Photoshop Learning

Today had some moments of excitement as I was able to set aside about 30 minutes to devote to a lesson in my new "Classroom In A Book" for my photo editing program. The first part of the book is devoted to learning the Organizer portion of the program. Initially, I wasn't excited for that part. Sure, I could learn how to better organize my photos and that program would be nice, but not necessary. However, I was committed to working my way through this tutorial page by page, no skipping.  I think the Organizer is going to be really beneficial to many goals! Today I learned how to import photos into the catalog and how to use some of the features like the slide show, selecting multiple photos for a group, and something really cool-- side by side viewing. How many times are you trying to decide which picture of blowing out the candles is best and you have to keep switching back and forth checking different elements?! This allows you to see side by side, zoom in to check the details, etc. That will be a time saver for sure!! Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed myself in the learning process and I hope I get to devote more time to my learning endeavors soon!

Also, on a side note, I'm pretty sure I haven't blogged this before? But, I learned a while back that there is a way to calibrate your computer screen to be able to accurately read color on your photos! There were many steps in one of the books I read. I need to recheck that one out and actually follow the steps. It seems so dumb that I wouldn't have done that and then be making light/color changes on photos!

meh......

So with overcast skies, I went on a country drive in search of some photography opportunities and looking for windmills.  I had a beautiful drive but I am completely not impressed with my photography today. I will post a few of the shots, but it really didn't capture what I was after. My eyes saw things I could appreciate but I couldn't frame it in my lens...particularly, the windmills. Power lines ruin everything!

 I like the feel of this one- a journey? And, I like the contrasting lines. I had to keep walking down the fence line to find a spot that would get all those curvy layers that I was appreciating-- still, though, wish I could pop that windmill some and also the white caps on the mountains. Maybe it's an editing thing I will learn?

 This one is way overexposed. I should have fixed it in editing first.

 Why do I like this stuff?? I always seem to be drawn to it but I don't know why!

 I liked this little building on the hill but I couldn't find a good perspective. It really sits so solitary on some rolling hills. When I first drove in, it seemed so perfect up there alone with the backdrop of a moody sky---just couldn't find a safe spot or angle to get it right.  Took this on the way back and by the then the cloud cover had lifted quite a bit.

Using Noise

I had read about using Noise in a picture as an artistic expression. For the life of me, I couldn't imagine why anyone would do that! Low light situations require a higher ISO setting-- you know, a higher sensitivity to light. The downside to bumping that setting up is visual noise or a grainy look. But, I checked out a book entitled Love from the library. The book shows photos expressing love- couples, children/parents, etc. My all time favorite in the book is this low-light, greyish/blue toned photo of the back of a couple walking down a road along a rustic, white fence line. The whole picture gives a feeling of quiet, intimacy and stillness. It also is not sharply focused. As I started to analyze what was giving that photo that dreamy feel-- I realized it was grainy!! Noise! The noise is what set off the mood and actually, the high ISO was probably necessary to let in enough light for the subject to be seen. Anyway, it was fun to see that usage in action when I couldn't wrap my mind around it before.

In other photography news :)-- I registered today for a one-time Portrait Photography Class in Feb. I get to actually attend a class in a classroom, with my camera. The class teaches tips using natural light which is important since I cannot afford any studio equipment at this point. It seems logical to try to build my skill in the natural light setting-- maybe I can get good enough to make some money with that and then use those funds to continue my skill-building and to acquire equipment for more traditional studio type stuff. I don't know, I don't know-- it still seems so far-fetched and a dream. I might have to toss it at any point. But for now, I am still really enjoying the journey.

Winter Trees

I don't necessarily LOVE these shots, but it was a fun learning experience yesterday morning---until my fingers got so numb on my camera that I couldn't make any more adjustments!

Photography Blessings

I have been wanting to post for a while, but my internet connection has been unreliable and my phone seems to always mess up the post. First, I would just like to give a little thank you to my blog followers for checking in on occasion. :) I would never want someone to feel obligated to follow this blog, but it is fun to be able to share this process.

I have been blessed with some exciting photography things! I have an awesome, working tripod now and a very nice camera backpack to haul my things. Additionally, a family that I photographed recently gave me a thank you gift. That was not necessary, but, I will put it to good use. I got a pair of cargo pants- truly functional pants that should help me be able to keep track of lenses and lens covers while shooting. They are not the most flattering in a fashion sense, but legit!-- truly work worthy and I think will be very practical. I plan to use the remainder of the gift to register for an online photoshop class that begins in February- or maybe a one time, in classroom, 3 hour portrait class, also offered through the community education program.

I was outside making some phone calls the other day and these fallen leaves in my yard caught my attention and wouldn't let go! So, I grabbed my camera!! Then, I swirled the image in photoshop just for fun.

family portrait favorites

I have been wanting to post some of these family portraits shots that I took recently. I had an absolute blast photographing a few different families. I love that little pieces of knowledge are added to my belt with each session or opportunity to practice. Some lessons are hard-learned and that's why I'm thankful I am not charging anyone! :) For instance, there were some relaxed type family shots that I LOVE but were just too blurry to be of use. I was snapping away, and capturing candid expression but all that is for naught if I don't foresee light/movement problems or take a second to check the viewfinder. I'm bummed about it, but I learned.  I can critique different aspects of each photo, but I do have some favorites.  I will keep uploading to this post as I can.


In another family photo shoot, on a foggy day I got a few shots that I like---though still really struggling with getting a sharp focus. :/

Lots to Learn

Well, I first woke at 4, and now again shortly after 5. I have a photoshoot today with a family that has 4 little girls. I am so excited to get to practice some portrait work, yet so afraid I won’t be able to get a shot that meets their expectations/hopes. I still feel so, very limited and at the base of the learning curve with this thing!

Yesterday, I was able to photograph my friend’s children.  There were a few shots that I am really excited about and I can’t wait to see them on the computer rather than my LCD screen! I would like to be better at seeing potential problems as I’m shooting (like shadows, for instance.) I wish I was better by having a “bag of tricks” up my sleeve to pull people into the moment and get them to relax. I am not good at that in normal conversation!! How in the world am I going to be able to get them to do that with a camera blocking my face and rushed time constraints?!! And, there is still the whole lighting thing that is huge and I need to grow in. I need to learn how to measure light correctly and how to use a reflector. I need a reflector!  J

As a final note, for today’s text-only-entry… I went to Barnes and Noble last night with the goal of finding some “family photography” books to read.  I didn’t find much in that area but I sure enjoyed sitting on the floor at the bookstore and looking at some books of just portraits by professionals. I continue to be surprised on occasion at how some photographs affect me. It  can be powerful. My favorite from last night was a close up of a little girl (8yrs?) in India. It was zoomed in to her somber face that was resting on her father? Or grandfather’s forearm and hand. The hand was battered, weathered and scarred by age and possibly a hard life with a few new cuts. On the other side of her head was a baby’s foot, leg hanging down- obviously the man in the picture was holding a baby as well. Nobody’s face shows besides the little girl. I love how there is a story being told in that simple shot.