Week 6 - Cropping, Sizing, and Panoramas

For Week 6 we learned about cropping and resizing images, as well as panoramas. Our assignment was to submit a photo we had taken, and then a cropped version of that same photo. I took a close-up shot of some broccoli to start with:

I didn't like the blurry broccoli in the foreground, so I decided to crop that part of the image out to make it less distracting. Here is the final result:

Now, with less of the blurry piece in the way, it is easier to view the rest of the photo. Cropping definitely improved this shot.
~Abby

Week 5 - Photo Editing Software

For Week 5 we got to know some different photo editing programs, in particular working with Pixlr. We had several different assignment choices to practice different effects. I chose to combine two of the effects, Gradient and Brush Tool, to create a fun "space" picture.

I enjoyed getting practice with some tools and effects that I've never used before! More photos coming soon, hopefully. :)
~Abby

Week 3 - Composition

We had three different photos to take for Week 3's homework. We learned about taking photos using pattern, point of view, and the rule of thirds. Here are the three photos I took using each of these techniques.


The first photo, using pattern, is of my chair. Moving in for a close-up of the detailing made for an interesting photo.

For the next photo we were supposed to shoot from a unique or interesting point of view. I took this one by sitting on our bench swing in our back yard, leaning backwards, and taking a photo of our neighbor's tree against the sky.
 

I took this last one using the rule of thirds. This is one of the orchards behind our church; I placed the tree in the foreground on the thirds line. The other rows of trees also help direct the eye through the photo.
 

I'm loving training my eye to see things I might normally miss, like interesting patterns or unusual viewpoints. Plus, it helps to run through these things in my mind before taking a photo; slowing down helps me to really think about getting the best shot possible.
~Abby

Week 2 - White Balance

Week 2's assignment was to take at least three photos of the same thing, but with different white balance settings. I took four different photos of an apple using all of my camera's possible settings; this was great practice learning how to use white balance to create the best possible image.
 

The first photo is taken with my camera set to Auto. A little green-ish, but not too terrible.

 

The next was taken with the Indoor white balance. The blue tones make it look pretty dark and drab.

The next setting I used was Outdoor. Obviously this one is way too yellow.

The last one was taken with my camera's Custom setting. This one is my favorite, and by far the most accurate. I set the white balance by pointing the camera at a white object, and then, once I had set it, taking my photo of the apple.

I really enjoyed learning about using white balance, and getting to know my camera's settings a little better!
~Abby

Week 1 - Basics

I thought I'd share a couple of photos I took after the first week of class. There wasn't really a specific assignment for these, but I got some extra practice with my camera while learning about the very basics. The first is one I took of my cat. :)

This photo of blackberries gave me a chance to play around with some interesting angles, I tried quite a few before deciding on this one.

 Well, there you have it! I'll be posting weeks 2 and 3 shortly. :)
~Abby

Hello there!

Hi everyone, and welcome to the little blog where I will be uploading photos for the beginning photography course. I'm really enjoying the class so far and am looking forward to learning more about the art of photography!
I can't wait to see everyone's blogs! Actual photos will be coming shortly. :)
~Abby