Night Photography

Last photo class we learned how to take pictures at night while blurring the source of light. This is perfect for taking pictures of fireworks, cars driving by, the Balloon Glow, stars, clouds and lightening (any object that is a source of light). For the picture to come out sharp and clear you really need to use a tripod and a remote with a lock will also come in handy. To get the desired picture you will need to set your camera to M (manual) and turn the shutter speed dial all the way to the left until it reads Bulb. You will also want your ISO set at 100, noise reduction on and manual focus on. You might also need to adjust your white balance. To start out with set it in auto white balance and then change if needed. For example street lights give off an orange light so you might want to adjust your white balance to make the light more white.

With your camera on a tripod push the take picture button down until you hear a click, focus on your object and push the button down all the way. Hold the button down for as long as you would like. This is called leaving the shutter open. The camera is taking multiple pictures of your subject for as long as your button is held down. To capture the movement and light from stars or clouds hold the shutter speed open for a longer period of time. This is where the remote come in handy. Set your camera up on the tripod and using the remote lock the shutter open. You can keep it open for a long period of time such as an hour. 

Here are some examples. I didn't have a tripod so most of my pictures are blurry, but you get the idea!

Car tail lights blurred

Holding the shutter open while moving the camera.

Fun Photo Shoot!

In the photography class two Thursdays ago we talked about photographing people.  The main take away is when taking a candid picture of a person it is better if your subject is not looking at the camera. Make sure foreign objects are not going threw the subject's head. When shooting a portrait the subject is the main focus point. Make sure the subject is not looking into the sun. When shooting a group of people stagger heads so the eye is drawn to all of the subjects in the picture.

In class we had the opportunity to shoot a "model"with umbrella lights and a flash. It was actually more fun than I expected. I totally turned into my mother. I had the model posing every which way possible.

Photography Lesson

Last class we talked about how to photograph animals, nature and macro items.

Animals

- The animal should be looking into the picture (face pointing in towards the left).

- If the animal is positioned in an S shape it is more pleasing to the eye.

- It adds to the picture if the camera captures the light flash in the animals eye. 

Nature/ Landscape

- Better to have shadows in the picture to show depth. 

- Use a polarizer to darken bright skies.

- Have a WOW factor in the picture that makes the person say "I wish I was there".

- Use foreground objects to create scale and depth. 

Macro/ Close-Ups

- Even lighting is better.

- When you are outside and its cloudy, look down. There is always something on the group to take a picture of.

- Use simple background with a shallow depth of field.

- When photographing flowers watch wind and dead leaves.

Here are the pictures I am showing tomorrow to represent close-up shots.

Photography Class Pics #2

In the second photography class we learned about the advanced settings on our camera. I am still trying to grasp all of the information so I think today I will only talk about our homework assignment. 

We were asked to take 5 pictures using the "A" setting on the camera dial and 5 pictures using the "S" setting on the camera dial.

In the "A" setting you set the aperture and the camera selects the shutter speed. This controls the degree to which the background or foreground is blurred. My random examples are the first 5 pictures. *The pictures from the Broncos game didn't turn out so well. I would have gotten better results if I had a better zoom lens.

In the "S" setting you set the shutter speed and the camera selects the aperture. Use this to freeze or blur motion. My examples are pictures 6-10.

Have you ever shot in "A" or "S" mode? 

Fire hydrant. Background blurred.

It appears that Augusta is blurred and grass is not.

Most everything is blurred due to crappy lens.

Hochstein fans. Background blurred.

Most everything blurred.

Augusta frozen in time.

Augusta blurred.

Near Blackhawk. Water blurred.

Near Blackhawk. Water blurred.

Near Blackhawk. Water blurred.

Photography Assignment: Thirds

Tomorrow we are to turn in 5 photographs that represent the rule of thirds.

