Do you have a nice, fancy camera that you don’t know how to use? Do you feel frustrated that you are always getting dark pictures on Auto? I’ve created a book small enough to fit in your camera bag, but with enough detail to help you shun the auto mode forever. I first released this as an e-book in January 2011, with revisions done in July 2011. I’ve had 100% positive feedback (see comments below) that this beginners book has transformed the photography efforts of those that have read it. You don’t have to be a profossional photographer to want to take beautiful pictures of your family and friends. 
Here is why this little book makes me so happy: It is the basics, friends. There are so many books out there that highlight every little thing you can learn about your camera, and while they are fabulous… to the beginner, it is VERY overwhelming. My self prescribed attention deficit cannot handle the overload of information. I know because I tried when I was teaching myself the camera years ago. I don’t do books well. This book has 17 mini pages that is equal to 4 regular size pages–that’s all it takes to understand the 3 basic steps to understanding manual camera settings 
I am a big believer that you start with the basics and once those are mastered, move on to more. Once the basics are better understood, then those books will make more sense.
For those new to my site, here is what you can expect from this book:
Say NO to Auto: 3 basic steps to understanding manual camera settings
I have broken down the complicated method of using the manual settings on slr cameras and narrowed it down to 3 basic questions you must ask yourself before taking a shot. It is 17-4×6 pages with picture examples and settings of those images to help you in any lighting situation you may find yourself. I intentially made it pocket sized so it was easily transportable. You can purchase the e-book ($10), so you can print it at a lab (as 4×6 pictures) or at home and spiral bind it or put a ring on it, or even slip the 4×6 prints inside of a mini photo album to bind the book. {E-book means that I am not mailing a hard copy to you, but e-mailing you a digital copy for you to print} If you aren’t the type to read it on the comptuer and print it out on your own, you can also purchase the hard copy for $20 and that includes shipping! Check out my sidebar for both paypal options.
The example above shows the difference between auto and manual settings. I used the same great lens for both shots, with one snap on auto and the other on the manual settings that I chose. If you cover up the manual shot and just look at the auto, it doesn’t look so awful, but when you see what it COULD be, you realize there is so much more to photography than shooting on auto. Even my model knows…look at her face on that auto shot…she’s thinking, “Are you really going to put it on the auto setting?” Hehee;) Though I normally use photoshop to enhance the color in my images, I did not use it at all, to show actual results with my manual settings on the right (the same image on the cover does have my color pop enhancement). I believe strongly that photoshop is meant to enhance, not fix. Try as I may, I will never be able to “fix” an image to look as great as one taken correctly in the first place.
The book includes lots of examples for different lighting conditions with the color coded settings like the shot below:
Below are a few snaps of the hard copy. Thick cardstock, Spiral bound/front & back printing.
My most favorite part of this new edition is this blurred page below: From my workshops to extensive research, I realized I needed to help people find the right buttons in order to change them, and I have color coded examples for both Canon and Nikon users (similar application to other brands, as well). This research alone, I could have doubled the price of the book, but I’m keeping it the same affordable price~$10.
There you have it… New and improved!!! Purchase the e-version or hard copy on the right sidebar.
{If you do not have a paypal account, you can still use paypal with your credit or debit card, just look for that option when you click BUY NOW}
Please let me know if you have any questions!!!
*****************Updated January 30th 2012 to add that my second book, GET FOCUSED is released. See the info on my sidebar or click here to learn all about it. CLICK HERE to buy either book.************************
Kristen Duke
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Tons of helpful info! Made me much more comfortable with my new dslr.
LOVE this book. I keep it in my camera bag for quick reference when out shooting. A must-have for understanding the basics of manual photography!
Can’t wait to see the new version! Lots of great tips so I’m excited to get it all printed for my camera bag.
I LOVE this book. I had them printed and keep it in my camera bag or my purse at all times. This has helped me more than a class I took elsewhere last month!
I love this book! I have learned so much about my camera, I don’t even know where to begin. I was stuck on AUTO because I was afraid to explore before I had this book!
I just got the e-book and haven’t had a chance to look at it yet, but would love to get the revised edition so I can get the most out of it. Once I have a chance, I would love to write a review on my blog and FB. Thank you!
This book is giving me more confidence to shoot in manual on my new DSLR. Thanks!
I can’t wait to read all the new little secrets you will share in the update!
