Need help with setup

[xhibit25]

I am very new to this hobby and just picked up my first DSLR a few days ago. I am just starting to scratch the surface of all the available settings I can use in manual mode. I am planning on heading over to the coast to watch the night launch tomorrow and would like to take some photos without using auto mode. What settings would be a good place to start for this type of setting? I plan on learning quite a bit in a few weeks when I start classes, however right now everything is a bit confusing.Thanks in advance for any help.

[jcon]

More info would be needed for any of us to help. What camera, what lens, etc...

[tim11]

You need to understand the basic of photography; namely exposure, light and correlation of shutter and aperture before you should try to move onto manual settings. There is no ONE manual setting for any given circumstance. It depends on many combinations of variables: the quality of light at the venue, what effects you are trying to achieve and as Jason already asked, what camera and what lens do you use?
Meanwhile there is nothing wrong with enjoying the auto modes. You have to be patient.
Welcome to the world of photography.

ps: one thing for sure when shooting at night is that you will have to boost up ISO... at least to 400 maybe.

[D70FAN]

I've been shooting in AP mode for a long time (both film and digital), and still occasionally shift to Auto or even better, Program mode, when I don't have time to figure out a shot. Nikon does a pretty decent job in both modes so use them until you figure out shot setup and lighting. That said Program mode will help you learn what settings to use for most common situations quickly so try that first.

Welcome to the world of DSLR's...

[tim11]

The only things I shot in fully Manual mode are still objects; for example scenery and jewelry macro shots. That's when you have time to fudge with all the dials and settings.
Other times, I use semi-manual (or some prefer to call semi auto) like Aperture mode. I just decide the depth of field and set the aperture to suit and let the camera takes care of the rest.

[xhibit25]

Thanks for the advice. I just got a D90 and for right now I only have the 18-105 VR kit lens right now with the 50mm f/1.8 on the way. The main thing I was curious about is the fact that even though it is low light, the shuttle lights up the sky like it is high noon. However I got held late at work so I will be watching the launch from about 50 miles away. Not too good for photos.