A beginners question / manual mode

hi,
First off... don't laugh too hard!! I'm about as green as green gets..
I bought a cannon PS 530 this summer and have started to dabble with the manual mode
This was my first attempt. Other than needing a tripod, am I heading in the right direction as far as settings go???..I thought I captured the colors fairly well. It was an incredible sunset!
I have some understanding of the aperture and shutter speeds but could use some guidance. Looking for any suggestions or advice any of you might have.

I'm trying to post 2 photos not sure if I'm doing it right or not...we shall see I guess,but here are the settings I used.

settings for IMG 0019: (TOP)
tv - 1/16 av - 9.0 iso 80

settings for IMG 0020: BOTTOM)
tv - 1/15 av - 4.5 iso 80


thanks much for helping a beginner out,
etrig


.

I'd say those are fine photos, beginner or not. They might benefit from a little post-image editing, but they're great the way they are.

-Joe U.

Looks as though this one was hand held? One of your first investments should be a tripod. My first tripod was a bean bag. Then picked a tripod up at a yard sale for a dollar. I think the ISO should be around 100-400 and the AV around 8 to16 and let your cameras meter determine Tv.
Greg

Greg, yup it was hand held.I was at work and watching another beautiful sunset.
I always keep my camera in the car,so I snuck out the back door and took the pictures.
I will do more experimenting with the ISO settings, my av choices are kinda limited depending on focal length.Most of my other pictures have been taken in auto mode, so I've been going thru my photos and looking at shooting data to try and use as a comparison. Hoping this will help me.These last few days I've learned a lot more about this camera and its features.I will also be looking for a tripod.

a nice way to find a close exposure setting for a picture is put the camera into aperature mode and set the aperature you are looking to use .. then see what the camera "thinks" the shutter speed should be for correct exposure .. then go to manual mode and set to the same aperature then try the shutter speed the camera suggested and maybe a speed faster or slower too .. gets ya in the ball park unless you have a light meter then just use that ...

but yes for the longer shutter speeds a tripod makes the world of difference

Hey...that is indeed a wonderful sunset!

Although a tripod is handy, regardless of anything...I dunno about saying that these images need a tripod or not...I mean with a tripod, it does not exclude the fact that you can still use these images as well, personally i like the hazy feel...but like Medley said, they could use a little post....

All in all though....i personally feel, that the only way to go from "green" to "pro" is experiment. With digital nowadays, it doesnt cost much to experiment...You'll find the things you like....And you won't forget a thing....

Really nice images!

Cheers,
Marc

Ben,
Thats a great idea, I'll be checking that out. You raise some questions I have about aperture settings,lenses,and focal lengths.I need to look at my owners manual again, my answer may be in there. If not I will ask that question in another thread.

Marc,
the delete button is a nice feature..he he he

thanks you guys..
trig

just remember the smaller the aperature (larger f-#) the more that is in focus, but will require longer shutter speed do to the less light coming in.

also as greg mentioned upping the iso will allow for faster shutter speeds but then you have to start watching for "noise" take pics and keep upping the iso later at night and you will find where the noise becomes unacceptable. there are some nice utilities out to reduce the noise in post. So you may be able to go even higher iso and bring the noise back down afterwards.

i looked in your gallery and really like your "painted skies" and "029sunset" very nice shots !!!