Thursday, April 28, 2011

Project 2011 - Week 17

Thanks again to Cate (my New Zealand bloggy friend) at Moments of Whimsey, our Project 2011 sponsor. Head on over to her blog and check out what's happening with goals around the world.

Princess had a week off from riding, but is anxious to get back to it this weekend. LK continues to collect parts (it's a slow process) to build the Harley.

As for me, let's take a look at my goals.

Goal 1: Learn how to use my camera.

Well, after last week's photography class, I did a lot of soul searching and class analyzing. I decided to drop the class, as it just isn't working for me. He taught us a bit about ISO, shutter speed, aperture and white balance and said the best way to learn is to play with it. Next we're heading into composition. Well, I think my composition is already pretty darn good (if I do say so myself). One very important thing I did learn from the class was this. Photography, my photography, is all about me. I have to like it. If others do, great! If not, oh well!

Still, I know I'm not done learning and I want to understand ISO, shutter speed, aperture and white balance better. Thanks to Cate, I found a helpful blog, Life With My 3 Boybarians who is a photographer and has an awesome series -- 31 Days to a Better Photograph.

I will still go out one night a week and work on my photography. This past week I spent a few hours in our local library's quiet lounge room. There was a crackling fire in the fireplace and cozy chairs. I read through 4 or 5 days of posts, underlined, took notes, and played a little with my camera. And it was awesome! I feel like I learned a lot, too!

I'm also beginning to understand editing a little more. Here is one photo edited different ways. The photo was taken in MANUAL mode. My new favorite mode. Who knew?! Manual mode used to scare the crap out of me.




Which one do you like best?

Goal 2: Learn to sew. 
I've gotten some books from the library and plan to start making gift bags soon. I'm really excited about that!

Goal 3: Do the Slow Burn/Slow Lift (or whatever you want to call it) workout. 
Yes folks, I got back to the gym this week. I was limited to an upper body workout, but I did quite the workout and was rather sore for a few days. 

I hope you all are accomplishing some goals, too!

8 comments:

  1. I loved the 31 days to a better photograph series. Lots of good info!

    I like the second black and white best with more contrast. B&W can be tricky to do right. I see so many B&W photos that look more black and gray than black and white. I like the color shot too with the little purple flowers. :)

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  2. I think I like the first one best. But, it's hard to say!
    Sorry the class didn't work out for you, but good on you for being aware of that and dropping it. Dh is really, really good at explaining things. Bring your camera to LiG and sit down with him for awhile. Ask him all your questions and he'll walk you through it. And it will give him something to do at the conference. :-)

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  3. I like the colour pic. But then I know nothing about photography and I really like purple.

    I also love the subject matter. Who hasn't sat down and given one of their feet a good barefoot scratch with the other one? It's one of the greatest things about being bi-pedal with apposing digits.

    What? I see things. I think of it as a gift. :D

    Hugs

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  4. Aliceson, I am totally digging the 31 days!!

    RasJane, I have to remember to bring my camera to LIFE is Good. I have to find a quiet corner to drag your husband to so we can talk cameras.

    Sheri, you don't have to know about photography to know what you like. :-) It's so interesting to hear which photo people like and why. I like them all for different reasons. And I seem to be obsessed with Princess' feet lately.

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  5. I'm still struggling with my dry old photography course too - can see it never getting done. I prefer to read blogs, get inspired and play.

    Glad that you like Darcy's blog, and you need to look up Patty's from my links (Finding Serendipity) as she has a once a week manual mode link up.

    Your pics are great - you go girl!

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  6. I hear you, Cate! There is a ton of information out there on blogs and such. Thanks for the Finding Serendipity rec. I am now following her blog. Freckles and another friend also want to learn more about photography, so we may be getting together and helping each other learn. FUN!!!

    Glad you like the pics, too! I can totally see a change in my abilities over the months. Yippee!! =)

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  7. I like the first one best because it's sorta soft-ish and a teeny bit blurry.
    One day I'm gonna learn me some camera stuff!

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  8. It's so interesting to see which version people choose! I think it proves that photography and art are very personal things. If you ever want to delve into the world of photography, Sheila, I highly recommend the 31 days link in this post. It is super helpful!!

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