Friday, June 7, 2013

Flashback Friday: My Little Photography Habit

Today, for my newer readers (hahahahaha), I want to flash back to my early blogging days with this post.

Originally posted 11/4/11
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
 
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 mean time, 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.


Not much has changed regarding my photography hobby since this originally posted. I still don't have enough time to get out and practice. I think I've improved some, but I have a terrible time getting a sharp focus. I think the problem is that my hands tend to be shakey, but I'm not nuts about the sharpness of pictures taken with the tripod either. Maybe it's the camera. Maybe I need a new camera! I'll let you know how The Hillbilly takes that information. 

And I do still want your comments on these shots. How can they be improved?

(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.)