I have read a number of photography books over the last couple months trying to learn how to shoot in manual mode, but I have to say that the simplicity and straightforwardness of Say No to Auto has really had one of the biggest impacts improving my photography. I learn by example and the images you use in the book (breaking down the photo by setting) have helped me SO much. I’m excited to see what the revised copy includes! Thanks so much!
Love your e book Kristen. I so like the straight forward instructions and pictures.
Thank you,
Deborah
I just bought this ebook a few days ago and haven’t had too much of an opportunity to work with it yet. I am really, really looking forward to getting to know my dslr better outside of AUTO!
I have a 5 month old and have been shooting on auto since he was born. I love having the e-book as a guide and am slowly working my way into the manual life
Thank you for making it so user friendly!!!
I have had a Canon DSLR for over a year now. I’ve gotten very good at using Auto, unfortunately. I know my camera has the ability to take great pictures, I just don’t know how. I have only had “Just Say No to Auto!” for a few days, and have already learned so much. I really, really love the cheat sheat on one of the first few pages. Things like “Sunny day in open shade= ISO 200 f 3.5 ss 1/250″ make it easy for beginners. It’s like taking pictures for dummies!
Thank you for providing such simple and clear instructions on how to take the plunge and take my camera off auto! This e-book makes it seem so easy!!
First of all, I love the size of this book and the information provided has great information right at your fingertips.
I LOVE this book. It has given me the courage to take my camera off auto. Great, easy to understand instructions. I look forward to the new, revised edition. Thanks Kristen!!!
I currently have the older version of this book and I absolutely love it! It is so easy to become overwhelmed by all that other photography books and my manual have to offer. This book is a wonderful breakdown of the most important things to think about when taking pictures in manual mode, without totally overwhelming me and I have learned so much about my camera. I now keep it in my camera bag so that I can refer to it often.
The book has been soooo helpful because I just purchased my first SLR and am slowing learning how to use it! Tons of great information! So glad I bought it!
I’m always getting questions from friends and family about using manual mode. I got this book to learn how to explain in simple terms the process of shooting in manual. This book as really helped me give better tips to friends and families. I’m excited to see the revised edition. Thanks Kristen : )
I just bought the “old” version last week! I love it! It is in my camera bag. I am bummed out a new version came out so soon after I purchased. I would have waited had I known.
I just ordered this book but I have browsed through it and I appreciate the little insights here and there. I have another book by another photographer and it’s nice to have a few different opinions so I can find my niche.
Thanks Kristen!
I’m a stay at home mom with a degree in Elementary Education. I am a self taught crafter and photographer, I’m learning and having have with it all. Some friends of mine who are getting married in December in Virgina are in Kansas to visit. I asked if I could take some free engagement pics of them at Kansas State University. I am so excited to use the tips I learned in this book.
I also did a mini shoot with my 5 month old niece in natural light before I bought this book and wish I had read ths before!!! Thank you so much for the help Kristen!
Brandy Alt
love it. great work!
Plain and simple for me- it got me off auto when other books were too complicated ! Concrete examples are awesome ! I currently carry it in my camera bag, and am very thankful I found this resource !!
Can’t wait to see the new version! This has helped me so much! I would have never tried Manual mode if it hadn’t been for this book. The only other Setting I ever went to was P mode(ha! Which is basically Auto) Thanks so much!
I have loved your e book. It Is written in plain language that a rookie like myself can understand. It has really made my pictures more clear and less in need of editing after shoots. The ebook has also helped me to set things faster, just a quick glance at the charts for a reminder and I am good to go.
Thanks!
I also posted about you on my blog!
I purchased the original e-book and I love it!! It’s made it super easy to learn to use my camera! I highly recommend it to everyone I know!!!
I love love your book. It has taught me so much! Your book has taught me so much more about my camera. I keep it With me anytime I have my camera.
It’s helped me because it’s not overwhelming — I’d love to get the updated version. Thank you!
I absolutetly love this book!!!! It has made me so much more comfortable with taking my camera off of auto! I now take much more professional looking pictures! Can’t wait to use all my knowledge when my family goes to the beach soon!! Thanks so much Kristen!
I was so excited when I found your ebook. I learn very hands on. I can not learn by reading. Your information really helped me remember the basics and apply them. Thank you! Thank you!
