Photography
I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures. But my interest in serious photography began when I began to look for a photographer for my Fall 2008 wedding. I found so many beautiful and inspiring photos on the internet – it’s amazing how a single shot can so accurately convey mood, feeling, and personality.
I wondered, can I do that?
Fast forward several months later. The wedding is over (you can read about it here: pre-wedding fun (including a skating party and brewery tour!), getting ready, the ceremony, between the ceremony and reception, and the reception), and our pictures were amazing. I began to research and save for a DLSR. AND THEN! I found a contest online, entered it, and won a DLSR camera! Thrilling!
And ever since, I’ve been practicing. Using my DLSR whenever possible. Taking classes. Reading online forums. Learning how to edit the photos online. I’m not a pro – I’m far from it. But I’m happy where I’m at on my photography journey, and I’m thrilled when I get the occasional money shot.
Here are a few of my favorites:
If you’re interested in booking a {free} photography session, email me at jen.in.the.country@gmail.com – I’d love to practice on some new subjects and will provide you with a CD of all images taken during the session. I’m located in SW Michigan, but frequently drive through Chicago and Milwaukee, and would be happy to arrange something there as well.
Sure, I would love a free session, but do you do hair and make up also?
May I make an appointment for early April? Do you have a lense that removes 50 pounds (or more)?
Elaine loves photography also; you two can have a good time chatting!
That was a great contest, wasn’t it?
You’ve done such a great job with your photography over the past year…it’s fun to watch you improve. What classes have you taken and what are your favorite online forums?
That was a great contest!
I love what you’ve done with your camera, too. If only I had a set of adorable boys to photograph with my camera, too!
I took a class a few weeks ago from a photographer in Milwaukee, and that really helped me to get on all-manual settings (although, I’m still perfecting that!). Other than that, I usually just google specific questions when I have them, or get ideas for new poses to try from I *heart* faces and the Pioneer woman (love her photography!). What about you? Have you been in classes or on online forums?
I took a workshop a couple of weeks ago from a local photographer, too, which also helped me move to manual (I really liked shooting in AV, but now I can take more control). I’m super excited,too, because in my search on craigslist to upgrade my camera (I’m looking to buy a used 5D), I found a local photographer whose work I adore. I asked her if she recommended any courses, and she said she actually recommended shadowing a pro on their shoots…then she invited me to come along and shoot with her!!!! Ahhh!!! How fun would that be? That’s exactly what I’ve been looking to do. I feel like I’ll learn so much more by watching a “real” shoot!
She even said I could get paid for giving her my shots on a CD afterwards. Score!
I also follow a ton of photography blogs….I Heart Faces, Pioneer Woman, Momtog, Coffeeshop Actions (this is a great one for free actions on PSE), Prop Insanity…and I google tutorials or read forums. I’m totally addicted. Even thinking of taking my hobby to the next level. We’ll see.
Hey…what lenses do you use and are you looking to upgrade cameras?
Hey Jenn this is great. Wow! So I am thinking about an upgrade for my Canon (heard you were also in the market). Basically want a better lens for fish pictures, candid people shots and yes someday even grandchildren. I was thinking about something like an 18-100mm lens F2.something. I heard you were going with straight 50 mm. Any thoughts? Also going to purchase HD video camera…again any thoughts.
Here’s what I know about lenses (which isn’t much).
The lower end of the range, 10-28 or so, will take beautiful scenery pics (good for Alaska scenery!), and ~ 50ish seems to be a good range for portraits (so when Barb catches that big ole fish, you can snap a photo of her grin), and the 100 + mm will be good for more zoomed in pictures (bald eagles?).
I’ve noticed that, with my F4 lens, it becomes tricky to take nice pictures in low-light settings (like indoor family get-togethers). I have to bump up my ISO to make the camera sensitive enough for low light, which results in grainy pictures. Otherwise, I have to slow the shutter speed way down, which means that my subjects have to sit very still or the picture is blurred. So for my next lens, I will look for a F1-2.
I’ve heard of this website: http://www.rentglass.com that allows you to rent a lens so that you can try it before you buy it. I think the lens you’re talking about is probably pretty pricey, so it might be worth it. I’m currently using my mom’s 85-200mm F4 lens on my camera – if you or Barb wanted to try that out, I’d be happy to bring it over!
I’ve got my eye on a 50mm F1.4 lens… I’m thinking fixed length because it’s a bit cheaper and because I’m interested in doing more portrait type photos, so I think 50 would be a good length. Otherwise, I’m a little interested in the 35mm, too.
(If anyone else on here has thoughts/knowledge about lenses, feel free to step in!)
thanks, when I get a bit more serious (next month or two) I’ll check back. Had the same thoughts on F4 issues. Maybe I can talk you into going lens shopping with us and then we will take you and the new guy out to dinner.
Hey! I have the 50mm 1.8, but I’d love to get the 1.4 for even better pics. It definitely is a fast lens that I can use indoors in low lighting since the aperture opens up so wide and lets in more light. And of course, I take lots of portrait pics of my boys, nieces, and nephews, so it comes in handy. I also want a better walkaround lens…the kit lens just isn’t the best.
great shots Jen — especially the first one – it’s my favorite!