What I learned. . .
1. How to use my camera. Sounds strange, but it's true. I now know how to use and change all those little features that were so overwhelming at first. The biggest help to my image outcome? Spot focus and spot metering. I now rarely change from those.
2. I found my love once again. I knew I loved photography, but wasn't sure what part of it I loved best. In high school it was people and I found that once again it's my love. I love people. I love how I see them differently through my lens and I love seeing them relax and be themselves. I love genuine smiles and laughter and play.
3. I can't please everyone. I will love, love, love a photograph I take and others will say, "Eh, it's okay." Another image I'm almost embarrassed to show and that's the one they choose to hang on their wall. I guess it goes to show that different things speak to different people and it's okay.
4. Slow down. At first (and sometimes still) I want to hurry and capture the perfect light and I rush rush rush using the "Spray and Pray" method. I end up with a couple I like okay. Instead when I slow down and focus on all the elements of one image, take a couple shots, then move on and do the same, the photos are much better.
5. It doesn't have to be perfect. I'm a perfectionist so this is a big one for me. Especially with photoshop and the ability to change anything and everything in a photo. I've learned to love the freckles (on others at least :)) and the things that make us unique. If we were all one big perfect mass, life would be pretty boring. Some of my favorite photos are of messy faced kids when they discovered that plants are very delicious and of kids picking their noses when they're supposed to be smiling at the camera. And I have to say this. . . the "perfect" eye (A.K.A the zombie eye) NOT attractive!
6. Technical details aren't the most important thing when capturing an image. The story it tells or emotion it conveys is worth more in most cases (in my opinion). One of the worst (technically) pictures I took has been the only one that I've been told made someone cry (in a good way, he he he) when they saw it. Obviously, it's ideal to get both things in a photograph. That's what makes them truly great and it's my goal always, but I just have learned not to get so hung up on technicalities that I miss the moment.
7. All about photoshop. I've been blown away by how much of photography is post processing. I've also been amazed to learn how easy it is to change whatever you want in a photograph. I have to say it was a bit disappointing at first. Kinda like finding out a certain Jolly Fellow wasn't real. I don't believe a great deal of what I see in photographs anymore, but don't worry. I still try to keep it real and love doing it. I do however occasionally swap a head or make an entire family look like Oompa Loompas just for the fun of it. A big pet peeve of mine (one of which I was once guilty, but hopefully not anymore) is overprocessing.
8. Light and more light. I have a ways to go yet, but I've learned a lot about what lighting makes a great picture. I love watching how light reacts with different surfaces and reflects and wraps around and softens or harshens (nice word eh?). The color of light and how it changes the mood or feel. Ahh how I love you light. . .
My Goals. . .
1. The biggest and all encompassing goal is practice, practice, practice. That's what helps me to learn the most. I want to learn to shoot on manual faster and learn more about light. I hope to (soon) enter the world of off camera flash.
2. Learn how to pose people better. No more awkward this or that. 'Nuff said.
3. Get rich and convince my husband that expensive photography equipment is a necessity. Ahh if only I had all the money in the world to buy faster lenses with varied focal lengths, a camera that works better in the high ISO range etc., off camera lighting, and photoshop actions. The list doesn't end there, but it's a good start. :)
2. Gain more confidence. Truth be told I love most of the pictures I take (seriously LOVE), but I don't think others will or do. Even if they really do. . .it's hard to tell. :) And when I'm taking photos sometimes I fell like a dork all squatted or laying in the dirt for a better angle. Really I should be proud because the unique angle makes a better photo, right?!! People are probably staring because they're learning how to shoot like me, not because my crack is showing, right?!
Okay, I can't think of anymore goals, but I think I've done enough blabbing already. Some of those goals might not be too realistic, but they're nice to think about. The journey continues. . . Photography Rocks!!
