Saturday, January 5, 2013

Let me ask you a personal question...

Don't be mad.  Don't be offended.... I feel like we've known each other for a while now and it is time to get it all out in the open and ask "THE" question....

What settings do you use on your camera??  
There I asked it....  Phew... 

Instagram Photo
© Corrie M Avila

I don't know why, but for some reason this seems to be such a personal question.  When I first started taking photos I used the presets.  I would move my little dial around to match the icon with what I was taking a photo of.  This wasn't because I was super happy with the results.... it was because I didn't understand the technical part of the camera.  I was overwhelmed with the settings and it all seemed to be in another language.  I read books, watched tutorials, had my husband explain it to me with drawings and everything... but I still could not figure it out.  I became REALLY frustrated because I knew what I wanted to do composition wise, but I never EVER was able to achieve the results I wanted.

Then one day I meet a photographer who offers to help (insert angels singing and rays of light shining down on this moment :).  Little did she know I would take her up on it (buahahaha).  Seriously though, she has been a God-send.  We planned a photo day and I remember sitting together on a rock near a river.  We both had our cameras out.... she would tell me what settings she was using and then I put my camera to the same settings.  She walked me through it step by step and showed the patience of a saint. I would not be where I am today if it were not for her.  So now I am paying it forward.

I will be starting a series of tutorials on how to shoot in "M" (manual) mode.  I personally use a Canon, but the basics are the same whether you have a Canon, a Nikon, or something else.  I hope to explain the basics of your camera to you in an easy to understand way.

I did not get the full concept immediately.  I took what I learned that day home with me and practiced.  I remember the exact moment I took a photo completely in manual mode.  I was sitting on my couch watching my son play with his toy truck on the coffee table.  The light was shining though the window on the truck and was creating a reflection on the table.  I grabbed my camera, gritted my teeth, and gave it a whirl.  It took a few shots to achieve the look I was going for, but I did it :)  I'm not gonna lie, I did a little dance!  And just like that... everything clicked and I had my lightbulb moment.  My hope is that you will have yours as well.

My Son's Toy Truck and My FIRST Manually Exposed Photograph :)
ISO 2500 ~ 75mm ~ f/11 ~ 1/20 sec
© Corrie M Avila

If you don't know what those settings mean now, you will by the time we finish the tutorials.  Basically, I still had no idea what my ISO should be (so I left it in automatic ~ hence the number of 2500).  It should really be no higher than 200 in this situation.  And my aperture (f-stop) should be a much smaller number... This photograph is raw in it's chemical make-up ~ with a high ISO, a too small aperture, and highlights that are blown out... but it is mine :)  Everyone has to start somewhere and this is my pride and glory.

Now it's time to buckle up, sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy the ride!  I look forward to starting this journey with you all <3

Capturing the Moment

Corrie <3

10 comments:

  1. I need a real camera!!! But, even without it, I am going to "attend" your tutorials, so that when I finish saving up for a "real" camera, and you get to be my photogenic photography "angel", I will at least be familiar with all the terms and concepts you grew to understand and use so well yourself! And perhaps you will be there, all ready, "capturing the moment" that I get to have my own manual photographic aha!
    Love, Mom
    p.s. Did you notice that your blog is almost 1/2 year old???

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    1. I figured it was about to the 6 month mark but wasn't sure! My business anniversary is coming up in February and my Blog just passed 2000 views :) I am very happy with the progress everything has made and look forward to where we will be in another 6 months!!

      I am happy that you are excited about taking this journey with me! Well, you don't have much of a choice since you are my mom :) haha

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  2. I have an Olympus "digital camera" - and still not even clear on the presets. Do you think I can "attend" the tutorials as well? Do you think there's hope?

    xo auntie

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    1. There is always hope! Can you send me the model number/name of the camera so I can look it up? Basically if you have the ability to go to "M" (manual mode) you will have the ability to use your camera in full manual mode. But even if you don't have that option, I hope for the tutorials to still be benificial in understanding how the camera works <3

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    2. Oh, thank goodness! It's an Olympus Stylus 740.

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    3. So glad ur kicking in on this class too, sis! Soon our family get-to-gethers will be better documented with better pictures from more people!!!

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  3. I just stumbled across your blog and I am so glad I did. So glad that I am hearing little angles now now...haha

    I also have a cannon (rebel) that I haven't truly explored. Photography is something I am promising myself to study a little more this year. Because I really do like it. I have even signed up for a basics class. I am looking forward to this! Thank you. :-)

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    1. I am so happy to have you join us! If you come across any questions during the tutorials, please do not hesitate to ask ~ my email is travelingheartsphotography@blogspot.com

      ~ Corrie

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    2. Have you seen the first tutorial? I just put it up on Saturday... Hyperlink Code

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