At the beginning of Summer I signed up for a photography course, I feel like I sort of know how a camera works, and do ok using the presets, but I’d love to be able to look at a situation and instantly know what settings to use to take an awesome shot.
I never get around to reading the manual or magazines so actually going somewhere to learn is the only way I’m going to improve. Our homework this week was to take a photo of something moving and a photo of movement captured. This is what I managed, they are far from perfect as I’ve had an endless headache again this week and the kids don’t tend to perform as patiently as I need, but I’m quite pleased with how they came out.
This is a slow shutter speed to catch the movement of the spinning umbrella.
Shutterspeed 1/6 ISO 50 ย f 1/16
If I have understood correctly this means that shutter speed is 6 seconds, the ISO is probably a bit low at 50, I think 100 would be better. The f of 1/16 means the aperture is wide open so most of the photo is in focus.
These are my action shots, I can’t decide whether I like the star jump better in black and white or colour…
Shutter speed 1/500 ISO 200 f.2.2
I used a much faster shutter speed here to capture the movement. 1/500 means 500th of a second, so it’s very fast and you can see the background is a bit blurred thanks to the lower f number and bigger aperture.
Hopefully I got all that the right way around!!
I really wasn’t in a good frame of mind when I took these, but am quite pleased with how they came out. Hopefully I can do a better job next week.
Boo Roo and Tigger Too
I’ve had my DSLR for to years and it’s only the last year that I have gotten my head around aperture settings. I would love to complete a photography course and find out more about how to use my camera. Your photos are beautiful, I can’t decide whether the star jump is better in colour or black and white either.
Jennifer
They are fantastic photos! I’m terrible at photography, would love to be better at it. I really like the star jump, you’ve captured it perfectly (and I can’t choose between black and white or colour either!)
Otilia
Great pictures Emma! You explained it all so well ๐ thank you
Mammasaurus
Ah lovely Emma ๐
I have noticed such an improvement in your photos over the past few months (sorry that isn’t meant to sound condescending). Black and white I always struggle to decide over – very much depends on my mood at the time. Fascinates me how we all interpret and edit photos different ways x
Jenna
One thing I really want to get better at is learning how to use a camera. I’m a nightmare for just shoving it on auto and hoping for the best. I’d love to know how to take decent photos in manual mode.
These photos are fab!!
Michelle Twin Mum
I need to get to better grips with my camera. I’ve become a bit lazy, I like the colour star jump personally. Mich x
Susanna
Very cool pics Emma. I need to take the course too!
Cass@frugalfamily
I always say this but I am determined to master my DSLR x
Pinkoddy
You sound like you are getting your head around it much better than me. Great photos.
Suzanne
Wow Emma, these are brilliant! I went on a photography course (admittedly only one day!) last month and I’ve already forgotten half of it ๐ I was taught how to capture something moving too and I’m not sure I would be able to do it again. You’ve done brilliantly here. My problem is that my brain doesn’t naturally work like this so I have to work even harder at getting it right! All the settings are a minefield aren’t they?
Becky
Awesome shots Emma I never take mine off automatic its going oon my new years list though you have inspired me!
Penny
I am so impressed, I wish my kids would stand still long enough for me to grasp and try stuff. I did a photographing buildings on manual day, it was great because building don’t move! xx
Jo Hutchinson
The photos are looking really good.