Tuesday, August 2, 2011

A non-professional's take . . .

. . . on taking professional looking photographs.  I discovered it is WAY harder than it looks!  

I've always admired those of you who can produce beautiful photos - photos that tell a story, that capture a single moment in time, that can evoke a feeling, that stand the test of time and be cherished over the years.  I envy your talent!  And I discovered that it takes a good eye, a plan and an intimate knowledge of your subjects and your camera. 

I also discovered that I am a much better photographer of things rather than people.

What I don't know about photography can fill a book!  
Lighting -- forgetaboutit!
Aperture -  sometimes it works, most of the time it doesn't!
Shadows - from any angle, I got them!
Moving shots - can't do it.  You must stand perfectly still!

But it was fun trying out all of the poses we admired and saved from Pinterest.



Love this shot!


Just couldn't get high enough for a proper shot.  Even from the top step of the ladder!


This one just says it all about a couple in love with dreams of a future together, doesn't it?


We were constantly wiping sweat from out brows while searching for decent spots with unobstructed backgrounds to take pictures.  Engagement session number 1 was productive but I hope I can talk them into engagement session number 2!  I have a few ideas for photos around the farm - standing in the cornfield, walking in the beans, sitting in the loader bucket, posing with the cattle.  SHE's a farmgirl and simply must have some farm shots!  

Plus I don't have NEAR enough decent photos for a blurb guest book!  (BTW, I sure could use some advice on any specifics on making one of these books.  If you've ever made a guest book, can I ask you some questions?)


I'm off to read my camera manual!  Thanks for looking!





I haven't linked any photos to Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday for a long time so I'm linking these.  At least one of these photos had Kim's 'grey day slate' texture added.  An action (actions are my new lazy way to improve my pictures) was used on the last one. 

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Love that 1st shot. It reminds me of that last scene from An Officer and a Gentleman. The balloon shot is VERY creative and I've never seen anything done like that. HTT!

My Vintage Studio said...

All of your photos for the engagement shoot are great...my favorite is the first one.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Sharon

BECKY said...

You are so creative, Connie! I know your pics will be wonderful! You have a better eye than you think you do! These are all darling!! The balloon one is something else! I'm like you though with not feeling like I know enough about the technical aspects of good photography. Maybe one day I'll learn, but just don't have the time now!

Have fun! I know you're loving all of this!
Hugs,
Becky

Whimsey Dimples said...

What fun shots!
Best of luck with the wedding details!!

tiarastantrums said...

I did the balloon shot with my girls - so much fun!

Emilie said...

I know exactly what you mean about how difficult it is to take professional looking photos!
Out there in the blog world there are so many beautiful pictures and I want to be able to make them too.So, I just practise and practise. Sometimes I even think I am getting better... :-)
These photos here are wonderful and I also really like the first one.
Greetings from FarfallaDK

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Oh I love those shots!!! You have wonderful ideas and I want to see those farm shots, too!

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

I like them too! My favorite is the Scrabble one..it says it all! You're doing GREAT and soon you be writing tutorials for the rest of us :-)

Angela said...

Hello! You did good! Aren't we hard on ourselves? God bless you for getting outside in the unbearable heat. I tried doing a grandbaby shoot on Monday night - 6 hot kids, tired, and little ones crying. I begged for a reshoot on a Saturday AM in the Fall! :)

Carol said...

Thanks for your post. I am one of the millions trying to get better at photography so I was interested in what you had to say :)
I love the forever shot.

BECKY said...

YAY!! I'm glad you love your goodies! It was fun to put together for you! It's yours to do with as you please! I have some more of the chunky wood that I am going to be creating with! I can't wait! It makes my heart sing!
I also have some more French pages I can send you if you have something in mind for them! Just let me know!!

Hugs to you Connie!
Becky

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I especially love the fun balloon shot! Enjoy these special times!

Lisa said...

OMG! have I missed all these posts? I for one think your photos, are so good! I take 50 shots, and get one good one! Practice, practice practice! I love every thing you do!!!

I'll keep up!
xoxoLisa