The rule of thirds says that your subject should fall along one of the lines or intersections of the lines. The most common mistake amateur photographers make is they put the subject in the smack middle of the picture. Because of the way the brain processes the picture, it is more pleasing to the eye when the subject if off centered. The picture on the left is a perfect example of applying the rule of thirds. 

Below are the 5 picture that I am turning in tomorrow. The last 2 did not make the cut.

I love August's drool on the concrete.

My favorite.

Harley.

Harley. I love the white on his chest.

Interesting photo, not sure if it follows the rule.

I love that Harley's eyes are closed.

Augusta & Harley.

Photography Class #1

Tonight was my first photography class at Cottenwood Center for the Arts. I was introduced to co-student #1 as soon as I walked into the door. Probably unfairly, I sized him up at first sight. Male, 50's, married (gold ring on wedding finger), slight slur that might lead some people to question the wedding ring, a little geeky and not the look of the type who might take a photography class, maybe an Excel class, but not a photography class. I thought great, is this small class of 4 going to be filled with old men? It is then that I met co-student #2. And that it what led me to write OMG on facebook. #2 male, in his 50's or 60's, has a limp that would prevent him from walking very fast or far if we were to take pictures outside as a class, already complaining about the temperature of the building and was hard of hearing. And then there was me. In their eyes: female, kid, maybe 21, however married due to ring on finger and quiet.

The instructor was a little late and #1 and #2, which I will now refer to as Tweedledee and Tweedledum because this it was popped into my head the moment I saw them, started freaking out because the classroom door was locked. They scurried around the building asking randon people if this was our correct photography class room. Tweedledee checked the door handle at least 5 times to see if it was still locked. The instructor showed up and the next thought was great I am in for it- anther geeky looking male. At last co-student #3 walked in. FEMALE AND NORMAL LOOKING. Saved!! I will not be stuck in a 3 hour class with 3 nerdy old men! Don't get me wrong, I would love to take the class with my dad, but taking a photography class with 2 unknown old men is not what I had in mind.

In all honestly, the class is going to be very beneficial. I have already learned at least 4 new things.

Homework: take 5 pictures using the theory of thirds.

Photography Class

I am signing up for my first digital photography class at Cottonwood Center for the Arts. The first class starts this Thursday. I can't wait to start taking magnificent pictures!

Anyone want to join me?

Click Here for more information.

Hurray!

I got a new camera! My life can now be properly documented!

It looks like everyone is ready for bed.

Goodnight!

What Next

I have been obsessively thinking about this question every waking second of every day since the Triathlon. I am frustrated that I still have not found the answer...

I know and feel like I am in great shape and I am worried that if I don't write "on paper, on purpose" another fitness goal it might all slip away. I also know that the last thing I want to do is get burnt out (this is sounding more and more like an excuse than a reason).

So do I start a structured Beachbody workout program like Insanity, ChaLEAN Extreme or Turbo Fire or train for a couple of 5ks coming up (Race for the Cure at Garden of the Gods on September 12th and The Great Pumpkin Race at Venetucci Farms on October 2nd) or set my goals even higher and do another triathlon this year...?

Hello Indecisiveness!

My worst fear is making the wrong decision which is stupid, I know, because the decision that I make will only affect me and probably Preston (but he is so easy going I don't have to worry about that). Will someone just PLEASE tell me what I should do!!!!!!

Here are some other hobbies I would like to find time for (I think...)

1. Photography Class (found one that starts September 16 and runs until November 4th. Mind you this involves buying a camera.)

2. Finish Scrap booking our wedding

3. Read, read, read

4. Knit a couple of wash cloths

5. Work on decorating the house to give it more of a homey feeling

6. Go boating/camping as much as possible before the season is over

7. Get the house clean, clean, clean

8. Drink and fall in love with wine

Okay honestly my To Do Hobby List isn't all that time consuming. I just need to find balance between working out and doing other fun things.

Maybe I will find some answers in the wilderness this weekend or... feel free to tell me what I should do in the comment box below.