Session 1 - Photography Class

I signed up for a photography class at a local arts center.  The class lasts three weeks long for two hours each class. This class is the first of several I hope to take.  This class is titled "Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography."  In this class we are supposed to learn how to use all of the menus and functions of our digital camera. This class is designed for point and shoots but I signed up because DSLR's are welcome.  I thought any and all information would help me with my photos. 

This first session was about getting to know your camera.  We discussed ISO (a.k.a. noise reduction), zoom (optical and digital zoom), Image Stabilization/Vibration Reduction,  Image Quality, Focus Zones or Metering, Exposure Compensation, Self-timer, Built-in flash, Sounds, Rule of Thirds, Horizon Line, Changing your perspective and cropping your image/zoom in.

After the lesson we walked around the building taking photos using some of the things we learned in class.
The teacher suggested two books for us to check out.  The first was "The Digital Photography book" by Scott Kelby.  The second is a book from the Magic Lantern series based on the particular camera we have.  I personally already have the Magic Lantern DVD for my Canon 40D and I didn't really care for it.  I haven't seen the Scott Kelby book yet though.

I tried to pick up on anything extra that the teacher said.  He believes that a 50mm lens is one of the best lenses you can own.  He actually prefers the f/2.8 over the f/1.4.  I was a little lost when he got into his reasoning...but it sounded great at the time.  He said that we should always strive for bokeh in macro shooting.  He thinks that one should have a remote timer for their DSLR.  He said you can get a good infrared timer to attach to your camera for $15-$30...though he believes that the Canon has a special remote.  He said we should turn off red-eye reduction and never use it.  He also said we should keep the camera on rear curtain sink or low sink. 

ASSIGNMENT:
Our assignment was to focus on point of view (POV).  We are to take photos of some ordinary subjects around the house (outdoors or indoors) and try shooting from a different angle.  We are to incorporate the rule of thirds into our composition.

12 weeks to better photos

http://sites.google.com/site/biowbiow002/twopeas_12week

I can't wait to get started on this program.

2009 - A few favorite places

These photos are SOOC using automatic mode. I am using my Canon 40D with my kit lens.

 Most of them were shot using my circular polarizer.

2009 - A few favorite faces

These photos are SOOC using automatic mode. I am using my Canon 40D with my kit lens.  The only editing that was done was to change the last photo to black and white.

My nephew Zachary's 1st Birthday Party in a park

Zachary's cousin on left.  My cousin Kanan on right.

My nephew Kale's 1st Birthday Party in his house

This is my furbaby Sparky

Keep in mind that I don't understand how to use manual settings nor do I understand ISO, white balance, etc. Feel free to criticize away.

Photography Boards and Forums

As helpful as the boards are they can really put a hurtin' on your bank account.  People mention equipment or props and everybody goes out and buys it.  I'll admit I have been succumbed by peer pressure because I too have jumped on the "I gotta have that too" train.

I don't know how to use my camera yet, let alone my kit lens.  Here I am buying new equipment and items for my "studio".

My studio?  Yes, sorry dear husband. I have decided to turn our computer room/office into my photography supply studio. (I hope you don't mind!)

I even asked my husband for two lightscoops for my birthday.  I'm not sure if they will help me but darn it the examples of the photos looked pretty convincing.  We've been out shopping for thrifty white boards, plexiglass, beanbags, fabric and crocheted hats.  I haven't sat down to work on my "12 weeks to better photography" lesson yet but I'm successfully obtaining an impressive arsenal of props.

My journey

I grew up with a mom who always had her camera with her.  She took pictures of everything - vacations, parties, people, etc.  She probably has over 200 (if not more) photo albums crammed full of photos...and tons more in boxes waiting to be put into books.  Now that she has a digital camera she has even more saved on disks or on her computer.  Needless to say I get my love of photography from her.

My mom loved photography but she was by no means a professional.  She shoots her photos in the automatic mode and doesn't own any editing software.  That is how I take photos.  However, I want to change that.

In August of 2008 after a lot of research, I purchased a Canon 40D DSLR.  I didn't know the first thing about my camera.  I bought books and DVDs and to no avail--still use the automatic setting.

My plan was that if I invested in great photography equipment it would be my incentive to learn how to take better photos.  I had hoped that I would know what I was doing by the time I had kids.  Here I am 20 weeks pregnant and still as clueless as I was back in August of 2008.  What really kicked my butt into gear was something called "newborn photography".  I see all of these photos of innocent newborns and I melt.  I started looking for newborn photographers in our area.  My husband quickly put the kibosh on that idea.  He thinks that just because I have a nice camera I should be able to take the photos myself.  He doesn't understand that a great camera doesn't equal great photographs.  I know what kind of shots I want.  I can see these amazing photos in my head, BUT...the pictures in my head look nothing like the pictures that come out of my camera.  The sad thing is, I know it's not my camera's fault.

So, here I stand 20 weeks pregnant and 20 weeks (give or take) to learn my camera well enough to take decent photos of my son when he is born. 

My name is Cari.  I'm a beginner addicted to photography...and this is my journey.