Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Camera practice and Mamarazzi outtakes...it's all about the eyes!

I have been taking an online photography class for the past month or so. Photography like many endeavors is interesting in the fact that the more you learn, the more you learn that you need to learn. (Got that??? Go ahead, read it again...I'll wait...).

So while I am pushing up my sleeves and battening down the hatches for a lifetime of learning, I am THRILLED that I am shooting in manual mode MOST of the time now. I can make basic adjustments...and I can (sometimes) figure out how to manipulate my camera to take an okay shot. It takes me a long time. I still have to start at the beginning and THINK through everything I need to do...but it is getting better...and I will keep practicing. It has been very exciting for me to master even these basic parameters. It's been awhile since I've been a student (:-)) and I forgot how much fun it is to learn something new!!

This month the theme on the Mamarazi blog is {EYES}. I was determined that I would only submit a photo that I took in manual mode. It has been a bit difficult. I have tried on three different occasions to capture the right shot of Lia's beautiful eyes...and well, she has not been the most patient with my slow fumbling around with the settings that ensues. These were a few runner ups. To see the one I chose to submit, click here.

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21 comments:

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

You go girl!!! The pictures are fantastic....and to know that you shot them in manual...really impressive!!

I went over and checked out the photo you picked....I love her eyes in that photo and also love the flecks of color in her hair where the sun is hitting it.....well done my friend!!

Hope you had a great bday celebration last night....I have been craving chocolate cake since I read your post last night:)

Lisa

fleur de lis cottage said...

Beautiful shots as always and I also hope you had a great bday celebration!!!

Bridget said...

Oh I just love these pictures - thy are just great! I will continue to practice and hope that maybe someday I will take some good photos! Thanks for sharing.

Jennifer said...

Very impressed Kate!! You are doing so great! Love Lia's face in the second photo.

I have to go over and check out the photo you picked.

Jen

Jboo said...

Love those sweet eyes of Lia's!! What course are you taking -- can you tell? I took one last year and after a couple lessons and she was paid, the instructor basically ignored everyone and gave no feedback. Lotta help that was -- not!

Your photos are fabulous!

Hope your week is going great!

Janet

Jodee said...

I love both of these pictures. Lia does have beautiful eyes! Enjoy your class and then report everything you learn back to us!

Casey said...

Wow. These pictures take my breathe away. I particularly love the pic on her 4th birthday. Stunning. Lia is a doll. Happy Birthday!!

Laura said...

As always, I love them all. Especially the dimples in the second picture.

Laura

Erin said...

I can tell that your photography has evolved. You are getting soooo good at it Kate. I would love to get to manual only---I really need to take a class too (and buy a new camera!). I am becoming passionate abou it too---looking at Flickr all the time for ideas. It is such a fulfilling hobby. Lia is a wonderful subject. People with dark hair and eyes are easier to photograph, I think. I just love your blog!!!

a Tonggu Momma said...

I love Lia's expression in the second photo - made me smile! And I am so impressed with how your photography skills are coming along. I continue to be a rebel without a good picture. LOL.

Kam said...

You rock, chica! I'm really hoping for my first SLR for Christmas this year. My hubby and I are looking at deals and prices constantly. I NEED one to take to Thailand, right? Ha!

You are loving that class...I can tell! Kudos to you! It's hard to learn something new...but looks like it will be so worth it for you!

Again, she is simply lovely.

RamblingMother said...

great pics.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! Great work!

Shelly and Family said...

The photos...as always...are just so wonderful (not to mention that your subject is so beautiful! Anyway, I too have been trying to learn "more" about my camera as well. It isn't as "high-tech" as many of us bloggers out there, but I am getting by. Your site always inspires me to try and get the best shot I can (which for me is always kind-of hard lol)!

Dawn said...

Kate,
Your photos are wonderful! I am would love to hear about the class you're taking. Could you give me the info? Thanks.

Erin said...

I sent you an e-mail. Let me know if you don't get it. DOes anyone else have OCD about sending e-mails--- I hit "send", and then I think, "Did I just push the wrong button?" I am losing it! ;)

Sue said...

I'm impressed. Love the second one and the one you chose for the other site. : )

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

he pictures are beautiful!!! You are an amazing photographer. You have to tell me where I an take a photo class online?

3 Peanuts said...

These are beautiful and that is such an accomplishment. You are very good, Kate.
Can you recommend the course you are taking. I too LOVE photography and I want to improve so badly but it has been hard to take a class with the events in our life lately... I do think I could handle an on-line one though:)

Deb said...

Kate...these photos are just beautiful~ Lia has the sweetest smile....I especially love the smiling shot!

BTW...thanks again for Family Fun! I got my first copy yesterday.....and know that I am really going to enjoy it~

Hope you all have a great weekend!
Deb

Lucy said...

Wow, I'm SO impressed that you're shooting in manual and that you've taken such beautiful pics. Love this one and love the one of Lia on the other site. Fantastic job! You're acn inspiration...I hope someday I'll be half as good!