When I first started crafting, I did not take pictures of my completed projects. I didn’t feel it was that important at the time, however, looking back, I regret that decision. After having several friends and family tell me to start documenting my projects, I started to take pictures using my point and shoot camera. One day, my camera stopped working, well actually, the shutter would not open and because it was an old camera, I decided a new camera was in order. It was close enough to Christmas, so I asked my husband to get me a camera for Christmas. What I expected? Another point and shoot! What I got? A Canon T5i…not a point and shoot camera. I suddenly had to learn how to use a camera that you get to make the decisions about what lens to use, and new terms like: exposure, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, etc. Fortunately, with the camera came a beginner’s course on using it, so I wasn’t completely in the dark.
The beginner’s course was great as I learned the basic capabilities of the camera, and I was happy with knowing that, however, as time went on, I wanted my pictures to look, well, like the operator knew what she was doing ?. So, I purchased a course online on photography and started to learn about the ‘rule of thirds’, how to make the fore or back ground blur, when to use a flash and when to not, outdoor versus indoor shots. Wow, there is so much to learn and so little time.
As I reflect on my photography skills, I have seen an improvement, which really is a motivator to me as I want to learn and know more about photography. Am I planning on doing this professionally? Nope. But I would like to know enough to take a lot of my own pictures of family, friends, pets, nature, landscape, crafts, etc. and display them. I especially love candid shots. I am currently working towards getting candid shots of all my kids to display in my Family Room. Difficulty is getting them to go with me somewhere to get pictures, but I will persevere and hopefully soon, I will be able to share them with you.