Photography: Camera Talk

One of the things that spurred me on to write this little series is this most asked question:

What kind of camera do you use?  

I own a Nikon D3000. It's a DSLR, not a point and shoot (we'll get to those in a minute). The standard lens that comes with it is good... not my favorite, but definitely good for beginners (Nikon 18-55). It doesn't zoom much, but it is great for group shots or photographing a large space.
The zoom lens that I own is the Nikon 55-200. It gives a good crisp picture, but because it is only a zoom lens, you really have to back off to get a good shot.  It's not great for birthday parties etc, where you are trying to get a lot of people in the shot.  However, I love it for face shots like these.

If I did it over again, I would forgo both of those lenses and get this one: 

It is basically my two lenses wrapped up into one (18-200), so that would mean less baggage and lens trade-out in the middle of a photo opportunity.
*If you own this lens, please leave me a comment about how much you love/hate it.  I've been admiring it from afar, but I want to know your thoughts.
When you purchase a camera, you have the option to get just the base and build the camera (lenses) to your liking.  Or, you may find a great package deal like I did.  If you are looking for a package deal, I recommend purchasing it through Wolf/Ritz camera... it's really going to be pretty much the same price anywhere, but they have lots of free extras (processing, camera bag, classes).


 BH Photo is an AWESOME online shopping resource. I would definitely order from them again for extra lenses/accessories.  Or maybe Santa could order that lens for me...  Just sayin.

I have had my D3000 for 3 years and have often said it was one of the best investments we've ever made (and I HATE making big purchases). At the time the D3000 was the most basic/cheapest Nikon DSLR. I have not been disappointed. Some of the more expensive versions are much heavier, so while you will look cooler, your hand might get a wee bit tired. :) 

As far as brand goes, I owned a Nikon (film) camera previously, so I was used to their mechanics. Some people love Cannon. I think it's kind of like Coke and Pepsi. Pretty much the same thing even though some people swear they can tell a difference.  


If you are looking for a point and shoot camera here's my 2 cents:
1. Don't think you can't take great shots with a point and shoot.  Sometimes people say, "I only have a point and shoot."  The most important thing is to get a camera that you will use and be comfortable with.  
The first two pictures were taken on my trip to Germany.  I didn't want to haul a big camera around, so they were taken with a Sony CyberShot point and shoot.  The last two were also taken with a Sony CyberShot before I purchased my DSL.  

 

2. I don't know a lot about point and shoot cameras, simply because I rarely use one.  However, there are some REALLY great (and inexpensive) ones on the market.  Do your homework and find one that fits your needs: weight, zoom, durability


If I've totally confused you, or if you just have a question, let me know.  I'll be glad to help (as much as my limited knowledge allows!)    I asked a TON of questions (sometimes the same question, several times) when I was getting started.  Heck, I still ask a lot of questions.  


I will be doing one more post on some fun things/tricks to try.  I'll also give you a great link to the best camera tutorial I've ever read.  
Until then... snap those shots!

Who Needs Perfect Anyways?

Today was one of those perfect days.  The kids got their work done quickly; I went to the grocery store by myself; we did art.

Okay, we did what the average, Joe-the-Plumber would call art.  I'm sure all of my true artist friends are rolling their eyes right about now.  But hey, we used paint!  I found this idea on Pinterest, my new favorite place on the web.  If you have no idea what I'm talking about click on the Pinterest button in the right column of my blog.  If you want to find out how to "do" Pinterest, go here for a great tutorial.  

As I demonstrated, they oohhed and ahhhed over my artistic ability.  Which totally rocks because I can't draw a good stick figure to save my life.    But if they want to be impressed with my Qtip ability, so be it.  Bwahahaha!!! 

The weather was PERFECTION today, so we did art on the screened porch while listening to the audio version of The 39 Clues.  Have you read this series?  I was skeptical at first, but we're on book 5 and other than the "stupid" word used a little much, it's fantastic.  I love when a book/series takes the reader to real places/people around the world.  So far my kids have learned about Benjamin Franklin, the Catacombs, Egyptian Pyramids, Motzart, and the Motherland Calls statue.  Actually, I just learned about that last one.  We even looked it up on Wikipedia.  Because the art teacher didn't know what it was.

My kids were itching to get outside to play so I made an executive decision that we would do math this evening so they would have longer to play in daylight.  Feeling a little smug about how well our day had gone, I looked out the window a minute ago and saw my 8 year old running around in his underwear and my 10 year old with lipstick all over her face.
 Oh well, who needs perfection?

5 on Friday

1. I drove for the first time in 10 days today.  We needed to get out of the house groceries so we headed to Target.  Each of the kids was armed with their own gift cards/cash.   This made for less complaining and more enthusiasm in helping me collect the necessities. Since I had to walk at half the pace I usually do, it took us about 2 hours to get through the store.  At one point one of my kids generously offered to go find a Target wheelchair.  I declined.

