What I've Learned from 3 Days of No Photos

  Today is the fourth day I havent taken a photo.  I actually plan to take one today and I have the perfect picture outlined in my head.

  I just haven't felt like picking up my camera since Saturday.  And its OK.  I'm not going to beat myself up about it.

  However, I am realize a few things about when I don't take my photo a day. 

  1-The days don't seem quiet as rich.  It's almost like looking forward to creating that one photo is the icing on a rather plain, boring cake.  There are so many options and opportunities to be creative with the photo and when I don't take it it's like I'm a non-creative being.

  2- When I go to bed at night I don't really feel I've accomplished anything.  Whereas, if I MAKE myself take that one photo, even if I've neglected the rest of that day's "to do" list, I can go to bed feeling like I've done something.

  3- It's MUCH easier to take a photo a day if you have specefic events or special occasions that you're going to.  All during the Christmas holiday's, I was so busy with friends to visit, holiday lights to see, holiday baking, etc. etc that there was a constant plethora of interesting things to photograph.  Now that it's January, there aren't that many events going on.

  So, having a break from the camera is ok.  Like I mentioned above, I'm not going to beat myself up or feel like I have to start over on my 365 day journey.  I just have to know I can't stay in this place forever. 

Sara

PS. What about you? Have you taken on a photo project for 2012 and are getting behind or have skipped a few days?  If so, I'd love to hear your remedy for getting back on track.....

365 Project - Beginning Again

  In my last post, I told how one of my best friend's giving me a little guilt trip got me back into the 365 project!  Today I want to share the images from my first two days back on the wagon!!!

  I would love it if you would give me feedback, dislikes, likes, what you would have done differently, etc on these photos.  Please, be nice but be honest! 

  Here is the photo from December 14, 2011

 
It is of my church.  Originally, the photograph was very bright with the colors almost too vivid for me.  So, I took it into PSE10 and added a few actions to it.  To me, it tones the colors down while giving it a vintage look.

Here is the photograph I took December 14, 2011

 
My mom, myself and an older couple from my church went to this really wonderful place called Meadows Village near Benson, NC.  They have at least 2-3 acres of nothing but beautiful Christmas lights, scenes from the Bible and an old country store where you can buy all kinds of candy, Ginger Ale (mild or hot), vintage signs and wonderful peanut or variety nut chocolate clusters.  Here is their website: http://www.meadowlights.com/!  Best of all, it's free, except for the train ride which is a whopping $2 a person (did you get the sarcasm)?  

  I didn't do much to this image except straighten it (in Picasa 3) and then crop in PSE10 and add a color popping action.  That's it =).

So, here are my first two images after getting back on the 365 Project wagon.  Hope you enjoyed them....

Sara

My Third Indoor Session

Yesterday I had the opportunity to photograph my uncles family in Statesville. 

Since this was only my third time holding a session indoors I was a little concerned with the lighting. As soon as I got there I began playing with my camera to see what settings would be best to use.  I began in Manual and then switched to Aperature because I was getting a little frustrated.  Aperature, however, wasn't allowing me to get the right exposure I needed so I switched back to Manual. I'm glad I did!

I also made a point to set my White Balance and Metering mode before I began shooting. 

I believe most of my shots were taken with my Aperature between f/5 and f/8.  My shutter speed was mainly 1/60th.         

I had several posing ideas thought out but was only able to use a few since my four cousins were much more interested in their Christmas presents than in getting their family photos taken!  

When they did pay attention and give me smiles, it was amazing and even though the session only lasted 30 minutes, I was able to get some awesome shots!!

For a few of my shots I used PSE5 exclusively for editing (except for placing my logo) and gave them some personality by using free actions from www.mcpactions.com and www.thepioneerwoman.com. Each time I use an action (especially Pioneer Woman's Seventies action) in PSE5 I fall more in love with the program!

So great session and I'm glad my uncle and aunt have some Christmas photos they'll love. 

Be sure to find and like me on Facebook (Sara Vogt Photography) to see favorites from their session. 

Sara

Just A Girl [Who Loves Photography and is still Learning]

It's me, Sara.  I decided to start this blog as an offshoot of my photography website, mainly because I wanted to begin blogging about my learning experiences as a photographer and it's kind of weird to tell about your learning experiences and mistakes on your photo site (where you're supposed to come across as a professional who has it all figured out).  So, here I am!

Last night I was able to photograph a friend's two children.  Her boy, J, is 6 weeks old and her daughter, A, is 16 months. 

J was very fussy so I was only able to get a few pictures of him.  The best ones were with him on his tummy. I got in close so that the background was out of focus.  The one thing I wish I would have thought of was I should have posed him so that the background was the Christmas tree and lights (what nice bokah that would have been!)  but I didn't think of that until I was driving home =(.  Oh well, that will be something I remember next time.

Earlier in the day I had gone to Lowe's to purchase some lights since my friend said that their lighting wasn't that great. I am so glad that I did.  I purchased two shop lights with clamps and two sets of 150 watt and 60 watt bulbs.  The lights worked beautifully but I did find out that 60 watt is really very bright when shooting kids in small rooms so I should have gone down on the wattage.  Another learning experience for me. 

Photos of A were good.  I was able to use several different props with her and towards the end of the session she began relaxing, laughing and being silly.  I got several of her teeth in this big, goofy grin!! =)

I am excited to begin editing the photos.  Any suggestions on edits for photos with Christmas trees in the background?

Sara