Assignment #25 – Take a picture any picture, but really think about your picture before you take it.

What is your subject? Do you like the colors? Should you move your subject over? Ah so much to think about besides just learning how to use your camera! Thanks for the composition idea @Paul! We could all use some tips on this subject! I myself know I still have a ton to learn!

You can have a 20 different people shooting the same scene and yet every single one of them will leave with a different picture. Everyone sees something different when looking at a sunset, everyone sees something different when looking at a single flower. For me sometimes I see what I want to take a picture of, but it’s hard to bring that picture to life. Find your own style and go with it.

I took a photography class on composition awhile back. I pulled out my notes…

• Keep it simple – What is the subject of your picture
• Move in Closer – Our tendency is to take in way too much.  Sometimes you have to choose between sky or landscape. You don’t have to have everything in the picture, keep it simple
• Are you taking a picture of your subject or the building behind them, decide what your subject is and make that the focus
• Rules of thirds – When looking through your viewfinder picture 3 horizontal lines and 3 vertical lines. Where these lines intersect is where you would place your subject. The idea is that it makes your image more balanced. There have actually been studies done that say your eye naturally goes to these intersecting points rather than right to the center of the picture.
• Shapes – any prominent shapes triangles, circles etc. What about lines are there straight lines or curvy lines like a river.  See them and use them.
• Strongest number in photography is 3 often forms a triangle. You might see three flowers lined up together etc.
• When looking at the horizon don’t cut your picture in half try focusing on the horizon about 1/3 from the bottom or top.  If you’re taking a reflection in the water that might be an exception.
• Negative space can be a good think
• All secondary subjects should support the main subject
• Color – are there complimentary colors in your picture, no color take note of the colors around you

In the end he said all rules are made to be broken… go with what you love!

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Assignment #24 Capturing lighting…. Now I know everyone won’t get a lightning storm this week or maybe for a few months. But when lightning finally strikes would love to see your pictures!

Thank-you @Dianne for suggesting this one! Take a moment to check out some of Dianne’s work on Prairie Girl Photography  she did an amazing one of the moon this past month!

Lightning is one of those beautiful moments you don’t see often but when it strikes you want to be prepared. I admit this is an old picture of mine, but I don’t for see any lightning in our future here, but if it comes I will add my new picture.

What I learned about capturing lightning -  I needed patience and mother nature to work with me. This picture used a shutter speed 1/4 sec / Manual / F/3.5.

A tripod is definitely helpful for this one  since you will be using a longer shutter speed. Lightning comes and goes in an instant so if you leave you shutter open for awhile your chances are better that you will capture it.  If the area you’re in is pretty dark meaning not many street lights or city lights you shouldn’t have a problem leaving your shutter open for a long period of time. When I did mine it was mostly testing. Took a picture adjusted setting then waited for more lightning.

Sometimes you get only small wisps of lightning. If you’re on a tripod and take multiple pictures in the same location you can blend them all together to create a crazy lightning storm in one photo.

Manual focus – You don’t want your camera to continually try to find something to focus on instead find your focus and then just leave it there. One less thing to worry about.

I found this article on how to photograph lightning that had some great tips! It talks a lot about SLR cameras, but that translates easy to Digital.

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Assignment #23 – Use Shutter Priority and take any picture, and freeze the action!

Last week I asked the question…. What next, what do you want to learn next. @Ami had the great idea to focus on shutter priority.  Thanks!

So Saturday I took my daughter to the park and had her jump off anything and everything. She was more than thrilled with the challenge!

If you have Canon change your dial to TV, Nikon to S and if you’re using something else change your dial to the shutter priority dial. On to shutter speed… Shutter speed controls the amount of time the light is coming through the lens another way to say that would be the amount of time that the shutter is open. If you change your shutter speed from 1/500 to 1/60 sec you are increasing the amount of time the light is coming through the lens which increases the time your shutter is open. If you want to freeze motion you want a faster shutter speed.

A couple things to think about when thinking about shutter speed. If you’re holding your camera you probably don’t want to be below 1/60th of second anything slower might result in camera shake. Camera shake is when your camera moves a bit while the shutter is open with an end result of blur in your pictures. So if you go below 1/60th think about using a tripod.

• Here is an interesting note I just read about… You need to think about focal length when deciding what shutter speed to use. Always use a shutter speed that is faster than the focal length of your lens. For instance if using a 50mm you want at least 1/60th to avoid camera shake if your using a 200mm lens you want to increase that to 1/250th.

When thinking creatively about your shutter speed. You will have to decide if you want to freeze the motion which will result in a higher shutter speed or blur the subject giving a sense of motion to your images. To freeze motion you want a higher shutter speed. In my photo above I used 1/320th for one and 1/500th for the other. If you want to imply motion you would want a much slower shutter speed.

