A Haven for Vee

Friday, October 8, 2010

Experimenting with the Camera

Thanks to 31 Days of Autumn Bliss (see sidebar button) and Life With My 3 Boybarians, I now have an entire folder labeled "Experiment" where each picture is labeled with information to include aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc. I've learned a few things; whether the photography improves remains to be seen.

If you've ever wondered about such things, visit Darcy and see what a good teacher she is! Although she puts the instruction booklet to shame, she does want you to read your instruction booklet. She's doing a daily post on photography for the month of October so check it out. *Here's* where she began.

Here are a few of my experiments... (I'm not going to bore you with the strange names.)

But I will tell you what I did with this shot — it's on an aperture of F8, which makes the front cactus leaves out of focus while making the picture of the little house in focus. I'll leave it to Darcy to tell you why with her excellent Depth of Field lesson.



This photo was taken on an F 2.7 setting. (One thing I quickly learned was that I have a middle of the road camera. Not the best and not the worst. It doesn't have all the settings that Darcy's does. Noooo, I am not one bit jealous. Noooo, not at all. :D ) And, while I didn't get that bokeh effect, I do like the way the nearer objects are in focus and the forest (seen through the deck spindles) is somewhat out of focus. Bokeh is a delightful thing and I want to achieve it more often. I find it entirely magical.


Still working on bokeh with this shot of the fuschias and getting a bit...I love that one drop of water on the bud and the little sparkle of green in the out-of-focus left bottom corner. So, if this shows the nearer objects in focus, I was using F2.7. And if I crop this, I can use it for a header next summer!




Here's another taken from my chair and out the window (and screen) taken at the opposite end of aperture — F8. This is where the nearer objects are out of focus and the farther away ones are in focus. In this case, kinda. (John tells me that the barn to the right and above the fence is about 650 feet away. The fence is about 22 feet away.)
One more because it is so autumnal with its coppers... This is also on an F2.7 for a close-up shot. I almost feel as if I could read that newspaper scrap.

Thank you for visiting today. I want to wish all my Canadian readers a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends!

(I'm really away today, but more about that later.)

25 comments:

  1. Great photography and you also have wonderful ideas for pictures. I can see the photography could become the perfect hobby. -- I already think you're at "pro" level!!

    Please let me know where to find instructions to make the mosaics.

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  2. Vee,

    What wonderful photos. I am struggling with the focus stuff so I am going to the blog you have recommended. I read the manuals but they seem to be in a different language and the printing is so small!

    Have a great weekend.

    Carol

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  3. Wonderful photos Vee! I will go visit the blog you mentioned. I actually am starting photography classes next week. I am so excited!
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  4. Oh! Vee,
    I must lay everything down and come by here first thing, as reading your posts, always bring such a smile, i missed the last two posts, and went back and had such a great time reading. Rather than comment on each post. I will here... I love the relationship you and your mother have, so wonderful reminds me of my mother and I, we are friends as well. That grandson is so handsome, adore that curly hair.

    Now that apple pie looks so delicious, Did you really forget the chicken ? lol I thought i was the only one who did this, I use menopause as my excuse, and it works every time lol Now what is yours?

    Your photos today are beautiful, thank you for always sharing such great links, and for trying to help people like me who don't take the time to read instructions. lol. Okay I will go and get mine out , that is if i can find it.

    Please know I think of your dear Nan often and will continue to pray for her and you all as you seek God's will for her care.

    Thank you for coming by and for your dear sweet comment, if you ever pass through, I would so love to have you stop by for a visit.
    Enjoy your day,
    Hugs,
    Sue

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  5. OH thankyou for the Thanksgiving wishes. .
    and. .thank you for the photogpraphy lesson. .I need one badly. .I'll go check out your friend.

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  6. Wow! You are so much more daring than I!!! Aperture! Shutter speed! Yikes!!! I'm too wimpy to try changing stuff. -pout-

    I do get some good 'Bokeh' sometimes. Sometimes. Sometimes. So, maybe it's more of a thrill, when I don't really know HOW to do it, every time I want to? ,-))))

    Yes, that's it! I'll decide that it's more fun to stumble on it, than to learn how to do it, at will.

