Taking the first step

After the first shoot, I decided to mess around with the cameras settings and compare them. I am hoping that this will build my confidence in using DSLR's and give me more of an understanding.

First step: Take myself off of auto mode, Make own decisions.

Second step: Experiment with settings for the first time!

ISO Auto, 200, 800, 1600

ISO

ISO (the numerical exposure index of a photographic film under the system adopted by the International Standardization Organization, used to indicate the light sensitivity of the film's emulsion.)

Shutter speed and aperture size are the main factors on determine how much light makes its way through the camera. The higher the ISO the more sensitive to light your camera becomes, meaning, your camera won't need as much.

Things learnt: lower the ISO value when you leave a low-light situation

General Rules and tips for ISO Settings:
Use an ISO of 100 or 200 when taking photographs outside in sunny conditions.
If the sky is overcast or it is evening time, then use an ISO within the range of 400 to 800.
Night time or in cases of low light you might need to set your digital camera ISO to 1600. If you don't then your photo will appear too dark if at all. (http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/camera/settings/iso.shtml)

FLASH.

Auto has an automatic flash which can be beneficial in many ways but can also take the artistic value out of the photography and cause it to become very average with very little vibrancy. When using a flash on other settings you can choose to use this feature , While shooting outdoors in bright light, flash can also help eliminate shadows, no matter how light the setting may be.

Things learnt: Do you not use automatic flash when indoors. Unflattering light.

WHITE BALANCE

Because colours differ in different light settings, the white balance has to be corrected. DSLR's give you a choice of settings which will help you in different circumstances. For example, shade white balance, cloudy, tungsten white balance, flash white balance and fluorescent. Setting an incorrect white balance, can result in unsightly blues, reds, yellow or green tinges.

White Balance - Auto, Daylight, indoor, cloudy, Tungsten.(Left-right)