Advice for the Beginner Photographer

So you did it, you took the plunge and bought yourself a nice and expensive DSLR camera. Awesome! If you are anything like me, then you got it home, took it out of the box, glanced at the manual and thought to yourself, now what? DSLR cameras can be intimidating, especially if you are a novice when it comes to photography. With the help of my sister, who has studied photography for several years, and copious hours of internet research I have complied a list of tips and advice for photography and DSLR camera beginners.

Your camera manual is your new best friend. If you are like me you never read the manual, but, in this case not only is it a necessity it will simplify your life. Getting to know all the ins and outs of your camera is the first step to becoming a better photographer.

Be patient with yourself. It is going to take time and practice for you to get comfortable with your camera. So don't beat yourself if it doesn't happen over night.

Don't be pressured to get out of AUTO mode ... until you are ready. I have heard so many people complain about people who buy big expensive DSLR cameras and they only take pictures in Auto. Who cares? Its their money and their camera let them do what they want. Obviously, I think you should learn to take full advantage of your cameras capabilities but who am I to judge. So no rush, get comfortable with your camera and in the meantime take photos in Auto if you want.

Learn the basics of shooting in manual. By that I mean, be able to understand the words aperture, shutter speed and ISO and what they mean for the function of your camera. It is important to learn how your camera works so you can take better pictures.

Practice, Practice, Practice. I think it is especially important to set time aside to practice using the manual settings on your camera. Do it when there is no pressure and the pictures you are taking don't matter. Don't wait til the family vacation to learn how to use your camera.

There is no such thing as too many pictures. The more you shoot the more comfortable you will get with your camera and your pictures will turn out better because of it.

Research. Read photography books. Look at photography blogs. Search Pinterest. I'm serious on this one, Pinterest is a great resource for photography how-tos.

Protect your equipment. By that I mean, your camera was probably expensive so you should take care of it. Buy UV filters for your lens(es). Don't touch or mess with the mirror inside the body of your camera, it could damage your sensors. Try and prevent dust from getting inside that area as well, change your lenses quickly. 

Have fun! This is the most important piece of advice I can give you.

What are some your favorite tips and tricks for beginner photographers and their DSLR cameras?

Yoga Guide: Advice from a Newbie

Its been over a month since I declared my desire to rededicate myself to yoga. How is that going you ask? Its going pretty well actually! Right now I'm in kind of a workout rut, mainly its cold here and well I don't want to do it. And when I say cold here, I mean everywhere. When its cold in Paraguay there is no escape, most people don't have heat in their houses and its a humid cold which is just plain weird. But, I try and do yoga for at least 15 minutes everyday ... and I generally stick to that plan. I thought I would share some of my new found yoga wisdom, remember I'm a beginner too, so don't take my advice as the end all be all of yoga advice, but, I thought it could help other newbies, like me.

Don't give up. Yoga can be hard. I know the people you see doing it on Instagram and those workout videos look so relaxed but that is because they have been doing yoga for years. When you start, yoga is hard. You will breath heavy, make weird noises and generally make a fool of yourself. But that is the point, keep going and you will get there one day. After a month I am already seeing improvements in moves I could barely do 30 days ago

Get into a routine. You will see better results if you practice yoga on a regular basis. Even if you are like me and only do 10-15 minutes a day. Something is better than nothing, so get your butt on your mat at least a few time a week, every week.

Listen to your body. Yes, it is important to push your body sometimes in yoga, you don't know what you can do until you try. But, you also need to be careful, Yoga may not be a contact sport but you can still get hurt. Go slowly and do what is comfortable to your body.

Breathing. Do it. Sometimes in the more difficult poses you will find yourself holding your breath. Stop. Breathing is an intricate part of yoga and you know, living. So just remember to keep breathing.

Start slow. I know when you start yoga you have this image in your head of doing awesome hand stand poses or crazy arm balance moves and basically just being a yoga super star. But, you won't get there right away. You need to build up strength and balance and a whole bunch of other things before you get there. Start with the important foundation poses and they will eventually lead you to those awesome hand stands.

Do your research. Go to a class. Talk to your yoga instructor. Read a book. Research online. Get help from actual Yoga professionals (not just a wannabe yogi - aka me.)

Have fun. This is the most important in my book. If you aren't having fun while you practice yoga then whats the point. There are plenty of exercises out there you can do, yoga isn't for everyone so don't force it. 

Do you have any advice for Yoga beginners, like me?