For a start, it's far less disappointing than the first batch, although I am still making some beginner's mistakes, like, for instance, having subjects out of focus. I have a picture of Andrej standing by the pool with ducks in the zoo--I wanted his face to be in focus, but instead I focused on the ducks. How did that happen? I think I need to learn how to focus on subjects which are not in the center of the frame, but rather to the left or right of it.
I did learn something from that first film and that is not to go for big apertures when shooting on bright sunny days at noon. In fact, I also learned that it is probably a good idea not to shoot at all on a bright sunny day at noon, because the shadows are unforgiving, and everything looks very harsh, especially human faces. So I graduated from washed out to harsh, which is not ideal, but let's agree to call it a step in the right direction.
In the meantime my "Understanding Exposure" by Brian Petersen arrived, and I read it almost in one go. I liked his approach more than that of Scott Kelby (whose books I browsed in Julochka's Blue Room during Blog Camp 2.0) but the problem is I don't like his photos much--they look cliched. And while I like the way he describes exposure and the interplay between the light and aperture, shutter speed and ISO, I think by now I know enough of the basics and I want to go a bit further (if that makes sense).
Of course, what do I do then but reach for another book. This time I did my own snooping around Amazon and I came across something called "Langford's Basic Photography: The guide for serious photographers." The "serious" bit got me (such an easy marketing prey) and then one of the reviews mentioned something about having to have a "scientific slant" to appreciate the book and that sealed the deal.
Finally, last time I was moaning about analogue experiment number 1 Kristina asked me to at least post some images of my photos (since I can't post the originals, them being on paper). So here they are, snaps of the snaps:
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9 comments:
I'm following your analogue experiment attentively! :-) I bought a book by Scott Kelby, and although I've learned a thing or two from it I find it hard to stand him... let me know if the new book is good - I also think the "scientific slant" sounds good :-)
thanks for indulging me and snapping the snaps! I really like them, especially the ones in your second and third photo!
and thank you for your interesting question on my latest blog post, I've answered it now :-)
Just wanted to say hello here as well...I'm becoming a true fan of your blogs, dear.
Kisses,
Aleksandra
Kristina--Let's see if the "scientific slant" book lives up to expectations. I mean, now that we figured out the fractions, how hard can it be?!
Aleksandra, welcome here and kisses to you, too :)
Looks like you are learning lots.
Try this focusing tip of subjects that not in center of camera.(if you are not already)
Place your main subject in centre of the frame and focus by holding the shutter button half way down. While still holding the shutter button half way, re-compose your image the way you want it and press the shutter fully down, taking the photo.
Thank you, Liss! I thought I was doing that already but evidence shows otherwise. Have to be more careful next time with that shutter button.
Snaps of snaps! Where will it end?
I'm a hopeless photographer and just click away with my digital until I get something half decent. In some ways, it's quite exciting as I never know how my photos will turn out.
Dumdad--with you, it's almost like shooting analogue, then, because I also have no idea how it is all going to turn out. In fact, I very often forget what I shot and why I did that in the first place :)
You're making me want to pick up a film camera as well. It makes it more interesting if you don't know instantly what the photo is like. Keep telling us about it, and whether you enjoy the books!
How super! I'm in awe of you shooting film, I'm just too impatient. yes the mid day sun is very harsh and unforgiving, it bleaches the colour out of everything. Plus you either end up with people screwing up their eyes, or harsh shadows across their face.
But if you need to shoot in such conditions then a smaller aperture is the way to go.
Liss' tip re recomposing is a good one. Depending on the camera, you may have different focus points which you can see through the viewfinder...which you can select using a button somewhere!
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