• Shooting with an SLR offers many creative options.camera image by Yury Shirokov from Fotolia.com
  
  Graduating from a "point and shoot" camera to a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) offers the photographer a myriad of creative choices. An "auto" mode, in which the camera makes every decision, is always available; but experimenting with variables such as the aperture (lens opening), shutter speed, white balance and ISO can transform your photos from snapshots into art. With a DSLR, you also have the option to switch lenses and explore the world of filters. Follow a few basic steps and you will be on your way to becoming an accomplished photographer.
  
  

Know Your Camera

• Thoroughly acquaint yourself with your camera by reading the manual.camera dial image by Tanya McConnell from Fotolia.com
  
  Thoroughly acquaint yourself with your camera by reading your camera manual from cover to cover. Many new photographers foolishly skip this critical step. Because DSLRs today are so sophisticated, don't expect to immediately absorb all of the information. Instead, set up a schedule for mastering different skills. Periodically review the manual to refresh your knowledge. Supplement your manual with independently written texts, as these will often go into greater detail. Rather than purchasing these additional books, check your local library for availability. You can choose later to purchase any indispensable volumes for future reference.
  
  

Additional Equipment Can Help

• Research before making any additional equipment purchases.Wide angle lens image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
  
  As your skills and comfort level grow, you might consider investing in additional lenses, filters, a tripod or any number of other accessories. Using online consumer sources like dppreview.com and CNET (see Resources below for further information), carefully research each piece of equipment prior to committing to a purchase. To help you in your quest, camera stores will often allow you to test equipment in the store. Once you've bought the item, again thoroughly read any accompanying literature.
  
  

Practice

• Extensive practice will make you a better photographer.photographer's photographer image by Lee O'Dell from Fotolia.com
  
  "Practice makes perfect" is an apropos statement when mastering a digital single-lens reflex. Initially the number of possible settings might seem overwhelming, but your confidence and abilities will grow dramatically as you grasp each individual skill. During this learning period, challenge yourself with assignments. One week you might want to concentrate on depth of field, a concept controlled by aperture which determines how much of the image is in sharp focus. Another week, manually set your white balance, rather than relying on the auto mode.
  
  

Slow Down

• Slowing down before pushing the shutter button will improve your images.photographer image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com
  
  Slow down and really look at the scene through your camera's viewfinder. Are there objects which detract from the overall composition? If so, remove them or move your shooting position to avoid the offending items. A good photographer looks for a fresh perspective. Is there an unusual angle from which to shoot your subject? Experiment until you find a unique view which best highlights the object you're photographing. Unless you are going for a silhouette, remember to keep the sun behind you or to your side. Composition is critical. In most cases, place your subject off-center, and whenever possible, employ leading lines (such as roads, railroad tracks, fences, etc.) to draw attention to your focal point. Finally, Digital-SLR-Photography-Tips.com suggests taking your DSLR everywhere you go because you never know when the perfect shot will present itself.
  
  

Network

• You can learn new SLR techniques by shooting with other photographers.sunset photographers image by gevende from Fotolia.com
  
  Work with fellow photographers, if possible. By shooting with others, you can learn new DSLR techniques and inspire one another. Join online websites like Flickr or SmugMug (see Resources below for further information) for sharing your images with family and friends. Encourage viewers to comment on your work. Sometimes comments can spark new ideas or directions for your photography.