Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Lesson 2
In the last lesson, we talked about the technical side of focus. Today we’ll talk about the creative side or the Depth of Field.
In a shallow or narrow depth of field, part of the image is in focus (the subject) the rest is out of focus.
Greater depth of field is just the opposite. As in the image below, everything is in focus.
In a shallow or narrow depth of field, part of the image is in focus (the subject) the rest is out of focus.
Greater depth of field is just the opposite. As in the image below, everything is in focus.
You can see good examples of shallow depth of field in Dan’s pictures of the yellow flowers and the pick roses and in several of Diana’s pictures. If you look through everyone’s original “10 Favorites” you’ll see many other examples.
All of the images that you have submitted could have shown everything completely in focus, but someone chose (or the camera chose) to create a shallow depth of field.
So, how do you achieve this beautiful selective focus? There are several contributing factors:
The aperture
The distance from the subject to the background
The focal length of the lens
In order to continue, we need to talk a little about exposure. In our first lesson I said that in an exceptional image, the subject had to be properly focused and properly exposed – meaning the right amount of light on the subject. The subject is not too light and not too dark.
The camera controls the amount of light given an image by two things, the aperture (opening) of the lens – 1) the more open the aperture is, the more light it lets in. The more closed, the less light – just as your would expect.
And 2) how long the shutter keeps the lens open (called the shutter speed). Again it’s obvious: the longer the shutter stays open, the more light on the image. Aperture and shutter speed always work together to accurately (or inaccurately) expose your image.
There are usually several combinations of aperture and shutter speed that you can use for any give image and still have a properly exposed picture - a wide open aperture and a fast shutter speed or a smaller aperture and a slower shutter speed, and a few combinations in between. The only difference in the final picture is the depth of field.
If your camera has an aperture priority option, that is what you will be using this week. If it doesn’t, the camera manufacturers have preset the camera to shoot with the aperture either all the way open - portrait mode, and closed down - landscape mode.
Assignment:
Check your manual and
1. find out if your camera has an aperture and shutter speed option. It may be labeled Av and Tv.
2. see if you have an optical zoom or a digital zoom or both
3. post your findings
4a. If you have an aperture priority option, take 20 -25 pictures with the aperture fully open (f 2.8 for example. The smaller the number, the more open the lens). Then take the same basic image with the smallest aperture that light conditions will allow (f11 for example. The larger the number the more closed down the lens.) You will have problems achieving a properly exposed image if you try to use a small aperture in low light conditions – there just won’t be enough light, even at a slow shutter speed. So you may want to perform this assignment outside (during the day J) Then take the same images in auto mode. Post some of your results.
4b. If you do not have an aperture priority option, take 20 -25 pictures in portrait mode. Then take the same basic image in landscape mode. You will have problems achieving a properly exposed image if you try to use landscape mode in low light conditions – there just won’t be enough light, even at a slow shutter speed. So you may want to perform this assignment outside (during the day :)) Then take the same images in auto mode. Post some of your results.
Next time we'll talk about the effect the focal length has on the image.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Assignment one, S1
I finally got them downloaded!
I love how her eyes are the only thing really in focus!
I absolutely adore this picture!Saturday, March 15, 2008
Photo Assignment #1: paws and vetsac
Sleeping Monkey
(at the Phoenix Zoo)
(at the Phoenix Zoo)
Desert Flower Bloom
(on the outskirts of the metro Phoenix area)
(on the outskirts of the metro Phoenix area)
Pink Rose
Flower Bug
Shadow Cast
(sunset in Fountain Hills in front of our house)
(sunset in Fountain Hills in front of our house)
Assignment #1, Diana Style
Mom found my minimum focusing distance in my specifications section of my camera manual. I didn't even know I HAD a specifications section. Another reason mom is great. I played around with both my p/s and the S1. I like the pictures with the S1 better but it is a tad inconvenient to always have with you.
I found it was harder than I thought to take candid images of my kids and get them in focus. Pausing, holding breath, and pushing 1/2 way down was hard when I wanted to get the shot but I think I am getting better.
Here are some of my favorites:
All of these are from my p/s I'll post the ones I took with the S1 when I get them downloaded.
PSA
We are getting a lot of spam comments with links in them. I'm deleting them as I see them, but if you should happen to come across one do NOT click the link!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Just one or two??
I couldn't find any mention of a minimum focusing distance expect in the macro section. On macro mode it's 7.9 inches, so I'm assuming it's 8 inches in regular mode. ;)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Addendum to Lesson #1
One important technical thing I forgot to mention: Every camera has a minimum focusing distance or , as my manual calls it, shooting distance. It is the distance from the front of the lens to your subject. You need to know what this distance is, and stay within it. If you get too close, your picture will be out of focus! If your camera has a Macro feature you will be able to get very close (2" on my P/S) but you will probably have to tell your camera to be in that mode. If you have already read this weeks assignment, there is an additional item !
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Lesson #1
Did you know that photography can be a rather violent profession/hobby? First we “shoot” our subjects, then we “frame” them, then “hang” them! :)
Elements of an exceptional image
An exceptional image requires technical as well as artistic elements.
Technical:
The subject must be properly in focus
The subject must be properly exposed
The image must be color balanced
Artistic
There must be good composition
There must be an interesting subject
There must be attractive lighting
Technical
Once mastered, technical elements take the least thought and preparation, but you cannot create an exceptional image without them.
This week, we are going to discuss focus.
The subject must be properly focused. Generally this means that the subject of the image must be “in focus” or “sharp”. Many times a subject, or the entire image will have a “soft focus” finish, but that is not the same as “out of focus”.
