Okay! Spent a goodly amount of time this morning, playing with my camera to try to create the effect of fancy giant cameras on my Nikon Coolpix S6500--I think I did pretty well (toot toot! [that's me, tooting my own horn!]).
First, I wanted that sharp-focus-up-close/blurry-in-background effect that my instructor was able to achieve in his nature pics. Coveting the artistry of his photos, I played with my manual focus features I didn't know I had . . .
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| Yellow Cheerleader Sale Mums Against Neighbor's Fence |
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| Last of Pink Roses in Front of Other Neighbor's Yard |
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| Fern on Porch With Neighborhood in Background |
So! Work in progress, but I think I could do this with monuments and family pics in Ireland next summer with better results than point-and-shoot pics--my camera is TOO smart--it puts everything in focus until you trick it into making fuzzy backgrounds . . . .
Next assignment was to play with natural light with no flash from inside a house. The light was weak this morning, so that was disappointing, but I think there's just enough sunshine to capture Sophie's features:
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| Princess Sophie Marie Contemplates Nature |
I'm hoping the sun comes out this evening, as the kitties will lay in the sunshine in the sitting room when that happens, and they'll be all kinds of photogenic back there. In the meantime, here's a pic of Dino, so he doesn't feel left out of my photoshoot:
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| Dino Martin Expresses Curiosity Over Little Red Camera |
Stay tuned! If the sun comes back out, I'll go play with more camera settings, but at least I have enough to share with the class on Tuesday if it doesn't. We'll see what the day brings!
Here comes your first critique! Excellent placement of Dino within the shot. Also, a lovely choice of background to add a splash of color and texture to the scene. Have you learned the rule of thirds yet? If not, get ready, you will. Dino's tail cut off may bother some, but others may find it interesting as it leads your eye out of/into the scene. And not to leave Sophie out…the natural light is lovely. See she has a bit of sparkle in her eye from the outside light - that is important. Compared to Dino's eyes - not so much. No sparkle in eyes make the eyes look lifeless. I prefer natural light but sometimes a tiny bit of fill flash adds to subtle features such as the eyes. Keep up the good work! Your next vacation album is sure to be selected for a spread in National Geographic!!
ReplyDeleteOoooh--good advice about sparkly eyes! The light was no good this evening; forgot that September brings light at a weird slant to the back of the house. Plan to try to get morning light tomorrow; will definitely pay attention to sparkle. Have not learned the rule of thirds yet! Suppressing desire to google it--will let instructor get to it. Although if he doesn't tell me what it is on Tuesday, I will absolutely google. He hasn't said much about placement of subjects, either. I know that smack in the middle is not as interesting, but he hasn't said what is a good rule for this. Hm. MUCH TO LEARN.
ReplyDeleteYou are on the right track … rule of thirds … you already understand it and don't even know it! LMK when he tells you. If not, Google is your man.
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