Enter And Win

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ColorInc-Professional-Photo-Lab/50993663948?v=wall

Busy, Busy, Busy

Good  Grief!  When it rains, it pours!!  Finally, here in the Deep South temperatures have cooled down...reminding everyone it is fall and time to take some  Pictures.   Take a look at one of my favorite
locations..  A cotton field in the Deep South... Of the 100's of  pictures I took of this gorgeous girl....this one is my personal  favorite.... 

I just recently downloaded Photo Shop Elements 9...  And so  far,  I really like it.. User Friendly, especially for newbies, easy instructions, online-tutorials.  I tried out PhotoShop CS5, but it was too complicated for this rookie....  Perhaps, I  can  just ease  into it.   Plus, there are many seperate "actions" that can be merged into Elements....  Want to see some more Cotton Field???  Playing around with the "Elements"!!

And then just a few more of this stunning young woman!!

CRAVE PHOTOGRAPHY

I recently stumbled onto this blog that I am in love with!!  Crave Photography is giving away a one-on-one session on Post Production Imagery....  Of course, I plan to win, but you can enter too!!  There are 3 ways to win..  Go to Facebook and click on "Like" , Post about the contest on Facebook, and Blog about the contest... Want more Details?  Take a Look!!!   http://www.thematernallens.blogspot/  Stunning Photography and Great Information over at their Blog!!  Let me know what you think!!

The Lens Stops Here: Aperture and Depth of Field

The Lens Stops Here: Aperture and Depth of Field: "Aperture refers to the hole in your camea that lets light in. YOU can control how much light comes in. So what is the difference between ..."

Aperture and Depth of Field

Aperture refers to the hole in your camea that lets light in.  YOU can control  how much light comes in.  So what is the difference between Shutter Speed and Aperture. Your Shutter Speed refers to the amount of time the light is coming in.  Aperture refers to how big/small the hole is and how MUCH light comes in. 

Now stay with me as this next part may be confusing.  The SMALLER the number 1.4, 2.5, 5.6 etc... the bigger the opening the MORE light comes in...   Want that perfect shot of your child that has a blurry background?  Use a smaller Aperture....

This photo was taken with an aperture of 4.5.  You can see the blurred background. 

Smaller Number:  Wider Opening and More Light...... (Creates A Shallow Depth of Field)
Larger Number:  Narrower Opening and Less Light

Just one more thing to remember:   Portraits Pop with a shallower depth of field.  (blurred background).  A smaller aperture will give you a shallow depth of field allowing you to keep your subject in clear focus and the background blurred... 

So now we have talked about the Exposure Triangle!!  What you say?  You never said anything about a triangle.     The Exposure Triangle refers to ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture..

The Exposure Triangle explains the relationship between the variables of Exposure:  ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed.  Just making a slight change to any of these three wil alter the apperance of your photograph...PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!!

Sweet Dreams.... Stacy

The Lens Stops Here: Tutus and Tiaras

The Lens Stops Here: Tutus and Tiaras: "As I am always on the look-out for photography props, I am constantly looking on the internet for cute accessories.. This website has the..."

Tutus and Tiaras

As I am always on the look-out for photography props, I am constantly looking on the internet for cute accessories..  This website has the cutest baby and little girls tutus....  Just perfect for a photo session  http://www.tutusandtiaras.com/!!

So excited....just got 2 new lenses from Aperturerent

Want to try a lens before you buy?  Rent a lens from Welcome to Aperturent.com.  I just received my package and I am so excited...

The 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR Zoom lens is a very compact, lightweight lens that is ideal for high-performance, everyday photography, and it incorporates advanced features such as Nikon's Extra Low Dispersion glass, Silent Wave Motor technology, and Enhanced Vibration Reduction in a DX-Nikkor design engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras.

Ideal for dedicated amateurs and (semi-) professionals to use for countless situations and occasions, such as landscape, architecture, portrait, wedding, wildlife, holidays, expeditions and general travel photography. It is also ideal for news and press photographers.

