[MeriLeighPhoto]

Blaming the eyesight again.

ok, step one, getting LASIK. No seriously, I made the appointment. Then I won’t have to use the LCD.

[MeriLeighPhoto]

Riiight!!! I knew my viewfinder can be focused independently from the lens, but I didn’t know what it was called.

 

um… I… Don’t use the viewfinder. I actually use the cover provided to cover the viewfinder  and I only use the screen.

[MeriLeighPhoto]

…Diopter… um, yes… gonna research what that is. I don’t know how to fine tune my autofocus yet. I read the meat of that article too late to do the steps I should have done to fix the autofocus. In fact, I could not find where I adjust my autofocus in the camera at all. Thankfully, my manual is in my camera bag, so I can read for that solution.

Single center point or multi select point… yes… again I have no idea. It’s probably set to multi select point since a half-click will show a scattering of focal points, but it typically will reduce down to 1 focal point before I finish the click. However, I am often frustrated by the autofocus but I cannot trust myself to manual-focus because I am severely near sighted.

Here is another example of my autofocus frustrations: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151088022194087&l=29147f9cea

[MeriLeighPhoto]

Is this better? http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151119205519087&l=a4a0e73b96

Also, I really need to get the autofocus in my camera to autofocus properly. Most of the photographs I took tonight are focused on someone/thing in the background, instead of what appeared to be the focus when I previewed the focal point before clicking the shutter. *sigh*

[MeriLeighPhoto]

How familiar are you with using a CPL filter (circular polarization)?

Remember that there are two layers in a CPL…

Hmm, my CPL is a Rocketfish 67mm Circular Polarizer, and it does spin on the ring, but I don’t see multiple layers? Link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Rocketfish%26%23153%3B+-+67mm+Circular+Polarizer/1048476.p?id=1218213534593&skuId=1048476&st=rocketfish%20circular&cp=1&lp=3

My UV filter is also from Rocketfish and included a ring to allow it to step down to 62mm. Not sure what that’s for, since my lens is 67mm: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Rocketfish%26%23153%3B+-+67mm+UV+Lens+Filter/1048591.p?id=1218213533601&skuId=1048591&st=lens%20filters&cp=1&lp=2

Back to the CPL. I know it does rotate on the ring but I never considered studying how the angle of the filter changes how the picture looks. I’ll work on that! The filters I used previously were for my traditional SLR, where I primarily used b&w film, so I had the various shades of red, yellow, and blue filters, to change the tones of the light that hit the film. I don’t know ANYTHING about DSLR/color filters.

When it comes to “portraits,” I prefer the look of candids over posted pictures. I’ve never been satisfied with the expressions of people when they pose, but the natural expressions captured in candid shots are much better. When I know someone is taking my picture, the “spark” of personality they are trying to capture disappears, and I see that when I am the photographer too. I am always impressed when other photographers capture images that do not lose that “spark.”

I will look into ND filters. I already know they will be very useful to me, based on your description. Any tips on using the UV filter or any other lens filters I should consider?

[MeriLeighPhoto]

Invest in a few filters. The biggies for nature work are the UV Haze filter, Circular polarize, and a set of ND filters. A split ND wouldn’t do you wrong either. Since you shoot a lot more wide angle, buy filters a little bigger than your lens and get a step down ring so that the edges of the filter stack won’t vignette the image. The CPL filter is probably most important for the work you do.

 

I have used filters on my lens for everything posted from Spring in her Step to present. The Autumn 2012 album utilized a circular polarizer, and the Ascension Convention album utilized a UV filter.  What are ND filters? What is a CPL filter? I always use the lens hood that came with the lens – should I take it off? (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734700-REG/Nikon_4960_HB_53_Bayonet_Lens_Hood.html).

 

I recently realized that I need to crop my photographs for 8×10 rather than “whatever looks best” so that my work will look good in print and not just on the computer.

 

I learned photography 15 years ago on an SLR, using film and the darkroom. I miss that sometimes, if only because of the immersive experience – in order to be successful, I could not multitask, but rather I had to go to a location that had the proper facilities, and I would work on the photographs until they were perfect, regardless of how long it took. I could not work on other tasks there because the required light would ruin the photographs. * wistful sigh*

 

Thank you ALL for the feedback – I will refer back to your suggestions when I start editing the photographs I will take tonight. I was asked to capture the baptisms at my church tonight (anabaptists = not babies, full immersion), so I first need to recalibrate my lens (see link on my FB timeline), and then I will keep your tips in mind while I capture the moments.

[MeriLeighPhoto]

I spent the first 10 minutes just trying to figure out what it was that you wanted us to look at.

Sorry about that, I looked at the page after I posted the link and realized that most of the posts are about the recent giveaway where I volunteer. Try the Autumn 2012 album:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.495033830515939.120260.378474805505176&type=3

 

I use the rule of thirds, and the composition triangle. I usually love my SOC work, but then someone that I know and respect in real life as a pro photog told me that I need to add an S curve to my shots so most of what you call “oversaturated” is adding the S curve. And I do admit, I often have some minor (1-5 degree) rotating to do.

Same location different seasons? Done. After you check out Autumn, check out “Spring in her step” which was my spring album. I was not satisfied with most of my photos from that trip so there are only a handful of photographs there. I don’t see my snow photographs in my Facebook albums, but the snowball on a branch on the Zenfolio site is one of the winter photographs… and all at Camp Pine Woods.

Most of the editing is an attempt to reduce the size and quality for Facebook and frame and watermark so that my photos can’t be borrowed – Its already happened.

 

You pointed out my biggest problem – direction. Honestly, when I go out shooting, I don’t have a plan. I take a walk in the woods and I look for whatever catches my eye. I’m usually looking for deer, but I haven’t seen any while my camera was handy this year.

 

I have taken some portraits, but I have yet to be paid, so I guess that keeps me in out of Fauxtog status still. I have turned down requests to shoot 3 different weddings now – I know I’m not ready for that responsibility!!! But after discussing prices for engagement shots with one couple it was clear that they were hoping for Chase Jarvis quality for a $50 deal.

 

Um this is one of my favorite portraits from my personal page but its not well composed:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150420382544087&set=a.10150420292084087.351161.647754086&type=3&theater

 

This one is well composed, but  you wont like the editing:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150420474624087&set=a.10150420292084087.351161.647754086&type=3&permPage=1

 

It looks like you are shooting midday or in the bright sun.

 

Actually, I am typically not. The Autumn album was taken in the early morning and a good portion of my favorites were taken in late evening light or on cloudy days. It must be the S curve that brightened it up too much.

[MeriLeighPhoto]

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