Firstly? I have a quiz for you.
Guess who got a nice chunk of BlogHer ad revenue deposited to her account on Wednesday? Guess who then used said ad revenue to order the flash she has been dreaming of (Canon 430EX), complete with a kit of accessory goodies off of eBay?
That would be ME! Christmas is coming early this year. Wheeeeee! It’s been twenty-four hours since I ordered it. Is it too early to start checking the mail box?
It is? CRAP. Patience in not a virtue of mine.
Onwards! It’s Foto Friday! I received some good suggestions via both comments and emails. You guys are brilliant. No, really. You are. Let us see if I can parlay those brilliant suggestions into a cohesive (and maybe even helpful?) blog post.
Lens Love
I had quite a few questions about lenses. I will tell you what I know. It ain’t much, but it’s something.
When Matthew bought me my Rebel, he bought me both the 18-55mm lens and the 55-200mm lens. Further proof that he is amazing, because a zoom lens is one that everyone needs. YOU NEED ONE.
I love to catch candid shots in the yard, and it helps to have a zoom lens to do so and to give the shot any justice. Like this one from the summer.
The whole “changing the lenses” deal was getting old. And annoying. Who wants to lug around two lenses when out and about? Not I.
So. I sold my 55-200mm to a friend and bought an 18-200mm lens. No more switching, and the lens is very compact. I love it.
(Pauses to lick kiss lens. Then quickly wipes it off because EWWW! Germs on my precioussssss!)
The woman at the photo counter at London Drugs here in town has the same camera as I do. She just bought the 70-300mm lens. It comes with a built in stabilizer, which means that you don’t have to use a tripod to get clear photos. Part of me is tempted, but the other part of me thinks that I’d end up poking one of my kids’ eyes out with that thing. At least that’s what I tell myself to keep my coveting in check.
As for macro lenses? I really don’t know. Once I get one I’ll fill you in. Anyone out there use a macro lens? Got any suggestions for the rest of us?
FOCUS, baby.
I had some questions about focusing on a particular portion of the frame, like on the eyes of your child instead of, say, the tree in the background. I was also asked why it is that in some peoples’ photos the eyes really stand out.
When you are using the automatic settings on your camera, did you ever get frustrated when you would push the shutter button halfway down and the focus would not go where you wanted it to? So you would move the camera slightly, press the shutter again, and still have a focusing issue? Would you then get frustrated and start grumbling under your breath because your photo subject had now run off and there wasn’t even a photo to show for all of your pressing of the shutter button?
Have I got a solution for you!
We are still in the Av (Aperture priority) mode. Pick your ISO and White Balance. Now, on the Rebel there is a button on the back right with a little grid above it. That is a grid showing all of the focus points. The button is called the point/select button. Shocking, I know.
Look through the viewfinder and tap the shutter button. In the viewfinder you will see the grid of focus points. Hold down the point/select button and use the main dial to scroll through the different focus points. I often keep mine either on the centre point, or just off-centre, depending on the photo. For vertical photos, my focus point will often be at the top, in order to focus on the eyes of one of my kidlets.
The Pioneer Woman did a Photoshop tutorial last week showing how to make eyes pop. I had not tried it myself yet, but for you guys? I just did it. It works in Photoshop Elements too. Let me show you.
Remember this photo? Of Miss Emily and her blue eyes?
They really are that blue. Sigh.
Here it is, after following Ree’s tutorial on making eyes “pop”.
If you can’t see the difference here (the photos are sized for the web), check out the before and after on Flickr. It really is amazing.
It only took a couple of minutes, including reading the instructions. Try it and see if you like the results. I know I did. A friend of mine is trying to hook me up with a copy of Photoshop and if that happens? I may have to give up sleeping altogether. Photo editing is addictive and once I sit down to do it, hours pass without realizing it. So. Fun.
Did you learn something? Did I help in any way? Are you excited for me that I ordered my flash? Are you as amazed by Emily’s eyes as I am?
Comments and questions always welcome, of course. Happy Friday everyone!
Thanks for the wonderful photo taking tips. Your photos (and especially the kids in them) are beautiful. I definitely can see the difference with your daughter’s eyes in the two images. Amazing what a little editing can do.
