Props

I'm not a real "proppy" person... is that even a word? I don't usually use many, if any, props.  Some photographers can use props really well... to enhance the photo.  A lot of the time, though, props tend to take a way from the photo.

I did this newborn session of my super adorable niece, Michela, and at the time I thought using this prop was a good idea.  Now I look at it and it just looks like the stuffed cow is either going to eat her or smoosh her.

My suggestion would be to try some shots with props and some without.  Sometimes its hard to tell which ones you are going to love.  Now I'm not saying "never, ever use props."  They can be an awesome addition to many shots.  Experiment and have fun!

Christmas lights

Now that its December and trees will be decorated, I thought it would be timely to share this. I found it on pinterest.com so it isn't my original idea or my photo below but it looks helpful.  It was written by this blogger so check it out if you'd like....

Here's the settings she recommends:  camera settings for a glowing Christmas tree.....the shutter speed down as loooooow as it would go, set the ISO at 100 and the aperture at f/9 so it would all be in focus.

Our tree isn't up yet but I can't wait to try this....

Kids

I think this tip applies whether you are a professional photographer or just taking photos of your own kids.... sometimes a kids is beyond "done." You can keep shooting and try to capture the moment (as seen here), but once the kid gets to this point, any hope for posing or getting them to do what you want is probably lost.  Keep shooting a few more thought... you never know what you might end up with.

Get mom in there!

It is my experience that moms are not in nearly enough photos... usually its because they are behind the camera. When ever I do a family session, or even just take some candids, I really try to get mom in for a few....

And if you're a mom, or you are the one that's always behind the camera, give it to someone else and get in a few.  You and your kids/grandkids/nieces/nephews/friends will thank you!

Centering the subject

It seems natural to most people to want to center their subject... try placing your subject to one side or the other. 

Sometimes moving your subject isn't an option so you may have to change your in camera composition... or if that isn't an option, you can try out some different cropping options when you get your images uploaded to your computer.  Try something different...you will be glad you did!

Positioning

Try this:  find a shot you want to take and take it.  Then move to a different angle and shoot again.  And try another angle... shoot again.  Keep trying this for a few more shots and then compare.  Which angle did you like the best?  Least?  and so on....

Learning to shoot manual

Are you trying to learn how to shoot in manual?  It seems overwhelming at first but once you get it, you won't go back to anything else.  Here's a quick reference guide from Totally Rad! that I saw online.  Totally Rad! has some cool Photoshop and Lightroom tools, but this guide is pretty awesome!  I wish I would've seen this when I was learning manual.  It really helps things make sense!

Beginner

Floating limbs

Showing scale or size

Weddings

I love weddings... going to them, planning them, photographing them, etc. We were in Sacramento for our anniversary trip and we happened to see this wedding party taking their photographs near the Capitol.  Weddings are very stressful and time-consuming to photograph so it was fun to just watch and take a few snapshots from afar.  I especially love the little girls running to catch up.  I had taken my camera to photograph some of the capitol but ended up getting these shots that I love.  The moral of the story is, you never know what photographs you might get so just bring your camera along!

Capturing memories

Sometimes you just have to take a few shots.  This is me on a horse taking some photos of my husband, kids, my dad, and a few other people.  Did I get the most perfect shot?  Was it totally tack sharp?  Did I take a long time composing my shot?  No to all three of those questions.  But I captured some memories of this beautiful day on one of our ranches...

What does a photographer really do?

Print labs

I'm pretty picky about where I have my photos printed.  And you should be too.  Here's an interesting comparison that I saw posted online.  These are not my photos and I did not put this together. However, I think it's very useful.

I usually recommend Mpix (www.mpix.com) to people who ask where they should print their photos.  It's an online lab and it usually takes about a week (sometimes less) to get photos back.  The prices are unbelievably reasonable.  They are owned by one of the professional labs that I use to print a lot of client photos.  Once you start using a professional quality lab, you will really see the difference in your prints.  Check it out and give it a try....

Elements in the background

Disclaimer:  I was not the professional photographer at this wedding, but I took a few shots for fun.

As you can see the bride has a light pole "growing" out of her head.  This illustrates the need for the photographer, even with a snapshot or casual shot, to move enough to keep this from happening.  I should have tried the shot from a different angle or location.  Sometimes it's not an option, but its good to get used to looking for these things as you are taking your shot.  Sometimes you can shift just slightly and it changes the composition.

Read the manual

I know, I know.... who wants to sit down and read a boring ol' camera manual?!  It is one of the best things you can do.  Seriously.  I know it's not the most interesting thing but it will be helpful.  I promise.  Sit down with your camera and the manual... and just play.  Go through the different function buttons.  Learn how to use the different modes of your camera.  See what your camera offers.  You may say, I have no idea where my manual is.  Most can be downloaded from the camera manufacturer's website. 

Here is the link for CANON  and for NIKON.  If neither of these are the manufacturer of your camera, do a google search for it.  I bet you will find it.

As you're going through the manual with your camera, maybe write down 3-5 things you figured out and try them.  You don't to go out on a big photo shoot to practice.  Sometimes I try something new and just shoot a photo of the books in my office.  Or I've used a doll before.  Or the dog.  Or anyone that will be still for a minute or so.  Practice, practice, practice.....

How do you see things?

I know that I need to remember this... as photographers, we are using our art to show others how we see things.  We can put our own spin on what is out in the world.  We don't need to copy others' photography (although we can use it for inspiration).... we need to give inspiration to others and to ourselves.  It's really okay to be a little selfish about our photography....

Just keep shooting

Sometimes if you wait, you will end up with the shot you are looking for.... not always, but it's worth taking a few minutes extra to see what happens.

Make a list

What do you love to photograph? Make a list!  Write down the top 5 things you love to photograph (whether you are good at it, or not). Its a good exercise to do, at least once a year.  And you don't have to be a professional photographer to do it.... it will help anyone be a little more focused with their photography.

Here's my list.... (not necessarily in order)

1.  kids being kids... kids interacting with the people and world around them.  I especially like to capture a moment in time when they don't know you are photographing them.  Maybe they are discovering something new or seeing something for the first time.

2.  ranch lifestyle... growing up on a ranch, and now having some of our own, really makes me appreciate all the little details of the ranch lifestyle.

3.  landscape photos of the places I visit...of course I appreciate the landscape in the beautiful area that we live, but there's something different about capturing other places that I don't get to see everyday.

4.  weddings.... I just love weddings.  I don't shoot a lot of weddings, maybe one a year, but I love everything about them.  It takes a lot of work, preparation, and equipment; more than most people realize, but there is something about a wedding day.

5.  beautiful women that appreciate their own beauty (flaws and all... because we all have them!)

Zoom in close

I know that people are always trying to improve their snapshots. One of the things I notice is that most people don't zoom in close enough. You may have a great zoom lens on your point and shoot, or you may have to "zoom with your feet" but get in there close. It may feel strange to get that close to someone, but I bet you will like the results!

Introduction

I created this "Learn by doing photography" blog to help others improve their photography.  I went to Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo and the motto there was "Learn by doing."  There's really no better way to learn than to jump into and do it.  Practice, practice, practice.  Sometimes you just have to get out with your camera and try some new things.  I am mostly self-taught.  I spent a lot of time with my camera and its manual (what??!) just playing around.  And I read a LOT about photography related subjects.

I am a Certified Professional Photographer but photography is my hobby also.  Its hard to have something that's your hobby and your job.  My goal here is to make photography fun, interesting, education, and useful for you... and me too. I am not going to talk about going into business with your photography.  If that is something you want to do, there are plenty of resources for that.

So for now....  just start shooting!!