It was last summer when I bought my Canon XSi camera. At this time a year ago, I was pretty convinced that simply by having this SLR camera, I’d suddenly become a much sought after, talented photographer, simply because I had a fancy pants camera. That hasn’t been the case exactly, though I do think that THE CAMERA itself has helped my photography.
Here’s what I’ve learned in the past year.
1. It’s very difficult to devote much time to photography when you have two very small children.
I have heard over and over again that I should carry my camera with me at ALL times. This is just NOT possible for me. With two not yet independent children, a purse stuffed with juice boxes, snacks, diapers, and toys, and the fact that I only have two measly hands, I find it difficult to add a fra-gee-lay camera and lenses to the mix. When I do take my camera along, it’s hard to watch Carson, whose running in one direction while I’m trying to take a picture of Ella who is running in the opposite direction. Also, I always feel like I’m irritating others simply for trying to shoot some pictures or for taking TOO LONG to take the photos, like “hurry up already and take the picture!”
It takes time to become a good photographer and time is just something that I don’t seem to have enough of.
2. Most good photographs have been edited to become GREAT photographs.
This is also related to the time suck that is photography because HOLY HOURS SPENT UPLOADING AND EDITING! Before actually owning my camera, I had no idea that the photographs I admired didn’t just magically turn out that way, but that most were edited with some sort of software.
If there were just about 14 more hours added to each day, I’d have time to edit the hundreds of pictures I take and learn how to really use my photo editing software. I’m just starting to understand and use actions for my pitiful editing software, Photoshop Elements. There are dozens of sites that offer free actions, or a series of edits that make a photo all purdy like when editing with one of the many Photoshop softwares. Coffee Shop Photography and The Pioneer Woman are two sites that offer free actions to download.
I think this is a good time to mention my love for vignettes. True love always.
3. Photography is a very expensive hobby.
What I own: Canon XSi, 18-55mm lens, 50mm 1.8 lens, Extension Tube, Photoshop Elements, and the photo editing software that came with the camera.
What I want and cannot have because I want to be able to feed my children: 24-70mm lens f2.8, 50mm f1.4, Photoshop CS4, Canon Speedlight Flash…(there are many other lenses and software that I’d like, but these are at the top of my never-going-to-get wishlist)
One great way to test out new camera equipment is to rent it from a local photo store or to find a place online that offers rentals. I’ve rented from Pro Photo Rental and that is what made me fall in love with the 24-70mm lens.
4. To even begin to take a great photo, you MUST understand your camera.
**Understand aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. These are known collectively as the “exposure triangle.” A great reference that I’ve found invaluable is the book, Understanding Exposure
**Get your camera out of Auto Mode. I shoot almost exclusively with my camera in Manual mode, occasionally I’ll put the camera in AV (aperture priority) or TV (shutter speed priority) mode. When I just want to get a shot and I don’t really care about the picture being “artistic” is the only time I put my camera in Auto mode. This post by Aimee from Greeblemonkey is also very helpful in explaining how to take photos with your camera in Manual mode.
**Shoot in RAW (vs. JPEG). Shooting in RAW format requires software on your computer capable of reading this type of file, but RAW files can be edited far more easily than a JPEG file and gives you much greater control over how your final photograph can look.
**Use Custom White Balance. Because I don’t how else to better explain it, it’s something easily fixed during editing if the photo was taken with your camera set for Custom White Balance.
5. Use Flickr to share photos and get inspiration
Flickr, For the Love of god I Can’t Kwit looking at pictRs. See also: Time suck.
But seriously, there are zillions of groups where you can submit your photos, some of them are merely for showing off great shots, others are for receiving feedback and constructive criticism. Oh hi! I’m a spineless wienie who only submits my photos to places where I’m sure nobody is going to say anything negative.
Some of my favorite photostreams are Secret Agent Mama’s photostream, Greeblemonkey’s photostream, Momology’s photostream, Joy Unexpected’s photostream, and only about 200 zillion more.
6. I have SO MUCH to learn
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Here are some links to various and sundry sites that I’ve found useful and/or inspirational this past year…
**7 Photography Questions podcast. I like this podcast because they use words I understand and explain things so that novices like myself get it.
**Blissfully Domestic’s Photo Bliss
lceel
July 1, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I, for one, LOVE your photographs.
lceel´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Tintagel Cove
Devilish Southern Belle
July 1, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Great photos!
I probably have considerably more time than you, but that’s still way too much stuff for me to try to learn and work with. My point & shoot is going to have to do the job for us, but I do wish I possessed at least some photography talent.
Knot
July 1, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I started my photography business 3 years ago. I call my self a “semi-pro”. http://www.photographybyjef.com I learned the hard way to take it off auto. I have a Nikon D50 with the stock 18-55m lens and a Sigma 70-200mm. I don’t get prime lenses. Just put your camera at 55mm and turn off autofocus. There … prime lens.
