Weekend Inspiration

Photography.

Several of you have asked me some questions regarding photography. I'll do my best to answer them here.


I've always enjoyed photography. We bought our first "nice" camera back in 1999 when Christopher was a baby. It was an Olympus 35mm with different creative settings and I loved it! That was about the same time that I discovered scrapbooking, as far as combining photos, journaling and art as a way of preserving memories. A few years later, we bought a home computer and digital cameras became more popular, so Chris bought me an Olympus C-765 point and shoot camera. It took beautiful pictures and I was really happy with it, but on our Florida vacation in January, '06, it got knocked out of my hands and broken. I had been faithfully following a photographer's blog for some time before that and had been dreaming of a Canon SLR like she had (yes, blogs can be very influential...). When Chris found out that my model camera was no longer available, but Circuit City would give me the money towards another camera (my husband knows me too well not to have bought the warranty plan), he asked what kind of camera I wanted. "A Canon SLR," I blurted out, never dreaming he would consider it. A short time later, I held my brand new Canon dRebelXT along with Photoshop Elements 4.0 in my hands, still in shock. I have to admit that I spent the next few months feeling very overwhelmed and very guilty for having spent that much money and not really knowing how to take good pictures with this new "wonder" camera. I became fairly active on Two Peas in a Bucket, a photography message board, and learned by leaps and bounds due to the patience of people willing to answer any and every question I had, constructively criticizing my photos, and giving me the inspiration to always improve.


So, what advice would I give to others? First of all, while I am very happy with my camera, you need to understand that just buying a "nice" camera won't guarantee good pictures. I spent many frustrating months learning this truth. And secondly, even though I don't regret the time spent on learning photography, I'm not sure I would do it again if I could go back. (Did I hear some of you "peas" gasp?) Let me explain. All of the photos I have taken and all of the pages I have scrapbooked for my children are very special to me, but in the realm of life, what have I taught my children? I have invested hundreds of hours into photography, hours that could have been spent with my children. For the past several years I have intended to teach my girls to play the piano and to sew their own clothes, but I have yet to get to those tasks. And honestly, I feel that those things would have been a better use of my time. Yes, it hurts to admit that, but I feel that I need to be completely honest for the sake of you mommies who read this blog and desire to raise your little ones for the Lord.


I've included five of my favorite photos in this post, but I chose these particular five for a reason. These were all taken with my Olympus point-and-shoot camera. Unless you're going into business as a photographer, and especially if you're just a mommy who wants to preserve the memories of your children's childhood, I would recommend that you just buy a nice point and shoot camera or improve on using the one you already have. Begin by reading your manual. Begin by reading your manual. Oh, did I already say that? Learn what every button is for and when would be the best time to use it. Most cameras have those little pictures on them like the flower, the person's head, the mountain. They all have a purpose and make a difference. Take time to learn them. And secondly, learn the basic rules of photography as far as composition, lighting, etc. 2peas recently gave a 12-week course on the basics of photography and while all of the lessons may not apply to your particular camera functions, there is a lot to be learned just by tackling the basics.


As far as Photoshop goes, it is loads of fun, but certainly not necessary. I found there was also a pretty steep learning curve in learning to use the program, and again, if you are just a MWAC (mom with a camera), there are numerous free editing programs that may be all you want or need for a basic crop or brightening of your photo.


I certainly don't mean to put photography in a negative light by sharing my opinion here. Photography has changed my life in that it has made me conscious of so many things in life that I had always taken for granted. Looking at the world through the lens of my camera has caused me to see beauty everywhere and in everything, especially in my own family, and I appreciate that. It's just all about keeping the right balance.