T - ball & Photography education

T - ball is so exciting. Was so into the game that I forgot to even pull out the camera and do any sports photography.

A friend recently expressed interest in a photography career and ask how to get started. This is what I told her and if any other photographers have input, please share.

Here is the short version -
I know nothing about the Nikons. My young neighbor, a photo j major, always had Nikons but for graduation asked for a Cannon 40D. We have a 20D & 30D with extremely good lens. On occasion we think about buying a new camera but we get wonderful results with what we have. Top quality lens is huge. Here is the thing, people usually stick with which ever brand they originally buy when it is time to upgrade because of the lens investment. We always buy Cannon because of our lens and Cannon does a good job of coming out with improvements. They are always thinking and pushing the envelope as far as technology.

Please don't think of starting a business until you have gone to school. I went to school for 5 years before I retired from the school district, just taking one or two classes a semester. Learned what I needed to know to get started. See if UT has a photo tech dept. Wish they still taught film because learning film has helped me so much with digital. Oh well. Education is key, don't skip it. Talk to your wedding photographer and see if she can recommend classes or let you shadow her.

Next is equipment and continuing education in your field. Join PPA. Join your local Tenn. PPA and get active. Go to conferences and soak up what the speakers have to say.

There is a lot to it but I love every minute of my job.

Smile on

bowling

Went from on bowling party to the next yesterday. 6 hours of bowling or rather watching others bowl, gets old quickly. It actually was a lot of fun.

hot outside

Been really busy this week being a taxi service. Next week want to do some simple cooking with grandkids. We actually started by making pudding today and then moving into banana pudding. Not a big fan of banana pudding but this was very fresh and tasty.

One of the grandkids used my camera today. The camera is as big as he is and he was really struggling with it. He didn't get discouraged because he could see that he was getting some good shots and he loved that.

Plan to see the Austin group tomorrow. May have time to do a quick photo session with the one year old. He is so much fun and not walking well which means he will stay where I put him.

Smile
Ann

Round Rock donuts

Taking Round Rock donuts to one of my grandboys in Austin. Who am I kidding....I just want RR donuts this a.m. The grandkid will be lucky if there are any left by the time I get there. Ha.

Cloudy out this a.m. A little rain would be nice.

This felt like a flat 4th of July. Did not go to the park, did not grill. Did help move furniture. Did watch fireworks in Gtown. Even the fireworks didn't seem to go as high in the sky this year. What I am in the mood for is to go the one of the RR Express games and watch their fireworks but it is going to have to get a lot cooler.

Time for coffee. Have a happy Monday folks.

Ann

Independence Day

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

Grandson photo contest

Two of my Grandsons plan to enter the photo contest at the library in Georgetown. The oldest one has already taken some pictures and found one that he really liked. I gave him a refresher on some photoshop skills and he created a really cool shot. Might be a little more than the library had in mind but he loved his final result so that is all that matters. He is determined to also photography the Salado Creek which means I have to drive up there with a good camera. Kind of scares me when he gets around water with my camera. I'll post their images after the contest is over.

Photographing Fireworks

Tips for Photographing Fireworks

It’s time to get ready for Fourth of July celebrations and the amazing fireworks show that accompany the barbeques and other events. Want to get some amazing images? You can capture some spectacular scenes if you take a few tips with you before you begin shooting.

Scout Your Spot: If at all possible, get the event early and take a look around. See if you can get an unobstructed view or if you can position yourself where other onlookers’ heads won’t be in the way.

Try a Tripod: With the combination of low light and fast action (the fireworks), a steady surface can greatly aid in helping you record that perfect image. We offer a number of high quality styles including compact, professional and monopod styles

Add a Remote Release: A remote release can free you up to focus on your images and keep your eye on the sky. They are inexpensive and many photographers find them to be an invaluable accessory

Slow Your Shutter Speed: A long exposure often works best with fireworks since they are moving events and contain bright light. Experiment with keeping the shutter open long but don’t overdo it because you can overexpose the image. Alternate between using a burst mode to capture the action as well as holding the shutter open (by pressing the button half-way at the beginning of the action and continue holding it down until the fireworks burst is complete) in a single shot. Each location and event has unique circumstances so keep experimenting as you go along until you find the effect that works for you.

Forget the Flash: Your flash can be more of a hindrance in this case because it may signal to your camera that you need a shorter exposure time. The flash only helps when your object is a few feet away, so in this case, even though it’s dark, keep the flash turned off.

Happy & Safe Fourth of July!