Monday, September 08, 2014

A sunny Sunday afternoon

The trouble with a photography workshop is that it makes you (me) realise how rubbish you are (I am) at taking photos. Even the ones I took during the afternoon. I can't say there's one I'm really thrilled with.

But the good thing is that I've learned a lot including more about how to use my camera and most of all been given the confidence to experiment, try out different settings. I can't pretend I understand shutter speed, exposure, depth of focus completely - but I know a bit more than I did before and I'm going to practise. And it will take an awful lot of practice, believe me!

Pete Russell, who ran the workshop, is a professional photographer and a very good teacher. Explains things simply and has limitless patience. 'Pete, tell me again: do I need the shutter speed to be fast or slow for this?'

There were only three of us on the course, but each of us had a different camera/knowledge/interest. One absolute added bonus was the fact that we spent a gorgeous sunny Sunday afternoon tripping around the top spots on the Gower beauty parade. 

Here are what I think are the best of the bunch. Sadly my camera battery died just before sunset at Rhossilli so I had to switch to my tablet, which meant a lot of wobble and less control.

Trying to grasp the rule of thirds as well as leading into and out of photos.

This would have been better if I'd caught it a moment or two earlier while still in the sparkly bit of sea.

Not quite a silhouette and spoiled by the people in it.

Discovered the camera could do panoramas! Also never before noticed how much Arthur's stone resembles a dog.

The colour of the light is warmer now. 
Last photo with my camera. 
Taken with tablet.


3 comments:

mrsnesbitt said...

Fantastic Liz! Really loved them - especially the ones later in the day.

Katney said...

The tablet ones aren't bad at all. I always find it odd looking seeing people taking pictures with their tablet. Actually I find it a bit odd taking pictures with a phone.

I have a new camera. Himself got it for me for my birthday/anniversary/Christmas/just because. And gave it to me as a semi-surprise just when I was to take pictures at the soccer game between the priests and the seminarians. Which was a bit awkward because I didn't get a chance to get to know the camera before the game. It turned out okay, but I imagine that if I knew the camera better I would not have had to take 1300 pictures in the couple of hours in order to be sure to get good ones.

I need to learn my camera, and maybe taking a class is the only way I can get beyond automatic.

Your photos are excellent.

Liz Hinds said...

Thank you, Mrs N.

What a lovely surprise, Katney! Cameras can do so much but still you need the eye, which you have, for a good picture.