Photography 101
What parent do you know without a camera? I think we all want to capture "special moments" of our children (and for many of us just seeing our kid run around the living room is special). For several months I have been "making due" in the camera department. My point and shoot was on its last leg for a long time and it finally reached camera heaven 2.5 months ago. Around that time I received an iPhone that I've used in lieu of an actual camera. I sometimes get good results but I have to be in the right lighting and since my phone doesn't have a flash forget capturing memories in low lighting situations.
I have always been a point and shoot kind of gal but have often admired photos that my friends post and wonder how they do it? It is said that beautiful photography is 90% photographer and 10% equipment but with shoddy equipment even the best photographer is challenged. When asking around about cameras that my friends use it became clear that many of them use dslr (digital single reflex lens) cameras. Last week I finally broke down and purchased one for myself.
I chose the dslr camera for many reasons, one of the most important is shutter speed - trying to catch my toddler in poses rather than natural activity can be trying. With the dslr camera I have more flexibility. If you are interested in learning more about making the switch there is a whole list of reasons pro and con here.
At the end of the day I want great quality photos and I think my Nikon D-40 will help me to deliver. I have a learning curve of course but wanted to share one shot with you that I am especially proud. I took this photo of Mekhi in the bathtub the first day I had my camera.
I love the way the light hits my son and combined with his expression I think this photo is a winner. I plan on sharing more photos and hopefully my progression from someone that knows nothing about photography to actually applying things I learn will be evident.
What camera are you using? Have you studied photography at all or do you just point, shoot and wish for the best?
I have always been a point and shoot kind of gal but have often admired photos that my friends post and wonder how they do it? It is said that beautiful photography is 90% photographer and 10% equipment but with shoddy equipment even the best photographer is challenged. When asking around about cameras that my friends use it became clear that many of them use dslr (digital single reflex lens) cameras. Last week I finally broke down and purchased one for myself.
I chose the dslr camera for many reasons, one of the most important is shutter speed - trying to catch my toddler in poses rather than natural activity can be trying. With the dslr camera I have more flexibility. If you are interested in learning more about making the switch there is a whole list of reasons pro and con here.
At the end of the day I want great quality photos and I think my Nikon D-40 will help me to deliver. I have a learning curve of course but wanted to share one shot with you that I am especially proud. I took this photo of Mekhi in the bathtub the first day I had my camera.
I love the way the light hits my son and combined with his expression I think this photo is a winner. I plan on sharing more photos and hopefully my progression from someone that knows nothing about photography to actually applying things I learn will be evident.
What camera are you using? Have you studied photography at all or do you just point, shoot and wish for the best?
Comments
Can't wait to see more amazing pics!
Photography is so much more accessible to everyone these days. No more developing and rolls of film and being stingey with shots. I figure if I get 1 good shot out of 10, it's a good day.
Harumph.
I too splurged earlier this year and got a DSLR (a Canon Rebel Xsi) for the same reasons as you, especially the shutter speed for a fast moving toddler. I can't wait to see more of your photos!
I also like to point and shoot 'cause I'm quite impatient then I figured out I didn't like the photos 'cause of the way I was taking them. LOL... Now I normally try to take a little more time.
My best, Lynn
Congrats on the new camera--photography is definitely addictive.
You should join I Heart Faces... they have great photography sharing over there, and a lot of wonderful resources for learning how to actually use your instrument. It's been incredibly instructive and helpful for me--way better than reading the manual (LOL!).
I'm re-learning all the intricacies of shooting in manual, but the D40 produces great photos on auto as well. I used it to take photos of my mother's newly redesigned front patio, and they came out great!
I still have no idea what I'm doing, not at all, but I plan on learning as best I can, eventually and then upgrading probably sometime this fall.
http://www.psa-photo.org/
See if there is local Club. I know our club gives instructions (classes) on basics and such.
http://www.spokanecameraclub.org/
Most cities have a club.
Wish u luck. Some of my pics are on my web site
SteveD
http://noelle210.home.comcast.net/~noelle210/