Friday, November 13, 2009

My Blogging Camera

IMGP0669      One of the added blessings of blogging is my ability to ‘SEE’ my own life, my yard, my home, and the lives of those around me. 

      Having a picture in one’s mind about the day to day is not always the same as actually looking at it.  Especially when those mind pictures are filtered by the hodge-podge of mental gymnastics and the I wishes I sometimes go to.

      Blogging photography gives me the real picture, the authentic picture.

Examples:

My ‘I Wishing’:  Woe is me, I wish I had a pretty yard.

Looking at a Blogging Photo:  Wow, my yard really looks OK. In fact it looks better than I thought.

IMGP0663

     Then there comes the need to take those pictures better, to capture whatever I am photographing in a way that will surely make it all better. 

      That leads to the thought that a new camera will do just the trick.

       I had my finger on the purchase button this morning for just such a magical camera.

      That is not the answer.  Learning and enjoying what my current camera will do is the answer.    IMGP0493

What I have learned:

*Never use a flash.  I was at first shocked by this idea , but it makes a huge difference.

*Natural light is the best light. There really is a window of opportunity when that light is best. At my home and in my yard it is during mid-morning hours.

*A macro setting on a point and shoot camera, which is what I have, also makes a huge difference.

My cameras? I have two- purchased inexpensively (in terms of normal camera prices) on Overstock and Ebay.

Pentax Optio T 20

Pentax Optio M30

Why Pentax?  Because I asked a blogger, whose photos were beautiful to my eye, what she used.

 pink flower

18 comments:

Karen said...

Thank you for the photography lesson, Laura. Sure would like to be a better photographer. Thanks for the tips!
Have a wonderful day... and you DO have a beautiful yard.
Hugs,
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Our Porch in Hillsborough said...

Laura - You exactly captured my thoughts on how blogging gives you a better view of your own life - one aspect of bloggin that's been a surprise! And the photos of your garden are lovely.
Cheers,
Leah

Anonymous said...

Hi Laura and I can tell you've certainly learned to use your camera! Your photos are always so lovely! I love looking at your yard! Oh, it's pretty!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Lee said...

You darling woman... I have been racking my brain on how to get better pictures, I knew it had something to do with the flash, I have read my manual over and over augh!... are you saying you don't use a flash inside? I couldn't image pictures any prettier than yours...always crystal clear. Keep your camera it does a lovely job... your last post on the table setting was stunning. No flash?
Lee
You have a beautiful garden and thank you for your comment... I did a write up on mine explaining it's transformation click the side bar if your interested.

Sandra said...

And you have a gift for it. You have the "eye" necessary to grab those beautiful photos! You could take a lovely photo with a Brownie camera - wonder how many people will remember that? ;-) xoxo

Debra@CommonGround said...

Your photos are always gorgeous, Laura. I too just learned about the "no flash" sometimes mine come out with a yellow-orange tint, then I have to work on them, but never do get it right. Any tips?
I totally agree. Looking through the camera lens, I see so much more than I normally would, It brings so much into perspective...literally and spiritually.
love ya, have a great weekend. Thanks for the comment on aditl.
Debra

prashant said...

ne aspect of bloggin that's been a surprise! And the photos of your garden are lovely.
Work from home India

Blondie's Journal said...

Laura~~

I echo your thoughts on seeing the world in a different way through the camera lens. Blogging also has helped me believe once again in the good of my peers. Big lesson...

Great camera tips. I knew the 1st two, but I have yet to find the right time to take photos in my home.

xoxo
Jane

Unknown said...

Me too. Framing the world one photo at a time.

June said...

Hi Laura, I agree wholeheartedly about seeing the real through our lens. It definitely is all about the lighting. I don't have an editing program so I like to take a lot of shots on differnt settings to get just the effect I want. Oh do I love the super macro setting! Your photos are gorgeous!
Hugs,
June

Marguerite said...

Your photos and your yard are beautiful and you have a great eye for design and color! Merci beaucoup for the tips and for the camera (make and model). Have a great weekend!

LPC said...

Taking pictures is so much fun!

Kim said...

Okay, a new camera is #1 on my Christmas list, so I just earmarked this post in my journal and made hubby read it! Thanks so much!!!! I'm so excited and can't wait to start taking better pictures for my blog and my store! Laura, did you enter my giveaway and see my new store? I'd love your input/suggestions! Thanks! Kim

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Lovely photos! I just discovered that I should have been using the macro feature on certain photos. Makes a huge difference! I'm looking for a new camera because the LCD display is "dying". Linda

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hi Laura...

Yep, your pictures and terrific. I actually just learned the No Flash tip a couple of months ago. What a great tip! It does make a lot of difference. I have a Canon G9.....my Hubbs won it so I'm just going with that...and I bought a tiny pink Canon to carry in my purse....gotta have that being a blogger and all! :-)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Warm blessings,
Spencer

southerninspiration said...

Laura, thanks so much for coming by my blog today and leaving such a sweet comment. I LOVE your pics, and so glad to know another fellow Texas blogger! It's nice to meet you!

Suzanne

sweetjeanette said...

Absolutely stunning photos and I never would've guessed a "point and shoot" ! What on earth is that gorgeous purple cluster flower? It's beautiful! (can you tell I have a "brown thumb"? LOL)

Im hosting a give away you might like...if you like Christmas, quilts and totebags! Come check it out at: http://sweetjeanette.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-give-away-in-celebration-of-100.html

or just say "hi"

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