Shutter School Macro Mode

Macro Mode--you know that setting on your camera that has the little flower? Even the most basic "point and shoot" cameras usually have it. The lesson at Shutter School right now focuses on using the macro mode to shoot really great pictures. I have to say, this is my favorite thing right now---I love getting really close to interesting objects. Seems that flowers are the most colorful right now, but the other day, I captured yet another dragonfly out front on the lantana bush. I love the way the macro mode was able to capture even the tiny veins in his wings, so intricate and beautiful. If you want to give it a try, hop on over the Shutter School website to pick up a few helpful hints and then post some of your photos on the Flickr site.

Shutter School - Leading Lines

I haven't had much opportunity to practice my Shutter School lesson this time, although I do find myself looking for those lines even as I drive down the street. Here are the only ones I was able to capture this week.
Not sure if this first one fits the criteria--it may be more of a "Rule of Thirds" kind of photo, but I like the lines created by the different foliage. In this picture are the rows of soy beans and sugar cane.And here's one of the gathering storm. Yes, I know I shouldn't have snapped a picture while driving, but at the time, I was the only one on the road and I was very careful---I promise.

Shutter School---Framing

On my recent vacation I found that the Atlanta Zoo was the perfect place to "frame" a few photos naturally. For more suggestions about how to use framing in your photography, check out Shutter School's newest lesson. Here's one of my favorites---a snack peeking through a log in one of the terrariums.

Rule of Thirds

Maybe the reason it's called Rule of Thirds is because it takes me 3 times to get it right. I've been practicing my Shutter School lesson whenever I get a chance. Sometimes the pictures turn out right to begin with, but other times it takes several shots to get the balance right ---often three times!! Here are a few I took this evening:

Shot #1--Not bad, but kind of boring.Shot #2--a bit better. I can see the thirds, but it is just a little blurry.Shot #3---Much clearer and more interesting, I think! (I love that tiny bud at the bottom!)Then here's the next one:
Shot #1--I didn't get the "thirds" at all in this oneShot #2---This one (obviously from another angle) is interesting and I can kind of see the "thirds"Shot #3---I kind of like this one----I cropped it a little bit on the bottom, so now it clearly uses the Rule Of Thirds and I like the way the sun glows through on the right.
And my last one----this time, I got it right the first time. This is unedited and my favorite from this batch.

Lesson One

I've been out of town for a few days and got back late last night. But, I wanted to let you know that the first lesson is posted at Shutter School, so hop on over there and join us in learning how to use your camera. Be sure to leave us a comment letting us know you are participating and start snapping pics! The first lesson is not difficult, but is really important for good composition. I can't wait to get my new camera (which arrived while I was gone) out of its box after work today and try it out! You have until June 21 to experiment with the Rule of Thirds and post your attempts over at our Flickr Site.

Happy Snapping!

Shutter School is Coming . . .

--If you drool over professional photographer blogs, but are too embarrassed to post your own photos...
--If you dream of capturing bright blue skies and vivid green grass, but have never switched out of automatic mode...
--If your scrapbooks are cleverly designed, but the quality of the photos distracts from the pages...
--If you wish you had captured that spontaneous moment earlier, but forgot to bring your camera along...

Then welcome to Shutter School!

Shutter School is an online photo challenge which hopes to inspire you to pull out your digital camera (any kind) and learn to love your lens.

How it works:
1. Every 10 days (or so!) a new lesson will be posted on our personal blogs, Dancing Commas and Mommy's Treasures, as well as on the Shutter School blog. The lesson will focus on a single photography skill (either a camera mode, a style of photography, or a hint about composition). Along with a list of tips about that skill, a directory of other photography resources will be listed for you to gain an even better understanding of the concept.

2. We'll ask you to comment on the post to take attendance. (We want to know who is playing along with us!) Also, please feel free to share your own hints or other resources that you find. Let's learn from each other!

3. Your homework is to spend the next 10 days practicing that skill. Carry your camera with you. Pull out your manual to figure out how the skill applies to your particular camera. . . and snap away! You'll be amazed at the options available even on your point-and-shoot camera!

4. At the end of the two weeks (or as you go along), you will want to post your best images to our Flickr group: "Shutter School" and if you have one, to your own personal blog.

5. To complete the lesson, we'll post some of the photos that best employ the lesson's technique.

Gather your supplies and join our Flickr group, so that you'll be all ready when the first lesson is posted on June 10! (hopefully my new camera will have arrived by then)

Be sure to leave us a comment below or on our individual blogs so that we'll know you want to learn with us---I think it will be fun!

-Jana and Linda

200th Post

Wow! I can't believe it, but this is my 200th post!! I started this blog back in November of 2007---that's even harder to believe. Some months there have been more entries, than others, but it has been really fun to do and a great way to keep track of a few highlights in my life.

Seems appropriate to post something new and exciting, so take notice of the new badge I've added to the right side. Shutter School is a joint project between my daughter, Jana and me that will begin in the next week or so. We're hoping that you will join us as we learn to use our cameras better and more intentionally, so stay tuned for more details to follow!


P. S. Somehow as this was posted, I seem to have lost my decorative borders. Hmmmm, I was contemplating changing that anyway--maybe this is a sign . . .