I have 30 days to become a master photographer
So remember how I’ve been begging for a camera? And then I told you last week that all that soul sucking begging paid off and then never told you how it paid off?
Yeah, well sorry ’bout that. Well my new Canon 450D/Rebel XSi arrived via UPS yesterday afternoon amidst much jumping up and down and gleeful shouting. Here was me, all day yesterday…”Was that the UPS truck!!!” as I ran to the window only to see NO SIGN of the UPS truck. “Oh I better not shower, what if the UPS man comes while I’m showering??” “No vacuuming today! I might not hear the doorbell when the UPS man shows up!” “Carson BE QUIET!!! I can’t listen for the UPS man!” “Did you hear that? Did it sound like a UPS truck, Carson??”
So needless to say, I got very little done yesterday waiting and waiting and waiting. It was torture! But I’m guessing you’re sitting at your computer saying, “GET TO HOW YOU GOT THE CAMERA ALREADY!”
Jeez, I was getting to it. Patience.
One of my wonderful readers, Trish, emailed me recently and told me that she works for a company who sells cameras at wholesale price. She offered to let me choose a Nikon d60 or the Canon XSi for free for 30 days. After 30 days I could either box it back up and return the camera OR buy the camera at wholesale cost. Her exact words to me were “I know it’s not as cool as Canon contacting you directly…”
Shut up! Oh it’s as cool alright! Since it’s not a free forever camera and I’m not expected to write a review, I’m not even in violation of my BlogHer ads agreement! I, of course, accepted the offer and am now in a mad frenzy to prove to my skeptical husband that we NEED to buy this camera. He’s convinced that we won’t be able to capture any better pictures with the XSi than we can with our S5IS point and shoot.
I have 30 days to prove him wrong…and YOU can help! Send me your best camera tricks, tips, settings, WHATEVER so that I can become a photography wizard. HALP! I CAN HAS NO CAMRA SKILLZ.
[pictures deleted]
Camera tricks? Uh - I’ll get back to you on that one. I always try new stuff, but end up putting the camera back on automatic and using the flash. I’ll ask my husband for some tips - but i KNOW you’ve got some readers who are really skilled with the camera.
I think those pictures are great.
Oh one thing I’ve read - is use natural light (no flash), but that doesn’t work so much (at least with my camera) because the boys won’t stop moving, so then they’re blurred, which looks cool if it’s just an arm or something, but usually their entire body is a blur.
Good luck and have fun!
McCathys last blog post..It’s Still Mine: Just With a New Name
I have had my Rebel for two months and we had a Nikon before that….
I’ve only used it in the point and shoot mode and it takes awesome pictures! Even my DH is impressed.
I just signed up for a 4 week class at http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp, it starts tomorrow and I can’t wait to learn how to really use my camera.
Connie @ The Chronicless last blog post..Operation: Pass Out~ Day One
I used to have an s2is and felt the same way as your husband. I thought I just needed to master that camera better and take better pictures and I did just that. The s5is is a great camera and you can take wonderful shots with it. That being said. I recently got an slr and it is a different world. I think getting shots can be tougher in some ways, but they look better in the end. Also with an slr you will start coveting lenses because the kit lens will not give you everything you had with the s5is.
My amateur advise: take lots and lots of pictures. Get down low, take from different angles, look at canons digital photography forum for advise, read the manual, take lots of pictures, look at flickr at other photographers photos and start seeing how they see, did I say take lots of pictures, and have fun. I think you will decided to buy the camera in the end, but if you are like me you will want to keep your s5is because it has some awesome functions like the camcorder and the ability to take awesome macros (can do with the slr, but have to buy expensive lenses.)
How exciting for you to have this camera. You are going to love it!
lauras last blog post..64: making friends
I don’t know about the no camera skillz - that picture of Ella is gorgeous! The only thing I’ve heard is take pictures looking up - much more flattering! Good luck - and a camera at wholesale price - you’re insulting the camera to NOT get it then!
My favorite camera tip is this: Shade is your friend. Use it whenever you can.
Second favorite camera tip: Take a ton of pictures. There’ll be at least one good one in the bunch.
laura, Oh yes! I realized last night that I missed the ability to make those macro shots.
I guess lenses will be on my Christmas/birthday/Mother’s Day/Arbor Day wish lists.
mary beth, It WOULD be an insult, wouldn’t it?! I don’t want to hurt the XSi’s feelings!
