Hello again for another Photography Monday - making taking great photos easy
(I've just read that out loud to myself and it's a bit of a mouth full isn't it, never mind there it is).
If you missed last week it's still there - so go on over and take a look.
As promised we are going to begin looking at camera settings.
This is my Nikon D7100 which has been a brilliant work horse, the lightest of my DSLRs (digital single lens reflex camera).
You will see it has many settings but the Manual setting is my personal choice and what we'll work towards in the coming weeks.
I'm sure you're eager to get to Manual 😉 However, we'll stick with the automatic settings as I'm keen to get you taking better photos using light without having to worry about shutter, aperture etc for the time being.
The image below for example was taken close up with my D7100 and a 28mm lens.
To get images like this you need patience and to hold the camera very still or resting on something to steady you. 😉 We'll talk about that in weeks to come.
So, for now, get in touch with the settings on your camera. Use the modes your camera has given you and get a little more used to light. Begin by using the macro setting and experiment.
Can you see the difference? If you look closely you can just see the white envelope to the left of the picture.
Silly! I know you don't want this in your picture! I wanted you to see where I'd placed it. 😍
Go out into the garden and have some fun. Like I said, no need to spend any more money. Use what you have and take many pictures. It's digital after all and you don't have to keep them all, just the best
ones :)
I really hope you have some fun with this as it truly can make so much difference to your pictures.
Another quote to leave you with this week and explains even more why it really is you who makes the pictures, not your camera:
'It's an illusion that photos are made with the camera....they are made with the eye, heart and head.'
~Henri Cartier-Bresson
Thank you for joining in, I do hope you visit next week.
Jan x
(I've just read that out loud to myself and it's a bit of a mouth full isn't it, never mind there it is).
If you missed last week it's still there - so go on over and take a look.
As promised we are going to begin looking at camera settings.
You will see it has many settings but the Manual setting is my personal choice and what we'll work towards in the coming weeks.
Your camera settings:
Below you'll see the top of my camera with it's M A S P. Below that are the settings you will find on many compact, bridge or even some mirrorless cameras. The icons may not be exactly the same but they'll be very similar.
I hope I have explained the symbols in easy terms, but you can always leave a comment below if you aren't sure.
To Begin with I'll explain Macro photography
The symbols have been made quite simple on all cameras so are in most cases self explanatory. However, if you're new to photography you may need 'macro' explaining a little.
So today we're going to stick with Macro, as, to my mind it's one of the most interesting and beautiful things to do with your camera.
The dictionary definition : photography producing photographs of small items larger than life size.
No need for lots of expensive equipment
You can buy macro lens, which I do have and used to use for wedding rings. BUT it's not always necessary. I don't want you to rush out buying lots of expensive equipment. Great photos can be taken without spending lots of money.The image below for example was taken close up with my D7100 and a 28mm lens.
 |
| Close up of bee with lots of pollination |
So, for now, get in touch with the settings on your camera. Use the modes your camera has given you and get a little more used to light. Begin by using the macro setting and experiment.
A useful tip for you
Use a piece of white card or envelope and face it to the side of your subject and reflect the light back into your subject. You can play with this a lot and see what difference it makes to your image.
By the way Ethel is having a week off this week!
Off into the garden once more with my iphone to use a rose in this week's photography Monday to show you how you can capture better images.
First I took a simple photo of the rose and was photobombed by a bee who decided to take Ethel's place :)
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| Image without white card reflection |
I continued ..... this image nice enough, but a bit too much shadow for my liking.
I then used an A5 white envelope and placed it beside the rose
(I thought this may upset the bee but it was unperturbed by any of my activity)
The sun was behind me and the envelope reflected the light directly into the rose.
When you do this you will see how the light reflects - it really is easy to identify. :)
 |
| Image with white card reflector |
Silly! I know you don't want this in your picture! I wanted you to see where I'd placed it. 😍
Go out into the garden and have some fun. Like I said, no need to spend any more money. Use what you have and take many pictures. It's digital after all and you don't have to keep them all, just the best
ones :)
I really hope you have some fun with this as it truly can make so much difference to your pictures.
Another quote to leave you with this week and explains even more why it really is you who makes the pictures, not your camera:
'It's an illusion that photos are made with the camera....they are made with the eye, heart and head.'
~Henri Cartier-Bresson
Just before I go ....
I have started a fun photography group on Facebook for you to share your images, ask questions and generally have some fun.
Please come and join in and remember to tell your friends too!
Please come and join in and remember to tell your friends too!
Thank you for joining in, I do hope you visit next week.
Jan x