When my Daniel bought me a DSLR camera for Christmas in 2009, I really wanted to learn how to use it the right way, really I did.
So, I did what any new electronic device owner does and read the little book that came with it. Over. And. Over.
After a disappointing display of trying to understand gibberish, I gave up.
I just continued to shoot in auto as most DSLR beginners do, hoping for a decent picture I could work with. Slowly though, as I learned more about my camera from trial and error, I began to take pictures in Aperture (where you control how much light comes into your camera) priority. The quality was good, but not great.
Still awake?
While I was on Spring Break, my neighbor Jacky, taught me how to work with Manual...shudder.
It's intimidating because there are multiple things you have control over (shutter speed, aperture, ISO), therefore multiple things that can go wrong. It has always seemed so over my head and just way too much to worry about.
But Jacky had some REALLY great tips and explained it perfectly.
Let me just say, shooting in Manual makes all the difference in the world. I am always happy when I can improve my skills and take better pictures of my family and friends. It's so rewarding!
What I learned:
1. Photographers have a lot going on when they take pictures. It's not easy although they make it look that way.
2. I really need to pick up my camera more often so I don't forget everything about it.
3. Be ready to change any setting at the drop of the hat, finger on the button, in case a pesky cloud goes by or the sun moves.
4. Cinderella makes a really good model with setting up a shot.
5. I desperately need a watermark...although I am not professional by any means, I would like credit for my pictures.
6. What are those little numbers in my viewfinder?? Oh just every current setting I need to see....It's literally been there the entire time at the tip of my nose.
Here are some of the pictures I took. They have minimal editing which I love!
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| Bailee had just woken up from nap and eaten lunch, can you tell? :) |
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| Those little fingers clinging to mommy's shoulder make my heart do a flip. |
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| Sweet girl |
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| Bouncy trampoline hair |
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| Downtown Chattanooga |
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| ooooh lights |
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| Sometimes you need to stand on a a scary bridge to get the shot. |
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Jacky and I stayed out far past our bedtimes to get some of these. We had a blast and I can't wait to see more improvement the next time I pick up my camera (which is likely far away because I'm back in school-boo.) Not to say I've mastered it by any means, but I'm definitely not as scared of shooting in manual as I was before.
Baby steps.
What are your favorites?
See you next time!
Liv
