What are some favorite settings/shots/lenses using the Nikon d3100?

I have just bought my first DSLR and I'm hoping to get some use out of it mostly for my daughter (due in June) but I want to know some of other peoples favorite waya to use theirs!

1.set aperture or shutter speed you want
2.compose the shot
3.press button to take the shot

Do that about a 1000 times and read some on photography basics and you'll see your work improve.

One thing that is as useful for pro's as well as the average joe is the standard 50mm lens. They are usually very reasonably priced and fast… As in f/1.4 or 1.8 so you can use them in low light. It's a good focal length for many types of shooting even on a cropped sensor camera.

They often call these lenses "Nifty-fifty's" and they are practically a must lens for pro's and beginners.

Consider getting one to add to your kit lens.

A nice flash is also always a nice edition. Nikon allows you to trigger many flashes off camera wierlessly via your pop up flash. Off camera flash can greatly improve the quality of your lighting.