Friday, August 15, 2008

Photographing Children

One of my favorite things to do--hands down--is take pictures. Up until about a year ago at Karen Russell's Photography Workshop, I had been using my Canon DSLR like an automatic point-and-shoot. That one class gave me the courage to push the boundaries of my own mind and delve into a whole new world.For starters, I stopped using the automatic setting on my camera. I started reading the manual (I know--but you can really learn a lot that way...) I started practicing two little things I learned in her class. And slowly, I became happier with my photos.
Don't get me wrong--I'm still a student of photography. In the past year, I've taken two more classes, and with each one, I've improved a little more each time.
One of the biggest things is to take lots of pictures. These shots of my dear friend's daughter are a few of over 200 photos. I took the time to survey my surroundings. I thought before I started snapping the shots, and took time to adjust my settings, whereas before I would have just kept snapping away, hoping to catch a few that were okay.
I let her play. I didn't interrupt her from doing what she was already doing. How many times have you stopped your own subject to ask them to pose? When she began to realize I was paying her some attention, she wanted to see the results in my camera. She got a real kick out of seeing the finished photo of herself in the viewfinder.
So I'd like to encourage you all to do the same. Take a leap doing something you want to learn. Whether it be a technique on the computer, using something new on a layout, or improving your photography skills--do it. You'll be so glad you did!!

And for those of you who have signed up for the photography workshop on Sunday with Jen Bueck and myself, don't forget your cameras & manuals!!

Have a wonderful weekend...

8 comments:

Jana Eubank said...

Gorgeous photos and great tips, Trish! I STILL need to sit down and read my manual. I promising myself I will do it. Maybe I will set a goal to do just that once the kids are back in school. LOL!

Heather said...

Great shots Trish!! I wish mine looked as good!! Sooo you need to share the 2 things you really worked on after taking the class. I miss the class you and Stacy taught at WT :)

Ryzmomplus2 said...

beautiful pictures and what an adorable little girl. I need to get out my manual and read. I think you can even find them online.

Trish said...

Heather--

The two things I really worked on was focus and aperture. The aperture is what got me hooked completely...

Hope that helps! :)

Heather said...

Sure does!! My manual is dog eared because I refer to it a lot! Now to get this aperture thing down. I understand the basic now to just get the results I want :)

pickmepam said...

omg! i love the photos! did you take them in b/w or do that on your computer? absolutely beautiful!
manual?

Vanessa, Florida, USA said...

Beautiful pics!!! Thanks for sharing and I would also love to sign up for a photo workshop one of these days :-) Oh, and I love the Sept kit... wow! HUGS!!!

Greta Adams said...

i need to sign up for some of her classes....and Ahem...maybe pull out my manual...but i get so bored with that...LOL
thanks for the tips