    Seeeeeeeee?!? Aren't I amazing at making myself feel better? When I should really be getting all inspired by you, to try that aperture-stuff myself. >,-)

    Gentle hugs...

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  7. Bokeh?? Yikes, I need to visit Darcy and soon so I can better relate to these technical terms. Right now I'd be happy to get my laptop back with my photos intact.
    Your photos are very impressive today. Thanks for sharing the link as I would love to learn more about my camera, but not sure I want to take any classes.

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  8. Vee,
    The pictures are beautiful, bokeh and whatnot and all.
    I'm a point and shoot gal myself. The technology...well, maybe someday.
    A technique I have recently perfected is shooting through Mister's moon roof. Interesting shots that don't have car parts in them...

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  9. I have not touched my camera in over a week. Shameful, I know!

    Your experiments turned out beautifully. Thanks for sharing them and some of the technical stuff that goes with it.

    Becky K.

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  10. Thanks...for the Thanksgiving wishes.

    I'm really good at 'auto' settings...aperatures, shutter speeds and such sound like a foreign language to me. I could use a lesson or two...or many! Thanks for sharing the link.

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  11. I really need to read my instruction book. I could learn SO much. My photography is pretty much hit and miss. Your experiments are WONDERFUL!

    And thanks for the Canadian Thanksgiving wishes. I should be making stuff or pies or at least grocery shopping instead of blogging. ahem.

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  12. Thanks for the great links and pretty shots! I love to experiment and learn about my camera. It's just about taking the time and learning a different language too ;)

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  13. The lower f-stops give you less depth of field and it gets progressively more so the farther you are away from the subject.

    I am so glad that you are taking the time to learn and discover what the different settings do for you!

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  14. Just wanted you to know I'm still reading! Glad you found a place for Nan, loved your new 'do and your precious face, and am anxious to find out how to operate a real camera.

    Have a good weekend!

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  15. The shot of the fushchi is very pretty! I'm ashamed to say that I haven't read my manual. As a matter of fact, I accidently changed something on my camera and all of a sudden got much better photos but I don't know what I did and now I'm afraid to undo it!

    Manuela

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  16. Hello Vee....ooooooo, awesome photography. Just loved your photos.

    For whatever reason, I was unable to send you and e-mail. I wanted to thank you for visiting my blog tonight and leaving a sweet comment.

    Please come back any time. I will always love to have you. Sincerely, Susan

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  17. Your pictures are absolutely beautiful. I especially like the Fall leaves, since this is my favorite season. Your work is very good and I'm glad that Gracious Hospitality sent me your way! I've decided to follow your blog and hope you don't mind. Your beautiful pictures are like a travelogue and I enjoy them so much!

    Blessings,
    Martha

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  18. Love how you explained each shot. I've bookmarked the other site because I could sure use some help with my photo's. Have a great day.

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  19. Vee,

    I admire your spunk! I need to actually read my book that came with my camera and I need to learn how to use all its fancy functions. I am a point click and hope for the best kind of photo taker. Thanks for the link to the month of lessons. I am off to learn a little. Great photos!

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  20. Oh fun with photos - I wish I had more than a point and shoot. I just went digital 2 years ago and love it!

    Your post below cracked me up - forgot the chicken?! I've been forget soo many words lately it's scarey!

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
    Leann

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  21. There is so much to learn about photography! I have to admit my DSLR camera is so complicated that I leave it on auto most of the time but the day of lessons I took with the pro photographer at least helped me try using manual settings for the first time. It will be fun to look at the blogs you suggest with tips. Your photos came out beautifully!

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  22. First of all, I loved your picture with your new stylish haircut and camera! It's so good to see your face Vee, you don't often post pictures of yourself.

    Looks like you two had a wonderful Fall day picking apples. :)

    Your recent posting of your photography is wonderful...great shots, good color, very creative...I'm impressed!

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  23. These photos are lovely Vee! I wish I had the motivation to learn more about my camera. Sigh... Maybe this winter. You are doing such a wonderful job that I hope to become inspired by you :>) Right now I wish I was having more luck posting the pictures I already have.

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  24. Such charming photos! Thank you, Vee! I love your Sunday verse, too. Such a blessing.

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  25. Beautiful...and how much fun...I truly need to get a camera and learn!

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