This week on …
… it’s all about before | after. Basically, a what have you learned from the time you really got interested in photography and now?
I’ve been “interested” in photography for quite some time, but I guess it all really started becoming a passion when Emma was born.
At the time, I thought I was a decent photographer. But my big mistake is that I really didn’t pay attention to much other than taking the picture.
My camera sat on auto mode, and that’s how I shot each image. I didn’t know anything about aperture, shutter speed, ISO or exposure.
Sure, I read books and flipped through the camera manual, but I thought … okay, get this … I really, truly thought that the camera knew what to do better than I would, so I just kept it in auto mode.
Excuse me while I FALL OUT OF MY CHAIR LAUGHING!!!
Case in point …
Now? All I see is the clutter in the background. And is that flash? DID I JUST USE THE FLASH!?!?! I’m so embarrassed. And the angle is all wrong. And I need to fix her skin tones. And … oh, I’ve got to stop.
Okay, that’s a bad example.
This one’s not so bad …
But even on that image, I can see a lot of things I would have done differently today.
So that was a little over 2 years ago. Since then, I’ve practically taped my flash shut, I’ve bought a new lens that I want to marry (a 50mm, in case you were wondering), and I’ve started shooting in manual mode.
And get this … manual focus!!
Am I freaking your freak? I’m freaking my own freak!!
I also use Lightroom, have created my own presets, use a lot of textures, and am learning more about Photoshop so I can utilize it to it’s full potential.
Honestly? While I try to follow some basic rules of photography, I just want to make my pictures as pretty as I think my life is every day.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Two years? Seriously? You rock, hooker!!
Maybe you can share more tips on moving to manual focus…I’m nervous that I’ll miss something if I’m not on auto.
I love your attitude – your life is pretty and it shows :)
Your textures give me goosebumps. The good kind.
Wow! Huge improvement. I love the girl on the bench on the dirt road. Lovely. :)
Incredible! Your talent amazes me, and in just 2 short years. Emma was an adorable baby and such a beautiful little girl. Just incredible!
Found you through I heart faces, and glad I did. Love all your photos, can’t decide on a favorite.
And yes, I would like more tips on going manual please.
Such improvement! I completely understand taping the flash shut! And I just got a 50mm too and shoot in manual with manual focus … it’s sooo fun! You’re photography is beautiful and the improvement is obvious! You’ve come a long way in 2 short years!
What a great post Kelli! Love those after pics of Emma – she’s still as cute as ever. <3
How cool to see your improvement! I feel the same way about my camera and my skills. You are very brave to shoot in manual focus – that’s the one thing I let stay auto. I don’t wear my glasses when I look through the viewfinder…my eyes are *that bad* but I never know if I’m looking at something in focus or not.
And I love your 52 weeks in front of the camera – I am going to start that next week – calling it “Sam I Am” ;-)
um you are amazing! Those after picture are GORGEOUS – you rock girl :-)
So amazing! You are so inspiring….
I want to marry my 50mm 1.4 too!! That lens completely changed my photography in the best way possible. :) Your work is just amazing…
“Two years? Seriously? You rock” – totally agree with this! and I can’t call you a hooker.. well cause you don’t know who the heck I am.. and that would be bad! anyway.. I totally see the growth & I your pics!
I have to ask, Keli, seriously… how do you do manual focus with a kid always on the move? I try so hard with tea to do it but she is always go go go go go. its so hard!