I am in  love, love with this lens... See the pic below I took as soon as I took it out of the box...  Can  not wait to plan with this lens all day tomorrow....

Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-g

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G Lens is a standard lens with an ultra-bright f/1.4 aperture, which allows for fast, accurate shooting with available light. It is also the excellent choice for when a shallow depth of field is desired. The equivalent focal length when used on a DX-format camera is 75mm, which makes it ideal as a short portrait lens with desirable shallow depth of field.

The optical design of this lens minimizes flare and chromatic aberration. The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) feature ensures fast and quiet focusing action, and the nine-blade rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements blend smoothly to produce natural-looking, harmonious backgrounds.

An ideal prime lens, perfect for full-length portraits, travel photography or any type of available-light shooting.

Can not wait until tomorrow to play some more.  Now it is time for a beverage. 

Good Nite!!!! Stacy

The Lens Stops Here: What The Heck Is ISO?

The Lens Stops Here: What The Heck Is ISO?: "By now, you have read your camera manual and have a clear understanding of all the features of your camera, Right? Don't worry... The firs..."

The Lens Stops Here: Consider A Workshop

The Lens Stops Here: Consider A Workshop: "A few weeks ago, I attended my first Photography Workshop. For me, a hands on experience was invaluable. Google Photography Workshops and ..."

The Lens Stops Here: Beyond ISO to Shutter Speed

The Lens Stops Here: Beyond ISO to Shutter Speed: "One of the things I have always loved about cameras is the sound they make when you press the button to take a photograph.. Click, Click, C..."

Beyond ISO to Shutter Speed

One of the things I have always loved about cameras is the sound they make when you press the button to take a photograph..  Click, Click, Click, Click....  I love that sound in quick succession....  The Shutter is responsible for that noise..

SHUTTER SPEED:  The speed at which the camera's shutter opens and closes as the photograph is taken. Shutter speeds are generally measured in fractions of a second, with a one placed over the shutter speed number to form the fraction. For example a shutter speed of 500 is actually 1/500 of a second....   Now what does that really mean??

The shutter opens and closes to allow in light...   A fast speed will Stop action and a slow speed is used when there is not a lot of light...

For example: 
A high number indicates a FAST shutter speed wich will allow less light in... Want to Freeze action, use a High Shutter Speed..

A smaller number will allow more light into your camera.  Want to taake a photo of a person in low-light use a slower shutter speed ..

FYI:  Use a tripod for a shutter speed slower than 50mm... Otherwise, you may end of with a blurry picture..

                                                         SHUTTER SPEED VALUES

                                                   A Fast Shutter Speed "Freezes" Motion

                                       A slow shutter speed "suggests" motion... Note the photo is a tad blurry..

http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/technology/basics/04/03.htm   Thank you Nikon for the pics..
BTW:  I am a Nikonite!!  I love my Nikon....

Just a couple of snaps.

This was taken with my Nikon D60 with the kit lens. 
IS0: 100
Shutter Speed: 1/60
Fstop   5.6

    ISO 100
    Shutter Speed   1/80  probably should have been on 1/60
    Did not write down the FStop ..oops 


 Some might say there a million things wrong with this picture.  It is a little over-exposed (should have changed the  shutter speed... but it is a moment that speaks to me...  A gorgeous Mississippi fall day with kids enjoying a little football...






The virtue of the camera is not the power it has to transform the photographer into an artist, but the impulse it gives him to keep on looking.  Brooks Atkinson

Examples of My Photos and ISO Setting

A couple of blogs ago, I told you all the fascinating details about your ISO settings.   Take a look below at some of my own personal photographs and the difference the ISO settings made in my images....
Each photo was taken at 1/60 shutter speed and at a 5.6 aperature(to be discussed soon)... However, I changed the ISO for each one... A sunny Mississippi afternoon, sun to my back and full sun on my Butterfly Bush...
                                          IS0 100

                                         
                                          ISO 200

                                          ISO 400

                                          ISO 800

                                          ISO 1600

Perhaps, this takes some of the mystery out of the ISO setting.... A higher setting equals MORE LIGHT and Blown Out photos....


