Learning the basics

I just got my first DSLR. It’s a Canon EOS 60D with 18-135 mm lens. I bought it from an online store Gadget Grocery. When I first talked with the owner, I was informed that they still need to order from their supplier so I had to wait. Unfortunately, Canon has already phased out that model. My options then were to either buy the newer and more expensive 70D or the cheaper 700D. I find 70D too pricey especially since this is the first time I’m buying a DSLR so that was taken out of the equation. I was already bent on buying 700D but the owner generously offered to ask his co-importers if they still have the model I wanted. I agreed and the next day he emailed me with the good news that he found one. I had it delivered that afternoon. Their products are cheaper compared to other stores since, as the delivery guy explained to me, they don’t rent a space so they do not have overhead costs. (I just wanted to promote this online store since the owner really made an effort to get me the camera that I want.)

Anyway, I used to have an Olympus point and shoot which I brought with me whenever I travel some years ago but I do not have any background on using manual settings.  Good thing my friend, LA, has been into photography for a while now and was very much willing to teach me the basics. He gave me a crash course discussing exposure, shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Weeks before I got hold of the camera, I have been reading about these but it was only then that I really understood what they meant. Then I went on a vacation with some friends and brought the camera with me. 

In these shots, my mind was focused on just getting the correct exposure. 

Then I tried wide aperture in taking pictures of these flowers.

We also got to visit our old university.

When I got back home, I noticed that some of the pictures I have taken were out of focus. So the next weekend, I went for a morning walk in UP Diliman. I practiced getting the focus correctly and also tried shooting at fast shutter speed to freeze motion.