Talk About Tuesday - Photography

Last night Leanna and I went to a beginners digital photography class put on by the Arts and Crafts here on post. It was free, and I like free, so I said, "why not?" I know I have so much to learn about taking a good photo, and after going to the class I now realize how much.

Before I bought my camera I did a lot of research on the different brands and features that are available. I read a lot about things like F-stops and shutter speeds and stuff like that, that didn't mean very much to me.

It wasn't until that teacher was standing in front of us and explaining why you have to do this and that, with examples, that I really understood some of the concepts.

Other things like composition and the rule of thirds, things I never realized were important, were explained, showing why the photos look better when you follow those guidelines.

• Don't just put your subject in the center of the frame and leave them there, experiment with them off to the left or right, towards the top or bottom.

• Look for the interesting shots, or the wow! factor.

• Get some contrast in your photo, for example if the baby you are taking the photo of has blue eyes, put a blue blanket in with them. It will make the baby's eyes stand out.

The first thing she said was, "Never use your first shot of something, because that is the same perspective that everyone else sees." When I thought about it, I realized she was right and that I usually always delete the first photo of my subject when I get the pics into the computer, because the next ones are always framed better, or look more interesting, or whatever.

For portraits she told us:

• The most important thing to get in focus is the person's eyes.

• Natural, or diffused light is best.

The teacher gave us an assignment, to photograph one object 50 times. She said that way we will use our minds to come up with ways to photograph something creatively.

I think Leanna enjoyed it too and learned some things, I even saw her taking notes :) We are going back next month for another class, I'll let you know how that one goes.

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