2. I rewarded all of us with a drink when we finished.  The kids chose an Icee.  I chose ... wait for it... Starbucks must have known I was coming ... Gingerbread Latte.  Yes!  The holiday flavas are back in town!

3. Judging from the lack of comments, I'm guessing my little photography series wasn't a big hit.  I'll still do one more about camera/lens choices, I suppose.

4. My parents are celebrating 44 years of wedded bliss today.  I am blessed.

5. A few dear-hearted friends have provided dinner for our family this week.  My kids were wondering how long they could last on boxed mac-n-cheese and canned soup for lunch and dinner.  Needless to say, my energy level has been very limited.  By the time we finish our school day (albeit on the couch most days this week) I am worn out.  I am so thankful that my kiddos are at the self-reliant age.  Cereal would have been a wee bit old by this point in the game.  I am so blessed to have such caring friends!
Tonight we are going to prove that the geniuses in the marketing world really know how to draw us in what they're doing.  We've seen the same IHOP commercial about four times this week and finally I looked at my husband and said, "We've got to go!"  Yep, livin' it large on a Friday night.  We're cool like that.  Rootie Tootie Fresh and Fruity, here I come!

Photography: In Your Face

If your mother taught you to stay out of people's faces, she was right... except for when you have a camera in your hand.  That's the time to get close.  Sure I love the photos of my little guy in his favorite superhero costume, but it's the pictures like the one above that make my heart stop.  

But before I get all sappy on you, let's look at an example of why face shots are great.  The first picture was taken at a soccer game.  Sure, I captured a shot of my parents and my brother (with a guest in the background), but it looks like a photo taken at a soccer game.  Nothing more.    

But look at the awesomeness difference when I zoom in on their faces:

 Squeal!  It goes from ho-hum to frame-worthy!
Now that I've convinced you, let's look at some great angles to try out:

1. Get them on the ground:

Kids are much more likely to go for this angle than adults, so go for it.  Tell them to giggle, wrestle, snuggle.  Be ready to snap those shots.  Some of my favorite head shots are from this angle.

2. It's okay to chop off the top of their head:

I wanted to capture her chocolate lips that matched her chocolate eyes.  Who cares what her hair looked like that night?

My man loves a baseball cap.  Unfortunately, they usually have a logo plastered across the front.  No problem... go for the face!

 3. Side Swipe

There's just something so natural about a profile shot.  They aren't posing for the camera; they're engaged in the moment.. the moment I want to capture.

 That's snow, not dandruff  ;)

4. Not everyone has to be looking in the same direction.

This is one of my favorite shots.  It's not staged.  I don't know what kind of shoes they are wearing.  You can't tell where the photo was taken.  It is real life.  I didn't tell him to kiss her, so her reaction is genuine.  It's an up close shot of life being lived.

Sometimes you will capture a shot that you will be so glad they're not looking at the camera.  Sniff, sniff.

I took this shot at the beach about 7 years ago with a point and shoot.  It's my all time favorite.  Next time we'll talk about cameras.  I need a tissue after that stroll through memory lane.

Now go get in their faces!  

Willy Wonka Would Be Proud

Hello November.  I'm always so glad to see you.  October used to be my favorite month but after this, this, and this I've decided that you now hold the title of Favorite Month.  October hasn't been good to me and my loyalty can only go so far.

But before we get too settled into my favorite month I thought I'd share a photo from last night:

Yes, I know it's blurry, but I'm on medication for goodness shakes sakes.

Let's back up a little bit and catch up, shall we?
I was thrown from a horse last Wednesday.  By Friday morning I was still in excruciating pain so my mom drove me to an urgent care (remember we were out of town).  After one light touch to my abdomen, the doctor told me I needed to head straight to the ER because there was a good possibility of organ damage.
I spent the day getting xrays, CT scan, bloodwork ...you know, all my favorite ways to spend an October day.  The good news was that no organs were damaged.  The even better news was that I would leave with some strong pain medication.   I don't usually like to take  medicine beyond the typical Advil, but when you're in this much pain, you're willing to expand your horizons.

I've pretty much been on the couch since Saturday night; with the exception of church since my kiddos were singing in "big" church.

Which brings us to last night.  We started a tradition last year of gathering with four other families (totaling 17 kids) for chili and trick-or-treating.  I know it's a touchy subject, but we keep the focus on spending time with friends and having fun with the costumes.  No ghouls aloud.  My dear friend played the perfect hostess by moving her big soft chair into her kitchen so I wouldn't miss out on any of the fun.  Since it was pouring rain, the other moms graciously volunteered to stay and keep me company while the dads and kids gathered the bounty.  What generous friends.  ;)

My kids are too old for me to steal sneak candy out of their bags, so we usually go through it together and I get all the Twix and Take5 bars, of which there was a deficit this year.  As we dug through the loot my daughter held something behind her back.  With a sly grin she presented the perfect gift that mended my candy disappointment:

A World's Finest Chocolate bar ... my golden ticket.

