Thursday, June 27, 2013

Beyond Repair

Frustrated and disappointed.  I think that pretty well sums it up.

My camera has been pronounced more expensive to fix than to replace.  Whatever is wrong is in the prongs that the CF card plugs into.  I have been without a camera for over a month and, needless to say, I feel deprived.



So, I have begun to save my money to buy a new one.  Now the fun part - shopping!!!

What should I get?  I am just beginning to do research, but based on experience, I know I would like a digital SLR.  I have previously owned a Canon and loved it, but I have only had it 5 years and now it's out of commission.  Not that it might have been dropped....  maybe....  *innocent whistle*

While I own a couple of Canon lenses and would only need a body, I have heard that Nikon camera lenses are universal - that even lenses from decades ago will fit a new camera.  That sounds very appealing!!

Along with an SLR, there have been times in the past few years when I could have really used a "point and shoot".  Occasions when the event I am attending will not allow an SLR camera with a detachable lens.  (Think music concerts, live performances, etc.)  Something small and inexpensive is what I would like.

The guy at the camera store was seriously pushing a Sony, but it was nearly as big as an SLR (and just as expensive.)  I think he was thinking to replace the SLR with this kicked up point and shoot that looked like an SLR on the outside, but doesn't have a mirror.  I'll admit it had some pretty awesome features, but I'm not sure that's where I want to go....

 Currently, I am using the camera on my phone which is completely unacceptable as far as I'm concerned!  It gets me photos like this:



That would be REO Speedwagon from the 18th row - not that you can tell.  :(

So, do any of you have suggestions?  Is there something out there you've had your eye one?  I would love to hear your thoughts!  :)

Tiffany

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Summer Plans ???

Hooray for Summer!

Being a teacher, I live for summer as much as the children!  Scheduled time off at home with my own kids (the ones who actually live with me) make some of the tough times during the school year livable.  



We have a few plans scheduled so far - going to a few museums on some day trips, some craft and photography projects, and doing a LOT of cleaning and organizing since my house tends to be neglected during the craziness of the school year.  While I do plan to do some photography projects, I will be journaling our awesome summer as well.  I hope you enjoy the journey.

What kind of plans do you have for the summer?

Tiffany

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Portrait - Make it Better

I've seen HUNDREDS of portraits like this:



See the refrigerator with magnets in the background?  It also seems that the picture isn't the most flattering.  Pretty dress however, and lovely young lady!  So....

Step 1:  Pay Attention to your BACKGROUND!!  If you only have ugly walls, like I do, find a door, piece of furniture, something.  I usually go outside and use the trees for background because they are always a nice addition.  Alas, it was nighttime, so...



Step 2:  Zoom In!!



So much better already!!  However, I think it could be better, so I had her turn slightly.

Step 3:  Try Different Angles!!!


Definitely an improvement!!  I'm getting a glare off the cabinet, so I zoom in more....

Step 4:  Get a Nice Smile

This is actually the difficult part!!!! (at least it is for me!)  The more I learn about taking pictures, the more I find that the technical aspect is EASY.  It's the PEOPLE part that can be a challenge!



Caught her laughing...  Laughing actually IS NOT the best pose for most people.


Trying not to laugh....


Big Brother making faces at her...


Finally!!!  A NATURAL smile!  That's what I was after!


If the person you are taking pictures of doesn't know you very well, make certain you schedule enough time for them to become comfortable with you.  The more comfortable they are, the more natural your photos will be.  :)

A few Photoshops of this last photo will hopefully follow!

*hugs!*

Tiffany


I'm BAaaaaack!!!!

Hooray, the computer is repaired!!

Photos will quickly follow and spam comments are at an end!  Yippee!

I'm a little sad, I'm sure when the spammers figure out that I am back, the traffic to my site will go down.  But hey, that's not the traffic I want!

Can I get an AMEN!!!

Much Love!
Tiffany