Virtually all cameras today have an autofocus feature; however, if not used properly, it can ruin your image. In order to have the subject of your image properly focused, you need to make the following principles a habit:
1. Hold the camera steady/squeeze the button
2. Make sure the autofocus icon is on what you want in focus.
3. Use a tripod in low light
4. Keep the lens clean
5. Keep your hair, fingers and anything else off the lens!
1. Hold the camera steady/squeeze the button.
Almost everyone jabs the shutter release (the button you push to take a picture!) This can’t help but move the camera slightly, creating camera shake. You probably won’t notice anything if the image was made in bright sun and printed to be a 4” x 6” print. But when you start taking images in window light or in other low light situations, or you want to make a large print, you will notice that the image is out of focus. No matter how artistically beautiful it is, the image that is out of focus can never be exceptional. You must get in the habit of squeezing the shutter release, while holding your elbows tight to your body and holding your breath until you are certain the camera has finished exposing the image. The amount of time is only a fraction of a second.
Many of the point and shoot (P/S) cameras don’t have a view finder. I hope yours does, because if you get in the habit of using the LCD display as a viewfinder and are shooting while holding the camera out in thin air, it will be very difficult to avoid camera shake. You make compose the image using the LCD display, but when you are ready to push the shutter release, find a way to anchor the camera.
2. Make sure the autofocus icon is on what you want in focus. Most cameras have autofocus brackets in the center of the viewfinder. That results in the subject always being in the center of the image – not necessarily the best composition – or the subject is out of focus because the camera is focused on whatever is in the center of the image.
I bet it has happened to you: you are photographing two people who end up both out of focus and the background is perfectly in focus because there was enough of a space between the two people that the brackets fell on the background.
I liked the above image so much that I wanted to enlarge it to 20” x24”. However, when I looked at it carefully, I discovered that the background was in focus rather than the subjects. DRAT! I know better than that, I just so involved in the composition that I neglected the technical.
Some cameras allow you to move those brackets around. If yours does, get in the habit of using that feature. Or simply press the shutter release down halfway to lock the focus (you should be in the habit of doing this for every image anyway), keeping it pressed, recompose the image and then press it down all the way.
There are times when the autofocus may not work well. For example, the subject has extremely low contrast to the surroundings. Or perhaps the subject is moving quickly. In these cases, aim the camera at an object that is at the same distance from the camera, lock the focus and recompose the image.
The other day, Diana was photographing Sophie’s very light wispy hair. The camera just couldn’t focus. In this case, I just held up my hand near Sophie’s head so that Diana could lock in the focus, and then moved my hand so she could take the picture.
3. Use a tripod in low light. You can not expect to be able to hand hold the camera at night or in low light situations, even if you are very steady. Since most of our cameras are small, it’s pretty easy to carry a small tripod. If you don’t have a tripod with you when you need it, you can brace your camera on something that is anchored, like a wall or a rock etc.
4. Keep the lens clean. Keep your hair, fingers and anything else off the lens before, during and after taking the picture! It’s very difficult to have a sharp image shot though fingerprints! If your lens should become dirty, use a blower to remove any loose dust. (Don’t blow on it – you might end up with saliva on your lens!) Then place a drop of lens cleaning fluid on a piece of special lens cleaning paper and gently wipe off the lens. DO NOT put the lens cleaning solution directly on the lens. The fluid can seep around the lens and damage the camera. You can also use a special lens cleaning cloth – they work great.
This Week's Assignment:
#1 Inspect & clean your lens, if necessary.
#2 Check your manual and see if your camera allows you to move the focusing brackets, and if it does, master changing it. Also, check your manual and find out what the minimum focusing distance is for your camera.
#3 Take 20-25 images this week of anything you want. Concentrate on placing the focusing brackets exactly where you want them. Take some of them with the subject off center. Take a few in low light. Try something you haven’t done before with your camera.
#4 In every image you take this week be conscious of:
a. Squeeeezing the shutter release,
b. Holding your arms tight to your sides,
c. Gently pressing the camera to your face and
d. Holding your breath.
#5 Of the images you took this week, post 1 or 2 of your favorites.
A creative element of focus is called selective focus or depth of field. This occurs when part of the image in sharp and part(s) of it are out of focus. Several of the images you submitted in your first assignment are great illustrations of this principle. We’ll talk about that next week!
Elements of an exceptional image
An exceptional image requires technical as well as artistic elements.
Technical:
The subject must be properly in focus
The subject must be properly exposed
The image must be color balanced
Artistic
There must be good composition
There must be an interesting subject
There must be attractive lighting
Technical
Once mastered, technical elements take the least thought and preparation, but you cannot create an exceptional image without them.
This week, we are going to discuss focus.
The subject must be properly focused. Generally this means that the subject of the image must be “in focus” or “sharp”. Many times a subject, or the entire image will have a “soft focus” finish, but that is not the same as “out of focus”.
Virtually all cameras today have an autofocus feature; however, if not used properly, it can ruin your image. In order to have the subject of your image properly focused, you need to make the following principles a habit:
1. Hold the camera steady/squeeze the button
2. Make sure the autofocus icon is on what you want in focus.
3. Use a tripod in low light
4. Keep the lens clean
5. Keep your hair, fingers and anything else off the lens!
1. Hold the camera steady/squeeze the button.
Almost everyone jabs the shutter release (the button you push to take a picture!) This can’t help but move the camera slightly, creating camera shake. You probably won’t notice anything if the image was made in bright sun and printed to be a 4” x 6” print. But when you start taking images in window light or in other low light situations, or you want to make a large print, you will notice that the image is out of focus. No matter how artistically beautiful it is, the image that is out of focus can never be exceptional. You must get in the habit of squeezing the shutter release, while holding your elbows tight to your body and holding your breath until you are certain the camera has finished exposing the image. The amount of time is only a fraction of a second.
