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Let’s Talk Photos

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Hi everyone! Hope you’re having a good week so far.
 
As I told you in my last post, I decided that that I was going to talk a little bit about photography since it’s the topic about which I probably receive the most emails. The two main things that people seem to be interested in are what kind of camera and lenses I have and also if I could offer any photography tips. Well, I’ll do my best to answer both of those questions right here.
 
Okay, let’s first talk about equipment. It seems like there’s always the question of Nikon or Canon…Canon or Nikon. When I was shopping for a new camera, I had a hard time choosing since I didn’t know too much about photography, but after a little research, I ultimately decided on a Canon Rebel T2i and an 18-55mm lens. It isn’t the fanciest set-up, but I don’t think a person could go wrong with any of the cameras from either brand.  I chose Canon since they were supposed to be easy to use and, frankly, I just needed to finally make a decision.
 
I’ve had my camera for about a year and a half, and while I really like it, I also have dreams of upgrading. It seems like most people who love photography, either as a hobby or profession, are always thinking about what other equipment they’d like to add to their collection. The hardest part is getting your pocketbook to match your desires or having the patience to save for that special something.
 
Once you have your camera, the next thing I would suggest is one simple, but important thing, which is to read the manual, over and over.  If you can purchase a nice, big, in-depth manual for your camera, such as this one…DO IT!  I have found that reading that big book, rather than the little teeny, tiny thing that came with my camera, to be so helpful. I would also recommend the book, Understanding Exposure to gain a better grasp of aperture, shutter speed, and lighting. 
 
Okay, time for some tips…there’s only a few and they’re nothing too earth-shattering.
 
When I think about photography and my workflow, there are three elements that come to mind…composition/styling, shooting and post-processing. Since I think I’ll do a separate post about composition, I’ll just jump to my shooting basics and you can glean from that what you will.
 
First, I should say, I’m mostly a natural light photographer. The pictures in this post were shot outdoors, which is something I do quite frequently. I generally take my photos either early in the morning or later in the day since the light is softer…with my preference being late afternoon. Since the majority of the things I photograph are little vignettes with flowers or food, I usually take everything outdoors and arrange it all on a big board, which I then move around on the ground to adjust to the changing light. The best placement seems to be areas that are brightly lit, but not in the direct sun…a little backlighting or dappled sun is nice though. As I’m working, I’ll take things away and add new items, varying the heights, textures, and colors to see what seems to look best. I don’t really plan things out, preferring to let things flow naturally. To brighten up my shots and reduced any shadows, I use a white foam board to bounce light back onto the subject.
 
This probably goes without saying, but when you’re taking photos try and remain as still as possible…don’t be all herky-jerky. Keep your elbows tucked close to your sides and your body stable. And when you’re pushing down the shutter release button try to do it slowly and smoothly.
 
As for my camera settings, I prefer aperture priority mode, although I am trying to be better about using manual more often. To get some background blur, I generally keep the aperture pretty wide open, and more often than not, I’ll also increase the exposure compensation to lighten the photo up a bit too.
Okay, once I’m all done shooting, I use Photoshop Elements for post-processing. While it’s definitely a program that takes awhile to learn, I’d never be able to get my photos close to my liking without it. It seems as if there’s always something to lighten, brighten, darken, sharpen or erase. Sometimes I’ll use textures or actions from Kim Klassen or Florabella to alter the look or feel of my photos, except when the photo involves food which, I feel, looks best in its true colors.  Although I could probably put together a few basic posts about photo-editing, I don’t really want to, nor do I think I’m the best person for explaining all that’s involved. 
 
Well, that’s that. Hopefully, that wasn’t too boring for you. Does anyone have any tips or anything they want to add?
 
Have a good day!
 
xo
Β 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stacey@A Sort Of Fairytale says

    this was very helpful and interesting…thank you! photography was once my major in college and now is just a hobby for me. i love taking photos of home interiors and vignettes. I always enjoy your gorgeous photos, Tricia!
    i also love your honesty here, about not feeling like blogging much or wanting to post about photo editing…i like a gal that tells it like it is! enjoy your day, whatever you do…
    πŸ™‚

  3. i.ikeda says

    You know what I love about your photos? The softness and delicacy of your composition, colors, and subjects. I know the natural lighting definitely helps, but I honestly think a lot of it comes from you having a good eye for arrangement of your subject. I love your photos.