Congrats on the new “toy” coming soon. I wish you many happy picture taking moments with it once it arrives.
Now I have officially come out from lurking since I had a minute. It is nice out here!
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I’m going to give that tutorial a shot!
I would recommend that you get the 50mm lens. It’s my absolute favorite lens — since it’s 1.4f, you can really shoot in low light AND make your photos look extra arty. And it’s a bargain: only about $300. Plus, you can get that telephoto effect without lugging around a heavy-ass lens. AND, you can get a macro extension tube for about $120, I think. It’s like two lenses for the price of one.
That being said, I’m totally going to look into that 300mm, because I’m jonesing for a real telephoto!
Emily’s eyes are so beautiful. They’re like sapphires! I’m going to give that tutorial a shot this weekend.
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I couldn’t understand some parts of this article o.us poetry, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.
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I use the 70-300mm without image stabilization and it works fine for me — since the f-stop is at it’s lowest 4.5 it’s really only meant for outdoor or flash photography, so I haven’t had any real problems with camera shake. And it’s only about $300.
My next purchase will probably be a macro lens. I don’t really have any suggestions except that I think they rock — I love close-up photography. And ditto to Nabbalicious’ suggestion on the fixed 50mm — those lenses are awesome too, and if you want to go a bit cheaper, I think you can get an f1.8 one for less than $100! But since they don’t zoom, it means you’re changing lenses more than usual. Anyway, thanks for foto fridays — it’s nice to indulge in some photogeek talk with someone who understands
And yes, Emily really does have beautiful eyes.
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I got my check too!! Only with mine, I’ll be able to go to Starbucks and enjoy a latte.
Between you and PW, I’m learning all sorts of cool things!! I have a Nikon, so all the bells and whistles are in different places.
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These are making me want to buy a better camera… sigh. I might have to consider ads although my 5 loyal readers might laugh:-)
Oh and we may go on a tropical vacation too, gotta stop buying boots!
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Hey Angella. I am so jealous. Of your lens and your flash
And of your Blogher check. I’m going to have to look into that, but I don’t think my blog traffic will qualify. Somehow having 10 people a week commenting just doesn’t cut it – haha.
On the macro lens…I just bought one and I love it!!! It is an EF-S60MM f/2.8 Macro USM – got it from Amazon. It was close to $400 for it…but I think it’ll be worth it. I took a few pics with it that I posted on my blog…but I haven’t gotten to use it much yet. I will though so stay tuned!
Anyway, I think a macro lens is a great investment, but I think a telephoto is more essential. I need to get one of those next. (Right after I rob a 7-11)
Dana
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Uh huh … I want that lens.
Like REALLY want that lens
I could do so much – and I would practice … so as not to poke out any eyes.
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Great tutorial! I will remember (no, refer back) to these tips when I get my digital SLR. One day.
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Yay! I heart Foto Friday! I’m saving up for a 70-200mm lens. I’m afraid the switching will annoy me too, but the price difference is too big. Oh well, it’ll be better than nothing! =)
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where’s my check? guess I need to put in some more overtime.
Thanks for the eye bit. I’m going to get on that this weekend.
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I’m bookmarking this post and then naming my first child after you.
Girl or not.
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You’re such a riot. I love it.
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I am SO WITH YOU on the not-sleeping-anymore thing. Photo editing is highly addictive.
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It’s amazing how thrilling (and essential!) a new camera can be. Those were our wedding gifts to each other: new cameras, woot!
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Lucky you!!! I think I am going to order myself a book for “dummies” so I can get some of the basics. And as for Emily? HEARTBREAKER!
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Perfect timing – I am in lens thinking mode right now for my new Canon 40D. I REALLY want the 24-70 f2.8 but can’t find it for the money I want to pay, *sob.* Any other suggestions in that range? 200 and 300 are too long for me.
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Your children are beautiful! I love your photo tips since I’m so new at all this. I also hate changing lenses so I end up using my zoom lense alot but in the end I have many face close-up. Not bad, but I want to be able to tell a story with my pictures.
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Great tips. For the macro, you can just buy close-up lens on amazon and slap it on your telephoto. They cost around $40-100. Really cheap, tends to do the trick. I ordered the 55-250mm IS last month and they still haven’t released it, so I’m waiting for that.
-Lisa
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