I just got a Nikon D3100..I'm in shock

Your SOOC (straight out of the camera) shots are not going to look like the beautiful dslr photos you usually see posted on line. Dslr photos are meant to have, and benefit greatly, from some post processing. Not every photo will 'need' it of course, many look just fine, but you will want to get some sort of editing software and learn how to use it even for a basic 'clean' edit.

I know that I was very disappointed with my first photos from my first Canon Rebel and kit lens. Like many, I made the mistake of thinking you had to have a better camera and better lenses in order to get those really beautiful portraits and photos. Not true. What you need to do is learn how to use your equipment and learn how to do some editing. You can take amazing photos with even entry level cameras and kit lenses. I have had a couple of Canon L lenses (currently have one) and I still have and use my first kit lens. It's amazing how much better it got, the more I learned and the better I got. 

Before you buy any new lenses or new equipment, when and if you get to that point, take some time to really think about what you like to photograph and in what ways the lens(es) you have just aren't cutting it. Don't be swayed what someone else loves, it might be perfect for their needs but not for yours. Some people love prime lenses, some prefer zooms, some like a mix. Some are more wide angle shooters and others love a telephoto lens. 

I prefer to purchase my gear second hand, and have saved a lot of money doing so. Second hand isn't for anyone and can be a risk (although you can purchase used from retailers with limited warranties, or buy from private sellers with gear still under warranty). I have never had a problem with used cameras and lenses. 

Try different things, experiment and take lots of photos. Experiment with your editing too.

Many photos taken on auto or one of the auto modes are great. But you will probably be happier with your photos if at some point you learn to use manual. There are just going to be times when the camera can't get the shot using its auto settings. 

Local camera groups can be fun and good sources of information (and even equipment). I am not currently part of ours, but it had photographers of all levels. We used to have speakers come in, or would hold workshops. They organized outings to go do shoots, sometimes at places that the public wouldn't normally have access to. They would have information about local photo contests. I have heard that some groups are kind of snobby and not very welcoming to newbies, but ours was not like that.

There are lots of youtube videos for every kind of camera model to help learn how to use them. Lots of photography videos in general with all kinds of information. There are lots of pinterest boards as well, with links to photography videos and blogs.

Have fun and understand that there is a learning curve. Don't put too much pressure on yourself or have unrealistic expectations of yourself or your equipment. 

Enjoy your new camera! 

Have fun with it! Take lots and lots of pictures, learn how to edit them (Lightroom is a good editing program). Really learn how your camera works and just shoot shoot shoot.

You are welcome. 



A woman after my own heart! 

 Thank you so much for posting these 12 lessons - they look like they are going to be an immense help to me, got a new camera a couple years ago but have been using auto and playing around and not using the manual features but really wanting to - these look like they will help a lot, thanks so much!!

This is the camera that I have, and I love it!

It actually takes pretty decent photos on auto, but of course, as you learn to use the various SLR features, it will open up some amazing possibilities.

Unless things have changed, Nikon has free tutorials on their website.  I would start with those.