Many of the point and shoot (P/S) cameras don’t have a view finder. I hope yours does, because if you get in the habit of using the LCD display as a viewfinder and are shooting while holding the camera out in thin air, it will be very difficult to avoid camera shake. You make compose the image using the LCD display, but when you are ready to push the shutter release, find a way to anchor the camera.
2. Make sure the autofocus icon is on what you want in focus. Most cameras have autofocus brackets in the center of the viewfinder. That results in the subject always being in the center of the image – not necessarily the best composition – or the subject is out of focus because the camera is focused on whatever is in the center of the image.
I bet it has happened to you: you are photographing two people who end up both out of focus and the background is perfectly in focus because there was enough of a space between the two people that the brackets fell on the background.
I liked the above image so much that I wanted to enlarge it to 20” x24”. However, when I looked at it carefully, I discovered that the background was in focus rather than the subjects. DRAT! I know better than that, I just so involved in the composition that I neglected the technical.
Some cameras allow you to move those brackets around. If yours does, get in the habit of using that feature. Or simply press the shutter release down halfway to lock the focus (you should be in the habit of doing this for every image anyway), keeping it pressed, recompose the image and then press it down all the way.
There are times when the autofocus may not work well. For example, the subject has extremely low contrast to the surroundings. Or perhaps the subject is moving quickly. In these cases, aim the camera at an object that is at the same distance from the camera, lock the focus and recompose the image.
The other day, Diana was photographing Sophie’s very light wispy hair. The camera just couldn’t focus. In this case, I just held up my hand near Sophie’s head so that Diana could lock in the focus, and then moved my hand so she could take the picture.
3. Use a tripod in low light. You can not expect to be able to hand hold the camera at night or in low light situations, even if you are very steady. Since most of our cameras are small, it’s pretty easy to carry a small tripod. If you don’t have a tripod with you when you need it, you can brace your camera on something that is anchored, like a wall or a rock etc.
4. Keep the lens clean. Keep your hair, fingers and anything else off the lens before, during and after taking the picture! It’s very difficult to have a sharp image shot though fingerprints! If your lens should become dirty, use a blower to remove any loose dust. (Don’t blow on it – you might end up with saliva on your lens!) Then place a drop of lens cleaning fluid on a piece of special lens cleaning paper and gently wipe off the lens. DO NOT put the lens cleaning solution directly on the lens. The fluid can seep around the lens and damage the camera. You can also use a special lens cleaning cloth – they work great.
This Week's Assignment:
#1 Inspect & clean your lens, if necessary.
#2 Check your manual and see if your camera allows you to move the focusing brackets, and if it does, master changing it. Also, check your manual and find out what the minimum focusing distance is for your camera.
#3 Take 20-25 images this week of anything you want. Concentrate on placing the focusing brackets exactly where you want them. Take some of them with the subject off center. Take a few in low light. Try something you haven’t done before with your camera.
#4 In every image you take this week be conscious of:
a. Squeeeezing the shutter release,
b. Holding your arms tight to your sides,
c. Gently pressing the camera to your face and
d. Holding your breath.
#5 Of the images you took this week, post 1 or 2 of your favorites.
A creative element of focus is called selective focus or depth of field. This occurs when part of the image in sharp and part(s) of it are out of focus. Several of the images you submitted in your first assignment are great illustrations of this principle. We’ll talk about that next week!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Romi's #2
1. What brand and model of camera(s) will you be using for this class? Nikon Coolpix S51c
2. Is your camera digital or film (you know where you go to the store and buy it and load it into your camera and take a bunch of pictures and then take it back to the store and then pick it up later and then FINALLY get to see what pictures you took!) Digital
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera? Yes
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera? 4
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses? If so, what lenses to do have? No…well, I might be able to borrow my sis’s
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)? Photo Impact Pro (& I know about 2% of the program)
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera? No
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode? %70
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography: just Yes or No - if you don’t know, don’t try to find out – I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.
a. Aperture No
b. Shutter speed Yes/Somewhat
c. ISO/ASA Not at all
d. Focus Yes
e. Depth of field Yes
f. Composition Yes/Somewhat
g. Quality of light No
h. Exposure Not really
i. What other photographic terms can you think of?
10. What is your photographic experience? e and f
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments? A couple of hours.
2. Is your camera digital or film (you know where you go to the store and buy it and load it into your camera and take a bunch of pictures and then take it back to the store and then pick it up later and then FINALLY get to see what pictures you took!) Digital
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera? Yes
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera? 4
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses? If so, what lenses to do have? No…well, I might be able to borrow my sis’s
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)? Photo Impact Pro (& I know about 2% of the program)
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera? No
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode? %70
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography: just Yes or No - if you don’t know, don’t try to find out – I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.
a. Aperture No
b. Shutter speed Yes/Somewhat
c. ISO/ASA Not at all
d. Focus Yes
e. Depth of field Yes
f. Composition Yes/Somewhat
g. Quality of light No
h. Exposure Not really
i. What other photographic terms can you think of?
10. What is your photographic experience? e and f
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments? A couple of hours.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Serin Assignment 2
1. What brand and model of camera(s) will you be using for this class?
Olympus Stylus 790SW
2. Is your camera digital or film (you know where you go to the store and buy it and load it into your camera and take a bunch of pictures and then take it back to the store and then pick it up later and then FINALLY get to see what pictures you took!)
Film? What the heck is that?
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera?
Yes
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera?
About a 3
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses? If so, what lenses to do have?
If your camera counts then yes ;)
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)?
Yes
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera?
