Friday, November 4, 2011

My Little Photography Habit

As I mention on my "About Me" page, I'm trying to learn a little about photography. I've got a nice, entry-level DSLR (Canon EOS Rebel T3), some books, Photoshop Elements, and a subscription to Popular Photography. I have talented friends who are willing to help me. One of the things that seems to be lacking is time to get out of the house and take pictures, but once in a while I get out there.

Here are the books I'm using to help me in my endeavors:
Understanding Exposure
Better Photo Basics
Digital Photography Workbook for Dummies
Photoshop Elements Digital Classroom
        
I enjoy taking pictures of nature and children. I'm not very good at photographing children because it's hard to get them to hold still while I'm adjusting my aperture, shutter speed, white balance, etc. I thought I had a solution to the problem, but as it turns out, tranquilized children don't look really good in pictures. I'll keep working on it.

In the meantime, here are some of my favorite shots.

 All of these were taken in June with a borrowed Nikon D200
One of my first efforts. Good model, but I was still trying to figure out blurring the background.
Taken the same day. Cute model. 
The Grand Tetons
Peek-a-boo!
This makes me want to write a story. What story would you write?
The Farmer's Daughters
Missouri---Swinging Bridge
 Well, that's where I started. I'll share more at a later date. When I think you've sufficiently recovered from these. Let me know what you think. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Just try to break it to me gently.

(Full Disclosure:The books in this post are books I use and recommend. Clicking on the books will take you to Amazon where you can find more information. If you were inclined to buy one of them, I would receive a small contribution to my retirement account. That fact does not influence my recommendation.)


8 comments:

  1. Well, Cynthia, you'll be pleased to know that one of your pictures helped me get started on my NaNoWriMo novel! It's the one with the adorable girl in the sundress sitting on the steps holding the ball and dog. I made a descriptive visual of her for my opening scene and then jump from there to her being a teen-ager, but it gave me a great start! :-)

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  2. Diane! I'm so happy you're writing about her. That picture truly makes me feel like writing a story. I'm glad you got inspired!

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  3. Who IS that little girl, anyway?

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  4. and would you please take the word verification requirement off your comments? SO annoying.

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  5. I love that picture! It makes me wonder where she's looking and where she'll go. I love the Missouri bridge too. I want to know where it leads! I also want to know who that little girl is!

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  6. She's my great niece, my sister-in-law's granddaughter.

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  7. Finding time is the worst! I enjoy photography and I bought myself a fancy camera too but I'll be damned if I can find some time to actually do it. I'm not so good at taking pictures of live objects so your picture of the swinging bridge has me drooling with jealousy!

    I hope you find some time and share more of your pictures!

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  8. Thanks for the kind words. I'm much more comfortable shooting scenery and still life. They don't get impatient with me. Also, I'm never quite satisfied with my people pictures. Roads leading off into the distance always seem so mysterious and full of opportunity. I'm always on the lookout for a chance to get a picture like the swinging bridge.

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