Newbie needs advice

[zonk6719]

Ok, first off I know this is a horrible picture. But that is why I posted it. I am new to, but very excited about photography. I have a Cannon Xsi.

I was standing on a trail and I was in the sunlight, but the Deer was in the woods where it was much darker. I didn’t want to use a flash…well mainly because I didn’t want the deer to kick my butt J Just looking for some pointers on how I should have taken this picture properly.
It is much easier for me to learn by doing as opposed to reading a book or something. Thanks for any advice!!

http://www.atimberlake.com/photos/388008671_PZX2V-M.jpg

[Mitchell]

Does anyone else see the irony of this post?

We can't read your text because you choose to use a black font on the black background here. Try typing in white like everyone else.

Your camera properly exposed for the bright field behind the deer. Unfortunately, your deer was in shadows. You could either expose properly for the deer by using spot metering or you could use a flash.

[zonk6719]

Does anyone else see the irony of this post?

We can't read your text because you choose to use a black font on the black background here. Try typing in white like everyone else.

Your camera properly exposed for the bright field behind the deer. Unfortunately, your deer was in shadows. You could either expose properly for the deer by using spot metering or you could use a flash.

Sorry about that I fixed the text. Thanks for the tips.

[Harryb]

I know you hate reading but check this (http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1958634) out.

On this image it would help if you could supply us with your exif (camera settings) data.

Spot metering would work but usually with wildlife captures your subject isn't going to wait for you to spot meter. I recommend shooting in aperture priority and doing exposue adjustments. With a dark subject against a lighter background you would need to do positive expsoure adjustments.

[jwear]

You will have to read some then play with the camera but if you want to improve you need to read :deal Harry's tips are going to get you going . Learn all you can about your camera then learn from your mistakes :scratch good luck --your shot flash plus on the exposer or chase the deer into the light :D

[Swede]

I just started getting into this a little over a month ago. Grab a better book on your camera than the Owners manual and that will be a good start. The biggest thing is to just learn the concepts and the manual settings. I started getting into this after I went to Alaska. I took all my pictures in the auto modes and 90% of them turned out bad. Just taking a lot of pictures and practicing will help a lot. Here is one I took Saturday.

[Harryb]

I just started getting into this a little over a month ago. Grab a better book on your camera than the Owners manual and that will be a good start. The biggest thing is to just learn the concepts and the manual settings. I started getting into this after I went to Alaska. I took all my pictures in the auto modes and 90% of them turned out bad. Just taking a lot of pictures and practicing will help a lot. Here is one I took Saturday.

Welcome to Dgrin Swede. :wave

That's a nice capture :thumb but the whites are a tad hot. You used a positive exposure adj of a third of a stop. I think if you hadn't adjusted the exposure that it might have been better or even a negative adj of a third.