Yes
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode
95% Mine has some settings for different situations, but I guess that's pretty much auto. I do play with the flash sometimes though
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography: just Yes or No - if you don’t know, don’t try to find out – I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.
a. Aperture - I used too
b. Shutter speed - Yes
c. ISO/ASA - No
d. Focus - Yes
e. Depth of field - I used too
f. Composition - Yes
g. Quality of light - Kinda
h. Exposure - Yes
i. What other photographic terms can you think of?
10. What is your photographic experience?
a. Took a class or two in high school
b. Took a class or two in college
c. Have studied some on my own
d. Have studied a lot on my own
e. Trial and error – I know what I like when I see it
f. I’ve taken some pictures I really like, but I’m not sure how I did it!
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments?
I don't know... a couple hours
Olympus Stylus 790SW
2. Is your camera digital or film (you know where you go to the store and buy it and load it into your camera and take a bunch of pictures and then take it back to the store and then pick it up later and then FINALLY get to see what pictures you took!)
Film? What the heck is that?
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera?
Yes
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera?
About a 3
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses? If so, what lenses to do have?
If your camera counts then yes ;)
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)?
Yes
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera?
Yes
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode
95% Mine has some settings for different situations, but I guess that's pretty much auto. I do play with the flash sometimes though
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography: just Yes or No - if you don’t know, don’t try to find out – I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.
a. Aperture - I used too
b. Shutter speed - Yes
c. ISO/ASA - No
d. Focus - Yes
e. Depth of field - I used too
f. Composition - Yes
g. Quality of light - Kinda
h. Exposure - Yes
i. What other photographic terms can you think of?
10. What is your photographic experience?
a. Took a class or two in high school
b. Took a class or two in college
c. Have studied some on my own
d. Have studied a lot on my own
e. Trial and error – I know what I like when I see it
f. I’ve taken some pictures I really like, but I’m not sure how I did it!
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments?
I don't know... a couple hours
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
paws Assignment #2
1. What brand and model of camera(s) will you be using for this class?
Olympus Camedia D-390
2. Is your camera digital or film?
Digital
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera?
Yes, I have it.
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera?
I'd say a 2. I only ever point and shoot, set the timer, and turn the flash on and off.
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses?
No
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)?
Yes (Well, vetsac does.)
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera?
Yes.
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode
100%
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography:
a. Aperture - not really
b. Shutter speed - yes
c. ISO/ASA - no
d. Focus - yes
e. Depth of field - no
f. Composition - yes
g. Quality of light - no
h. Exposure - yes
i. What other photographic terms can you think of? none
10. What is your photographic experience? Mostly I admire other people's pictures and don't really take many of my own.
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments? 1 hour
Olympus Camedia D-390
2. Is your camera digital or film?
Digital
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera?
Yes, I have it.
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera?
I'd say a 2. I only ever point and shoot, set the timer, and turn the flash on and off.
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses?
No
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)?
Yes (Well, vetsac does.)
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera?
Yes.
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode
100%
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography:
a. Aperture - not really
b. Shutter speed - yes
c. ISO/ASA - no
d. Focus - yes
e. Depth of field - no
f. Composition - yes
g. Quality of light - no
h. Exposure - yes
i. What other photographic terms can you think of? none
10. What is your photographic experience? Mostly I admire other people's pictures and don't really take many of my own.
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments? 1 hour
Jenn Assignment #1
Hi, I am Serin's friend Jenn from Dallas. I am so excited to get some tips and lessons on how to be a better photographer! Here are some of my top 10 favorite pictures:
1. This is my older Daughter Savannah, she is a true little diva and this picture just captures her personality. I love that it was also 100% *not* posed. I looked over at her - she was in dress-up mode as usual, and luckily had my camera close-by so I could snap this picture. Love the lighting (but not the messy background - hey nice pile of folded laundry!) and the one shoulder falling off the dress-up dress.
2. This was taken at a wild-life animal preserve about 2 hours outside of Dallas. I stood up in the car and out the sun roof to get this picture - love the sky, love the bright-vivid colors.
3. This is my baby girl Kate - picture taken at the Dallas Arboretum, she was just learning to sit and had just two little baby teeth. Love the black and white and how the flowers in the background play off of the pattern in her dress.
This is a picture I took during an impromptu photo session and ended up using for Kate's baby announcement. I think it is soft and sweet and calm and shows a little of the bond of sisterhood.
This is one of our wedding pictures (gasp - almost 9 years ago!), I didn't take it, obviously - but I have always loved it. I love the architectural detail of the arch in the background and the shadows.
As a former New Yorker, Central Park will always hold a special place in my heart - again, love the shadows, love the arches.
I love this just because it melts my heart - love the soft natural light - love how my husband's wedding ring looks next to Kate's bracelet. And of course, I just really *love* the subjects!
Who doesn't love a big pregnant belly? This was taken when I was pregnant with Savannah:
Now, my favorite pictures are definitely those found here:
Their pictures are breath-taking, really - art. If I could one day have 1/10th of the talent, I would be thrilled!
1. This is my older Daughter Savannah, she is a true little diva and this picture just captures her personality. I love that it was also 100% *not* posed. I looked over at her - she was in dress-up mode as usual, and luckily had my camera close-by so I could snap this picture. Love the lighting (but not the messy background - hey nice pile of folded laundry!) and the one shoulder falling off the dress-up dress.
2. This was taken at a wild-life animal preserve about 2 hours outside of Dallas. I stood up in the car and out the sun roof to get this picture - love the sky, love the bright-vivid colors.
3. This is my baby girl Kate - picture taken at the Dallas Arboretum, she was just learning to sit and had just two little baby teeth. Love the black and white and how the flowers in the background play off of the pattern in her dress.
This is a picture I took during an impromptu photo session and ended up using for Kate's baby announcement. I think it is soft and sweet and calm and shows a little of the bond of sisterhood.
