Back to Basics

Anyone can point a camera and shoot; it's what you do with that shot that makes you an artist. There are a few minimal steps that go into each shot that happen before, during and after you take a picture. If you apply these steps it can change the quality of your photos dramatically.

First off, if you have a digital camera, that will make these steps so much easier. For the simple fact that you can immediately see if your picture has turned out...and if it didn't, delete, and start over. So for the sake of simplicity, lets say we are using a digital camera in these steps. And remember, this post is about basics...nothing too high tech yet.

Choosing the Right Setting

First off, lets start on the automatic setting of your camera. Even your most basic digital camera will have an automatic setting. This adjusts the flash, focus, everything for you so all you have to do is point and shoot. Automatic is usually labeled with the word AUTO or a green rectangle.

Getting it in Focus

Once your camera is on AUTO align your shot and put your main subject in the center of your shot. The point of this step is to make sure the main subject of the photo is clear and sharp. Everyone hates a blurry photo. To ensure that the main subject in your photo is clear it will be outlined by the brackets you see through the view finder or on the display screen. They will look like this [  ] Make sure your subject is in that box.

Now, push the button slightly till it is halfway down. Do not push it all of the way yet. The brackets surrounding your subject should flash, change color, beep, something will signal that your subject is locked and in focus. You will probably even see the picture go in and out of focus before it "locks".

Then push the button down the rest of the way, taking the picture.

Level Up

This step really makes the biggest difference in your style of photos. The key to a good shot is seeing your subject on "it's" level. Get eye level with the object then take the picture. For example, kids and pets, get down low on their level and then take the shot. It helps to bring the photo to life and see the object for what it is rather than from an adults perspective. Get close to your subject don't be afraid to break that personal bubble. 

Flowers, plants, smaller objects especially zero in on, focus on one flower bud, and let the others around it go out of focus. It really adds character to your pictures. 

Now, get out there and go take some awesome photos! 

Photography Blog!?! Why not?!?

FUN FACTS ABOUT

 ELZIE'S PHOTOGRAPHY

1. What's up with the name?
• Elzie is short for Elizabeth, it is the nickname my husband Jon gave me just shortly after we met. He asked what other people call me and none of them were unique enough for him, so Elzie it was, short, sweet, and unique.
2. What kind of training do you have?
• None...except for the occasional book or online blog...and yes in some-to-most of my pictures you can probably tell, especially those of you who have had professional training.
3. Do you plan to have professional training?
• Yes, in fact I am in the process of finding local photography classes and get some structural knowledge under my belt.
4. What is your favorite thing to photograph?
• My nieces and nephews, they are so fun and full of life I absolutely love capturing those special moments with them. 
5. Are you a real business?
• No, not technically, well not yet...but someday! I would love to get into some volunteer work and get my name out there and show what I can do, even without having that professional training then someday, own a studio.
6. Can the public hire you to do photo shoots?
• Yes! If you are looking for a photographer to do family photos, follow you around for a day on a family outing or looking for some fun shots of pets, kids, family, or just anything... just send me a message and we can go over details! 
7. Do you have a website?
1. Not yet, everything is still in the works, but I do have a Facebook page with many of my photos on there. Elzie's Photography

If you have any questions for me feel free to ask them and I will answer them in the next blog post.

FUN FACTS ABOUT

 PHOTOGRAPHY

1. The first known photograph was taken in 1827 and took over 8 hours to develop! 
2. Kodak was the first company to sell cameras to the public in 1888.
3. Photoshop is your new best friend
4. The first digital camera only had 1.4 mega-pixels
5. Sony's first digital camera arrived in 1981, and could store 25 photos.

6. According to statistics, the average number of digital photos printed is every 2 out of 10. 
7. The oldest camera known was sold at an auction for $800,000 in 2007. 

Facts taken from: here

FUNNY FACTS ABOUT

PHOTOGRAPHERS

1. 1 GB of memory lasts most people a month but barely lasts you the afternoon.
2. You know what aperture-priority means.
3. You delete more photos in a week than most people make all year.
4. You need just one more lens.
5. You’ve crawled on the ground to get a shot of something rusty.
6. Your camera equipment is worth more than your car.
7. No one else brings a camera to an event if they know you’re coming.
8. Your family doesn’t recognize you without a camera covering your face.
9. You have thousands of pictures and you’re not in any of them.
10. You’ve been up before dawn or out in the freezing cold or even done something semi-dangerous… all for a photograph. 
11. When you go to movies you spend more time trying to figure out their lighting than trying to figure out the plot
12. When you lose track of the entire movie by thinking about which lenses were used in each shot...

Facts taken from: here