Saturday, April 17, 2010

Light and abstract

The giveaway is here. Then come back and enjoy some photography.

So this assignment from C&C Photography (our last assignment *snivel*) really was quite difficult for me. I suppose if I had a DSLR camera it might have been a bit easier, but I have a Sony Cyber-Shot with automatic focus and "fool proof" image capture, and it doesn't like it when things are out of focus.

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This is my first successful photo. Saint Francis was a good model.

Praise God for the Internet. Here's what I learned. Set my camera to "Program". Set ISO to 200. Put Steady shot on "Auto" and turn off face detection. Focus depth should be set at 0.5m. Turn on the macro (flower) setting. I still have no idea how to control my f-stop (if that can even be done). Another handy bit is to focus on the object that you want to photograph with the "take the photo" button half depressed (I know there's a better term for this, but I don't know what it is). Then set up the shot with what you want in focus juxtaposed with what you want out of focus while still holding down that button. Snap the photo. Voila. This also works if you want something out of focus. Focus on it, hold the button half way down, then move the camera out of focus.

So here's my submissions. I wasn't able to figure out the water shot. But I got some shots that I'm pretty darn happy about.

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And a few abstractions

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My favorite photo is still my favorite from the first week. I love the color and the way the light works in the photo.

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My biggest lessons in this course came this week. Learning how to play around with my settings on my camera and realizing that it can do much more than point and click was a revelation. I also LOVED having these assignments. It gave me some direction and a way at looking at my subjects, framing, and just what takes a photograph from good to beyond.

Now I'm going to scour the web for more photo inspiration. C&C, you've created an addict!


28 comments:

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

On my cheap Polorid digital the setting for "Exposure", which can be adjusted from -1.5 to +1.5 in increments of .3, is analogous to the setting f-stop. Perhaps your camera has different terminology. I first thought it was for time exposures, and was very excited about trying it out, but no go. I don't think digitial camaras can do those? I know mine can't.

Linda said...

Thats great that you learnt so much about your camera and your lovely pictures show that a fancy DSLR isn't always needed. I love th e greens in the lichen shot. Its been nice reading your blog. x

http://leafgreenknits.wordpress.com/

- said...

It is so good to read about all the participants learning experience. It really was an adventure this workshop. Thank you for sharing all your lovely photos.

Michelle, Queen Behind the Lens! said...

Oh, jealousy! I recently ordered a step-up in the camera category (Panasonic dmc fz35)... awaiting its arrival. I really do want to take some photog lesson, but the internets will have to do for now.

Your notes are helpful for the many of us who do not have a pro model. Thanks.

gonzomama said...

good for you for learning more about your camera! i need to do the same.
your first flower shot is gorgeous - great focus! you got some good dof shots too. i especially like the one of the stone. and your abstract shots are really nice.

great job!

Nancy said...

I really like the 5th one down...I think it's the colors. You sound like me. I am only at the very beginning of figuring out my camera!

Susan said...

I'm so impressed! It seems that the learning for all of us has been huge. Your photos are lovely.

beth said...

doesn't camera learning just make you feel smart all over ?.....i love it when others love their camera and want to keep playing and experimenting.....

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love the shot of the tree trunk with the water and trees in the background out of focus! That's so cool that you learned something new. I've enjoyed seeing your photos these last 4 weeks so I'll be back for more!

Neuroknitter said...

You've done a great job! I really like the close up of the lichen on the stump...wonderful capture!!

Anonymous said...

Oh really like the flower shots and I think the stump is great! Nicely done!

Annie

Karen said...

Your photographs are wonderful. I particularly love the egg! Looks like it's glowing!

stringsofpurls said...

I love the one with the yellow moss! Nice job, Erin!

Kim Klassen said...

erin, these are soo good!
that's awesome that you discovered more from your camera!!

really awesome...

i've enjoyed following your journey thru this....

♥ kim

Knitcrazy said...

I ma BIG lover of photos.. Yours are wonderful.. I love the close up egg!!!

Lois Evensen said...

All of the images are good, of course. You do an excellent job. .

That egg is so realistic, I just love it! It would be so cool framed matted with a color related to the image and hung in the kitchen. Just such a cool kitchen shot!

Best,
Lois

Roxanne said...

Those are super pretty Erin! I'm going to start following along for fun :)

t does wool said...

beautiful ending to a beautiful workshop.
so glad i was able to see all of your fabulous work .
beautiful light and abstraction here.

Nijola said...

Greetings to you:)
Moss, rock - I love these pictures.

Yvonne said...

I'm totally with you on the assignments-thing - what oh what will I do next week?! And I love what you learned about your camera! Your photos are beautiful! I LOVE the first pink flower and the diptych below it - stunning! The tree stump is gorgeous, and the focus on the lichen is amazing!

Anonymous said...

I loved your abstracts. Thank you for sharing your work and blog with me. Lovely.

Hullabaloo Homestead said...

I LOVE the third to last shot! It is so abstract and wonderful!! And I too love that egg shot, in all of it's glorifying contrast.

:)Lisa

Magnolia Handspun said...

Erin, your images are even more beautiful this week. I am loving the florals, but the closeups and absrtact, WOW!
You are really creative and you have an eye...continue, pick up a book at the library and challenge yourself. Your photography has evolved over these past 4 weeks, I am so glad you are playing around with your camera settings you should be so proud of your exploration and improvement.
Also I want to thank you for joining the workshop, sharing your images and your uplifting comments...it's been a pleasure.
Gorgeous work!

Carolyn Parker said...

Wonderful post and beautiful images! You've unleashed the genie in you! The flowers are just heaven-- wow sony camera! And I love the abstract Erin. Great work.

Stacy said...

Beautiful photos, Erin. I especially like the soft pink blossoms. I have been trying to learn how to take a picture with a crisp image in the front and a blurry background, but haven't had much luck. It looks like you enjoyed the workshop and had lots of fun.

Tina said...

Hello Erin,
I really like your abstract, I find them so hard to do. I too have enjoyed having the assignments, for the same reasons as you.
Your egg photo is my favourite.
Tina
x

Unknown said...

i really like the diptych of the flowering tree -- it has a very vintage sort of feel, the white balance or light gives it a sense of having been shot in the fifties or sixties -- and i really like how you've composed the shots.

having spent some time mastering my point and shoot before i got my dslr, i appreciate the effort it takes to "fool" the camera! you did a great job!

Anne Marie said...

Your are absolutely right to be darn proud of your photos! I too love the three last shots. All this learning has been so much fun hasn't it?

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