This is one of our wedding pictures (gasp - almost 9 years ago!), I didn't take it, obviously - but I have always loved it. I love the architectural detail of the arch in the background and the shadows.
As a former New Yorker, Central Park will always hold a special place in my heart - again, love the shadows, love the arches.
I love this just because it melts my heart - love the soft natural light - love how my husband's wedding ring looks next to Kate's bracelet. And of course, I just really *love* the subjects!
Who doesn't love a big pregnant belly? This was taken when I was pregnant with Savannah:
Now, my favorite pictures are definitely those found here:Their pictures are breath-taking, really - art. If I could one day have 1/10th of the talent, I would be thrilled!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Diana Assignment #2
1. What brand and model of camera(s) will you be using for this class?
>Olympus Stylus 750, 7.1 Megapixel
2. Is your camera digital or film
>Digital
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera?
>yes
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera?
>4
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses? If so, what lenses to do have?
>no
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)?
>technically I have access to Photoshop but I have no idea how to use it
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera?
>yes (a little tiny one)
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode
>nearly 100%
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography: just Yes or No - if you don’t know, don’t try to find out – I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.
a. Aperture-kinda
b. Shutter speed-yes
c. ISO/ASA-kinda
d. Focus-yes
e. Depth of field-yes
f. Composition-I think
g. Quality of light-not really
h. Exposure-yes
i. What other photographic terms can you think of?
10. What is your photographic experience?
a. Took a class or two in high school
e. Trial and error – I know what I like when I see it
f. I’ve taken some pictures I really like, but I’m not sure how I did it!
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments?
>1-2 or more if I am having fun taking pictures!
>Olympus Stylus 750, 7.1 Megapixel
2. Is your camera digital or film
>Digital
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera?
>yes
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera?
>4
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses? If so, what lenses to do have?
>no
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)?
>technically I have access to Photoshop but I have no idea how to use it
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera?
>yes (a little tiny one)
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode
>nearly 100%
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography: just Yes or No - if you don’t know, don’t try to find out – I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.
a. Aperture-kinda
b. Shutter speed-yes
c. ISO/ASA-kinda
d. Focus-yes
e. Depth of field-yes
f. Composition-I think
g. Quality of light-not really
h. Exposure-yes
i. What other photographic terms can you think of?
10. What is your photographic experience?
a. Took a class or two in high school
e. Trial and error – I know what I like when I see it
f. I’ve taken some pictures I really like, but I’m not sure how I did it!
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments?
>1-2 or more if I am having fun taking pictures!
Vetsac's Assignment #2 answers
1. What brand and model of camera(s) will you be using for this class?
> Canon Powershot G6, 7.1 megapixel
2. Is your camera digital or film?
> Digital
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera?
> Have it
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera?
> 8
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses? If so, what lenses to do have?
> My G6 has interchangeable lenses; however, I don't have any to attach.
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)?
> Yes
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera?
> Yes
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode
> About 80% of the time
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography: just Yes or No.
a. Aperture
> Yes
b. Shutter speed
> Yes
c. ISO/ASA
> Yes (but I'm not familiar with ASA)
d. Focus
> Yes
e. Depth of field
> Somewhat, but I could use some good instruction on this
f. Composition
> Somewhat, but I could use some good instruction on this
g. Quality of light
> Somewhat, but I could use some good instruction on this
h. Exposure
> Yes
i. What other photographic terms can you think of?
> F-stops. I can never remember the relationship between the F# and the size of the opening (i.e. the bigger the #, the smaller the opening), and how depth of field is affected by the F-stop. I ended up writing myself cheatsheets on the back of business cards that I carry in my camera case so I can try to remember.
10. What is your photographic experience?
> c. Have studied some on my own
> e. Trial and error - I know what I like when I see it
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments?
> 1-2 hours
> Canon Powershot G6, 7.1 megapixel
2. Is your camera digital or film?
> Digital
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera?
> Have it
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera?
> 8
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses? If so, what lenses to do have?
> My G6 has interchangeable lenses; however, I don't have any to attach.
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)?
> Yes
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera?
> Yes
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode
> About 80% of the time
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography: just Yes or No.
a. Aperture
> Yes
b. Shutter speed
> Yes
c. ISO/ASA
> Yes (but I'm not familiar with ASA)
d. Focus
> Yes
e. Depth of field
> Somewhat, but I could use some good instruction on this
f. Composition
> Somewhat, but I could use some good instruction on this
g. Quality of light
> Somewhat, but I could use some good instruction on this
h. Exposure
> Yes
i. What other photographic terms can you think of?
> F-stops. I can never remember the relationship between the F# and the size of the opening (i.e. the bigger the #, the smaller the opening), and how depth of field is affected by the F-stop. I ended up writing myself cheatsheets on the back of business cards that I carry in my camera case so I can try to remember.
10. What is your photographic experience?
> c. Have studied some on my own
> e. Trial and error - I know what I like when I see it
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments?
> 1-2 hours
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Assignment #2
In order for me to plan interesting and productive lessons, I need to know what you already know and what experience you have had in photography. Please copy the following questionnaire, answer the questions and either paste them back into the photography blog or, if you are shy, email your questionnaire directly to me.
1. What brand and model of camera(s) will you be using for this class?
2. Is your camera digital or film (you know where you go to the store and buy it and load it into your camera and take a bunch of pictures and then take it back to the store and then pick it up later and then FINALLY get to see what pictures you took!)
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera?
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera?
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses? If so, what lenses to do have?
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)?
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera?
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography: just Yes or No - if you don’t know, don’t try to find out – I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.
a. Aperture
b. Shutter speed
c. ISO/ASA
d. Focus
e. Depth of field
f. Composition
g. Quality of light
h. Exposure
i. What other photographic terms can you think of?
