Smiling for the Camera

I just thought this was a fun one of my soon-to-be kindy-gardener.

Focus on her image in the digital camera NOT the fact that she is all grown up.

I {heart} Nikon.

After years of coveting my sisters' cameras, I finally bought my own Nikon!  I think I'm in love.  :)  Why didn't I buy this sooner!?

Now I can take better pictures of pretty things like these...(thanks B!)

And more pictures of this little handsome guy...

And maybe now, I'll be confident enough to participate in Flann's virtual photography classes...what do you think Flann!?

::AMATEUR Photography Tips:: THIRDS

Clearly, I am an amateur photographer.  And I even hesitate to call myself that; more like I am a creative person who likes to use the camera.  It's kind of like when I was running and running and running and would never call myself a runner.  Finally, Court said to me, "Flann, you can call yourself a runner.  It's okay." I think she also told me I could call myself a sewer, too.  What's with the being insecure?!  Anyway, I want to share some photography tips with you that don't come from a professional, just a person who's excited to be learning some new things.  

So my first tip for you is: THIRDS.  

First, pick your subject.  

Who is your subject?  Is it your baby?  Your new bag?  The peonies that just bloomed?  

Second, think of the photo you want to take and break it up into thirds either horizontally or vertically.  

Now, instead of placing your subject smack dab in the middle (like we all do, come on now), place your subject on the right or the left, top or bottom and see what happens.  Gives a different perspective, non? 

My photography teachers advice?  Take both pictures and then compare--once with it in the middle, once with it to the side.  Nice thing about digital photography is that you can just delete--don't have to wait a week for CVS to print it out, then realize you don't like.  KnowwhatImean?

So.....here are some examples of "Thirds" shots that I've taken the last few weeks.

Remember, I am NOT a professional nor even quite an amateur...yet.  

Just like to shoot pretty things.

Give it a try and let us know how this works for you! 

My Very First Photography Class

I am so psyched!  I took my first photography class last night. I feel so excited but soooo overwhelmed all at the same time.  There is so much to learn!!

Here are some of my shots from last night.  The first thing we learned is all about aperture and shutter speed.  Of course, my brain does not process these concepts very well so it's taking me a lot of concentration to really understand how they work together.  

Still, I can't believe how you can use your camera to get such great shots and allow more light in your shot.

These two photos were taken at dusk--seriously!  

And I didn't Photoshop or Picasa them at all!

The next few photos are my 'assignment.'  COLOR.

All of these were taken at night, in the hallways of our building.  What do you think?  What is your favorite?  I think mine might be the hose shot.

Do you think I've got a shot at a new career?!