Hi everyone! Foto Friday is back!
I am sure that the five of you who enjoy it are giddy with excitement. The rest of you are welcome to stick around for the photos.
One thing that I thought would be helpful (for the newcomers, at least) would be to tell you what the heck Foto Friday is.
This past summer, two photographer friends of mine showed me how to use the manual functions of my camera. I was excited! And inspired! And wanted to explain the technical crap in a way that everyone would understand.
Because once you get it?
SO COOL.
If you woke up on Christmas morning and received the beautiful gift of a digital SLR, it may be good to go to the Foto Friday archives and start at the beginning. I *think* I did an OK job of starting at the beginning of the learning curve and explaining it IN ENGLISH.
I thought I would also give a run down in list form of what has been covered so far. I have the Foto Friday category over on the right, but a list is always easier to navigate.
Here is what we have covered when it comes to the manual settings on your camera.
The Technical Stuff:
Posts regarding the technical details:
- An explanation of Aperture and of using the Aperture Priority (Av) mode
- An explanation of ISO
- The meaning of White Balance
- Using the Shutter Priority (Tv) Mode – better photos in low light!
- How to use the fully manual mode
Post about other neat camera stuff:
- High Dynamic Range Editing (HDR)
- Backups and bracketing
- Watermarking your photos
- Lenses and focus (including how to make eyes “pop”)
- Why you need a 50mm lens
- Photo editing (What programs people suggested)
In other recap news…
The Etsy Stuff
I referred to my Etsy shop the other day to show how I planned to put myself out there, regardless of the consequences (or lack thereof). Then a bunch of you stinkers sweet women went and actually ordered prints! Stinkers! Sweet thangs! For this, you get a shout out. In order of, um, orders:
- Michele V – no blog, but the most faithful commenter EVER.
- Momma K
- The Over-Thinker
- She Likes Purple
- Michele
- mommyknows
I emailed all of the photos to the professional photo lab in our small town. When I popped in to pick up the prints he asked me what this “Etsy” thing was that I had referred to in my email. We got to chatting about photography, and cameras (samesies!) and photo editing, etcetera, etcetera.
At the end of our conversation, he asked me if I would be interested in working with him. He is a technical guy, but is not a fan of the “family photo shoot”.
He would teach me studio photography and I would use my woman’s intuition for good photo composition.
Bonus? I will get paid.
Awesome.
The New Idea:
Loaralee (She of the brilliant idea to use a Flickr badge for the My Internets Flickr pool) emailed me last week with a stellar idea. Or at least I think it is stellar.
She wrote:
“I think it would be cool if you did a regular spot and took photos from your readers and “Fixed Them” you know, Photoshop, pointing out errors in composition, etc….
I have been looking and watching for someone to do this and haven’t seen it anywhere.”
Before I proceed, I feel that I should reiterate my original disclaimer.
I AM NOT A WRITER OR PHOTOGRAPHER BY TRADE. I AM A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT WHO POSTS DRIVEL ABOUT HER KIDLETS AND TAKES A BILLION PHOTOS OF THEM DAILY IN THE HOPES THAT I GET *ONE* GOOD SHOT.
*Ahem*
Now that we have that straight, what do you guys thing of Loralee’s idea? Would any of you want to email me photos and have me give tips and editing tricks?
Bonus for me? Content.
Bonus for you? Linkage.
Thoughts?
Or do you just want me to ramble on about how much I have been loving my macro lens lately?
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It has given me a great excuse to buy myself flowers. Which has been horrible. Really.
I have also been learning more about the editing side of photography, which I could ramble on about for DAYS.
So? What say you, peeps of mine?
(PS – Have you voted? You do not need to register or anything! Just click!)
:O
Correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s the second offer you’ve had in the past little while, to do professional-ish photography, isn’t it?
THAT’S AWESOME. Putting yourself out there is already starting to pay off! I would take this as a sign that you should DEFINITELY continue “playing” with your camera and lenses! You’ve got the talent for it, and other people (not just your readers!) are noticing! Good job, Madam!
Meg’s last blog post..Major Exercise!
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Ok so I would love to send you pictures and get tips on editing. I am useless when it comes to editing so yay for the lady who suggested it. And ps… I LOVE foto friday too. Always have. I am pretty useless when it comes to our SLR too but your blog has been teaching me in a language I can understand.
Susie’s last blog post..W.O.W.
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i really need to get a new camera. mine just can’t do nifty stuff.
beautiful flowers!
sizzle’s last blog post..I Used to Dis Robes
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Will these tips help people like me with a little ole Cybershot digital camera?
SouthernBelle’s last blog post..Responsibility
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I could totally send you photos for critique. And then your advice should be, “Um Jill… maybe you should take more than 2.4 seconds to compose and take that shot before moving on to something different.”
But I’d also like to learn about using and composing shots with my macro lens more. I need to go back through all the Foto Friday stuff, since it started before I got my DSLR. Maybe that will help me product a photo that is actually fairly decent!
Jill – GlossyVeneer’s last blog post..Marathon: Free Stuff
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Giddy!!
I almost hyperventilated when I got to the “send me your photos I will fix you” part. Because I am crazy. And sleep deprived.
Hills’s last blog post..You Make Me Happy When Skies Are Grey
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Omigod, what I would not give for some good, honest critiquing/fixing tips. Pick me! Pick me!
Karla’s last blog post..Kitty Root Canal
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Hey, sorry about you having to buy flowers and everything. THAT sucks [rolls eyes]. I say you to tackle the photo critique AND the studio work. So much to learn and share. Do it, do it!
reddirtroad’s last blog post..Nice Guy’s Perspective
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ps. Loved the Lenses and Focus tutorial. I just tried The Pioneer Woman’s Photoshop eye tutorial, and wow! So awesome.