10. What is your photographic experience?
a. Took a class or two in high school
b. Took a class or two in college
c. Have studied some on my own
d. Have studied a lot on my own
e. Trial and error – I know what I like when I see it
f. I’ve taken some pictures I really like, but I’m not sure how I did it!
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments?
One can take wonderful, creative images with ANY camera! However, if YOU want to take wonderful, creative images with YOUR camera, you must be thoroughly familiar with it and know exactly what it has been programmed to do.
This lesson requires you to find the manual to your camera and keep it handy. You’ll be referring to often. Since we all have different cameras, you may have to dig into your manual and figure out how to apply the principles with your camera.
1. What brand and model of camera(s) will you be using for this class?
2. Is your camera digital or film (you know where you go to the store and buy it and load it into your camera and take a bunch of pictures and then take it back to the store and then pick it up later and then FINALLY get to see what pictures you took!)
3. Do you have, or can you get, a copy of the manual for your camera?
4. On a scale of 1-10, how familiar are you with the features of your camera?
5. Do you have, or have access to a camera with interchangeable lenses? If so, what lenses to do have?
6. Do you have any photo editing software (like Photoshop or Photo Elements)?
7. Do you have a tripod for your camera?
8. What percentage of the time do you use your camera on “auto everything” mode
9. Do you know how the following terms apply to photography: just Yes or No - if you don’t know, don’t try to find out – I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.
a. Aperture
b. Shutter speed
c. ISO/ASA
d. Focus
e. Depth of field
f. Composition
g. Quality of light
h. Exposure
i. What other photographic terms can you think of?
10. What is your photographic experience?
a. Took a class or two in high school
b. Took a class or two in college
c. Have studied some on my own
d. Have studied a lot on my own
e. Trial and error – I know what I like when I see it
f. I’ve taken some pictures I really like, but I’m not sure how I did it!
11. How much time per week are you willing to spend on these photo assignments?
One can take wonderful, creative images with ANY camera! However, if YOU want to take wonderful, creative images with YOUR camera, you must be thoroughly familiar with it and know exactly what it has been programmed to do.
This lesson requires you to find the manual to your camera and keep it handy. You’ll be referring to often. Since we all have different cameras, you may have to dig into your manual and figure out how to apply the principles with your camera.
My disclaimers
Thanks to all of you who submitted your images. I can tell that you put some thought into them and they will be great illustrations of the principles we will be exploring. If any of you have not yet submitted yours - please do.
My disclaimer:
Photographic images and art in general is very subjective – it always has been. Monet broke with the “classic” style and helped to initiate the impressionistic style. Picasso broke from the impressionistic style and founded whatever you call his style (according to Wikipedia, it was called the Cubist style – who would have thought? It’s amazing what you can find in a minute on the internet!). The point is, everyone likes something different. We are going to be discussing principles of photography and have the opportunity to apply those principles however we individually want. It is important that you do not be disappointed if I or someone else is not as excited about your favorite image as you are! Or if I or someone else makes a suggestion on how it might be better (to our eye) when you thought it was perfect just the way you created it. We can have a lot of fun and learn a lot if we all can feel free to express our opinion without fear of offending someone. {End of lecture}
Another disclaimer:
I’ve never conducted a photography class in an online format before so please ask questions, make comments and suggestions and share your ideas - we'll have a great time! Sometime later I'll give you a brief bio, but for right now, I'd rather get started - besides, most of you already know my history!
My disclaimer:
Photographic images and art in general is very subjective – it always has been. Monet broke with the “classic” style and helped to initiate the impressionistic style. Picasso broke from the impressionistic style and founded whatever you call his style (according to Wikipedia, it was called the Cubist style – who would have thought? It’s amazing what you can find in a minute on the internet!). The point is, everyone likes something different. We are going to be discussing principles of photography and have the opportunity to apply those principles however we individually want. It is important that you do not be disappointed if I or someone else is not as excited about your favorite image as you are! Or if I or someone else makes a suggestion on how it might be better (to our eye) when you thought it was perfect just the way you created it. We can have a lot of fun and learn a lot if we all can feel free to express our opinion without fear of offending someone. {End of lecture}
Another disclaimer:
I’ve never conducted a photography class in an online format before so please ask questions, make comments and suggestions and share your ideas - we'll have a great time! Sometime later I'll give you a brief bio, but for right now, I'd rather get started - besides, most of you already know my history!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Romi Assignment #1
I've always been the last one done....I'm a plodder...and a procrastinator :P (like Hanna...but she doesn't seem to be much of a procrastinator). :P I really have been looking for TEN pictures I really like (in digital format...because, let's face it, I wasn't going to get prints scanned at Target before my time was up), but I agree it really is tough, and I didn't know where to start. Then when Diana did her post I was grateful for a lead (thanks for the idea Diana/Ashley!!).
#1: I enjoy the spontaneity of this one (from Flickr.com), the fun it conveys, the way the water frames the side of the picture and the great timing the photographer had to catch that exact moment on film.
#2: I really liked this one because of the light reflecting off the wall and the tree onto BR's face (although I don't like how washed out the tree looks...because of the light). It was posed, but I didn't/don't know anything about lighting so the glow was pure accident...nevertheless, serendipity! I also liked the dreamy look on his face...he has a hard time with fake smiles for pictures, so I like the fact that his face almost looks like it wasn't posed. :P
#3: I loved the feel of magic that this one (from Pfarm Photography) conveys with the warm, gold light in the background. It makes me feel like a kid, the night before Christmas, reading about and believing in Santa Clause.