That settles it, I guess I’ll just have to buy it. Twist my arm.
I completely agree with Laura’s assessment - I love my kodak because it gave me such great opportunity to get some beautiful shots - but then I entered the world of SLR and wow! I take TONS of photos - TONS. And then some more LOL I get great shots, though - sometimes.
seriously - check out the pioneer woman…as in www dot thepioneerwoman dot com she has a photography section on her site that ROCKS. Easy to understand, and awesome incredible tips.
Nesss last blog post..First of the month, and all’s well…well almost.
Just start playing with the Mr Canon. He’ll do all the work. I still don’t know how to use mine & I manage to get a decent shot once in a while. Tate owes you!
Anglophile Football Fanatics last blog post..Finding a Voice & the Tie that Binds
Oh, and I laughed all day at your twits. We are HUGE fans of the big brown truck over here, too!
Anglophile Football Fanatics last blog post..Finding a Voice & the Tie that Binds
You find me in San Fran. I’ll be the one with my best friend who happens to be an amazing photographer.
moosh in indy.s last blog post..Wii’s kinda snarky. I’s snarky right back.
I was going to say read Pioneer Woman. And buy Photoshop. But, I am still a beginner mysefl, and I am in love with my SLR. You can usually get to classes at a local camera store and they can teach a lot about basics.
rachels last blog post..This works.
The Bro gave me a pimped out camera…’cause I was gonna be the next Pioneer Woman;) Long story short…darn thing is smarter than me:( It so frustrates me, and I know I just need to invest all that free time I have into learning it;)
Nap Wardens last blog post..A Couple Things…
You were cracking me up on twitter yesterday! I think you took lovely pictures!
KD (A Bit Squirrelly)s last blog post.."NO YOU SHARE DAT WAT-R GUN"
I am eternally jealous! I am in the midst of the “we need a new camera our current one is garbage, I need one or I’ll die. DIE!” conversation right now ourselves. Keep posting amazing pictures so I can randomly show them to my husband and coax him into the purchase!
brittanys last blog post..Random midday thoughts…
You already know that Mr. Canon and I are having a passionate love affair. I just lurve him.
I feel silly even writing these, but here are the things that go through my head when I’m trying (and not always succeeding) to take good photos:
1. Think you’re close enough? Good. Now move closer. Fill the screen with kid.
2. Get down. Kid photos always look better when the camera is no higher than at their eye level.
3. Think about where the light is and use it. Bright indirect light works best, especially when the camera’s flash is off.
4. Click, click, click, click, and click some more. What’s the use of having a fancy camera that can take a photo every second if you don’t use it? Only about 10% of the photos that I take make it to my blog. Probably half get deleted cause they suck so bad.
5. I personally think Mr. Canon is best in impromptu situations. “Posed” photos don’t show much personality, so I drag Mr. Canon around everywhere. Wanna play on the slide? OK! I’ll just be down here at the bottom with Mr. Canon.
Burgh Babys last blog post..Who Knew All That Work Would Actually Pay Off?
I’m still learning so I haven’t got any tips…but I can say that I LOVE my Xti. It’s not an Xsi, but it’s close *lol* There isn’t ANY day that I regret spending the mucho bucko’s to buy it!! It’s marvelous and easy to use! And it takes 5,000,000 times better pictures than my old point and shoot!!
I am still coveting my dream camera from afar… but I agree with the natural light suggestion … early in the AM or early evening. And up close is always better. And one solid bright color behind kids looks cool (playgrounds are good for this). Do you read Dutchblitz? Here’s a link to her photo Friday posts:
http://www.dutchblitz.net/foto-friday/
Have fun!
Sue @ My Party of 6s last blog post..Mommy Guilt in a Picture
I know someone who, 5 years ago picked up her first dslr. Today she charges $15,000 to shoot a wedding -think THAT might convince him?
The best part is she created a video that totally demystifies shooting amazing pictures. So much that I have had a few people ask me to take pictures of their kids…I will send you the link if you want
Wow. Those pics look pretty darn good to me!
Kathryns last blog post..Inches From Lunacy
Domestic Chicky, Send me the link!! I’m intrigued and I learn by watching better than by reading!
That is WAY too cool!!! You will love it!!!
I have become obsessed with photography over the last year. I bought a Nikon D40 this spring, and my life has never been the same since!
