This week, I must have snapped a million and one pictures to practice what I have been learning with Candice Stringham over at www.jessicasprague.com 's "OH SHOOT - Digital Photography" class. Taking from the previous two weeks, I have learned to take control of the camera completely - altering my own aperture and shutter speeds. The deal before you start is to decide what your main reason for snapping the picture is - a portrait or movement? I am, typically, a fan of portrait photography so I look to manipulate my aperture first. For those that want to get the action based shots, then shutter speed should be the priority.
If you don't get these numbers right it could result in a picture being underexposed (meaning there is not enough light and the picture will be dark) OR overexposed (meaning too much light, which equals a really bright photo). To get it just right you must watch that the Aperture + Shutter speed = correct exposure.
This is SO NOT as easy as it sounds.
I played forever in my backyard yesterday taking pictures of the things that WOULD not move and give me TOO MUCH of a challenge (like kids making faces saying "Are you done yet, Mom?") My cute little yard frogs made a great prospect and at the same time still tried to shield it's eyes from me!! ;)
So, why even use this feature? Because the camera's other modes meter certain scenarios in ways that you want to be able to control. Here are my "what ifs": In a few days, Aly's birthday cake will have glowing candles in a dark room. Will I get the focus of her blowing them out or will a flash of color bleach the walls and take away the darkroom effect? If Brandan is jumping into a pile of snow, will I get the brightest color of his jacket amongst the fluffy stuff or will it tone down everything with hues of gray to handle the extensive whiteness? By being able to control these settings I can make sure that I get what I want, not what the camera deems correct for me.
Still have many practice sessions to go (3 more BIG lessons) and I hope you will hang in there with me!
If you don't get these numbers right it could result in a picture being underexposed (meaning there is not enough light and the picture will be dark) OR overexposed (meaning too much light, which equals a really bright photo). To get it just right you must watch that the Aperture + Shutter speed = correct exposure.
This is SO NOT as easy as it sounds.
I played forever in my backyard yesterday taking pictures of the things that WOULD not move and give me TOO MUCH of a challenge (like kids making faces saying "Are you done yet, Mom?") My cute little yard frogs made a great prospect and at the same time still tried to shield it's eyes from me!! ;)So, why even use this feature? Because the camera's other modes meter certain scenarios in ways that you want to be able to control. Here are my "what ifs": In a few days, Aly's birthday cake will have glowing candles in a dark room. Will I get the focus of her blowing them out or will a flash of color bleach the walls and take away the darkroom effect? If Brandan is jumping into a pile of snow, will I get the brightest color of his jacket amongst the fluffy stuff or will it tone down everything with hues of gray to handle the extensive whiteness? By being able to control these settings I can make sure that I get what I want, not what the camera deems correct for me.
Still have many practice sessions to go (3 more BIG lessons) and I hope you will hang in there with me!
2 comments:
This is what I struggle with...exposure. Esp. when I am shooting in A priority, which is most of the time:) You explained it well and I can see clearly in the pictures what you mean. Can't wait for next weeks lesson!
P.S. Love the new blog look!!
Hmmm...very interesting!
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