Conquering the Lens
This week's spin cycle is conquering fear.
I like taking photos. Wait, make that I LOVE taking photos because the camera instinctually makes the person smile. A momentary little high in life. Have you ever seen someone in a wedding photo unhappy? How about a grumpy six year-old right before they blow out the candles? Yes, there are the occasional photos of some unhappy people. That is a personality issue, not a photo issue. My beloved Uncle Rog hates his photo taken so much he turns his head or looks away from the camera right before the shutter clicks. I only have one photo of him looking at the camera with a smile in his eye. The moment was rigged because it was the first time he held his namesake. He was happy and the photo showed it. This is one of several cherished photos. Photography is a fun hobby with tangible results.
My secret confession is a fear of turning the camera off the "perfect setting" otherwise known as the automatic setting. Thanks to fancy algorithms, a high-tech light sensor and a little brain in the camera's body the machine knowns the correct manipulation setting. My brain knows what each setting represents and the impact it has on the end result. Thanks to professor YouTube, several blogs and printed materials the technical knowledge is there along with the fear of losing the shot. Instead I relay on the camera to grab the moment.
This past fall, I pulled on my big girl pants (literally) and signed up for a beginner photography class. The class is taught at the local high school. This has two distinct advantages. An evening out of the house and one with purpose. Plus Bryan, my husband, makes sure I go to class. No wining or crying child would keep me at home out of guilt. Gotta love a wonderful, caring husband who wants to see his wife fulfill a dream.
For several weeks my camera has been off the automatic setting. I have explored the Aperture Priority Mode, Shutter Priority Mode and Manual Mode. The Manual Mode had mixed results but hopefully with time that will change.
The assignment one week was to take five different shots from the same angle. Each shot needed to have a different egg in focus. This was the perfect opportunity to play with the manual focus option. The perfect setting on the camera is unable to do this exercise.
My next challenge is to purchase and use a new zoom lens.
What have you conquered recently? Tell us about it. Join the Spin Cycle and read/tell us all about your conquer story.
Sharon, The Mayor
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My secret confession is a fear of turning the camera off the "perfect setting" otherwise known as the automatic setting. Thanks to fancy algorithms, a high-tech light sensor and a little brain in the camera's body the machine knowns the correct manipulation setting. My brain knows what each setting represents and the impact it has on the end result. Thanks to professor YouTube, several blogs and printed materials the technical knowledge is there along with the fear of losing the shot. Instead I relay on the camera to grab the moment.
This past fall, I pulled on my big girl pants (literally) and signed up for a beginner photography class. The class is taught at the local high school. This has two distinct advantages. An evening out of the house and one with purpose. Plus Bryan, my husband, makes sure I go to class. No wining or crying child would keep me at home out of guilt. Gotta love a wonderful, caring husband who wants to see his wife fulfill a dream.
For several weeks my camera has been off the automatic setting. I have explored the Aperture Priority Mode, Shutter Priority Mode and Manual Mode. The Manual Mode had mixed results but hopefully with time that will change.
The assignment one week was to take five different shots from the same angle. Each shot needed to have a different egg in focus. This was the perfect opportunity to play with the manual focus option. The perfect setting on the camera is unable to do this exercise.
What have you conquered recently? Tell us about it. Join the Spin Cycle and read/tell us all about your conquer story.
Sharon, The Mayor
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