I usually get a few emails every week, and while I’m no photographer, I do love photography. Especially photographing interiors…and my children.
First, let me answer the main question…what kind of new camera did I get? Matt surprised me with a Canon 7D for Christmas, with all the lenses and attachments I could imagine. I’m saving for a tripod and I’ll be good to go. I know he worked so hard to save for it, and I can’t wait to pay him back…maybe I can send him on a ski trip?? Or maybe dinner. 🙂
That’s the second question I get…do you have a tripod? Nope. Want one, but don’t have one yet.
Third….how do you take such good pictures inside? Well, first, let me say that it’s really kind for anyone to label them “good” in any shape, form, or fashion. That’s not lost on me…thank you for that compliment. Secondly, I have a million-trillion things to learn, but I am learning. I think the first thing that gives me a nudge is my lack of fear.
It’s just like painting furniture…no hesitation or fear about ruining a piece. I don’t have a fear of not taking a good picture, so I’m not afraid to get out of the green box and experiment.
Because I get so many emails and questions, I thought we could do a photography series…but for the regular person like me. This means we’ll probably explain everything in painstaking detail.
So on this post, I want you to leave ANY photography question you can think of. From these comments and previous emails, I’ll write up our own tips and tricks post or two. There’s so much great info out there, so it will probably be nothing new, but it may be helpful. (Plus, if there’s something I can’t answer, I’ll just get my photography, BFF, Lauren to help out!)
So before we get going on all that jazz, I wanted to share with you the most awesome photoshop actions courtesy of The Pioneer Woman. I ran across these a while back, and have not really gotten to play with them much, but if you have photoshop, you’ve gotta go download these now. I’m slowly learning my way around in that monstrosity of a program, but it is slow going to say the least.
I want to show you what I’m talking about…
The kids and I enjoyed a beautiful spring picnic the other day. Never mind it was a picnic of fruit snacks, pretzels, and half a pop tart. It was an impromptu gathering.
This is one of the pictures I snapped of Ava around 4 pm. The lighting was getting lower (which can sometimes be the best time), and I checked to see I wouldn’t overexpose it, but I made no other adjustments, knowing I would just come back and edit.
(I’m not able to use all of these actions all the time, but I wanted to have fun with them today)
So there she is. This is PW’s Seventies + Boost + Quick Edge Burn. I did play with the opacity of the boost and the edge burn. (And I’m not savvy in there, so anyone can do this.)
I’m over the moon for the Seventies action.
Here’s another….my sweet boy walked up with a surprise tucked behind his back, and I was able to snap the picture when he proudly presented me with a little flower. And yes, a haircut is in order.
Again, low lighting, quick snap.
Normally, I would adjust the contrast, exposure, and brightness individually, but I wanted you to see how clicking one button of PW’s actions can improve your photos.
This is my picture + Boost.
Again with the Seventies action.
Soft and Faded.
Here’s a shot taken with my old Sony DSLR while we were in Maryland.
And after one Boost. See how the brick and clouds, and color saturation are just more noticeable? More alive.
And because it just looked fun….Vintage @ 50%.
You guys have GOT to go check them out. And even if you don’t have photoshop, head over there for great photography tips.
And because they’re mine, and I’m shameless, here’s some more pictures of my kids.
Ava looks lost in deep thought. Probably planning out her campaign for President. Grayson looks sweet and angelic. Probably planning on pushing Ava off the slide.
Not believing my sweet A is already 19 months old.
Before I know it, these will be traded in for heels and blisters.
Here’s to baby-soft toes.
🙂
*don’t forget to leave your photography questions/things you’d like to know in the comments.
Oh, Shauna, those babies are adorable.
Oh, and the pictures are great, too.
Thanks, Glenda! 😀
shaunna
Question one: What is the cheapest way to get Photoshop if you don’t have it?
Question two: How do you take a picture of a window scene without the huge glare of the window? When I try to take pictures of curtains, all you see is a bright window and a dark room.
Thanks!!
What is your favorite lens for photographing rooms?
Good question, Chantelle! It’s a good topic to cover…just sent you an email.
😉
shaunna
I have such a hard time shooting in my house because there is not alot of light. Any tricks for me? Your shots always look amazing, but maybe you have more light in your house. My flash tries to come on in my house even in the middle of the day sometimes. Help!
Thanks, Leah…I know what you mean. We have some rooms full of light and others full of shadows. It’s all been an experiment for me. I’ll try to focus on some ways to shoot in the darker rooms. Thanks for your comment!
🙂
shaunna
1.) what do you truly think are the bare necessities for great photos on blogs?
{a cost breakdown would be helpful}
2.) is it possible to make picasaweb work like photoshop?
3.) how do sites like makingitlovely and young house love do those cut and paste mood boards? {a tute on that would be killer}
thanks a bunch. so glad i found your site through twitter this morning!
great questions, Nicolette! Can’t wait to work on a post…and so glad you found us too!
🙂
shaunna
Anything on apature would be great. I love the faded background with the focus on the foreground. Also, the bright and light interior shots… how do you do that? Flash, what ISO, etc.?
Thanks, Olivia, I’ll definitely at least give my spin on it. 🙂 I’m going to work on a post for next week, so look for it…I hope it will be helpful.
🙂
shaunna
Hey Shaunna,
I would love to hear your tips on indoor photography, especially when it comes to lighting. I have a log house and I swear all the logs and wood just suck up any available light, which makes it extremely difficult to take good, well-lit pics. I’ve considered getting a lamp tree, but it seems like overkill considering I blog for fun. Hmmm, decisions, decisions…
Also, I love P-Dub’s PS actions. I happened upon them in 2009 right before a friend did a long-overdue photo shoot for my family. She used the actions to enhance the pics and they turned out amazing! The 70s action is my favorite of the group, too!
Take care,
Erin
I know what you mean, Erin. Our bedroom is sooo dark and shady, except for the glaring light that comes in through the windows. And about too much work…we want it to be easy to take good photos. I’ll definitely consider that angle….and yes, P-Dub is awesome all the way around!
🙂
shaunna
The picture of your son and the flower almost made me cry! That is so sweet and a picture to be treasured forever… I don’t have a question but want to say that while I think photography can be learned, I also believe some people are just born with an amazing perspective for photography. My husband can take things that I would take a complete boring photo of and make them unbelievable. I can tell from your photos you have the same gift =)
Thanks, Kristal!! I think that would make for an interesting post…the composition of your photos…angles, etc. You’re sweet to say that about me…it’s probably all achieved by accident. 😉
shaunna
Shaunna,
Seeing that precious picture of your Grayson makes me realize my sweet 10-month-old Gus will be a big boy before I know it…I just hope he is giving me flowers! My question is do you have a “starter” camera you recommend? I am so new to blogging and I know that pics from my iPhone don’t really cut it but I can’t afford a DSLR right now as we are working on paying off all our debt. Is there a point and shoot you think is good?
Thank you for being so perfectly imperfect! I find joy in reading your blog!
Love, Brandy
Thanks for your comment, Brandy…I know, they grow up SOOO fast! Let me look into the point and shoot…that’s a great question!!
🙂
shaunna
I just found your blog and I love it! I’m looking forward to your photography post- I just graduated from a point and shoot to a Nikon D3000. I love it. I’m re-doing my blog right now and can’t wait to hear what you have to say. : )