  6. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    Thank you for mentioning Understanding Exposure, Tricia!
    Every time someone asks me for photography tips or advice, that's the one must-have book I direct them to.

    Beautiful work, as always!!!

    XO,
    Anne

    P.S. And I still love ya, even though I'm a Nikon girl. πŸ˜‰

  7. Sarah says

    Hi Tricia,
    I understand why it took you so long to decide, I've been researching and looking for months. I can't wait to come back here and study these tips, which I value because you take the most beautiful photos. I think you also just have the eye and the talent for it too.

    Hope you're enjoying your time away. πŸ™‚

  9. michele says

    thanks, tricia. i am one of those just shoot when the light seems right kinda bloggers. this was a generous post to share so thank you. i have no idea what i am doing with the camera and WORSE, i have very little desire to improve–isn't that despicable? what i love is enjoying pretty pictures from people who know what they're doing like the ones shot by you, believing there is magic involved, and never ever reading a manual.

    michele

  10. Alabaster Rose Designs says

    Thank you so much Tricia for these wonderful tips!!! I'm going with a Canon as well. I just think it's going to be a good match for me.
    I love the tip about using the foam board to bounce light back onto the subject, I will definitely try that!
    I will be purchasing the book Understanding exposure as well, I've heard so many positive things about it!!
    Thanks again and take care!! I too know how how it feels to need a break from blogging!
    Sincerely,
    Melinda

  13. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    Hey lovely,

    I'll try shooting outside – though England's weather is AWFUL at the moment – rain, rain and more rain!!

    I loved this post – and had been looking forward to it lots!! Thank you.

    Sxxx

  17. Pam says

    Great tips. And it reminds me that I need to finish reading my Understanding Exposure book. I have been having a hard time getting around to visit people lately too. I'm in a Spring funk or something.

  18. thistlewoodfarm says

    Stacey sent me over here and I just wanted to say thank you. I just bought the same camera (and a similar lens) and I have no idea what I am doing and this shed a little light into a fuzzy understanding.

    Is there a way to subscribe by e-mail so I can get the future posts you want to do on this?

    blessings,
    karianne

  20. Tiffany says

    Lovely and great tips Miss Tricia….no blogging here or photography for that matter:( Just lots of planning, packing, and moving. Look forward to your next post as always.

    Tiffany

  21. Linda R says

    Thanks so much for your wonderful tips. Your photos always look amazing. It is hard to sit on a computer and blog when it is so pretty outside!

    Hugs~

  22. Ellie says

    That is such an interesting post. I'm always happy to learn about photography. Your pictures always look so light and fresh. Those books look interesting too.

  23. DianeM says

    Thank you so much for taking the time to post all this info…someday I hope/need to start a blog & great pictures are sooooo important to a successful blog…and you take such lovely pictures, I always enjoy seeing/reading your latest posts πŸ™‚
    Smiles, DianeM

  25. Gail Dixon (Louisiana Belle) says

    Good to hear from you! Four years ago when I decided to take up photography, I also chose the Canon because it was more user friendly. And I also shoot on aperture priority which works well most of the time, but there are times when I really would like to exercise more control over my photos. The problem is, I like to shoot birds, animals, wildlife, and those critters are constantly moving around, so AP makes the most sense. I don't have the patience to be constantly fiddling with the settings.

    I love your photos because they're so light and airy. I'll have to try that tip on exposure. I've used it before but I always forget about it.

  26. Caroline says

    Totally agree with you about reading the manual. I now shoot in manual 100% of the time. It's pretty easy since I shoot food for a living and it does not move!! Love your photos as always!

  27. Vickie @ Ranger 911 says

    Thank you for the tips and sharing your beautiful photos! I'd love to be able to post quality photos, but need the time to be able to just play with my camera. I've got a Canon Rebel T1i that I don't think I'll be outgrowing in the near future.

    Love those checkered spoons!

  28. julie - eab designs says

    We have the same camera – love mine! I have a birthday coming up this weekend and I've asked for my 3rd lens. So excited to start using it! (Adore you checked spoons!)

  29. LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious says

    The Canon Rebel is on my wish list. Tricia, you are like the 6th person who has told me that they use and love that camera. I'm sold just looking at your photos. It is no secret that you are gifted in composition, along with the total package of photography. But your ideas and layout for composition is what makes your photos stand out over the best of the best. I think your designer talents are showing!!!

