Get off the auto mode
DSLRs are great because of the thousands of possibilities they give you for photography. But for beginners, they also come with an “auto” mode, which is an excellent choice if you’re new to DSLRs and don’t know where to begin. That’s the boat I was in this time three years ago, when I purchased my very first DSLR — a Nikon D40 & lens kit. And I admit, for the first few weeks I shot photographs in auto mode only, complete with auto-focus.
Now? After three years of using a DSLR, I admit that I still often use auto-focus, simply because with moving subjects (kids, cats, the dog, etc.) it’s just easier to let the lens focus, rather than try to do it myself and ultimately fail and wind up with out-of-focus shots that would otherwise be absolutely stunning. But I don’t use the auto mode. I play around with P (Program) and S (Shutter Priority) modes. I also use an external flash, which seriously is the best accessory I have ever purchased for my camera. The lighting capabilities it provides are absolutely AMAZING, which makes that gorgeous yet heavy lens worth every penny I paid for it. I don’t even mind the wrist strain, haha.
So, how do you start getting out of auto-focus? First, read up and understand the difference between P, S, A (Aperture Priority) and M (Manual) modes. Then pick one that you feel comfortable playing around with. Switch off the auto-focus as well, and practice moving the lens and re-positioning yourself to get in-focus shots. Use stationery objects like pieces of furniture, photo frames, fruit, cans, jars, etc., to get a feel for focusing and the various lighting options that are available. Before you know it, you’ll be manually focusing and setting up your camera settings like a pro! 
Filed Under: Tips