Thursday, March 1, 2012

March 1, 2012 Camera......WITH MY EYES WIDE OPEN...


I have always taken photos!  I have always taken LOTS of photos...... of everything.
It wasn't until recently that I noticed most of my photos were pretty HO-HUM. 
Many were not worth sharing.
Lots of photos were blurry. 
Hundreds needed to be deleted from my digital camera.
What we see through those lens, has to be what we want others to see, if we are sharing them!


One of my goals for 2012 is to LEARN EVERYTHING I CAN ABOUT THE CAMERA THAT I ALREADY OWN.

With a lot of determination to learn, and lots of practice, looking though the lens of my Canon G11 Powershot camera will never be the same! My camera is 2 years old.  It is not a DSLR.  It is small, compact, and fits nicely in my purse. There are no attachments.  I have a small tripod.
Here are some interesting facts about the Canon G11: specs and review
Technology has vastly improved since this purchase....as with cell phones and computers, iPads, cars, TVs. In fact, buying any piece of equipment  is almost "outdated" when it leaves the store.


My camera came with a book of instructions that I never bothered to read... (until now). In fact, on the cover of the booklet it says:  "Make sure you read this guide before using the camera".  Are you laughing yet?
"Store this guide safely so that you can use it in the future"...(no comment).
"Please use this manual along with the PDF manuals included on the CD-ROM"... (what? How hard could this be?  You know, turn it on, push a button, done).

The following is a free on-line site:  http://www.365project.org/.  Hundreds of ameteurs display their photography, each sharing a photo a day.  What a great accountability site!  I JOINED!  I started this project January 7th, shooting and posting 1 photo a day.  I have to say that I am seeing things now,  for the first time.... WITH MY EYES WIDE OPEN!

I have a program on my computer called Picasa (I have the Picasa 3 version). It can be downloaded to your computer for FREE. It is a great editing tool. After using it consistently for 2 months, it is difficult to send a photo to someone without "a little bit of" editing.  

There are lots of editing programs that can be purchased, such as Photoshop and  Lightroom . One day I will consider purchasing one of them.......but for now......
I am ready to "kick it up a notch" and start seeing what my little camera will actually DO....you know, I'm reading the directions!
ARE YOUR EYES WIDE OPEN?  WHAT DO YOU SEE?

10 comments:

  1. You have inspired me to take the time to understand my own camera, as I also take it with me everywhere and love to photograph life. Love your photos. What a great family. Beautiful web page, too.

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    1. Ibby, I KNOW YOU LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY! Thanks for your friendship!!!

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  2. I have a Canon Powershot SX150 that looks very similar to your camera. I, too, want to learn to use settings other than Auto. I've taken two workshops, which have helped, but I really need to read the lengthy manual I've downloaded (only part of which I've printed).

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    1. Becky, How is the photography manual coming along???? Mine is going....just not as fast as I would like! I have learned a few things, though, and that's always a good thing!!!

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  3. I LOVE THIS! I love it ALL - the new design (and colors :) and the photos and the new post - can't wait to watch your blog develop!!

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  5. I'm a budding photo gal, too. :) I love the whole idea of capturing that moment in time for my grandkids to see.

    I love what you've done so far. You need to check out the photo folks on G+. I've learned a lot by being there!

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    1. Wow....I checked out G+. The photography there is awesome! Thanks!

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  6. I pretty much did the same thing with my camera and it's a DSLR. I've yet to read the manual even though I've had it since 2007. I'm going to follow your lead by digging it out and seeing what it has to say. It should be interesting. ;)

    Marie - another 365er.

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  7. Marie, I love your blog as well! It's amazing what "instructions" do for us!!! Keep up your great photography!

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