But all the stuff you said. RIGHT ON! And the triangle thins is awesome. Learn it all!!! I love portraits. I can’t do still life. I’m glad you started its a much more affordable hobby now that there is digital. I got the bug in college in a BW class. Couldn’t afford it until I got a digital camera.
Knot´s last blog ..Dear Internetz
Cathy
July 1, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I love this post. I’m going to have to bookmark it to follow all those links and learn all that info – when I have time. The time thing is such a big deal with learning how to take photos… And yeah, I can’t bring my camera with me everywhere either – but then there’s so many moments when I wish I had it with me…
Great post.
Cathy´s last blog ..Summer School
Photography Year One | Playgroups are No Place For Children | Photography
July 1, 2009 at 8:03 pm
[...] flattering assured which simply by carrying this SLR camera, I’d suddenly. See a rest here: Photography Year One | Playgroups have been No Place For Children Share and [...]
OHmommy
Twitter: OHmommy
July 1, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Your photos have gotten really good… I too am addicted to spending hours on FLICKR looking. I love this hobby.
OHmommy´s last blog ..America has taught him well.
Erin
July 1, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Your pictures are awesome! I hope you start enjoying Elements more. And I love the name of your blog!
Erin´s last blog ..Clickin’ Moms Contest Extended! Win $150 and More!
marty
July 1, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Yep. Buying a fancy camera doesn’t make someone a photographer anymore than having a grand piano in your living room makes you a musician.
It’s art and craft. Study and practice.
And I can’t take a decent picture to save my life, so I’ll just keep playing the piano
Not that you need anymore Flickr timesucking, but I love this stream:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/phat-photos/sets/72157606484550665/
marty´s last blog ..Little Bird’s pajama drawer
Auburn Gal Always (Keri)
July 1, 2009 at 9:34 pm
I must admit that I didn’t know what an extension tube was until this post. I’m still not sure what I’d do with it and if I should put it on my Christmas wish list.
The Mighty Hunter gave me the 50mm 1.4 for Christmas. I LOVE it. I use it for everything except Sissy’s sports shots. EVERYTHING.
In the past, I remember you used Picnik. Do you still use it for enhancing, etc?
I must admit that MOST of my quick and dirty edits are done in Picasa. I simply haven’t put for the time or effort or attention span into learn Elements. My 15 y-o neice keeps humbling me with her photography and enhancing skills. http://scsphotography.blogspot.com/
I always your posts when you share your favorite links.
Auburn Gal Always (Keri)´s last blog ..pardon the interruption
Melizzard
July 1, 2009 at 9:55 pm
What I really need is a post or tutorial about going manual designed specicially for my camera (D50) cause the userguide isn’t great and honestly I don’t think the camera is that “Manual Friendly” to change the shutter speed you have to 1/2 depress the shutter, push down a 2nd button all the way and the move the dial. Half the time I inadvertently depress the shutter while trying to make the settings and that’s while sitting still taking pictures of something sitting still I can’t imagine trying to do Manual with the kids!
Melizzard´s last blog ..When I grow up I want to be Bossy
Kris
July 1, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Okay…I totally love you for this, but thanks for the complete time suck that your putting me in!! I have always loved photography and finally broke down and bought my first “real” camera: Nikon D60 this past Xmas. I’m seriously in love, but need to keep practicing in order to get full control.
Kris´s last blog ..Just a Whole Lotta Stuff…
Aimee Greeblemonkey
July 1, 2009 at 11:16 pm
First, my heartfelt thanks for all the flattery. Second – and I hope this doesn’t sound condescending – but I have totally noticed major imprivemt in your photos in the last year. You kick ass girl! Keep awesome posts like this coming!
Holly
July 2, 2009 at 2:25 am
What a great post! I’ve been going through one of those “Having a DSLR will drastically improve my life” phases lately so it’s always nice to hear other people’s experiences with them.
Having been lurking on your blog for a while now, really enjoying your photography – keep it up!
Holly´s last blog ..101 Things – 84. Try 10 new restaurants
Marylin
July 2, 2009 at 4:13 am
I’m in a similar boat to you, but I have been too scared to take it off auto too much when with the kids!
You’re inspiring, and I love your photos
Marylin´s last blog ..Life in general… an update.
Joe @ Irrational Dad
July 2, 2009 at 5:33 am
I have the Canon XS and LOVE IT. I use Tv mode because I’m adamant about not using Auto, and I’m not even close to feeling ready for full Manual.
Thanks for posting those links. Looks like I’ve got some reading to do because I really want to take my photos up a notch or ten.
Joe @ Irrational Dad´s last blog ..My life, or part of it at least
Elizabeth
July 2, 2009 at 5:55 am
Oh my, that “Sneeze” photo is just about the cutest picture I’ve ever seen!
Michelle
July 2, 2009 at 7:58 am
Photography is something I would love to learn! At this point in my life I 1)can’t afford to invest the money in some great equipment and 2) do not have the time to spend editing and uploading the great photos. It is definitely on my list of things I want to do someday. I think you take great photos and keep at it!