I’ve only had the book a few weeks, while I’m still getting used to the switch from auto to manual, I have already seen an improvement in my photo’s, can’t wait to get the new version.
The biggest help your e-book offered me, was to give me the courage to turn off the auto settings. You explained it in a way that made sense to me! Where I used to struggle adjusting manual settings to get a good photo I finally understand how they all work together (& in what conditions). My pictures have been greatly improved! THANK YOU!!!
Recently I purchased your ebook… impressed with the format and the ease of use. I think this will help me grow as a manual photographer!
Kristen,
I’ve put so many of the points in your e-book to use since reading it. I even ordered a 50 mm fixed lens and received it just this week. I can hardly wait for the weekend just so I can get out and play with it. There’s no doubt I’ll have my printed and bound copy of your book in hand as I go! I can’t wait to see your new version!
Thanks!
Wendy
Kristen I have shared this on Facebook and Twitter and to follow a blog post. I do not lie when I say it is the best book going because like you I dont like reading very long this is a quick reference guide as well as a helpful tool and I love the colours and the help it gives. Thank you for taking time out to both produce and update it. I cant wait for the new edition – Thankyou!!
I just bought this book last week. I haven’t been able to put to use all of the wonderful information, however, after perusing it..I’m excited to use my camera! I’ve only been taking auto pictures due to the fact that I don’t know what each button does or how to adjust it properly. This book helps!
I need things spelled out to me in regular language and this ebook TOTALLY makes sense! I’ve only had it for a couple weeks and I feel like my pictures have improved dramatically! Thank you!
I just started to get into photography and I love it! I see the potential that my pictures have and this book has really helped me get there. I still have a lot to learn, but this book has helped me learn the basics of manual mode!
This book has made quite a difference for my husband and myself. I laminated it and now it is in our camera bag all of the time. Thanks so much.
I currently have the older version of this book, and it is FANTASTIC! I love that I can just keep it with me in my camera bag, and I can learn on the go!
I currently have the older version of this book and love it. I printed it off, and keep it with me in my camera bag. I love that I can learn on the go!
As soon as I purchased this e-book I had it printed and put it in a mini album and started taking it everywhere I went with my camera. I can honestly say I don’t need to get it out anymore because it was THAT EASY to learn. I purchased another e-book that had good info in it but not nearly as well organized or easy to understand as Kristen’s. I have actually started to charge a small fee for photo sessions because I post my photos on facebook and people are liking what they see! I can look at my pics progress from before learning from Kristen’s e-book to now and I’m getting better and better each time. Don’t hesitate to buy it. I recommend it to anyone who asks me to teach them “how to work their camera”.
Thanks Kristen!
love your e-book. it’s nice to read the verbiage, but so much nicer to see the results. glad you provided real samples in your e-book so i’m able to see the results and compare mine with it. it’s definitely helping me become one with my camera.
I absolutely would be no where if not for you’re basic intro to the manual settings. I purchased your e-book and have followed all your advice on the idea room. I’ve been taking photos in only manual mode since purchasing your e-book and couldn’t be more happy about the results I’ve been able to achieve. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I LOVE how user friendly this book is. I have always been overwhelmed by all of the photography information out there that it has been difficult to learn on my own. This book breaks the concepts down into a format that I understand and can use immediately. Thank you Kristen.
I love my little book. I spent time to laminate the pages and keep it on a ring on my camera bag. It is such a handy little reference. I have some fantastic family photos- I credit this book.
This book has really made me much more comfortable with my manual settings, it makes it so simple. I love the chart that breaks down the ISO settings, super helpful. Thanks Kristen!
I LOVE Say NO to Auto! It has taught me so much already about my new camera. I was already familiar with a lot of the terminology (like aperture, shutter speed, etc.) from reading photography tutorials of yours on The Idea Room. It helped me be so ready to absorb everything you shared in your book. After my husband gave me a dslr as a special gift, I knew I had to buy your book! Aside from the obvious loves about it (understanding how to put my knowledge of the terminology to use), my favorite part is that you explain what your settings were for your sample photos. I’ll be referring back to them over and over again.
Thank you so much for such a great resource! I posted about it on my blog today: http://madeitonmonday.blogspot.com/2011/08/say-no-to-auto.html
This is my ” go to” resource for all things photography. I live the lighting pointers in terms of setting your ISO and the example shots are so valuable. Can’t imagine how it got improved upon but so excited to see the newer version.