#4: I like this one of my nephew because of the way that looking through a bubble is like looking at life through the eyes of a child. I just wish I new more about settings and composition...maybe I should have been down a little lower with the camera?? And cut out more of the background?? :P
#5: Pictures with different/unusual perspectives catch my attention so I thought it was cool that with regular glass it would have been a picture of the building out the window (or maybe focused on dirty spots on the glass??) was focused instead on the cracked window. And I also like that the world seems a bit helter skelter beyond the broken glass...like the building is lopsided and could be from a fairy tale like "Through the Looking Glass". (I can't remember which website I found this one on.) :/
#6: On this one (again from Pfarm Photography) I like how the foreground is not in focus and you feel like you have to kind of peek around to see the focus of the picture.
#7: I liked this one (also from Flickr.com) because of the back lighting and the boys being silhouetted against the sunset. I also like the moment that it catches and the feeling of pure, frolicking fun that I get when I look at it.
#8: I love the moment that was captured here! I love how it shows my kids interacting with their dad...and the way that excited terror wells up in my heart just from the look on BR's face. :)
#9: I like how Diana put it, that the focus is on something besides the face, giving it an unusual perspective. (Another from Pfarm Photos.)
#10: I love the emotion that this one (Pfarm Photos) evokes in me!! It's strange to me that although the child is not mine (or related to me) and the grandma is not one of mine, that it would bring me close to tears. I love the contrast of the sweet, wrinkled hands of the grandma holding the soft, plump, tender baby. And also that it doesn't scream posed.
I love so many of the photos that have been posted so far!! It was so hard to choose!! Specifically, I was really drawn to Ashley#'s 5 and 6!! As well as all the beloved "Paula Pics"!! (I'm definitely a big fan!)
P.S. Hey Teach- we're headed to Phoenix in the morning and don't get back till Tuesday, so I hope I don't miss any asignments. :P
#1: I enjoy the spontaneity of this one (from Flickr.com), the fun it conveys, the way the water frames the side of the picture and the great timing the photographer had to catch that exact moment on film.
#2: I really liked this one because of the light reflecting off the wall and the tree onto BR's face (although I don't like how washed out the tree looks...because of the light). It was posed, but I didn't/don't know anything about lighting so the glow was pure accident...nevertheless, serendipity! I also liked the dreamy look on his face...he has a hard time with fake smiles for pictures, so I like the fact that his face almost looks like it wasn't posed. :P
#3: I loved the feel of magic that this one (from Pfarm Photography) conveys with the warm, gold light in the background. It makes me feel like a kid, the night before Christmas, reading about and believing in Santa Clause.
#4: I like this one of my nephew because of the way that looking through a bubble is like looking at life through the eyes of a child. I just wish I new more about settings and composition...maybe I should have been down a little lower with the camera?? And cut out more of the background?? :P
#5: Pictures with different/unusual perspectives catch my attention so I thought it was cool that with regular glass it would have been a picture of the building out the window (or maybe focused on dirty spots on the glass??) was focused instead on the cracked window. And I also like that the world seems a bit helter skelter beyond the broken glass...like the building is lopsided and could be from a fairy tale like "Through the Looking Glass". (I can't remember which website I found this one on.) :/
#6: On this one (again from Pfarm Photography) I like how the foreground is not in focus and you feel like you have to kind of peek around to see the focus of the picture.
#7: I liked this one (also from Flickr.com) because of the back lighting and the boys being silhouetted against the sunset. I also like the moment that it catches and the feeling of pure, frolicking fun that I get when I look at it.
#8: I love the moment that was captured here! I love how it shows my kids interacting with their dad...and the way that excited terror wells up in my heart just from the look on BR's face. :)
#9: I like how Diana put it, that the focus is on something besides the face, giving it an unusual perspective. (Another from Pfarm Photos.)
#10: I love the emotion that this one (Pfarm Photos) evokes in me!! It's strange to me that although the child is not mine (or related to me) and the grandma is not one of mine, that it would bring me close to tears. I love the contrast of the sweet, wrinkled hands of the grandma holding the soft, plump, tender baby. And also that it doesn't scream posed.
I love so many of the photos that have been posted so far!! It was so hard to choose!! Specifically, I was really drawn to Ashley#'s 5 and 6!! As well as all the beloved "Paula Pics"!! (I'm definitely a big fan!)
P.S. Hey Teach- we're headed to Phoenix in the morning and don't get back till Tuesday, so I hope I don't miss any asignments. :P
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sassley Assignment #1
Okay here are my top 10!! Well there are many images I love but if I must narrow it down then these are some of my favorites. I was recently invited to a photo a day blog that an old friend of mine's wife does . I was curious to check out the site and became blown away by her beautiful images (this is the same site that Diana was also inspired by) . It's not only fun to see their life in photo's but I find myself so moved by her style of photography. The first 6 images are from her blog site and the rest are some from my own files. ENJOY!!
#1. I LOVE everything about this image. The cotton field is such a unique choice and I must say that I also love the choice of clothing. The fluffy vest just adds so much to the image. I love the light in her hair and the they way it hits the top of the cotton tufts. You can tell it was taken at dusk with all that beautiful orange light So pretty!!
#2. I am a sucker for a black and white image. I love how simple and clean this image is and I love that the image is all about her. Again I love the tulle skirt (I guess clothing is a big deal to me)I think it adds a softness to the image. The light is just gorgeous!!
#3. How adorable is this picture. So clever!! I think what I like most about this image is the whole set up. The big umbrella and the matching boots (again with the clothing I know). I like how the black background makes everything POP.
#4. This one is good for so many reasons. I love the scenery and the old car out in the field. I really like how the hay bails are out of focus in the background. I love that the kids are seated in the same position and that they are lined up big to little. This is one of those images that just makes you wish you were there. Sitting in a car in a field looking out into the great wide open with the wind blowing in your hair AWWW that sounds refreshing!! 
