Comments on: What I’ve learned while rassling my new camera

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:14:46 +0000

The best book I have found (with ton of illustrative examples) is called Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. I cannot recommend this book enough. He is so thorough with his explanations and it gives some great tips for different types of shots. Worth buying if you cant find it in the library.
link to amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003#

By: gls

gls — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:37:36 +0000

I shoot Nikon, so I don’t really know my way around a Canon, but I’m sure the following is possible: if you set your white balance to the “cloudy sky” setting and then boost the saturation, you’ll get much richer colors right out of the camera without any post-processing. Also, I’ve found that using a flash (not the built-in one) bounced off the ceiling with the camera set to slow flash sync produces wonderful indoor results. That’s what I did here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingary/3109053176/in/set-72157611250229818/

By: Cari

Cari — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:00:30 +0000

Your pictures are great…I have got to take the time to learn how to do more with mine…you could say I am ‘technically challenged’!

By: Marian

Marian — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:31:15 +0000

Someday,maybe in the year 2029, I do really want to learn this stuff, too!! (As it is tonight, as I’m writing a long, detailed letter to our Superintendent in a complex matter likely headed for ugly, emotional litigation, all while fighting the foggy weirdness of last week’s post-op drugs?? My head will explode if I insert one more detail!) Ok, my point in commenting, hmm? Lovely pictures, Mary! What fun that you’re enjoying learning something so useful, with such beautiful results. Every single time I see a picture of your Amanda and Ben, btw, I am struck by how much they resemble the ones you’ve shown of newlywed You and Your Hubby. Amazing.

By: Donna

Donna — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:29:02 +0000

Just found your blog – I am on a camera hunt – see my blog post – any recommendations for a good AND affordable piece?

By: charlie

charlie — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:23:30 +0000

One more comment to say, HUGE Thank You for the histogram information!! Really informative. I feel 10 times smarter now.

By: charlie

charlie — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:45:35 +0000

Hi Mary! Thanks for this post. I have been experimenting for a while with my DSLR and have found Strobist to be an awesome lighting blog for tips and tricks http://strobist.blogspot.com/
I love your photo on the beach! I also refuse to use the auto function on the camera and every time I try it, am disappointed. So stick with it and I will too

By: Amy Ivey

Amy Ivey — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:57:06 +0000

Amazing pics! Thanks for sharing. My husband is the photographer in our family and I love to post his pics on my blog…until he starts his own. Sweet blessings to you and your beautiful family! – Amy in OR

By: April

April — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:38:56 +0000

I think you are doing great for the short time you have been using your camera. I have had my Canon Rebel for about a year and two months now and have been transitioning my use of it. First I stayed on auto mode until I got comfortable with it. Then I learned about focal points, etc. Now I shoot mainly in P mode even though I get the other modes including the manual mode. I am still chasing kids and don’t want to lose my shots while I fix things. Although to help with that problem, I shoot exclusivly in RAW (with the JPG counterpart at the same time) so that I can make changes as necessary on the computer (like the lighting thing you talked about, I learned quickly that adding some black in and vibrance can fix most issues with lighting and even some defog actions to brighten things). If you have Photoshop Elements or Photoshop this lady has great actions that she has saved and shares that have been SUPER fun to play with on the computer: http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/. Yeah, I know what you mean though on just holding it…I love my camera and I am so thankful it worked out for me to get one last year….best gifts ever for me. The Lord is sooo amazing to show us that photography is such a great gift and one that can be shared….thank you for sharing with us your process and your wonderful children! You are wonderful!

By: (((((HUGS))))) sandi

(((((HUGS))))) sandi — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:35:57 +0000

WOW those are great shots!!!! STUNNING! I clicked over from WP~that book sounds AMAZING and is on my wish list~WOOHOOO! ~smile~ (((((HUGS))))) sandi