Karla’s last blog post..Kitty Root Canal
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I voted! And, I have a photo which I love, but it has some damage on the surface. I would love to know how to restore it.
witchypoo’s last blog post..You Have to Hear This!
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Yay! I am so excited for you! You will be a great photographer… er I mean you already are a great photographer but even better if you get to it as a paying gig!
Yay! Yay!
Oh but don’t stop doing CASB here and there because we would all miss you way too much.
And on the photo editing thing. Let me know when and where and I am so there! Although with my skills you will have your work cut out for you
Kami’s last blog post..My Little Son
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Wow! Good for you! How exciting to get PAID for your hobby;)
I think your friend’s idea is a great one! Everyone would be learning all around;)
I’m off to vote again:)
Randi’s last blog post..Party Like You?re Two!
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SOunds like things are going very very well for you, in the camera department. I’ll be going back thru Foto Fridays, when I get some time.. argh
Happy Weekend.
Elizabeth’s last blog post..I think I can, I think I can?
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I think it’s a great idea for the photo editing. I am infatuated with photography but do not own an SLR… I do have manual settings on my camera though so now I’m going to have to read up on your previous entries!
K’s last blog post..Snow day!
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YAY FOR FOTO FRIDAYS BEING BACK!!!! WAHOOO!!!!!!
It’s so neat that you keep getting sweet opportunities for taking pictures!! And getting paid for it!! How sweet is that?
Were you talking about me there when you said the thing about the SLR under the Christmas tree? hehehe … I KNOW I have to go back!!! I think I’ll do that tomorrow … I KNOW I’ll to it tomorrow … and I’m totally asking for a tripod for my birthday because my 3 inch one just doesn’t cut it!
Jen’s last blog post..Stair Master
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Firstly, HUGE props to you for being offered studio photography work!!!
You know I don’t have an SLR (and I won’t be getting one anytime soon) but the other day I actually decided to read my camera manual. Lo and behold, I actually have MANUAL SETTINGS on there!! I recognised words like aperture, ISO, white balance, etc FROM YOUR POSTS!! So now I am going to have to go back and re-read your tutorials and try and apply them. Who knew I had manual settings?? I guess it pays to read the manual, huh? I’ve had this camera for over 3 years and I didn’t know!!
So here’s hoping I can improve my photography now! And if that fails, then yes I will take up your critque offer. Why not?
Hannah’s last blog post..Gratitude journal
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Beautiful photos as usual, there’s no doubt about it, you’ve got a talent. I’m so happy Foto Friday is back! You should absolutely go in the biz with that guy, and I’d love the editing tips.
Ashley’s last blog post..“Watch out for that Pot-…”
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I think this is a great, GREAT, idea. You can tell us 1) how you would have taken it differently (in terms of composition) but also how you would have edited it differently (or edited it period). I love this idea.
I’m going to sift through pictures tonight and send them off
She Likes Purple’s last blog post..Things I want you to know about
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YAY! YAY! YAY!
I am so excited for you!!
I’m also totally hyped that you like my idea!
(I have a couple of photos to send you. I’ll do it now)
Loralee’s last blog post..Sing, sing, sing. Dance, dance, dance. Cough, cough, cough. Die, die, die.
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I like photo Friday’s just because I get to see photos. Not because I learn anything, but that’s only because I’m photo challenged. Oh and my link to my blog is wrong. Which is totally my fault since I forget to change the site url until today.
Can’t wait for my sunflower print! 
Kristie’s last blog post..Three posts in one day! What is the world coming to?!
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Ya’ know what the difference between amateur and professional is? MONEY… – Just because you didn’t go to school and get a degree in something, doesn’t mean you’re not a professional.
To conclude:
(Photography + money) + you = professional photographer.
Heh. I just used an equation.
Michele’s last blog post..funkyness
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Thank you so very muchly for the shout out! I canNOT wait to get the photos.
I am going to look through my over-exposed, blurry, terribly unfocused pictures and try to pick out the very worst. This is a daunting task as I’m such a terrible photographer. Seriously? I’ll probably have to tell you what the subject of the photo really is. I’m THAT talented. I can make a flower look like a sock.
The Over-Thinker’s last blog post..Footwear Fridays II
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And? I voted!
The Over-Thinker’s last blog post..Footwear Fridays II
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Is it possible to be a “photoholic”? I think I just may be one! I LOVE the pictures and the angles…So creative! It sounds like you could gain great experience with the photo lab guy! Before long, you’ll be the one giving lessons!
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P.S. How’s Emily’s fingers?
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Wow! That is so great for you! Congratulations. Also, I would LOVE to send you photos and have you critique them as I just got a new SLR.
What a great idea you and your friend have!! I hope Emily’s little fingers are doing better.
Alexandria’s last blog post..Adventures in Chilliwack
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Hi Angella,
I think that is a great idea! I really wish I had a great camera. I love to take pictures but I just have a simple digital. One day I will splurge on a good camera. Just wanted you to know that I started a new blog and now added my website. Check it out if you’d like! Have a good rest of the weekend!
Shelly’s last blog post..The Story
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Voted for ya sista!!! I hope you win!! Your writting and your photography make me evious of you, so like the typical little sister I plan to aspire to be JUST LIKE YOU!! I will never get there when it comes to writting as nicely as you but I do plan on doing some more rambling posts. LOL!! As for the photography I will be a sponge for your knowledge
I plan on taking all of my “me-computer time” to go over all of your Foto Friday stuff and SOAK IT UP!!! Expect some phone calls. LOL!!! You’ll have to let us all know when the results from the vote comes in.
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