My recommendations are to SCOUR the site -
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/. I learned SOOO much here. And still do. It is a wonderful resource. They have great beginner photo articles.
I also just read “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson. Wonderful book. It is really helping me understand how to get the perfect shot SOOC rather than relying on Photoshop to fix everything.
I have a bunch of photography sites that I read listed on my blog. Not that I am using that as a ploy to get you over there, but it is easier for me that cutting a pasting a ton of links!
Good luck!
Irenes last blog post..Summer? Summer? Anyone? Summer?
If all else fails, use photoshop. If it’s good enough for the magazines…
Post that link from Domestic Chicky!!!
I just got the exact same camera two weeks ago. I am scouring the internet for tips, and now I don’t have to blog about it because you did it for me! So thanks! Anyway, since I’ve had my camera two weeks longer than you, that makes me an expert. My biggest advice is put your camera on manual, and go nuts playing with exposure, white balance, focus, etc. I will take a picture of the same leaf over and over again but with different settings, so I can figure out what makes everything different.
I will also be at BlogHer, following around all the photographers…
Heathers last blog post..Hey Hey Berfday
I want domestic chicky’s link too. Forward it on if you have a chance
lauras last blog post..65: shadows on the wall
Experiment with the flash on and off. You can see both in my Weekly Winners.
I tty agree w/ Burgh’s statement of getting very close to your subject. Somehow what I see in the viewfinder is not what I get…it includes more surrounding area than I’d wanted.
Right now I’m experimenting w/ “P” with/without flash. My MIL told me A was good for portraits, making the background blurry, but you have to know some number setting?? I dunno…
She said “S” is for water shots, sports, etc. I haven’t had luck w/ that yet.
Have fun with it! Try it out and see what works!
I have the same Camera and if we’re being honest, I have no real idea how to use it well. I take good pictures, and am good at the post-editing, but I’ve tried to read the manual and even got books and I just can’t wrap my brain around it. I need like a class or something.
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Congrats on the new camera!
Domestic Chicky…..can you send me the link too….am totally interested!
Vals last blog post..Even G rated movies leave us something to talk about….
Take the camera everywhere you go. Never ever put it down. The best shots will come when you least expect them. It takes time to get used to lugging a bigger camera around with you but you will get used to it. Take pictures of everything all the time. My kids are so used to the camera they now ignore it and don’t pose all the time.
Melizzards last blog post..With Any Luck I’ll Get Accused of Copying Dooce And My Stats Will Go Up.
beautiful pictures of the kids~! i wish i could share photog tips, i am a sucky photographer, famous for eyes closed, kid moved while i was attempting to take pic, shadows all over the place. let me know if you find any helpful tips~ enjoy your new toy~
Enjoy the camera!!! Pictures do look good!
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My photo tips:
Shade, overcast days or the soft light at the end of the day are best for taking pictures outdoors.
If you have a mode with a little guy running, use it. When are your kids not in motion?
Avoid using the flash whenever possible- the light is terrible and it is annoying
Have fun!
Beths last blog post..where I am supposed to be
Yay! I’m so glad it came! That photog session at BlogHer will be PERFECT for you! And in the meantime, check out Zarafa: http://zarafa99.blogspot.com
She’s doing little mini lessons on DSLR’s…
Can’t WAIT to walk Union Square and take pictures with you! :0)
While everyone here is effusing about your camera, I have to comment on the scenery…
The photo of your popsicle stained, garden hose wielding son surrounded by fields of green brought back many memories of home. Now I’m homesick. I want Indiana tomatoes and corn. I want to walk on soft grass…. ah well, c’est la vie.
The best advice I can give you is to learn to use your manual settings. That is where you will see a big difference between the PnS and the SLR.
When shooting with AV (Aperture priority), a larger aperture (smaller the number the larger the hole; or more light that is being let in to the ‘film’) will give you less depth of field and a more dramatic shot (what is up close is sharp and what is far away very blurry).
When shooting with M (Shutter Speed priority), you can play with ‘dragging your shutter’ to blur the subject in motion (at the same time you can use your flash to ’stop’ some of the action).
Extended shutter speeds are fun. Anything below 1/60 (that is also where your flash with sync). If you have a tri pod thats great. If not, a bag of rice on a table/car hood/park bench will hold the camera steady enough.
Have fun with it!!!! If you end up keeping it (and I hope you will!) invest in a better lens. The kit lens for Canon is not the best.
