This Unexpected Time.
Sharing What I'm Passionate About.
It's Spring Break and we are in the midst of this Covid 19 scare. This is an experience no one had expected and it has become more and more real every day.
With all of the additional downtime and things coming to a screeching halt, we decided to make lists of things we always say we want to do. Personal lists that we can prioritize to keep us busy and productive:) One of Layne's goals has been to learn how to use a DSLR and really get a better handle on how to shoot imagery....so we started this process last week.
I'm honored that she's willing to let me share my passion and that she has an interest, so here's the beginnings of our time together doing photography with her behind the "BIG" girl camera:) I've pretty much said that we are going to do it the "Good Old Fashioned" way....which in photo lingo means "All Manual Mode" and with only one fixed lens. This can be daunting, but it's better to start here....back in the"film" days, it's all we had and how we all learned, so if she can grasp this here and now....she'll be miles ahead:)
First is just getting use to the camera and where all the buttons are:) She's obviously had a little practice with this over the years, but not much. Then to consider her best options depending on where and what she was trying to capture. I loved watching her mind working:)
She's catching on quite fast despite having to understand all the numbers of ISO, F/stop and Shutter Speed and how they interact, but i'm doing my best to simplify it for her. Below is a little photo fun we had on the beach before the State Parks were shut down due to social distancing ....it was fun to see her on the other side of the camera and to share what i love so much with her. She shot at the settings she liked best and captured some images that i'm more than happy to use:)
It's so exciting to see her behind the camera and to have my photos taken:)
Here you can see that the images i shot of Layne are much lighter and the images she shot of me are more true to the scene. She found herself most comortable with an f/stop that i tend not to use much and i explained to her that it's actually "safer" to have shot the images here way because they can always be brightened if she desires....whereas darkening and bringing back details is not so simple. I have always over exposed and fought to bring my highlights back...especially in the "film" processing days. Now it's kind of a part of what i'm known for with my On-location work and it's just my style, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the "right" thing to do. So once we get into editing, she'll better see what I'm referring to. Man....we will need months off to get to all that;)
We practiced...focus, depth of field, and determining what you need to do to get a well exposed shot:) Like i said....it can be a bit overwhelming to do all this in Manual Mode so i was really proud of what she captured:) (Proud Mama bear)
Then of course we decided to just take a little time to discuss "movement" and shutter speeds....this is such an embarassing image, but It must be shown that i did my best to get my feet "off the ground" to get some movement for her....I shoulda just twirled in the ocean instead;) And of course my dancer girl/athlete can jump as if it is nothing:)
MY GRACEFUL DAUGHTER
MOM FLAPPING LIKE A CHICKEN.
All in all we had a lovely afternoon, with more than enough laughter to keep us risen above the COVID 19 crisis.
This is a little collage from what i shot on our outing.
I hope to have more to share regarding this little venture...just grateful it's an interest for her. Photography has been a part of my life since even before her age and I honestly am so grateful to have it. I never feel bored or frightened to go anywhere alone because with my camera i feel like i have a best friend:)
Let me know what goals you have been trying to achieve during these past weeks....or past times that have put some fun into your day:)
Stay safe and create a little magic:)