Friday, August 10, 2012

More Photography classes!

I apologize in advance for talking so much about photography lately. It’s just what I am into at the moment, and let’s face it, my blog features my photography more and more. I used to just take pictures. Now I want to become better. I want to make them; not take them.

I enrolled in a four-course photography class given at Unique Photo, the same place I went for my Canon Discovery class. This week was my first class: The Basics. I’ll be going every Tuesday morning and the class is two hours long.

IMG 3090

It was pretty much the basics. Most of the things I already knew except for a few small things in regard to how my camera works (and hey, what I was doing wrong in my panning attempt!). I took the Basics course because you never know what kind of things they are going to teach, so I didn’t want any surprises by starting with the second course.

He did say one thing-—and it was huge—-that made me think differently about taking photos. He said it’s really all about capturing the light in a particular circumstance, not about the subject. It’s all about the light. Here is a quote from our instruction booklet: “Photography is the art or science of recording light. Specifically, you are capturing the light’s direction, color and intensity. A camera is a light recorder. It doesn’t matter what’s in front of your lens because the subject is always in the light. The subject is the direction, color, and intensity of the light.” I have never thought about photography in that way.

Some people in my class I think had never had a camera in their hands before. One poor girl thought that the shutter speed was determined by how long you held your finger down on the shutter button. Bless her heart, but good grief! Maybe she should start with a point-and-shoot camera! But, that’s why she’s there—to learn. Still, she is taking up valuable time for people who at least know how to use a camera. After all, this is a Basic class for people who should know at least that much “basic” stuff.

The second course is all about exposure and metering, which I really need. The third is all about white balance and composition. The fourth and final class is called The Art of Seeing and is about seeing more creatively.

The instructor is great and he certainly has a lot of patience. I’m looking forward to it!

They are offering some great workshops too, such as The Bronx Zoo. Maybe I’ll sign up for a couple of them when my classes are finished.

IMG 3112
Hand-held long exposure (f5 at 20 seconds) of the cabana patio lights, doing a figure-8.

Comments:

I envy you taking this course.  If I had the time, I’d have my butt in a class or maybe at B&H at some of their seminars.  The one course I did take several years ago in New Hampshire was outstanding but, looking back at some of my shots, I see today what I did wrong.  How I would love to get a re-do on that week!  Just caught up on your recent trip and love love the covered bridges!  Well done!

Helene, thanks! I’m excited about this course and hoping it makes me a better photographer. If nothing else at least I will know how to use my camera inside out! wink

wow….its all about the light…I honestly had no idea. 

Enjoyed the Conn. photos too.  Since that is a state I have been in ...made it extra cool.  Thanks as always for talking your readers along for the ride.

You take the most fantastic photos as it is - I guess there is always something extra to learn.  I am afraid I am a point and shoot person but am picking up some good tips from your posts on photography.

Joyce, thanks for the great compliment, but really I have used my fancy camera as a point and shoot for some time now. There is nothing at all wrong with being a point and shoot person, please don’t misunderstand me. Those cameras take great photos for most people. I just happen to want to take my craft further. I have A LOT to learn!
Glad you are picking up some tips from reading! wink

I took a photography class when I first moved back to Colorado from NYC.  As I remember though it totally focused on composition and nothing about how to actually use the camera and get the results you want so it wasn’t really helpful.  Wouldn’t mind taking a class like that myself - heaven knows I don’t take full advantage of the camera you gave me!  LOVE the cabana lights photo!

C, I had no idea you were interested in photography. Glad you’re enjoying the old Rebel! Glad you liked the long exposure photo!

How could you not know I was interested in photography?  We went out and took photos together all the time in Colorado!  Plus I use a lot of my own photos on my blog.

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