First let me back up and explain the difference between all the different creative zones

• Program Mode (P) The camera automatically sets the shutter and aperture you still have some control over the ISO, drive mode, built in flash and a few more. The camera is still deciding creatively what it thinks you’re going for
• Shutter Priority (TV) You adjust the shutter speed while the camera adjusts the aperture. You control motion, you decide if you want to freeze the motion or slow down to blur your motion.
• Aperture Priority (AV) You adjust the aperture while the camera adjusts the shutter speed. You control depth of field, you decide if you want the background out of focus or the entire picture in focus.
• Manual (M) It’s all you!

Found this great video posted by OrangeBoxPhotography

Remember you can post your pictures at the bottom of this post or on DigitalCamFan FaceBook wall. If you have questions about “Learn By Doing” Please refer to the guideline page. If you have no questions post away!

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With work, school, kids activities and everything else that gets thrown into the wash some days just blend into other days and I have to look at the calendar to see what day it is. These are the days I forget how truly lucky I am.

I recently volunteered to be a kindergarten soccer coach.  It came as a surprise, but the more I thought about it the more I liked the idea of it. Taking me out of my  normal routine to try something new. Plus I liked the idea of Cade my 11 year old son taking on a new role.  We had a long talk about how important his role would be. This was the first time these kids would be introduced to a sport, he would have to patient and listen to the kids, become a teacher and teach and make this fun for them. He would have to commit to it and not back out once he said yes. He was all for it.

Last Sunday game started out quite comical. My side of the field was pure chaos during warm ups. Three kids were chasing Cade around the field while the others were all kicking the ball in the goal at the same time. I was trying to get them to line up, but after waiting for 30 minutes to get their team picture taken they had enough. I looked at the other coach and said my team is warmed up how about yours. He of course had a straight line of kids all taking their turns kicking the ball in. I looked at my side and although it looked chaotic they were all laughing.

Once the game started they were great and played awesome! At one point in the game my daughter took the ball from the opposite end and took it all the way down the field to score. She was fast… with some amazing moves. Not once did she bend down to pick a flower or chase a butterfly she was focused. My son walks up to me and says “wow she is really good” Anytime a brother compliments his little sister a mom smiles inside… I could hear people on the side lines people I didn’t know talking about her speed and skill. I turn to see my husband all smiles and proud taking pictures on the side line, and for a moment life slows down and I say thank you!

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I am always on the look out for an amazing camera bag.  And this one is looking pretty amazing because it’s small yet you can pack a ton of stuff into it. Nice soft liners for your lenses and Digital SLR.

Kata DR-466i Digital Rucksack

Priced at $63.58. I like to post cameras and accessories when they are on sale. I will keep an eye on this one to see when it goes on sale, but it seems like a pretty great camera bag even when it’s not on sale!

Official Product Description:

“The DR-466i Digital Rucksack features a unique TST RIB structural protection for two D/SLR’s with mounted lens, 3-4 lenses, flash etc. + personal gear, laptop and small tripod. By removing the padded bottom camera insert you can easily convert this rucksack from a camera bag to a daypack when not shooting. The main compartment holds a D/SLR in top grip position while the modular dividers system will separate, organize and protect lenses, flashes and other accessories to suit your particular needs. The middle separating divider easily zips open for full bag access.The dedicated rear padded compartment will protect a laptop or hold paperwork. The large top compartment will hold personal gear or additional equipment, and the internal pockets and mp3 player pouch will allow you to organize your personal effects as efficiently as your photographic gear. Ample external pockets allow quick zippered access to supplies and a water bottle/ tripod support pocket pulls out from a side pocket. Included rain cover folds neatly away into an integrated pocket and can be hung out to dry on the small buckle next to the handle, or tucked away for storage in one of the pockets. When carrying, a chest belt and balancing waist strap are available for ultimate comfort, and the rucksack is also compatible with the Kata Insertrolley if wheel along transportation is needed.”

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Assignment #22 – Use a slow shutter speed to capture light trails from cars

I am super excited about how the pictures turned out. I have never tried to shoot light trails before so this was a first! First I had to get brave enough to climb over the rail and stand in the center of the street with my tripod. Once I was set up I felt safe, but as I walked to the center line I sure felt nerveous.

Here are some tips I learned on how to shoot light trails

1. Need a tripod for this one or at least something to set your camera on.

2. Use a remote or set your camera to self timer so you’re not touching the camera at all.

3. ISO at 100

4. I was in manual mode. For the first time I had too much light! So I set my aperture to 22 to let the least amount of light in. You can also shoot in Shutter Priority since it’s the shutter speed we are looking for.

