Tell me what camera you use. I use Nikon cameras, mainly a D750 and a D850. I use the D750 to photograph people and the D850 to capture my fine artwork. Back when I shot with film, I used a Mamiya 645, a medium-format camera, and got 30 shots from a 220 roll of film. My first true digital camera was a Fuji S1, a DSLR with a Nikon body that used my lens. It was a 6-megapixel camera that produced great color for photographing people. Nikon's first digital camera wasn’t color-balanced for people, which caused many photographers to switch to Canon. But now, all manufacturers’ digital cameras have good color balance. I haven’t purchased a mirrorless camera yet because I have many lenses compatible with my DSLR. I'll join the mirrorless camera club sometime before the year is out.

This community is for people who want to take better photographs, understand their camera, and get off Auto without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve been a professional photographer for many decades. I’ve been teaching individuals how to use their digital cameras, and I teach college students how to use and be creative with them. My goal here is simple: help you make better photos with clear, practical instruction. You do not need to be an expert. You just need curiosity and a camera. Drop a comment below and introduce yourself: 1. Your name 2. What camera do you use 3. What you most want to learn I’m glad you’re here.

Want to switch from Auto mode? Start by learning the three most important camera settings: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. You don't need to master every button and menu right away because these three form the foundation of photography. Comment below and tell me which one confuses you most, and I’ll create more lessons to help.

What were you trying to photograph? What do you like about it? What would you do differently next time? You do not need a perfect image to share here. You just need to practice and participate. Here’s one of the photographs I made this week. The Hellebore plant is among the first to emerge in spring here in Ohio. I have a few of them in my yard. When I see them, it reminds me that the seasons keep moving forward. Winter is over, and summer is on its way. I used a Nikon 105mm macro lens on my D850 camera to create this image. Post one photograph that you created this week.

Aperture controls how much of your photograph appears sharp. A wider aperture can give you a blurry background. A smaller aperture can keep more of the scene in focus. That means the aperture helps shape the image's feeling. Portraits often look great with background blur. Landscapes often look strong when more of the scene is in sharp focus. Have you tried Aperture Priority mode yet? Tell me below.