First, let me explain my background in photography. I have a minor in photography but, what does that mean? I have only taken three classes....one was strictly film photography which as we all know (and I personally miss) is obsolete. The second class was how to incorporate photography into painting such as, printmaking, photo transfer, and collage. The third class was digital photography. You are probably thinking okay she knows what she is talking about...nope! My professor used that class to teach photo editing, Lightroom, and Photoshop (both photo editing software). She never taught us about the actual camera we were using. But, I do know how to edit! I purchased a "nice" camera, an Olympus with a glass lens and digital screen. But you know what I did....set it onto "auto" and clicked away. So when I give advice on photography, you know my background. I do know some things but not much.
Yesterday, I spent the morning setting up a mini photo studio and took pictures of my son's first Christmas. I hung Christmas lights, threw some ornaments around and put a cute outfit on him. I used my mom's advice (no she is not a photographer but a forever teacher) and took TONS of photos. Then I uploaded them to the computer and found three that were decent. That is the advice, take a lot and find the few that work. I did turn my flash off while taking the pictures to capture the Christmas lights. I was even daring enough to set my camera to "night portrait" mode to try something new. I have the somewhat knowledge to know that because the Christmas lights are dim that I needed my shutter to be open longer to capture them. The shutter speed is the speed at which your camera's shutter (the device that opens and closes to let light in to take a picture) functions. (See I do know some things...). I currently do not have Photoshop or Lightroom which are great software to edit photos with so I looked online for some free editing software. Here is the link below to what I used. It is very similar to Photoshop but without as many bells and whistles.
http://apps.pixlr.com/editor/
I managed to get my photos edited and sent off to Shutterfly for Christmas cards. I usually use Walgreens but lately I have been bored with their selection so I have been using Shutterfly. They are expensive but I had tons of coupons so it worked. And no they are not paying me to say that.
Here is the photo I edited and sent away for cards. I just love it and of course my little boy in it!
One more piece of advice, something I am always trying to remind myself. When looking at photos on a computer you have to remember your light source. It comes from behind the screen which illuminates the photo. Well when you go get them printed out the light comes from the room which tends to make the photo appear darker. So lighten your photos a little more then usual before sending them off to print so when you get them they look just right.
Have fun taking pictures! Come back again to see what new advice I have to give.
Also remember my paintings and photos are on sale now for the season click the link below to look at them and possibly but them.
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