5. Focus on something in the distance or the sky will work.

6. Your shutter speed depends on how dark it is. This picture above on the bridge was at 4 seconds anything longer was washed out with too much light. As the night got darker my shutter speed got longer. My longest shutter speed of the night was at 30 seconds.  So shutter speed depends on the light. Just set up on the tripod and try some different settings to see what you get.

7. Have fun! I thought it was great timing the cars trying to get the car lights coming and going at the same time. So there is a bit of patience on this one, but well worth it!

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Ready for a super Ligtning Deal at Amazon!

The list price for the Nikon Coolpix P7000 is $499.00, but for the next 3 hours it’s only $279.00 plus free shipping! That’s a 44% savings! Awesome!

Official Product Description:
10.1-megapixel resolution, large 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor
7.1x Wide-Angle Nikkor ED Optical Zoom Glass Lens; 3-inch Ultra-High Resolution (921,000-dot) Clear Color Display
HD (720p) movie with stereo, mic input jack and HDMI output
Dial controls for key functions including ISO, white balance, bracketing, exposure compensation and more
Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included), battery charger is included.

When I am thinking about purchasing a new camera or lens I like to head on over to Flickr. Today I went over to Coolpix P7000/7100 group to see what kind of pictures you can get from the Nikon P7000. This one caught my eye! Using a Nikon P7000 timko.ivan got this great picture! This photo was taken by timko.ivan if you want to see more of photos check out the photostream on flickr!

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20% off select Sigma Lenses

From now until May 5th, 2012 Sigma is having a sale on qualifying Sigma Lenses. Ah there is a catch you have to first purchase a qualifying Canon DSLR Camera.  So if you’re in the market for both today might be the day to pull the trigger!

My thought were teetering on trying my first Sigma lens these past few weeks.. ULA – Ultra Wide Angle Lens is what I have my eye one?

What is your favorite Sigma lens? Any suggestions for someone in the market for a Sigma Lens?

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This is a pretty cool bundle I came across for the Nikon D5100! This was a list created by CEO of UFO HQ on Listmania! If you want to purchase the Nikon D5100 what would  be a good way to bundle it, what camera lenses and accessories would be good for your first DSLR camera. Looking at the list I would have to agree  since that bundle is basically what I have in my camera bag except mine is of the Canon model.

So here is the bundle you might want to think about for your first DSLR if you want to take the Nikon road. Remember you don’t have to buy it all on the first day, but keep these ideas in your back pocket for future purchases.

Nikon D5100 16.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR camera

Priced at $699.00
3-inch LCD monitor
swivel LCD monitor
Full 1080p HD Movies

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon DSLR

Priced at $219.00
f/1.8 prime lens
M/A focus mode switch

Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5 – 5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens for DSLR

Priced at $399.00
5.5x Telephoto Zoom lens
Tripod Detection Mode, Nikon VR II Image Stabilization

Transcend 32 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card

Priced at $29.99
You can also get 16 GB
Just make sure it’s a class 10

Nikon EN-EL 14 Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for Nikon

Priced at $49.95
Compatible With Nikon P7000
Compatible with Nikon D3100
Compatible with Nikon D5100

Nikon Remote ML-L3

Priced at $18.29
Instantly triggers remote
Use with Nikon D40, D40x, D60, D80 & D90 DSLR

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Assignment #21 – Meter using dusky blue sky

Last week we talked about metering for a mostly green image by going -2/3 on the meter. This week we are giving the Sky Brothers a try! According the Bryan Peterson from his book “Understanding Exposure“  you can take a meter reading from the dusky blue sky, recompose your picture and shoot! “Brother Dusky Blue Sky” is good for shooting city or country scenes at dusk.

I went out tonight at dusk to take some pictures.  For the most part I liked the warm color it brought by metering off the sky. I wish I took a comparison picture to show you what my camera saw if I metered from the scene in front on me. I can tell you that every time I recomposed my shot after metering from the sky my meter said I was wrong. I am sure I had a lot of folks downtown wondering what I was taking a picture of when I aimed for the sky!

This next one I just liked all the lines and color still the same warm color

The building pictures I took I felt came out a bit dark when I exposed for the blue sky.  The light changes so quickly as day comes to a close.  Within just a few minutes the light felt like it changed as did the color blue in the sky. I sure did enjoy myself walking around town at dusk. They always say the light is best in the morning and evening. Boy was the city beautiful tonight with the soft light bouncing around everywhere. No kids tonight just me…. It was very relaxing in deed.

Curious to see if the dusky blue sky trick will work for you? You can post at the bottom of this post or on DigitalCamFan FaceBook wall. If you have questions about “Learn By Doing” Please refer to the guideline page. If you have no questions post away!

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