Photography Question From An Amateur

[Merkurie]

There is a lot of great advice for you to consider so far.
Here is my 2 cents.

Looking at the picture you posted, the scene as a whole looks well exposed you on the other hand are over exposed on the skin and under exposed on the face and hair.

I think the camera is auto exposing for the scene and not exposing for you. Try using your camera's "portrait mode" to convince the camera to expose for you as a center subject and not the scene as a whole.

If you are using "auto" matrix metering, the camera is setting an exposure to render the entire scene. Only Nikons newest models like the D800 can identify a human face automatically in the frame. So what the camera is doing is metering for the trees, the dark shadows a big splash of bright skin tone, more dark shadows; and setting an exposure to make everything show up.

The "portrait mode" is a crude way of telling the camera- there is a person in the center of the frame. All those scene modes are found on Nikons consumer cameras and are ways of biasing the camera to make the "right" auto exposure choices for you. I cant vouch for how well they work, but since you are shooting solo it would no doubt be better than just using the basic "auto" setting where the camera just sets an average exposure to get the whole frame visible regardless of what you are trying to do.

Try using flash as a "fill light source". Nikons (especially their consumer models) bias towards fill flash. They expect you to use it and the matrix meter tends to work better with it in Automatic modes.

Use the bracket function to shoot 3 frames automatically: one -1 under exposed one 0EV"proper exposed" and one +1 over exposed. You can first use +/-1EV steps but eventually will be able to narrow it down to +/-1/2 EV or 1/3 EV steps when you get the hang of it. Then choose the shots that look best.

Don't ask too much of your camera.
Considering what you are doing, your results are not too shabby at all. Most models have a photographer making intelligent photographic choices over time. You are doing it all by yourself (model and photographer) on the fly in tough lighting conditions. You are getting a usable image, using settings designed to take snapshots of the family in front of Epcot Center for Grandma.

Hope this helps!

[GroobyKrissy]

Try using flash as a "fill light source". Nikons (especially their consumer models) bias towards fill flash. They expect you to use it and the matrix meter tends to work better with it in Automatic modes.

Is this why when on any setting except the Full-Auto No Flash setting, the camera insists on using a flash? I forgot to mention that as the other reason why I don't use any of the other auto settings on the camera. Every single time, regardless of lighting conditions, it will pop up that flash. It doesn't really matter outdoors but indoors, that flash makes a big (negative) difference. I actually tried to tape it down one time and my camera made growling noises at me so I thought... "mmm...probably not a good idea".

When shooting with a flash, you also cannot use the "interval timing" on the camera... which is what I use to take a group of 400-800 pictures at one time that I eventually edit down into around 150. Fine for indoor, studio... not fine of shooting outdoors in public places.

Thanks for that little bit of info... if correct, that really answers one of the questions I've had about the other auto settings on the Nikon D5100.

[Willie Escalade]

Get a Canon, dammit!

[Jamie French]

There's no real advice to give to when the camera is stuck on auto and lighting conditions won't be improved upon, (on principal I assume? I don't understand how anyone could ask for improvements in their output but at the same time say they don't want to change anything about the level of effort they put into their work. That's the opposite of progress.)

Cameras aren't loaded with settings and dials to test your patience out of spite. They are there to serve the very purpose of your inquiry.

[GroobyKrissy]

There's no real advice to give to when the camera is stuck on auto and lighting conditions won't be improved upon, (on principal I assume? I don't understand how anyone could ask for improvements in their output but at the same time say they don't want to change anything about the level of effort they put into their work. That's the opposite of progress.)

Jamie,

Quit being a dick. I stay out of posting snobbish comments in your threads because it is counter productive. I would ask for the same courtesy. You simply don't know when to leave well enough... alone.

Your condescending attitude is irritating.

You advertise yourself by posting pictures of yourself and / or having someone else do it for you. Fine. I advertise here by engaging people in conversation and trying to be friendly to everyone... throw out a joke here and there and generally being amiable.

I already told you in my previous response... this was a CONVERSATIONAL thread, not one where I wanted to become a photography professional. I've picked up a few tips, let some people show off their photography knowledge, and made someone feel welcome... which is what I wanted.

I've already stated, and I think have the credibility to say, that if I was truly interested in become a photography pro... I would. I have the monetary resources and brains to do it. It simply doesn't interest me. I will advance where and when I can and if technology demands it, and/or Fans start complaining. As of yet, I haven't reached that point.

I already thanked you for your input. I don't really see the point in your snobbish, condescending last post at all.

[GroobyKrissy]

Get a Canon, dammit!

I actually had a Canon for a while and really liked it. I picked the Nikon D5100 for the articulating viewfinder mostly...Yup, vanity ruled my choice in picking the camera instead of bells and whistles. That's how I roll!

I suppose I would pick my next camera based upon whether it had Hello Kitty on it... but I don't want people to make fun of me.

[Willie Escalade]

I suppose I would pick my next camera based upon whether it had Hello Kitty on it... but I don't want people to make fun of me.

Don't know if it's a Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax...or Sanro...

Edit: It's a Sony...Minolta?

[GroobyKrissy]

Don't know if it's a Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax...or Sanro...

OMG... where did you find that!! I am switching cameras immediately.

[Willie Escalade]

OMG... where did you find that!! I am switching cameras immediately.

Google Image Search...although I don't think it's real.

There HAS to be a market for this...

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/23334438

[Tate07]

I know there is a company that custom paints phones mm maybe they would do ur d5100