IT'S DAY ONE!

LISTEN TO DAY ONE BELOW

I encourage you to put your headphones in or put this recording on speaker so that you can mess with your camera while you listen. 

Checklist for Day 1

• Take your camera out of its bag.
• Insert a memory card.
• Charge the battery and insert it into the camera.
• Attach a strap for safety.
• Set your camera to Program Mode (P).
• Go outside, find a shady spot, and take 5–10 photos.
• Choose software to upload your photos (use your camera’s or computer’s software, or download a program like Google Photos).
• Upload your photos to your computer.
• Export a photo or two from the software as a .jpg file
• Post at least one photo in the Facebook group.
• Check out others’ posts in the Facebook group and say nice things to them.

Remember, we’re not aiming for perfect photos. This is about getting comfortable with the process. You’re doing amazing—see you tomorrow for Day 2!

Today's transcript

Hi there, and welcome to Day 1 of the 4-Day DSLR Comfort Challenge! I’m Kate McKenzie, and today is all about taking those first steps to get comfortable with your camera. No stress, no pressure—we’re just getting started.

Today might be easy for some of you, but for others, getting your camera out for the first time may feel daunting. We’re going to get your camera out, set it up, take photos, and then upload some of those images to your computer. We’ll take it one step at a time. Even if you’ve already started this process, I want you to trust the challenge no matter what level you’re at.

I’ve chosen audio for this lesson because I want you to take your eyes off your screen and focus on your camera. There are several things that all cameras have in common, so these lessons work well in audio format. Feel free to pause as you go so you can keep up with the steps!

A little side note: I’d love for you to share some photos at the end of today, so try to choose a subject you’re comfortable sharing publicly. I know some people share photos of their kids online, and others don’t—that’s totally fine.

First, grab your camera. If it’s been sitting in its bag, dust it off. Charge your battery fully and put it in the camera. If you haven’t already, attach a strap to keep it secure. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in protecting your gear, and it’s helpful if you need to multitask.

Next, make sure you have a memory card. Now is the time to pop it in—it’s where all your photos will be saved. If your card is full of photos you’ve already uploaded to your computer or don’t need, you’ll need to “format” the card. Formatting erases everything, so make sure you’ve saved anything you want to keep. If you’re not sure how to format it, you can Google “how do I format my memory card in my [insert camera model].”

Now, let’s turn your camera on. Hopefully, the power switch isn’t too hard to find, but I understand if it takes a minute—there are a lot of buttons and dials to navigate. Find the mode dial on the top of your camera and set it to Program Mode, often marked with a “P” or “PM.” This mode doesn’t give you much creative control, but it does a lot of the heavy lifting so your images will turn out looking pretty good.

Next, make sure your lens is set to auto-focus mode. If your lens has a switch, ensure it’s set to “AF” (auto-focus) and not “MF” (manual focus). If your lens doesn’t have a switch, it’s likely already in auto-focus mode.

Now it’s time to head outside! You may wonder why I want you to go outside, but trust me. I’m keeping things simple for now, and bright light is easier to work with. Look for a shady spot—not in direct sunlight. Take 5 to 10 photos of anything you’d like: a flower, your backyard, or even your pet. Don’t worry about the quality right now—this is just about getting comfortable holding the camera, pressing the shutter button, and starting to see the world through your lens.

I recommend looking through the viewfinder, not the screen on the back of your camera, when taking photos. The viewfinder is the tiny square you look through. Notice how pressing the shutter button slightly causes the camera to focus on the subject in the center. Press harder to take the photo.

Your photos may or may not be correctly exposed—they could be too light or too dark. That’s okay! We’ll learn how to control exposure tomorrow. For now, we’re taking baby steps.

Once you’ve taken your photos, it’s time to upload them. Your computer or camera may have come with software for this, or you can use built-in tools. If you’re unsure what to use, check your camera’s manual or search online. Plug your camera into your computer or use a card reader to transfer the photos. Programs like iPhoto on a Mac or Google Photos are good options.

After uploading, pick at least one photo to post in the Facebook group. Don’t worry about perfection—this isn’t about creating a masterpiece. It’s about getting used to the process of taking photos, uploading them, and sharing. If your photo program requires it, export your photos as .jpg files for compatibility with Facebook.

Here’s an important note: If you’ve done these steps before—used your camera, uploaded photos, or even shared them—I still want you to go through the process again. This is a boot camp, and we’re building on these foundational exercises every day. Trust the process and trust me. These small steps will set you up for bigger successes as we go.

When you’ve posted, take a moment to check out what others are sharing in the group. It’s inspiring to see everyone learning and growing together, and it reminds you that you’re not alone on this journey.

Tomorrow, we’ll dive into something new and build on what you started today. You’re doing great—keep going!