I had to get up early today to do some homework on the computer for work. During the "downloading" time, I started to browse through the blogs of my friends and family. ("Blog stalking" is the term my sister would use. ) Anyhow...I came across a beautiful photo gallery on my cousins site. (Denise...you are truly amazing!) As I went through each category and each picture, I was filled with an overwhelming desire to take a photography class. I have long wanted to do this, but I have always been so busy with work, 5 kids and church callings that I have never actually signed up for a class. Then it hit me! I only have one child at home this year during the school day, things with my church job are slowing down for a month or two and I don't have such a demanding work schedule this year...I could take the class!
My other cousin's blog (Shawna) has inspired me to "find something new". She has taken up jogging and has posted about her drive and determination and her bloody shoes. This has really stayed with me and I have been looking for that "something new" to revitalize me. Now, I don't really want to take up jogging because I hate it and I especially don't want bloody shoes, but I do want a little more "me" time. I have devoted so much time over the past 17 years to being a wife, a mother, an employee, a YW leader, etc...and I think it's now time for me! Maybe photography is just the thing for me right now.
So I am blogging about this so that any of you who are interested in joining me can let me know and we will find a class that works for all of us. I also want to know from those of you who are "pro's" like Denise, what tips you have for me. What kind of camera? lens? backgrounds? lighting? etc... I have so many questions because I am so inexperienced, so any advice will help! I am really very excited about this and hope to have some friends/family join me! Look for my "professional" family Christmas picture in the mail around Thanksgiving time!
6 comments:
I have wanted to take a photography class forever! Every year when the UVSC flyer comes out I tell Darin that I want to take one, he encourages me to, and I don't do it. Maybe this is just the push I need. I'm definitely on board!
Jodi,
I have the same love of photography that you are talking about. I got a really nice camera (a Canon Rebel XT) I haven't taken any classes. (I wish I was closer to you and I would totally do it with you). I have taught myself a ton and I have even taken some Senior pictures and family pictures for some of my friends. Let me know what you find out. It is definitely time for some "ME" time. Good Luck!!! Keri in California!!!
When you said "pros, like Denise" I assume you were not speaking about me. If you were, thanks but it is not true. Every good picture I have I literally have about 60+ bad ones from the same shoot.
Here is how I started with this hobby. In February Derek surprised me on Valentines Day with a Canon 30d. He found a good deal online at Costco - camera and two lenses.
I signed up for classes through our communities adult education. I have taken 2 classes so far and am signing up for a 3rd in the fall. The classes I have taken are mostly to help with composition and understanding lighting. They have been great classes and I have learned a lot but I feel like I still need to take a class that helps me understand how my camera works. I think it is important to really understand your camera.
The other class I think is vital is some type of photoshop class. I could take the same picture as someone else but with the post production editing they do their shot would blow mine away. I haven't found the right class yet or I would already have taken it.
This is so long - sorry! The other thing I would do is visit sites of photgraphers and get a feel for what types of shots you like. Here is a list of photographers that I like...some are way proffesional and some just shoot as a hobby...
www.tarawhitney.typepad.com
www.amyfurstenau.blogspot.com
www.afmphotography.blogspot.com
www.dejahquinnphotography.blogspot.com
There are quite a few more that I like - one in particular but I can't find the links in my favorites - when i do I will send them your way. Tara Whitney is the photographers whos style I like the most.
I also like a style of photography called Miksang, you can read about it at http://www.miksang.net/miksang.html
I also find a lot of inspiration at www.smugmug.com Check out the digital grin group on smugmug, I have a link from my smugmug page - you'll be amazed at the talent.
I am so excited that you are going to do this - go for it! It is such a great creative outlet. Enjoy the process of learning photography. I find myself getting totally bent out of shape at times because I take a ton of crappy pictures but I have to remind myself that part of the enjoyment in this is the process and to learn. So have fun with it.
Can't wait to see your photos.
That's my camera! Good luck on the photo class. Had fun chatting with you the other night. OBVIOUSLY, being family - this is kind of a weird thing to say, but after you left, Rob says, "I like Jodi." I said, "Me too." And it was left at that. (Just pretend that we don't already love eachother...)
Thanks for your comments everyone! I have already checked into UVSC's photo classes for fall and the counselor is going to give me a call.
I hope to post some pretty great pictures on my blog soon! Melissa and Rob - I like you too!
So call me stupid but I never realized your name was Joanne. Anyway, I'm totally on board with you on taking a class. We can't afford a nice new camera but even some little one can do some amazing things if you know what you are doing. I've always wanted to take classes on it to so let's do it.
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