Betty, Assuming your camera allows the following controls, here is my suggestion; BEFORE YOU SHOOT: 1. Check the ISO rating of the film you are using and select the ISO on the camera 2. Advance the film using the cocking lever until you see the rewind knob begin to turn, then slightly turn the rewind knob backwards until you feel the tension tighten up. Do this easily to not break the film. This ensures the film is definitely locked onto the take up reel. 3. Of course, check there are fresh batteries in the camera. 4. If this is an older Nikon, using the infamous meter coupling prong, make sure the lens prong and meter prism prong are both interconnected. This enables the meter to know what aperture speed is available from the lens. You are now basically ready to shoot. Do you own a tripod? Get one. WHEN YOU SHOOT: 1. Focus on the primary subject 2. Meter and set the shutter speed of the camera and aperture of the lens based on the meter readings of the camera. 3. Frame the subject the way you want. Horizon lines should be straight if possible, unless you are going for an affect. 4. Push the shutter release button and advance the film to the next frame. Make this a habit. Keep in mind, this is the primordial basics of photography. Each step has it's own issues and variations from photographer to photographer and will not guarantee great shots all of the time. Metering and composing are the two most tricky aspects of photography. Keep asking questions here, take a beginning photography class or get one of any number of basic photography books. Take care, Gregory david Stempel FIREFRAMEi m a g i n g
