Blogging and Cameras

I do like to blog, but I like even more to read others’ blogs. . . especially the ones with amazing photography.  The photography I’m talking about will probably never end up on someone’s wall, but it’s the clean, crisp pictures taken for tutorials and before and after’s and all the things I like to look at.

I have always wanted to get into photography but haven’t really had the resources and I guess really haven’t made it a priority.  But, the desire is there, and when I see the beautiful photos on the blogs I follow, I wish I had better pictures to share on my blog.  I guess I have been waiting for a super nice camera – you know the kind that is not a point-and-shoot?

So, when we got some spending money for Christmas, we both wanted to invest in a better camera.  Yes, it is a point-and-shoot – a Canon Powershot SD1400 IS, to be exact, but a nice one.  So, one of my goals this year was to make the most of what I have – and to really read my manual and figure out how to take great pictures with the camera I have.

Over the next few weeks, I will be experimenting and sharing what I’m learning and posting some pictures – probably some really good ones and some not so good while I try to figure this out.  I was really inspired by Funky Junk Interior’s tutorial on taking great close-ups with a point-and-shoot camera.  I thought, “I could do that” . . . and so I will try.

Camera Lesson: 
Taking Pictures with Smart Auto Mode

This Canon has a feature where you can choose 3 modes:  Auto, Manual, and Video.  The Auto mode is the most straightforward, and so I begin there. 

In the Auto setting, the camera will adjust and determine what you need after you point it at your subject.  If there are people in the picture, it will frame several faces.  If you are close to your subject, it will automatically switch to the Macro mode (looks like a flower on your settings).  If you are outside, it will adjust for lighting.  If you are inside and it doesn’t need a flash, it will adjust for that also.

Also, in the Auto setting, my camera will flash a little wiggly camera icon in the lower left, letting you know if you are not steady.  I like this feature, because half of my pictures are usually blurry.  This problem is partially attributed to the fact that my cameras have been really tiny, as is this one. I also invested in small tripod to help with really close-up shots.

Next, compose the shot by using the zoom button.  Focus, by holding the shutter button halfway.  And, shoot.  Easy.

Let’s see how I did with random shots, random lighting, and random subjects . . .

Taken from my desk, indoors, with lots of shadow, using zoom

Same view, without zoom, taken at night

Also taken from my desk, using the zoom

Another picture from my desk without the zoom

A close-up of my camera manual

Silly, wiggly girls, taken at night, flash was used

A close-up of Caleb’s dresser, no flash

The pile of books by my bed, at night, Macro setting, no flash

What I learned:  the camera does fairly well in Auto mode.  But, I am noticing that the pictures taken in natural light look so much cleaner and crisper.  The other thing I learned, composition is everything.

Comments

[Malerie Weed]

This is exciting, Cass. One of my new year's resolutions is to go through my camera manual and figure out how to really use it. I, too want a non point and shoot, but it will just have to wait. I really like the one of your red chairs!