Now, just for fun...  I love Bumble Bees...   Did you know it is scientifically impossible for them to fly?  Their bodies are too heavy for their wings.... but, yet, fly they do.  Enjoy the picture of my two Bees...

Some of my favorite personal pics....

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs........Ansel Adams (1902-1984)

What The Heck Is ISO?

By now, you have read your camera manual and have a clear understanding of all the features of your camera, Right?  Don't worry...  The first time I opened my manual to start learning how to shoot on manual settings I got a migraine...   Do the manufactures make it confusing on purpose??   With the help of some fabulous mentors, thank you Lori and Jody of http://www.clickworkshops.com/, I can now refer to my manual and understand the language... 

First, you must understand the function of the ISO setting.   What is it?   ISO stands for International Standards Organization...
FILM PHOTOGRAPHY:  It in an indicator of how sensitive the film is to light.  Film is measured in numbers: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1200, 1600 etc.  The lower the number the lower the sensitivity to light AND the lower the grain or noise in your photograph. 

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY:  The same standards apply, but instead of loading film in your camera, you are setting the ISO manually.    For example, if you are shooting a sports event and want to FREEZE the action you will use a Higher ISO.  And if you are shooting in low light or darker settings you will use a Higher ISO ...
NOTE:  The trade off will be noiser or grainier photos...

 Thank you to http://www.cameratown.com/ and Elizabeth Giargiani for supplying this example photo.  As you can see these photos were shot in the same lighting situation using different ISO settings.  As you can see, under the low light conditions, IS0 1600 illuminated the room...

So, now what are general guidelines to get you out there practicing with your camer???
ISO100:  Great for sunny days AND give you great images for enlargements
ISO 200:  Great for overcast or shaded days
ISO 400:  Great for lower lighting conditions/helps you capture moving targets to "Freeze Movement"

Talk to you soon, Stacy

Consider A Workshop

A few weeks ago, I attended my first Photography Workshop.  For me, a hands on experience was invaluable.  Google Photography Workshops and you will find on in your neck of the woods.   If you are in the South-East, invest in your photography by attending a Click Workshop(http://www.clickworkshops.com/) Lori Gordon & Jody Williams are FABULOUS.....

Take a look at their work:
Lori Gordon... Shooting Star Photography
Jody Williams...Jodylynn Photography

You can also find them on facebook..


  

Control Your Settings

While you are probably shooting "good" photos using the automatic settings on your camera, learning to manipulate the Manual Settings will take your photos from good to SUPERB... 

3 Terms To Remember
1.  ISO: International Standards Organization
2.  Aperture or F-Stop
3.  Shutter Speed

Before we go any further, go get your camera manual and read it!  Then practice, read the manual again and more practice.....

There are some fabulous sites you can go to for more information on increasing your photography skillset....  One of my favorites is Shuttermom University.... http://www.shuttermomuniversity.com/

Outstanding Female Photographer

Anne Geddes is an Australian photographer best known for her engaging work with babies. She is phenomenally popular in her native Australia, as well as in New Zealand, the United States, and other parts of the world. Her distinctive pictures of infants placed in various settings, such as gardens, flowerpots, and cabbages grace greeting cards, calendars, books, stationery, photo albums, and an array of other products.   FYI:  She has not received any formal training....

The Lens Stops Here

So you want to be a photographer?  After all, you have a digital camera, point and shoot, instant gratification to see the pics you have captured...... How hard can it be?  Ask yourself this... WHY do you want to be a photographer?  Do you have a passion for it?   It takes time to develop the skills you need to turn a hobby into a career...  You are invited to join me on my quest to develop the photography skills I need to take professional quality photographs, as well as the business skills I need to run a profitable business....  And then there is the post processing.......Photoshop!!

Stop back by.... we will learn together....  Stacy