Finding My Golden Light

I really did not use my camera as much this summer. I want to think I was too busy living life, not documenting it. 

At the beginning of summer, I read this wonderful post, and have been slightly obsessed with finding my golden light. 

Here are my attempts ...

Golden light is so popular right now! It is a true beauty all of its own! 

Photography

Ever get the itch to take a picture of normal things that you think are beautiful? 

One day the lighting was great, so that is exactly what I wanted to do. And, no, I did not bake those cupcakes. A friend did, and shared with us! I may have had more than Ken, though. :)

Photography ... As much as I know and helpful links

I am sure that many of you may have gotten a camera for Christmas or already have one. I am no professional by any means and have a lot of learning to do myself. I thought, however, that we all need to be challenged to learn a little more. 

As you know Middle Sister is a photographer, and I am so glad that she is. She has given me several tidbits here and there, and there are several that stuck with me including:

1. Begin Learning in AV Mode and Then Move to Manual ...

AV stands for "aperture value," but beyond that, I do not know more other than when using AV mode, you can manipulate two of the three things - ISO and aperture  - while the camera manipulates the speed. This helps give you a "feel" of what you want to do in manual. 

In manual, you manipulate all three things.

(After reading my blog post, Middle sister called and corrected me on the above, and then asked for dip recipes. I told you that I am no expert on cameras, however, on dips, for the big game, I am.)

2. Don't Always Use Your Flash ...

The other thing I found helpful is not to use your flash but only 10% of the time. This has been huge! I love using the natural light to create a lovely picture. I use the morning light on the front of my house and the afternoon light on the back. This tip alone, has really helped me! 

3. Use a Tripod ...
A tripod helps prevent shaking that may effect your pictures. By using a tripod, you are almost guaranteed a beautiful picture. I don't always do this because sometimes I am in a hurry and don't want to take the time, however I did use it when taking this picture:

I got my tripod at Wal-Mart about $28.00.

Here is what camera I have ...

Canon Rebel T1i and 50 mm lens



I love the 50mm lens it that it captures a little more detail than my other due to being able to manipulate the aperture more.

Here are some helpful links that has helped me to learn more ... 

Centsational Girl - 10 Basics for Better Home Photography

The Lettered Cottage - Photography Tips for Sharper Interiors

The Pioneer Woman - What the Heck is Aperture?

The Pioneer Woman - What the Heck is Shutter Speed

Pinterest also had this cheat sheet ...

Source: themetapicture.com via Haven on Pinterest

The best thing to do is just to get out there and begin.

This past summer, I used my camera every day and learned some of the basics. This summer, I plan to do the same as well as conquer Photoshop Elements!

Do you have any good photography tips?

Using Manual

Last fall, Ken decided he was going to buy himself a big toy. We have a rule at our house that when one gets something big then the other gets something big. It helps balance things out as well as thinking twice about wanting everything. We know it will be double whatever the cost. It also helps that both of us will have something new to play with. This is what I got.

And since then, I have been trying to learn to use it. I started in automatic, then learned that most pictures are best without the flash. I spent a lot of time in automatic with no flash. Briefly in AV, and I am now playing with manual. I like what I am seeing. The Pioneer Woman has lots of advice on this along with Middle Sister whose patience with all my questions is certainly a virtue.

Here are some that I took last week, that I amazed even myself. I did do a little touch up in Picasa because it is free and pretty easy, but one day I hope to try out some Photoshop.

Still have a lot to work on, especially taking pictures of Tootsie. Lately, she normally will not let me take her picture, but on this particular night, she was feeling frisky. I had to act fast and wasn't able to really play with my settings. She's a smart one!

What I have learned, for those interested, is:

• That the ISO needs to be lower outside and higher inside.
• The Shutter speed is lower the more light you want to let in and higher for less light
• I am still figuring out the F stop or apeture and am ususally keeping mine between 4 and 5
• I try to take pictures in the front of my house during the morning and the back of my house in the early evening. Light is a very important thing from what I am learning!

I may have gotten that all mixed up and know I am not using the correct vocabulary. This is just want I am doing right now as I continue to play and read.

 

I just want to learn to take better pictures for us! I do not intend to become a professional by any means. I am just enjoying the challenge, and I want to encourage you to do the same!  

 

What are some tips that you can give when using your camera?

Photobook

Santa brought us our wedding photobook. His little elf, Middle sister, helped him complete this project. We were very excited when we got it! I just wanted to share a little bit with you.

Front Cover! Love it! We had the best time at our hot reception, and I never thought Ken would dance that much!

The pages are thick and very nice!

I love that Middle Sister included scripture in this along with the pictures.

This was one of my favorite pictures of my sisters and me. We were on our way to the chapel.

Ken's reaction when he first saw me!

Wedding party

Reception. Lots of good, fun dancing!

Back cover. I am sure that our future children will think that this is so gross!

I love our photobook! Such wonderful, happy memories to remember!  

Some Christmas Shots

Here are just a few pictures that Brook took while she was here!

I don't know what to choose! She did a great job! If you are in the Southaven/Memphis area be sure and check her out!