Photography & Family Time Friday

Well, I tried with Family time Friday, I really did.

Big Kid was a MESS from the time he got home from school. Tired, whiney, tearful, argumentative. Yeah, no thanks.

He lost campfire privileges.
He lost video game privileges (but earned those back by picking up trash outside).
He spent lots of time in Time Out.

Finally I decided to take pity on him and let him join in on a game of towel bullfighting (where I am the matador and a towel is my cape and little kid is the bull) and he started crying and jerking the towel away. When he started whining that little kid hit him, I told him I didn't blame him and went back to my computer.

We're trying again tomorrow.

Photography time, I did okay, but I could've done more. But that is the beauty of New Life Plan:RD...it's a rough draft. Besides, couldn't I always do more? Probably.

Those pictures that I took last week that I was sure had been a waste of time due to behavioral challenges? Not to toot my own horn, but I will because if I don't no one else will, but I got several breathtaking shots. I wish I could show you, but you'll have to take my word for it. I know at least one will definitely be used in future advertising.

So I owe you all some sort of photography lesson or tips and it is 11:36pm and I'm tired. So I am just going to give you some random tidbits.

-Which camera should you buy? I don't know. Of course I started on a Nikon film camera, so I'd say Nikon, but whatever. I'm sure they're all great.

Ken Rockwell would probably be the guy to see about a question like that. That is where I have gotten a lot of information.

-How do you use your camera's light meter? I don't know, read your manual. You won't feel much better after reading it, but you will figure it all out eventually though. Ken Rockwell apparently says not to, but I learned A LOT about exposure and overexposing by studying my histogram. I think it's one of the things I learned that finally made it click with me. Exposure always seemed like this abstract, foreign, mathematical sort of concept and it really isn't. Especially in today's digital age. Once you commit to learning (study your manual, take camera off auto), the pieces will fall into place. Eventually.

-And if not, there is always image editing software.

Sweet Jesus, how I love thee Adobe. If you are at all serious about photography, run, don't walk, RUN somewhere and get Adobe Lightroom. It's just amazing.

Regardless, if you can't do anything else, sharpen, brighten a little and add contrast. Your pictures will pop, the colors will be vibrant and they will be sharp and clear. Don't overdo it though. You will want to at first. Don't.

That's all I have right now, although I have lots more to say. I want to do a big long post about portraiture clothing as well. It is always asked and it makes such a huDge difference.

I have 6 tutus to make for a shot I have in mind for an ad, so you'll probably have to hear all about that as well.

AND I have a newborn shoot on Monday!! I'll probaby feel comfortable sharing those pics too, since all newborns look alike and the parents are cool. We'll see.

I'm going to bed....tomorrow is SUDS IT UP SATURDAY!! Beer, my friends! Beer and cleaning!!