market & photography

Saturday, June 16th my creatures & I will be hanging out at:

The City Market on the Green

8a.m. to 12noon
corner of Poplar & 3rd Street
Downtown Macon, Georgia

If you're local come on out and see me.

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Thank you so much everyone for the creature love the last couple of days. I truly appreciate it! I was busy yesterday. I took a day away from the computer and decided to dive into my studio with relish. Ya’ll, if you can believe it, it’s actually a bit tidy in there. I swear it is and I cannot believe I forgot to take a picture. But you see I was cranking out those creatures left and right. A clear crafting table seems to have opened up the flow of ideas too because I surprised myself with my own cleverness which was a shock! LOL

There was some discussion here a couple of days ago about taking photographs. I am just learning how to do this and I’ve been improving with the nearly daily use of my digital camera. I am, however, by no means an expert. If there are some experts out there I hope you’ll chime in with your advice. But I thought I’d share with you how I take photos and perhaps you can try some of these things out for yourself.

Photography Tips

• I carry my camera everywhere. It never fails when a terrific photo opportunity comes up that will be the one time I’ve forgotten to bring it.
• Take many pictures of the same thing from different angles. Ya’ll, I’ve take up to twenty shots of something just so I can get one good one.
• Always look at the preview right after the shot so you can learn to tell the difference from a good shot and a bad one.
• Push the button down half way to focus. Make sure when the little box appears that it surrounds what you want in focus in the shot. If it isn’t, let go of the button and repeat the process, moving the camera around if necessary to get your item in focus.
• Never use flash. This is probably the one thing that I think is the most important. Flash pictures just don’t look as good. I always turn flash off and brighten the picture later on the computer if necessary.
• Use natural lighting. My house is sort of dark which is why I tend to photograph my creatures outside. There is one spot inside that I’ve used over and over again because it’s got wonderful natural light streaming in. But ya’ll are probably tired of looking at that blue wall so I’m going to get some different colored foam core board from the craft store to use as a different background.
• Use the close-up mode. Close-up is your best friend. This is the mode I use to get those tight, texture shots of my creatures. Using this mode in combination with the focus box and good lighting is the combination to my photo success.
• Don’t be afraid to reshoot later if they turn out awful the first time. I’ve had many photo failures ya’ll. Many. But the beauty of digital is you can delete and start fresh next time.

So how about you? Got any photography tips to share?

Comments

[Corry]

For me it's always a suprise how a picture will turn out!
So thanks for sharing your photography tips.I will try them next time I take a photo!

[Tamar]

First of all, I missed out on saying how cute all your new creatures are from the last post - Mr. Cherry Blossom Tree Sprite totally has my heart! Thanks for also these photo ideas; I've come to a lot of the same conclusions myself, so I want to second what you say about flash and taking lots of photos of the same thing. I would add though that while I always appreciate a good photo, I really do prefer "amateur" or "hobby" photography over the professional stuff - it's so much more immediate and, in a way, honest!

[Tracy]

Your tips are great! And the list mirrors my own, actually...I take my camera everywhere and take about 50 shots each time--the great thing with digital is that if it doesn't work, delete it! I never use flash, hate it. Your pictures are always super, Felicia! Oh, can't wait to see your "new improved" studio! Glad you're finding your space there! Happy weekend to you :o)

[Brigitta]

thanks for stopping by at my blog. I've just had a look at yours and your etsy-shop. your little creatures are ever so cute!!!

[Molly]

Digital is the best thing that has ever happened to me. :) I can shoot a dozen pictures of the same flower and not feel like I have "wasted" any film. I think I have a hard time picking a favorite... I have a picture a day blog (linked on the right column of my regular blog) and I can rarely do *just* one picture as the one to represent the day! :) I think have a SLR camera is key too--point and shoots are great for travel, for everyday, but I love my Canon Rebel and it has allowed me to do some things with depth and motion I'd never have been able to do with my wee cameras. Well worth the investment.

[Kates]

you have purple flowers on your site too!

[Angelique]

great tips. I do love digital...but I will say as a photographer my true love is and will always be film...but I also love the darkroom so that may have something to do with it. Of course when it comes to taking photos of my 'stuff', it's all about the digital.
Also...to get great indoor shots, use a tripod and use shutter priority if your camera has this option. This way you can choose the shutter speed...the longer the shutter is open the more light you will capture. A tripod is important to prevent 'camera shake'.

[karla nathan]

Just left a long comment and lost it!

Basically all I said is:

You are right! and I love Digital!

[lera]

Love the hydrangeas. Now, if mine would only grow! It's the same dumb plant I've had for years and it keeps dying and growing from scratch every year.

[Stomper Girl]

I was a hopeless 'film' photographer - cut the heads off everything and everyone - but I take great shots with my digital, and Ilove it to bits.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

[Beki (pamperingbeki)]

Great tips! You've been a busy lady lately! :)

[KnitPastis]

OH These are so beautiful and vivid in color!!