Clinks last blog post..this quiet life.
Yes - please post that link.
I usually leave my camera on the setting for fast action, as Little J never stops moving. Plus it will keep shooting until I take my finger off the button and usually at least one shot is a keeper.
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These are all great suggestions. I just keep clicking and clicking and something comes out right somehow. Also, get a photo editing program. There’s something workable in almost every picture I’ve ever taken. Almost.
There are some examples of my work over at http://www.courietakesapicture.wordpress.com.
Yes, I know I need to watermark them, but I’m working on figuring out one I like.
CourtneyRyans last blog post..Today is Tuesday and that’s better than Monday!
P.S. I have a thumb sucker too! SOOOO CUTE!
I don’t have any tips, although I LONG for a good camera so I can learn. That second picture is GREAT, I can’t wait to see your experimenting over the next 30 days.
Rachaels last blog post..More advice on resumes and cover letters
Ummm point, shoot, pray for a miracle. Those are my camera tricks. I think you are off to a great start.
Jesss last blog post..Way too many balls in the air.
You can read my photography tutorials from last week.
Knot
Knots last blog post..Eye Candy - 07-01-008
Okay everybody! Courtesy of Domestic Chicky (http://domestic-chicky.com)
Blog:
http://merakohblog.com
and here is the site with the videos:
http://refusetosaycheese.com
Thank you all so much for these helpful tips and links. I’ll be checking out each and every one of them over the next 30 days!!
I just got onto the BlogHer Ads… still need to send in my contract. I guess I really need to read that fine print…
Katias last blog post..tagline — contest!
Yay! I’m so glad that it came — I can’t wait to see what great shots you get!
I don’t know that I am really one to offer advice - I am more of a trial and error kind of girl, but I can tell you some of the things that work best for me.
1. NO FLASH. I really don’t ever use mine. In the thousands of pictures that I have taken, I have used the flash on no more than 50 of them. Seriously.
2. Don’t go anywhere without your camera. It’s a big thing to lug around, but once you get used to it, it’s not that big of a deal. And that is the only way that you will have the chance to practice in different places with it.
3. Take pictures constantly. I take literally at least 100 a day. And that’s not counting days when we do something special — then it’s several hundred. I will only keep the ones that turn out, but I would rather go back and delete than miss a great shot.
4. Shoot in continuous frame mode, not single frame. That way when you hold down the shutter button it will take several shots in quick succession - which makes it more likely that you will get the shot that you want.
5. NO FLASH. Did I mention that? I think that is the biggest difference maker in non-pro photographers.
6. Don’t worry about manual settings just yet. I shot with mine in automatic for six months before I really ‘got’ it enough to try manual settings. Although maybe I was just slow. If you are looking for a good book to check out, see if you can get your hands on a copy of Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson — I think that does a great job of explaining all the manual settings, although it is overwhelming to read it the first time.
7. Get close. Then closer. I tend to like closer up shots the best — although you can always use photoshop to crop out things you don’t want!
Maggies last blog post..Just When You Think You’ve Seen Everything….
i definitely have to second maggie’s NO FLASH rule. flash will ruin everything. i will disagree with leaving it in manual mode though. learn the settings and learn them well (and quick if you only have thirty days!!) leaving the camera on auto makes it a point and shoot… just a more expensive one.
amandas last blog post..decisions, decisions…
here’s how: you send me the camera and I use it on your behalf, then tell you how great it is and that the world will be all y2k again if your husband doesn’t let you buy it.
then, fearing y2k part II, he lets you buy it. And I, in turn, have used the camera to show my husband how much WE need one, too.
Make sense?
Mrs. Mustards last blog post..I’ll take R 4 Q Q Q and the batman symbol
Tasses, I DO love me some Indiana. It’s wonderful here.
i agree with the no-flash folks. my pix come out SO much better without a flash 99 percent of the time. and the kids dont close their eyes!
i can color correct almost anything in photoshop afterwards, so i’d rather get the good shot and then deal with the details later.
i AM gonna check out that website with the videos tho. i’m sure there is more i could be doing.
I love my point and shoot cameras. My advice (which is pretty lame, really) just to take a lot of pictures. I also put my camera on the highest ISO setting - no matter what the situation. It’s the best way for me to take pictures of the always moving kids and reduces the blur-factor. Oh, and I use a feature on my camera that will shoot 10 (I think) photos in a row just by holding down the button. It’s the shooting fish in a barrel method - at least one of these will turn out decent. (Like I said, my advice isn’t so great.)
