Shutter Speak 4

Shutter Speak is my Digital Photography Learning Journal. It's where I collect notes, thoughts, and reflections as I go about learning the art of digital photography. Click the button to the right to go to the main Shutter Speak page. 

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Shutter Speak, Volume 4:

F 2.5, 1/400, ISO 1600

 

1.  The More You Shoot, the More You Shoot

I know I've said this before, but I have found that when I get out of the habit of taking pictures every day, it is so hard to get back into the groove of it. I barely touched my camera all through December, and I couldn't believe how hard it was to get back into the routine of shooting every day. It was also much harder to shoot well. In some ways, I felt like I was starting over again..

Here's the thing- I am a more grateful, content, and joyful person when I'm shooting often. That lens really is like a third eye for me, and it's the one that helps me see all of God's glory in the dailiness. I hope I remember that next time I'm tempted to take "just a little break" from shooting. Note to self: Don't stop! Keep shooting! Good things happen when you're clicking a shutter.

F 2.8, 1/160, ISO 400

2. Photography Advice vs. Girl-Next-Door-Gets-a-dSLR-and-Keeps-A-Public-journal-While-She-Bumbles-Through-Learning-How-To-Use-It

Occasionally my photography pages get pinned or linked somewhere with a note that says "great photography advice" or some other such nonsense. This inevitably makes me break out in a cold sweat.

Let me be clear: I don't write photography advice. Rather, I write a journal that documents my own personal learning journey dabbling in this digital photography art form. And because I share it publicly, it may look like advice but oh-my-heck-please-don't-think-I-know-what-I'm-doing-because-I-don't! I mean, as long as we're all on the same page, I'm good with it. But if you make big purchases or try drastic measures based on the stuff I've written... well, don't say I didn't warn you! ;)

F 2.8, 1/800, ISO 2000

3. Manual Mode

I'm shooting in Manual Mode almost exclusively now. Go me! I started that Manual Mode Monday challenge in October, and I'll tell you what- when I began, it took me 15-20 shots to get a decent exposure. Now I can usually nail it within 2-3 tries; I'm even getting better and more consistent results than I did in Aperture Priority. Happy, happy, happy. I bet I'll still rely on Aperture Priority when I'm outside, but for indoor shots? Manual, definitely. 

F 2.5, 1/400, ISO 4000

4. Speaking of indoor shooting, this northern winter light is KILLING me!!!

I didn't even notice how bad the light was last year (a testament to the fact that last winter I had NO IDEA what I was doing, lol). This year it's my constant frustration. My T3i can technically pump all the way up to ISO 6400 but the noise that comes with is just awful. I've got to find a way to get good exposure without raising my ISO so high.

Do you have any favorite books or tutorials on shooting in bad light? I'd love to hear about them.

F 2.8, 1/160, ISO 320

5. A New Lens

I've had my camera for (almost) a year and half now, and so far I've only shot on one lens- the Sigma 50mm f/1.4. This lens has been a great teacher and I do love it, but I've been feeling limited by its focal length. On my crop-sensor (x1.6) it acts more like an 80 mm, so I just can't get much within the frame. This is especially troublesome in small rooms- I can only back up so far!

Solution? Buy another lens, of course. :) B&H currently has an awesome deal on the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, and I've saved almost exactly that amount. I ordered last week and it should arrive on the 12th. I'm counting down the days- cannot wait to play!!!

Next up on the wish-list is a macro. I've got to get one before the babies come, right? Just think of all the close-ups I could get of those teeny tiny eyelashes and baby rolls! :) Those macros aren't cheap, and the babies come in less than six months.  I use my Amazon referral fees to buy photography equipment, so I'll just come right out and beg you to use that Amazon search box on the sidebar over there when you make your Amazon purchases. :) -------------------------->

It doesn't matter what you buy- if you use my link to get to Amazon, you can purchase anything you want and I get a small referral fee. You guys are awesome- I always appreciate it when you use my Amazon links. Thank you! :)

F 2.8, 1/160, ISO 640

6. Reading

I think maybe it's time to re-read some of the photography books I read last year. I know that a lot of the information flew right over my head the first time; I wonder if a second go-round would be helpful. I'm also interested in reading something new. Got any recommendations for me?