Mama's Bible
Taking photographs is hard. Scratch that, taking good photographs is really hard. I’ve struggled with my subpar photography for a while. I’ve changed cameras, upgraded lenses, and spent countless hours cruising the internet trying to figure out aperture, ISO and depth of field. I’ve learned a few things. For example, I now know that buying an expensive camera does NOT make you a better photographer. And a fancy schmancy lens is only as good as the eye behind it. Ok, a good lens does make a difference, but you still have to know how to use it correctly.
One of my greatest desires is to be able to capture glimpses of our lives that tell a story – whether it’s photos of the Littles caught in moments perhaps only precious to their mama, or conveying the love of a dinner served up family style at The Schell Cafe. Six years, two cameras, two lenses, and a fabulous turquoise camera bag later I’ve decided I should probably do something about this hope of mine. You know, like take a photography class.
When my friends Brooke and Shelli mentioned an online photography class I thought ‘why not?’ And I enrolled in a class offered by Kent Weakley.
The class is on composition and in just a few short sessions, I’ve learned so much. Like how much I more I have to learn. Kent told us in one of the lessons “You are responsible for everything in your photo.” Now that might seem obvious, but it’s really made me reconsider my approach to photography. And dare I say, life.
At the risk of humiliating myself completely, here’s my current method of taking photos. Let’s call it The Las Vegas Method, as you will see this technique is merely a crapshoot.
Grab camera
Pick a setting
Take a shot
View the image
Realize its blurry
Switch settings
Take another shot
View the image
Categorize the shot as ‘meh’
Switch settings
Take another shot
View the image
And so on and so forth.
Eventually my window of opportunity to capture the moment closes — a Little runs away, the food begins to burn, or the sun sets leaving me literally and figuratively in the dark. I upload the 75, plus or minus, photos and wallow in disbelief as not one image stands out as a success to my eye. With a little cropping and some auto editing (photoshop scares me too much to try!) I end up with some photos that are okay, more that are not. The process is a gamble. Betting I’ll get one shot out of 75 leaves too much to chance.
For our first photography assignment we were instructed to take five photographs, each time only pressing the shutter button once. Really? How opposite of The Las Vegas Method can you get???
Being responsible for everything in the frame makes me really slow down and look before I press the shutter button. And I realize the fast-shutter approach is also a reflection of how often I just zoom through life. As my MTWTHFSS’s run together, I wonder what gifts I might see, what beauty my eyes might behold, if I were to slow down and deliberately view life through the lens of my Creator.
Open the eyes of my heart Lord! Let me be still enough to see you in every frame of my life.
Love,
I love this post, as I can definitely relate. I know of some excellent on-line photography courses, but have been too nervous to make the time. I am inspired by you to take the time to become a better photographer! My number one rule is no flash — that definitely makes for better pictures. All of the pics you posted below are beautiful, but my very fave is of E. I love her reflection in the window; that is an awesome shot!
Annie – you know how focus-challenged I can be! If I can do this so can you. I like Kent’s class (no I’m not getting paid to say this!) because it’s affordable and self-paced. I’ve wasted so much time thinking I’m going to take a class at Precision or ACC and just never get around to it.
Your pictures of G with her horse are awesome. We should take our cameras out for a spin one day. After we swap yummy recipes, of course. xo
(Smiling huge!) Wow! Your pictures are fabulous! Kent will be proud! And your Littles are beautiful, I might add!
I’ve been feeling the same way about photography slowing me down to enjoy the gifts. Counting the gifts has helped me to notice them; photographing them has helped me to slow and savor them. I actually have a post swirling in my head that I’m saving for Monday and my gratitude list. We are totally on the same page. Yes, we are kindreds! And I can’t wait to enjoy the gift of you in person at Relevant. xo
Shelli – your post of the gorgeous, and to this Texas girl unfamiliar, snow inspired this post. And, I’ve been dying to hook up with Brooke’s Photography of a Newbie series too. So thank you for your encouragement. How gracious of God to give us the desire of capturing his gifts on film (can we still say that if it’s digital?) and each other to share in the journey. Obviously, counting gifts as inspired by Ann Voskamp has been far reaching and deep rooted. Praise Him! Can’t wait to meet you in October too. xo
I think that’s one of the side effects of this photography thing that I didn’t expect. I DO feel like I’m slowing down. I don’t want to miss anything!
I especially love the third pic above with the image in the car window. Good composition girlfriend!
Kristin,
If you were struggling and shooting many so-so images, it definitely does NOT show in these photos. Wow, all of these show balanced and beautiful thoughtfulness! You have a great eye! Thank you so much for joining us at the Composition eClass. It’s an honor to work with you.
Have on my desk the printed version of your work from the gathering at your house. The photos are awesome. Middle-littlest should be entered in a contest. Keep on with your creativity–there’s a calling here.
love your photos!! I think I will check out a class… I just love photography but get frustrated with my skills at times.
I love this post! A friend just referred me to your blog thinking I’d like your food philosophy. I’ve been posting a good bit about food lately and have been so encouraged by the number of moms who want help. Anyway…back to this wonderful post of yours! I love photography and have found it to be one of the most amazing ways to lift my spirits. When I focus my eyes on the little things God gives in each moment, my heart is more in tune with my King.
Have fun learning!
xo,
Linsey
Our sweet friend was too kind introducing us. Your site is gorgeous — can I just move in. So glad to have a new favorite blog to follow. And, hopefully our paths will cross in real life too. Thanks for stopping by my little neck of the woods. xo, K