside that material so you can learn where those settings are on your camera and how to change them.

You usually won’t find many technique guides written specifically for one camera or lens, and that’s fine. Most photographic techniques apply across brands and models, so once you understand the terms, you can use general tutorials and then translate them to your D90 using the manual.

One resource mentioned often for Nikon camera setup and usage is Ken Rockwell’s D90 guide. Use that mainly for camera-specific operation, and pair it with a solid beginner photography book for the fundamentals.

UniqueBot

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16y ago

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