Camera Checklist 

Always make sure your camera is set properly before you leave the room. You never know what the person before
you was shooting, what lighting they were shooting in, or if they mistakenly made some changes that will negatively
affect your photos.

1. Check your battery. 

a. If it’s low open the battery compartment and take it out.
b. Ask the TA to trade you for a new one.
 
2. Set your Mode Dial ​(top of camera) 
a. Auto at the beginning of the year.
b. S (shutter) or A (aperture) priority when you’re learning about those settings OR when you’re in a hurry.
c. M when you’re ready to be in complete creative control.

3. Set your Focus Mode Switch ​(side of lens on D3100s) 

a. A (auto focus) if your vision isn’t great or you’re in a hurry.
b. M (manual focus) if you prefer to focus the camera yourself.
c. D3400s are always on Auto Focus but can be Manually Focused without changing anything.

4. Set your Image Quality ​(side of lens) 

a. Menu--Shooting Menu--Image Quality--JPEG fine
b. Eventually, if you’re getting really serious ask me how to shoot in RAW
 
5. Check Exposure Compensation ​(+/- in lower right of 
screen)   
a. Should be set to 0.0.
b. Reset by setting Mode Dial to A. Then hold exposure comp.
Button (+/-) down and turn command dial until you’re back at 0.0
 
6. Set your ISO
a. Going outside? Working in the studio? Use 200
b. Working in low light? Use a higher ISO like 1600