M

A few months ago, during a trip to Bird Lake with the usual Bird Lake crew, my friend Tatiana and I started talking about how we would really like to expand our photography knowledge base. We are both the owners of fairly new digital SLR cameras and neither of us felt like we were utilizing them to even a fraction of their capabilities.

Speaking for myself, I lived on Automatic mode. I can honestly say that I don't think a single picture has ever been taken on any other mode...even though the camera has several. The fact is, that even on automatic mode, the camera pictures were still leaps and bounds above anything my point and shoot could EVER produce. The images are always brighter, crisper and more detailed. As I thought about this more, I realized that if this is what my camera can do with a completely uneducated user, imagine what it could do if I actually had some clue. Tat agreed that we needed help and sought out Photo Central to do just that.

PhotoCentral is a photo store in downtown Winnipeg that also offers a variety of courses. One course that they offer deals with digital SLR photography, and getting started. We knew this was the course for us and signed up for 6 weeks this fall.

At the first course we attended, the absolute first thing we did was to switch our cameras to "M" for manual. Manual means that your cameras brain is turned off, and now, rather that it tell you what would make the best picture, it is up to you to tell the camera. Instantly I was intrigued by the manipulation that was possible with the same camera that only minutes before I had no idea how to even adjust. After a lot of trial and error and some basic introduction to how cameras actually work, it amazing how much fun it is to play with photography.

Last Wednesday, in our 5th of 6 courses, we took to the streets and put what we have learned into practice. I still have a LOT of work to do before I can consistently take what I now know to be a "quality picture" but I had fun trying out different settings and seeing what kind of pictures I could get. Here are a few of my favorites. Note - I do realize that these are still FAR from what my camera is capable of...however just the fact that they were shot on manual, and in the dark, is a step for me!

Stalled.

Blogging has taken a real hit lately for me. This month, I have probably blogged less than I have over the past 18 months. It has just been that kind of month.

October is always a busy work month for me, and this year it has proven to be even more so than usual. I am working full time, however am only physically in the office Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This is a great set up to be able to spend some time with Colin during the week, and I have also really enjoyed the whole "working from home" concept. It allows me to continue chores like laundry and cleaning during the day as well, instead of it all pilling up until Sunday afternoon.

If there is one down side to only be in the office 3 days a week however, it is that those 3 days are B-U-S-Y. From the moment I get to work, to the moment I have to leave to pick Colin up, I am going full speed. It is great as the day goes extremely quickly and before I know it it is 4 o'clock, however this month it has really taken a toll on me. October brings hectic work days, too many evening and weekend meetings, and lots of here, there, everywhere.

Therefore, this blog has suffered. Something had to give, I guess. I have so many ideas on things I want to blog about and share with the internet, however they will have to all wait until I get my legs under me again.

Give me 10 days. I'll be back, and I might even have new boots.

New Spokesperson?