2Peas "12 Weeks to Better Photos" Classes (Week 5 is up)

[Queenie]

There seemed to be a lot of us interested in this free course so I thought I'd start up a little thread so we can chat about it and share what we've learned. I'll keep this opening thread updated with each new lesson as it goes up on the site.

Course Overview

Week 1: Aperture Basic Training

Week 2: ISO, Shutter Speed & Aperture

Week 3: White Balance

Week 4: The Flash

Week 5: Composition

Feel free to chat and share...

 

[Queenie]

Here's my week one photos, using different aperture settings. Anyone else do this assignment?

http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=1283811

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I like the 5.8 one Queenie, those are my favorite shots with blurry backgrounds. DH is supposed to teach me how to really use my camera but he just hasn't had time. I would be willing to try with this and post here.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I printed the classes to read at my leisure, I'm glad they opted for a PDF. I'm behind but I think I can catch up if the kids ever go back to school! LOL

 

[Queenie]

Aww, I'm sure you can get caught up, it's all just a bit of (useful) fun isn't it? I tried doing class 2 tonight but there wasn't enough light in the kitchen! Will do it tomorrow morning so I have time to tidy it all up before the house is viewed. Scott thought I was bonkers setting up the camera on the tripod so it was pointing at the tap and washing up sitting on the drainer.

 

[lewdyan1]

I am loving these challenges. I also played with my pictures, but haven't uploaded them yet. Thanks again for sharing the link!

 

[Queenie]

Here's my kitchen sink assignment, done using the bathroom sink cos it was marginally brighter. Still had to crank my ISO all the way upto 1600 though so these have been brightened a lot on the computer and then run through noise-reduction software.

What do you all think?

http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=1285725

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

looks good Queenie. I have yet to find time to snap pics, it's too darn cold outside right now and is only going to get worse. And the kiddos are not cooperating so nothing inside either. Maybe this weekend.

Oh I have a great place for the water, it's outside though. I wonder if the water is still flowing in the ravine...

 

[Queenie]

It's too cold for being outside here too, I went out to snap a pic of the "for sale" sign out front and within 30 seconds I couldn't feel my fingers enough to control the camera.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

how did the showing go?

 

[Queenie]

Hard to say, he certainly seemed more keen than the couple who came on Saturday but that wouldn't be hard really!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

sorry it's not going smoothly. I hate showing houses!!! It is sooo stressful. The big house that we sold before we bought this one, darn people came 3 times in a week. Drove me batty!

 

[New England Eeyore]

Thanks for sharing the link, Queenie. I've printed out both weeks, but I need to spend some time with my camera manual before I can attempt it. Sad to say I've had the camera for over a year and have not ventured beyond "Auto."

Your pictures are all great, though, and a real inspiration to learn how to do more!

 

[Queenie]

Just adding in that the DIS Photography board have also set up a series of lessons, they are beginning with the "Rule of Thirds" for composition.

 

[lewdyan1]

I just got my new lens today! I shoot with a Rebel XT. I was using the kit lens 18-55, but just got a zoom lens, Canon 70-300 - F/4-5.6. Off to play!

I've been meaning to ask you, what kind of camera and lens are you shooting with?

 

[Queenie]

I have a Canon 300D with the standard 18-55 kit lens. Only other photography kit is a tripod which I took to WDW last year and love!

 

[Queenie]

Just a quick post to bump this thread for week 3. This week's topic is white balance. I have to admit that I've been setting my white balance for quite a while so this is a topic I "got" instantly, however using the custom setting is something I've never done before.

Anyone working on anything recently?

 

[Queenie]

Here's my work on white balance as posted at 2peas:

http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/pg.asp?set=recent&gallery=2&cmd=display&layout_id=1289295

Ane an extra pic just for you guys. Using the custom white balance I finally managed to get a picture of my cat Jinx that shows off his colours accurately. He was lying on top of me when I toook this, hence the EXTREME close-up! I've sharpened on the computer, especially his eyes. Note the scar on his nose which he got this weekend, however I'm guessing he deserved it!

I think it says "stop pointing that stupid thing at me when I'm trying to sleep".

 

[New England Eeyore]

Gorgeous picture of Jinx!!

I have printed out all 3 weeks, and have been spending some time gradually working my way through my camera's manual. I've already learned a few tricks I didn't know and I'm excited to finally start using it to its full potential! It just might take me longer than 12 weeks.

 

[Queenie]

Bumping for week 4.