Beth
July 2, 2009 at 8:38 am
Cofeeshop Rita is a godsend. I’m in the midst of starting my own photog. business and with 2 small children I’m overwhelmed, too. I always told myself my kids would have awesome baby books…but 2 kids later and only half a baby book completed.
McMama
Twitter: mcmama
July 2, 2009 at 8:45 am
Excellent post! The only thing I’d add is that if you’re shooting in RAW, the white balance setting only affects the JPEG preview. Because RAW format captures all information, a white balance setting is basically discarded once you open the RAW file – also, white balance is hugely easy to fix in RAW, regardless. Your pictures are really excellent. I totally dig the tractors.
McMama´s last blog ..Warning: Serious Bitchfest Ahead
Karen MEG
July 2, 2009 at 9:59 am
You are an amazing photographer. That’s all I have to say …oh, and that the first photo touched me on so many levels.
Karen MEG´s last blog ..Weekly Winners -I can’t work this thing
amy
Twitter: amy2boys
July 2, 2009 at 11:41 am
SO HELPFUL!!!!!!! I am about to buy that very camera. What else should I just plan to get with it? Which lenses? My little Canon point-n-shoot has a magnificent zoom. I can zoom the shit out of things. From our balcony at the beach house I can shoot my kids on the beach. If the XSi doesn’t zoom like that I will cry.
amy´s last blog ..General Bossy Bear
Jennifer
Twitter: playgroupie
July 2, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Marty, SO cute! I love those photographs! Thanks for the link.
Jennifer
Twitter: playgroupie
July 2, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Keri,
{Sigh} The extension tube. It’s supposed to make your 50mm lens into a macro lens. I don’t know, maybe I’m doing something wrong, maybe mine is broken, but it is very difficult to use. I’ve only gotten maybe one good shot with it, most of them are very out of focus.
Yes, I still use Picnik and love it. I’ve linked to them about a zillion times before and can’t believe I forgot to mention them in my photo editing section. My biggest complaint about Picnik is how slow the site is. I love that it is so much more user friendly than PS Elements!
And holy moly! Your niece is quite talented! I’m so impressed!
Jennifer
Twitter: playgroupie
July 2, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Aimee, not condescending at all! I hope I’ve improved, it would be a major blow to hear that I hadn’t gotten any better!
Jennifer
Twitter: playgroupie
July 2, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Amy, You’ll love your new camera! However, depending on the lens you get, it probably won’t zoom the way your point and shoot does. That was something that took some getting used to because I was used to being able to take a decent picture of something far away.
My current lenses (the 18-55mm kit lens) and the 50mm lens don’t allow for much zooming at distances. I kind of wish that I had bought the “body only” for my camera because I hardly ever use my 18-55mm lens that came with the camera. I wish I’d put the money I’d saved into a 50mm 1.4 and the 24-70mm 2.8.
One last thing about lenses, I’d highly recommended getting the best lenses you can afford. There are two 50mm lenses you can buy, the 1.8 or the 1.4. Get the 1.4, always get the SMALLER number because it means it allows the MOST light in and is the fastest lens.
mountainmomma18
July 2, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Awesome! I got a fancy panst camera last year for mothers day and I too thought it would transform me, and it has made me take better pics, but the learning curve is steep and I just do not have the time to devote to it, and I only have one kid. My husband got me Photoshop and Lightroom months ago and I still learning on them. before kids I would have spent hours a day just focusing on my new hobby. but we do what we can, great post.
mountainmomma18´s last blog ..The Sister-in-Law Saga: It’s like Tolstoy but with more swearing
Heather-Domestic Extraordinaire
Twitter: DExtraordinaire
July 3, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I always love your photos! Great post.
Heather-Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday-The Summer sunset edition
Lee of MWOB
July 4, 2009 at 2:26 am
You are saying you learned all of this in ONE year with TWO small kids? Are you kidding me? That was as always an awesome post – very helpful and quite inspiring to this very amateur photographer who leaves her camera in auto too often but does like to play around with manual from time to time.
And I’m afraid to get any further into photo editing….iPhoto tools and Picnik are enough for me right now.
Time suck is right.
Lee of MWOB´s last blog ..We all need Neda
Christina
July 4, 2009 at 8:28 am
You go girl!! Your photos rock, and so do your real-life tips. Isn’t it amazing to look back and see how much we’ve grown over the last year? LOTS ot growth. Thanks for the linky love, too!
Oh, and you’re doing better than me to shoot in manual most of the time – I’ve gotten lazy recently and mostly use AP with exposure compensation.
Christina´s last blog ..Diva in Training
Michelle
July 6, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I love your photos, you are very, very talented. But you have good stories to put with them.
I would love to get into photography – for me it is a time thing as well.
Thanks for sharing all the tips and tricks!
Michelle´s last blog ..Our Official BlogHer Correspondent is…