When all is said and done, can you do a post summarizing all the great camera advice you receive?
Shaunas last blog post..The Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
Now that you’re taking so many pictures, your next purchase will have to be some cool photo software for your computer. A good place to start is Adobe Photoshop Elements. It is great for managing large collections, tagging photos, and basic photo editing. It ties in real well with the big boy, Adobe Photoshop, when you’re ready. I think they have a trial copy you can download from Adobe.
Louises last blog post..Charleston Grill Shrimp and Grits
Loved photo #2 so much!
OK, what is the wholesale camera site?????
that girls last blog post..Breaking News
I’ve got zero tips for you except that I just shoot everything and pray that something comes out good!
I love both shots but the one of Ella is GORGEOUS!
Alisons last blog post..My Three Year Old Wears Rose Colored Glasses
Clearly, what you need is not advice on taking pictures, but advice on how to convince your husband you NEED the camera.
You can do that by taking a GREAT closeup shot of him with a kid or two (your own) and printing it for the office.
Or, you could, um, do it other ways.
Anne Glamores last blog post..Brer Rabbit Goes Haute Cuisine
I gave up on my camera and now just take pics with my phone.
Yes. I am THAT lazy!
Kelleys last blog post..Of twits and twats Tuesday
Mine is simple, but requires timing. 1-2 hours before sunset. That’s it. this is absolutely the best time to take photos outside. You can’t get the effect any other way, filters and flashes notwithstanding. Take the kids outside and click away. guaranteed they will look angelic.
Rabbi’s Wifes last blog post..the one where I end up in the hospital.
I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT and I’m still learning about it.
There are some good links here, and I second (or third) the recommendation for “Understanding Exposure”.
Busy Moms last blog post..Not a digital camera abuser, really.
I so wanted a new camera to take to BlogHer, but I’m just glad I get to go!
P.S.
You have WAY better photo skills than a lot of people out there.
Loralees last blog post..Kind of like Post Secret except you won’t have to make a card or spend money on a stamp. (And obviously, it’s not NEARLY as cool and awesome)
WhatEVER. Your shots are beautiful!
Also - you bitch! I’m still over here using my point and shoot, purchased in 2004 Kokad Easyshare DX7630!
You can get them at The Dollar Store!
Hahaha… jk. Congrats! I’m hoping Dyson will love on me similarly, eventually. Then Canon… Mac…. hell, maybe some Home Building Company….
Shut up. Mommy always told me to dream big.
Kokad.
*dies laughing*
See, I can amuse myself, I don’t even need anyone else.
I’ll end with my latest favorite typo:
<4
Sarcastic Moms last blog post..So cute, you’ll vomit.
Um, when you say “No vacuuming today,” do you mean that you vacuum EVERY DAY? If so, I think I might have to start to hate you. I really don’t want to do that, but I don’t see any alternative.
I stumbled upon your website over at YankeeDrawl. I am not the best photographer, I just do it for fun, but my secret weapon is photoshop (I have some tutorials on my blog).
For good straight out of the camera shots my favorite tips are:
Fill the frame, get as much of your subject in the shot as possible and forget about the surroundings.
Don’t use the flash that is attached to the camera, it makes pictures look washed out. Go outside, in the shade or near dawn or dusk, for the best shots.
You can get some great shots with the automatic modes, but play around with the manual modes for even better shots.
When taking pictures of people or animals, focus on the eyes, they are the most important.
hmm… that’s all I can think of right now. Most importantly, have fun and keep shooting. I’m so excited to see what you can do with the canon. Good luck.
Kims last blog post..New York City
I have no tricks (tyring to learn myself right now…) but that second picture looks pretty darn good already if you ask me (not that you did!) I think that should be proof enough!!
[...] today, except to say thank you all who recommended photography sites to help me in my quest to keep THE CAMERA. I’m very slowly muddling my way through each [...]
I dunno where I’ve been the last couple of weeks, but I have missed so much on your blog! This is my fav post though. Can’t wait to check out all these links from the comments! And your pictures are already gorgeous!
Karlys last blog post..Owning Up To My Irresponsible Ways
OH, and have you thought of nekkid pictures as a way to convince him? LOL! It would work for my husband! In fact…I might need another lens soon…
Karlys last blog post..Owning Up T