#6. I usually don't care much for pictures of things I much prefer my pictures with people in them. I did however love this image. I really like that it is not an image of the whole house and that it is a close up view so you see all the details. I think she used photoshop to give the image a more overall antique and worn look which I LOVE!! I would hang this picture in my home if I could.
#7. I have many picture by Paula that I love. Serin used one of my boys (the one in the pond) that is my all time favorite and is a 30x40 image hanging above my couch. A keepsake I will cherish forever. I did not want to repeat so I chose some other Paula images that I love. I love all the little details in this one. His dirty little foot, the dog on the ground behind him as if to say "Sorry puppy but I just gotta try out this bike", the cute expression, and the scenery is so pretty. To me it tells a little story.
#8. Another great Paula image. I really love the rolling river and the moment of just being a kid that is captured here. He is having fun and his personality is shining through. The little boat in the corner is just an added playful touch that I love. It just seems to complete the image. The lighting in the back behind the trees is just beautiful.
#9. Okay there is nothing technically wonderful about this image, but I still love it. I think it captures him at this age so well. Capturing a real moment is a big deal for me. I also really like that its just a head shot and that he is naked as a jaybird. The messy face, the curls, the smile PRICELESS!! 
#10. This has always been one of my favorites. My sister took it in Estes Park years ago and I love it. I love that this image is capturing a real moment. He isn't looking at the camera with a big smile on his face he is just totally engrossed in flying that kite. His expression tells it all, you just know that his kite is flying high even though you can't see it. 
Wow that was harder than I thought. I really hope to learn how to use natural light, be more creative and CAPTURE MOMENTS!!
#1. I LOVE everything about this image. The cotton field is such a unique choice and I must say that I also love the choice of clothing. The fluffy vest just adds so much to the image. I love the light in her hair and the they way it hits the top of the cotton tufts. You can tell it was taken at dusk with all that beautiful orange light So pretty!!
#2. I am a sucker for a black and white image. I love how simple and clean this image is and I love that the image is all about her. Again I love the tulle skirt (I guess clothing is a big deal to me)I think it adds a softness to the image. The light is just gorgeous!!
#3. How adorable is this picture. So clever!! I think what I like most about this image is the whole set up. The big umbrella and the matching boots (again with the clothing I know). I like how the black background makes everything POP.
#4. This one is good for so many reasons. I love the scenery and the old car out in the field. I really like how the hay bails are out of focus in the background. I love that the kids are seated in the same position and that they are lined up big to little. This is one of those images that just makes you wish you were there. Sitting in a car in a field looking out into the great wide open with the wind blowing in your hair AWWW that sounds refreshing!! #5. All that fluff with her cute face just peaking out from the top. LOVE IT!! What a unique angle. Again its black and white which I love and the light hitting the fabric is so pretty. The ducky boots peaking out the bottom just make me smile :) 
#6. I usually don't care much for pictures of things I much prefer my pictures with people in them. I did however love this image. I really like that it is not an image of the whole house and that it is a close up view so you see all the details. I think she used photoshop to give the image a more overall antique and worn look which I LOVE!! I would hang this picture in my home if I could.
#7. I have many picture by Paula that I love. Serin used one of my boys (the one in the pond) that is my all time favorite and is a 30x40 image hanging above my couch. A keepsake I will cherish forever. I did not want to repeat so I chose some other Paula images that I love. I love all the little details in this one. His dirty little foot, the dog on the ground behind him as if to say "Sorry puppy but I just gotta try out this bike", the cute expression, and the scenery is so pretty. To me it tells a little story.#8. Another great Paula image. I really love the rolling river and the moment of just being a kid that is captured here. He is having fun and his personality is shining through. The little boat in the corner is just an added playful touch that I love. It just seems to complete the image. The lighting in the back behind the trees is just beautiful.
#9. Okay there is nothing technically wonderful about this image, but I still love it. I think it captures him at this age so well. Capturing a real moment is a big deal for me. I also really like that its just a head shot and that he is naked as a jaybird. The messy face, the curls, the smile PRICELESS!! #10. This has always been one of my favorites. My sister took it in Estes Park years ago and I love it. I love that this image is capturing a real moment. He isn't looking at the camera with a big smile on his face he is just totally engrossed in flying that kite. His expression tells it all, you just know that his kite is flying high even though you can't see it. Wow that was harder than I thought. I really hope to learn how to use natural light, be more creative and CAPTURE MOMENTS!!
PAWS Assignment #1
I had a hard time finding 10 images that I love, so here's as many as I can find.
This one was taken by NASA. It's more than the subject matter that moves me in this photo. I like the way the light hits the planet from underneath resulting in an unusual effect.
This one is from National Geographic. I'm not sure why I like it so much.
Hubby took this one. Here I enjoy the intensity of the gaze, the pretty green eyes, and the lighting.
This one was taken by NASA. It's more than the subject matter that moves me in this photo. I like the way the light hits the planet from underneath resulting in an unusual effect.
This one is from National Geographic. I'm not sure why I like it so much.
Hubby took this one. Here I enjoy the intensity of the gaze, the pretty green eyes, and the lighting.
My husband took this one, too. I love the way the saguaro frames the snowcapped Four Peaks mountains in the background and the juxtaposition of desert vs snow.
I gotthis one off of deviantart.com. I like the shape of the picture (I'll call it a shallow rectangle) and the creative way of capturing a detail from someone's life that seems to somehow capture their essence as well.
My husband took this one as well. I love the coloring in the image, as well as the way the roses are framed with the closed rose in the background.
I liked many of the images Diana posted, especially numbers 1, 3, 6, and 10.
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