    Thank you for this informative post. I will go back to it often I'm sure, once I get my camera one day.

    β™₯Lee Ann

  30. Ann says

    Thanks for the tips.
    You're amazing photos prove that you know what you're doing and saying.

    Have a nice day!

  32. Marina {Yummy Mummy) says

    Great tips! I would say all the same things πŸ™‚ I'm a Canon girl too – I must get that big manual because I know there is a lot more I can learn. I always love your pictures.

  36. PriscilaPetersDecor says

    Tricia,
    You know I am here taking notes, right?!
    I still didn't get my wanted camera, but it's on top of my must get list.
    Thank you for this post and I look forward to more…

  37. Kia says

    Wonderful tips, Tricia! πŸ™‚
    And exquisite photos, as always!
    Thanks for brightening by not-so-great week. πŸ™‚
    *huggles*

  39. Sandy says

    Hi Tricia! That wasn't too boring for me at all, in fact I loved reading every word. You were very helpful and we can all use all the help we can get, lol. And here I thought you always shot indoors. It's nice to know that you can get the light you need in a lot of your photographs doing it that way. Looks like I need to do that as well because quite frankly, the light in my kitchen is just horrible.

    I need a new camera so bad, it 'ain't' funny, but still, I do the best with what I have.

    Now where in the world did you get those cute little spoons? I 'lust after spoons like that lol. I see the spoons Cannelle et Vanille uses and I'm sure shes buys them in Spain because I searched for hours one night and I didn't find any patterned spoons anywhere in this Country LOL!

    Hope you have a wonderful week sweetee!
    Can't wait for more posts like this!

  40. Sandy says

    I've got my eye on that Canon Mark 5D but first I must win the lottery! lol If I win I will get you one too πŸ™‚ πŸ˜‰

  41. June says

    Great tips Tricia! I always LOVE your beautiful shots. You have such an awesome talent!
    hugs from here…

  44. Blooming Rose Musings says

    Wonderful post, Tricia. I think many bloggers are taking blogging breaks right now. I think many of us need to take breaks now and then just to give creativity a boost again. I hope you have a great weekend.

  45. Dear Lillie says

    What a great post, Tricia with so many great tips! And taking a break is always a good idea. I have been overwhelmed lately and haven't had time to visit any of my favorite blogs lately and I always feel badly, but then remember it's okay!

  46. April says

    I love the pictures, I am still a work in progress when it comes to photography. Can't wait to look around your blog!
    xoxo
    April

  47. Home Bohemia says

    I love Blueberries….I always go out in the forrest and pick my own in the end of the summer…and make a blueberrie pie:)) love Maria

  50. Nic. says

    Wonderful pictures, and not just in this post. I so wish I can photograph like that too. πŸ™‚

    Keep shooting, keep writing. I'll be following your blog!

    <3,
    A first time visitor.

  51. Cindy Garber Iverson says

    Gorgeous photos and fantastic tips and instruction! Bravo!!!! I love your natural lighting in your shots and it's so nice to know that you shoot a great deal outdoors. I probably need to do more of that to get the look I want. I know what you mean about always wanting to upgrade. I just did a couple of months ago from my 5 year old Sony A100 to a pro-level Sony A77. I am SO glad I took the plunge. I'm loving the results with my new camera!

    Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

  52. prideinphotos.com says

    WOW WOW WOW…my first time visiting here at your blog. I am in love girl!! You have done a remarkable job!!!! Your photo staging is just incredible!! I will be back many times to see your work.
    Laurie at Pride In Photos

  56. Privet and Holly says

    Great tips, Tricia. I also
    like to shoot in AP, but
    I haven't played with
    exposure compensation.
    I also bought "the big
    book," but have yet to
    crack it! So many things
    I want to accomplish, yet
    never enough time. You
    have spurred me on to
    crack that book and get
    back to experimenting
    with my camera.

    Hope you are having a
    wonderful week! Feels
    more like June than May,
    don't you think??

    xo Suzanne

  57. lulusfolie says

    I'm a professional photographer and I just love your photographs as well as this wonderful simple easy guide you've written! This would be a great reference for my students just learning the practice! You make everything look delicious and eye appetizing! LOVE YOUR BLOGS!!!!!