So, I'm getting really fired up where my creativity is concerned. I've decided to focus primarily on my two passions - writing and photography - and go from there. Previously, I was thinking about throwing some crafting of decorative signs in there too, but recently realized that I would only be running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I wouldn't be focusing on any one thing.
With that being said, I spent my weekend - while nearly everyone else in my family was gone - working finding spots to learn and improve where my photography skills (including editing) are concerned. I'm getting very focused and... I have to say that I'm getting slightly overwhelmed. I'm
still feeling like a chicken with my head cut off or the very least a child in a candy store.
One thing I'm learning is - despite the fact that I've been fiddling with cameras for 30+ years - I don't know diddly. I have a fancy (for me) camera, sure. It's a D40. By technological standards, though, (I know) it's rather outdated. But, still good enough to learn the basics, right?
And that's where I am... virtually at the beginning. My first goal is to get beyond simply pointing and shooting. I want to learn to shoot (well) manually. But, I'm ready to learn anything and everything that anyone is willing to teach me.
So... This week, I'm following along with
Ashley and
Jill and participating in my very first Good to WOW Photo Challenge.
I already started reading Jill's initial post and... Is this where the WOW comes in? Because I was saying "wow" as I was reading it. I watched the video about Exposure Compensation, which I learned a great deal from. But it also brought up other questions... Such as "how the heck do I adjust it on my camera?" So, I pulled up the PDF of my camera's manual and began to read... It is a start... right?
This week's theme for Good to Wow is Chalk Drawings... Now, admittedly, I had to run to Wal-Mart this afternoon to pick some sidewalk chalk up. Yes, I have a little girl, who has not been deprived of the sidewalk chalk. We were just currently out because it had been all used up last year, and the weather has just recently gotten nice here.
Here is my SOOC shot...
My Inner Critic can point all the things that it thinks is wrong with it, but... Inner Critics aren't allowed at the Kreative Oasis. I was actually fortunate to get this shot. Both the wee'uns (two and four legged) were being really quite challenging this afternoon.
So, there it is... I hope you'll pop back over on Thursday for the edited shot.
Logging you in...
Cedar · 723 weeks ago
I know what you mean about there being so much to learn and needing to focus. Photography as something more than taking pictures at birthday parties is fairly new to me and I cannot keep everything in my head at once. Good to Wow has been a great place for me to learn; I hope you continue to enjoy it and join in!
tickledbymuses1 43p · 723 weeks ago
lol I guess it's like anything else, huh? Practice and repetition. After awhile it will become like second nature and I won't have to think about it as much. I've pretty much gotten the rule of thirds down and set in my mind. I've been working on moving my angles around recently. Just time to make my way to the next building block. :-)
Thank you! I'm happy to have found you all. :-)
ginger · 723 weeks ago
tickledbymuses1 43p · 723 weeks ago
Michelle · 723 weeks ago
I by all means am not an expert nor a pro, but I have learned alot just from reading some, asking questions and then just using my camera! I have enjoyed having a blog and linking up with Jill/Ashley because it helps keep me trying new things and shooting! I would have anyway, but I consider this my "class" and I feel that I've already grown a lot... and more so than if I was just trying to do this on my own. Just keep at it, and you'll get better, too!! There's a lot to learn, so maybe just pick one thing to focus on, then add one other ingredient... :)
I hear you on only having a few seconds to try to get a shot w/ uncooperative subjects... :) That makes this task of learning even more challenging!
As far as your pic goes (if you don't mind some cc), I like the colors and the message. Your girl looks like she's squinting an aweful lot, so maybe I would have tried to remember (remember, I said tried... it don't always work right, and I don't always remember either!) to consider the sun and how I'd want her facing so she wasn't blinded by the light... then again, it may have been just bright, when looking at the shadow. I'd also have maybe tried to move the box of chalk out of the shot... to me, this pic was more about the message and the girl, not necessarily the chalk itself. :)
Well, that's my book for tonight. Sorry -- hope you don't mind! :) Have a good one!
tickledbymuses1 43p · 723 weeks ago
Very, very true about the equipment. It's what YOU make of it. *nods* The comment that Jill made about working to get the shot right, rather than thinking about editing it in the future is what photography's about. We're photographers, not editors. I've been focusing on the editing a lot lately. I do need to get out (now that the weather is getting better) and practice, practice, practice, as you said.
Thank you SO much for your comment! It does give me a lot to think about, and I do appreciate it!