Week 9 - End of the Month Fun

This week's challenge is to just take a picture of something fun!  Have fun with your camera and let your imagination roll!!

Week 8 - Catchlights

Have you ever looked at a fashion magazines and just looked to see what makes the models look so warm and inviting? What about when you are just looking at a make up campaign where the focus is mostly just on the eyes?  It's that white spot that gives your eye a glimmer of life to it.  If you just look into your mirror right now you'll notice that you have that in your eyes.  It's usually the light is reflecting off something and is catching your eye!!

Catching the light basically means that you want the light to catch them (the eyes) so that it gives the subject that you are taking a picture of life and sparkle. It's light that shines on your subjects face and eyes that reflect the eyes and give them amazing detail & color. It's what happens when you just look at the one picture and are amazed that you were able to capture that special spark which makes you want to take that picture of your subject over and over again.  It's difficult to get pictures with catch lights if you aren't paying attention but if you practice and are aware of your surroundings you can get really good at it!   I am not very good at being consistent at getting shots with catch lights but my goal is to be more aware and to try to get some really good shots.  Also catch lights are great and good if you can get them but if you are trying to take pictures of kids or trying to capture the moment go for just taking pictures of the moment then getting your picture technically perfect!!  Also your best bet for taking good pictures with catch lights if you just have more of a portrait type picture (more of a close up picture than a full body photo)

How to get great catch lights is to make sure your subject is facing an open light source that is not directly hitting their face. So in your house have your subject sit or stand by an open window, facing the open window but not in the actual light.  When you are outside go to the shade and spin them until you can see the light hitting their eyes (usually facing the sun in the shade)!

Your assignment for this week is to get some good catch light pictures of your kiddos, animals, yourself, etc!!  Good luck! 

Week 7 - Romance

This week it's the most romantic week in the world.  Okay maybe not but Valentines is this week.  I have no real challenge or explaination for this week only that this week's challenge could be a fun one!!   

Your challenge this week is to take a picture of something that you find romantic (it could be literal, abstract,etc.) Have fun and enjoy!!

Happy Valentines!

Week 6 - Aperture Part 1

Aperture is the fancy word for the blurryness of your background (or foreground) depending on how you focus.   Aperture is alsot talked about in f/stops.....you can have f/ stops of f/1.2 all the way up to f/22. The confusing thing about Aperture is that when photographers are talking about the blurryness (bokeh) and complete in focus of a photo is when people are talking about it they say that they have the maximum aperture they are usually talking about a small number usually an f/stop of 1.2 all the way to f/4 which is when you get your subject nice and your background has a nice blurry background (bokeh).  A miniumum aperture is when you have a larger number usually an f/stop of 11 all the way up to f/22 which is when you have your subject and your background all sharp and crisp (the higher the number f/22 the more everything is in focus). 

Here is your assignment for the week.  Take a picture using a maxiumum aperture (a small number -- try using the lowest number that your lens or your camera has) and then take a picture using a minumum aperture (a large number -- try using the highest number that your lens or camera has).  Have fun and enjoy!!