Cheat Sheet for beginners?

[OpticalPrime]

Hi all, Im not a professional by any means, but I am starting to finally understand Aperture, Shutterspeed, ISO, etc... on my camera.

Well yesterday at work I was trying to help my boss out a little who just bought a new 40D. He bought this camera and all he does is shoot in auto mode. Its starting to sink in a little, but I thought I would print out a one page easy cheat sheet on some basic stuff... (explaining low Fstop = more light and shallow depth of field, Shutter speed, ISO, etc...)

But before I spend the time, I started thinking there has to be something like this out there I can just download and print....

anyone know where I can find it? I looked on google but had little luck

[CaptainTom]

I've seen the photo-bert sheets and they are very helpful. Packed with specific info about a specific camera model.

http://www.photocheatsheets.com/

[OpticalPrime]

i havent ever seen those in person, but they look pretty cool. But I dont think they are exactly what Im thinking.

Id like something that is a little simpler for him. Like: when taking pictures in a dark house and no flash, high ISO, low Aperture. Or when taking pictures of basketball game, high shutter speed, etc....

basically trying to help him understand aperture, shutter speed, iso all work together... guess i can just type it all out. Just thought there might be something out there with better words than mine...

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by 00bolt

i havent ever seen those in person, but they look pretty cool. But I dont think they are exactly what Im thinking.

Id like something that is a little simpler for him. Like: when taking pictures in a dark house and no flash, high ISO, low Aperture. Or when taking pictures of basketball game, high shutter speed, etc....

basically trying to help him understand aperture, shutter speed, iso all work together... guess i can just type it all out. Just thought there might be something out there with better words than mine...

The sheets are not limited to camera specifics.
He has a bunch of general photo helps like this one
http://www.photocheatsheets.com/cs.aspx?n=91

[johnastovall]

The simplest cheat sheet is just put the camera in manual mode and use the Sunny 16 rule.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

The simplest cheat sheet is just put the camera in manual mode and use the Sunny 16 rule.

The sunny 16 rule ? How does that work inside ?? It reminds me of a story about the Worshofski brothers. They had built a magnificent machine that they said was going to take them to the sun and back. When someone exclaimed that if they got too close to the sun they would burn to a crisp, they replied " but we're going to go at NIGHT !"

[Ahh!]

That'll never work. Go in the winter, instead!

[TxManx]

Digital SLR Cameras & Photography For Dummies

...because a single cheat sheet simply won't suffice.

[jonnydonut]

not to be a downer, but I've made these for people and it's always been unsuccessful. if someone really wants to learn, there are millions on online tip web sites, a manual that came with the camera, books, free digital experimentation. I know he's your boss, but try to avoid turning him into a photographer... he shoots on auto mode. Unless of course he asks you about something in a specific area or if he really really wants to learn. But then he'll learn by trial and error.

Maybe it's just my experience, but so many people I know buy fancy cameras, shoot in auto mode and get upset that there pics are not as good as mine. I used to step in constantly, try to tell them settings, what they do, why they should do it. You know, be nice, share my knowledge, so they can get better pictures. Then of course next time I see them, they're in auto mode again, or never change it back and think I "messed up" their camera.

I recommend this site to anyone wanting to learn more. It's very simple.
digital-photography-school.com/blog/

If all else fails, inform him of the "portrait mode", "sports mode", "night shot", "landscape" that the 40D has.