What's your favorite November 1st candy?

From Wonder Woman to Old Lady in 15 Feet

Back in September my kids were already trying to decide what they were going to "be" for October 31st.  The original plan was for all 5 of us to dress as superheroes.  Isn't that cute?  Over the course of the month the plan sort of changed when my girls eventually chose something entirely different; while my son stuck with the superhero idea.  

Fast forward to this week.  The kids and I have been in the mountains visiting my parents for fall break.  Knowing that cold, rainy weather is on its way, we tried to squeeze as much fun stuff into the first few days as possible.  Hiking (lots of hiking) and horse back riding were the top two priorities.

Hanging out with "Papa" on top of Grandfather Mountain

On Wednesday afternoon my girls and I went on a gorgeous horse ride through Christmas tree farmland.  The day couldn't have been more perfect.  Unfortunately one of the horses (that my 10 year old was riding) had spacial issues and didn't like any other horse to get too close.  As I came around a bend my horse got too close to Mr. Personal Space and he started backing up and kicking at my horse.  Unfortunately, I was thrown as my horse tried to avoid the kicks.  My horse took off running and my girls (with good reason) freaked out as they watched their momma lie on the ground with the wind knocked out of her.  Miraculously I avoided being kicked, but sustained other injuries from my fall.  The ol' body ain't what she used to be.  Eventually our trail guide was able to capture my horse and as the saying goes, "I fell off the horse, but got back on."  Because, really, who wants to walk a mile back to the stable?  I think it was pure adrenaline that got me back to the stable because when I got in my car the pain hit like a ton of bricks.

I've spent the entire day on the couch (which was TOTALLY not in the fall break plan) nursing cracked ribs and a very bruised body.  I don't know if I've ever experienced this kind of pain.  Who knew laughing or sneezing could be so painful??  My sweet parents have taken over all of the details like feeding and putting my kids to bed.  I don't know what I would have done if they weren't here!

My sweet momma who has taken such good care of me

Wanna know the funny part?  I decided to leave my camera in the car for the ride, even though I was doing a blog series on taking lots of pictures.  For some reason I just didn't feel like bringing the camera along.  I'm SO thankful I didn't!  

This afternoon my daughter said to me, "well mom, instead of being Wonder Woman you could be an old lady in a wheel chair for Halloween."  

Fabulous.

I'd appreciate your prayers for a quick recovery.  I hear ribs don't heal quickly, so I'm none too happy about that!  It was a very traumatic experience for my kids, so pray for them too.

I'll be looking for the perfect gray wig to go with my haggard body.  ;(

Photography: Daylight

Using Light To Your Advantage

So, did you do your homework?  Did you pull out your camera and act like a crazy person?  I'm sure you were a cute kind of crazy.  ;)

Today we are going to talk about light.  If you only walk away with one thing today let it be this:

Daylight is a photographer's best friend

1. There is a time of day that is called the Sweet Hour (I don't know if that's an official term but that's what I call it.  Should I get a patent on it?) It is about 1-2 hours before sunset.  If you want gorgeous pictures outside of your kiddos/dog/spouse/favorite dishcloth, this is the time to do it.  Or 1-2 hours after sunrise, but who is crazy enough to want to do it then??  Take your baby out on a quilt and take some shots at that time of day.  You will be amazed.   

2. One thing you have to be careful of is shadows.  Make sure the shadows of the branches above aren't making her face look like a puzzle:  

3. TURN OFF YOUR FLASH.  Who wants a shiny forehead?  By turning off the flash, you will have a much more natural glow... and no more red eye!  Use that natural light to your advantage.  I rarely use my flash.  Oftentimes, if you have your camera set on "auto" it will use the flash.  Try turning it off.  Sometimes Mr. Auto thinks he's smarter than he actually is.

If your life is anything like mine, that is the craziest time of day, filled with dinner and baths.  So here are some hints if you can't take the shots during the "sweet hour":

1. Water and sunlight make a gorgeous couple.  Much better than Brad and Angelina.

The best time is mid-morning or late afternoon, but don't put the camera away if you happen to be near water during mid-day ... you just might capture a fun picture like the one above.  :)

2.  Use the angle of the sun to your advantage.  Rather than having your subject face the sun and end up with the crazy the-sun's-in-my-eyes grin, try to have the sun to the right or left of their faces.  Look through the viewfinder to double check your subjects' faces.  Are they too shadowed?  If not, allow the sun to play off of their hair.  It gives a celestial glow :

3. Don't let an overcast day get you down.  It's actually a great filter for a good photograph.  Try it, you might be surprised.

4. Take advantage of the sunlight that comes into your home.  With the cold weather nipping at our heels, it's a good time to find a window in your home that has good light.  Often, when I want to do a still shot of something I will move it to my kitchen table because of the great natural light.

  To see my disclaimer and catch up on this little series go here.  Next time we'll talk about getting in their faces.  Did you know that when you have a camera in your hand, it's not rude?  :)