So I figured that going out with my camera to practice when I got back would help me to figure some things out. It did not. I ended up taking 160 pictures of which just under 40 of them are any good. This is hard. I really wanted to be good at this. I wanted to find it natural and I desperately wanted to understand.
I took some shots on my terrace and then I took off for a walk. The light started to fade after a while so I found it harder to get the shots that I wanted....doubally harder! A few good ones came out though, totally on a fluke though.
Sunday 21 August 2011
Lesson 1: Remove Lens Cap
So, today I went to my photography course. All in all it was good. There were about 10 of us which made for a good group. We met in the Green Bar in the Royal Festival Hall on Londons Southbank. We spent an hour going through the details of ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture and how and why to set up the camera using the A and S funtion on our cameras. Whilst I had no problem actually setting the camera according to out tutors instructions I have not grasped why we are doing it. So I dont know what it means to have high aperture or fast shutter speed. I know what effects I want and largely by taking a million pictures by purely twiddling with the settings I can sometimes achieve this, but it is fluke because I have not set the camera specifically, I have just twiddled knobs. Fail.
Example below of the focus being on the bottle with an out of focus background and then a shot with focus on both nearground and foreground.
Example below of the focus being on the bottle with an out of focus background and then a shot with focus on both nearground and foreground.
Monday 15 August 2011
Photography Course
I forgot to say that I have booked my course with Frui. It will be this weekend. I'm really looking forward to going. I have so many questions about my technique. I feel that I can't move forward without this course.
I also have another course to attend with a company calle Xccentric. Not sure of a date for this one yet. It's still a beginner level course but more classroom based.
I will be an expert in no time!
I also have another course to attend with a company calle Xccentric. Not sure of a date for this one yet. It's still a beginner level course but more classroom based.
I will be an expert in no time!
Sunday 14 August 2011
West Side Story
I bought a book last week by TimeOut called London Walks. It is written by writers from London and includes some people I recognise. Today the boyfriend and I decided we would do one of the walks that was quite close to home and I thought it woud be a chance for me to use my camera.
I think I got some interesting shots but they just don't seem crisp enough. I don't know if it is a light thing or a general camera operation thing. I suspect the latter..
The following are some shots that I took;
I think I got some interesting shots but they just don't seem crisp enough. I don't know if it is a light thing or a general camera operation thing. I suspect the latter..
The following are some shots that I took;
Saturday 6 August 2011
Royal Masonic Hospital: Ravenscourt Park
I didn't actually realise how closed I lived to this. It's just there, empty. The gate was opened so we were able to just walk right in. There was CCTV cameras and the lights were on. It was quite erie actually. It is a beautiful Grade 2 listed Art Deco building.
The building originally opened in the 1930's by King George V, it was built by and for the Freemasons. By the 1970's other private hospitals were opening in London and it ran into financial difficulties so by the end of the 70's it began treating non-Masonic patients. By 1994 the Freemasons closed the hospital after a mass vote. It was leased to the NHS in 2002 who used it as a treatment centre to cut patient waiting lists. It worked for a while but the hospital never had as manay patients through the doors as they originally expected and consequently they were operating at a loss and underusing the beds 106 beds - perhaps a victim of its own success with the backlog of patients being cleared. In 2006 the hospital closed with remaining patients being transferred to nearby Charing Cross.
I'm not sure of plans for the future. It certainly doesn't look like there is anything happening at the moment in terms of development. It is a real shame. We could only look at the front area, there is a whole other section around the back, its a really big site.
The building originally opened in the 1930's by King George V, it was built by and for the Freemasons. By the 1970's other private hospitals were opening in London and it ran into financial difficulties so by the end of the 70's it began treating non-Masonic patients. By 1994 the Freemasons closed the hospital after a mass vote. It was leased to the NHS in 2002 who used it as a treatment centre to cut patient waiting lists. It worked for a while but the hospital never had as manay patients through the doors as they originally expected and consequently they were operating at a loss and underusing the beds 106 beds - perhaps a victim of its own success with the backlog of patients being cleared. In 2006 the hospital closed with remaining patients being transferred to nearby Charing Cross.
I'm not sure of plans for the future. It certainly doesn't look like there is anything happening at the moment in terms of development. It is a real shame. We could only look at the front area, there is a whole other section around the back, its a really big site.
Friday 5 August 2011
It's Not Terry's, It's Mine!
On our first day in York we went on a City Sightseeing Tour of York which took us past the Old Terry's factory. On the second day I decided that I wanted a closer look. Getting in was too easy, the gate was open and we just walked right up. We could have gotten into the buildings easily too but I'm too chicken. Matt freaked me out and made me think we were going to get attacked by drug dealers and as I only had my camera a few days I wasn't about to chance anything. Turns out I may regret my pussying out...
The building was great. Its such a shame that it is not being used for anything. Its pretty substantial too, there were some parts that were bordered off so we couldnt get too close. We only wadered round for 20 minutes or so because I was getting jittery. What can I say? I'm a girl.
So a little bit of history... Terrys of York (Originally Bayldon & Berrys Confectionary before Joseph Terry married into the family and took sole ownership in 1823) and Rowntrees were two big Quaker families who produced confectionary in York. Terry's originally had a factory in the city, on the site of Clementhorpe next to the River Ouse, but rumor has it Rowntrees bought the land next to it so they couln't expand - Now called Rowntree Park. Consequetly in 1926 Terry's moved their production plant to Bishopthorpe Road in York. It was here in 1931 that the Chocolate Orange was born.
In 1939, during WW2, it was used to manufacture aircraft propellers. After the war it was reverted back to a chocolate factory. In 1975 United Biscuits bought it, then in 1993 American firm Kraft took over the business from Terry's and merged it with Jacobs Suchard forming the Terry's Suchard brand. Finally in 2005 Kraft moved production to Europe, mainly Poland, and closed the factory doors.
Since then it has remained empty. There have been a few attempts to submit planning applications, the most recent, in 2010, being for it to be redeveloped into hundreds of homes and hotels. We visited in mid 2011 and there was no sign of development.
The building was great. Its such a shame that it is not being used for anything. Its pretty substantial too, there were some parts that were bordered off so we couldnt get too close. We only wadered round for 20 minutes or so because I was getting jittery. What can I say? I'm a girl.
So a little bit of history... Terrys of York (Originally Bayldon & Berrys Confectionary before Joseph Terry married into the family and took sole ownership in 1823) and Rowntrees were two big Quaker families who produced confectionary in York. Terry's originally had a factory in the city, on the site of Clementhorpe next to the River Ouse, but rumor has it Rowntrees bought the land next to it so they couln't expand - Now called Rowntree Park. Consequetly in 1926 Terry's moved their production plant to Bishopthorpe Road in York. It was here in 1931 that the Chocolate Orange was born.
In 1939, during WW2, it was used to manufacture aircraft propellers. After the war it was reverted back to a chocolate factory. In 1975 United Biscuits bought it, then in 1993 American firm Kraft took over the business from Terry's and merged it with Jacobs Suchard forming the Terry's Suchard brand. Finally in 2005 Kraft moved production to Europe, mainly Poland, and closed the factory doors.
Since then it has remained empty. There have been a few attempts to submit planning applications, the most recent, in 2010, being for it to be redeveloped into hundreds of homes and hotels. We visited in mid 2011 and there was no sign of development.
100 Snapshots
I am going to throw myself into a photography project. One that doesnt require too much skill but will get me using my camera and perhaps get me out and about. I think 100 Snapshots is probably the way to go. I have been an inactive member of this community on Livejournal for years and have never contributed for one reason or another. Now is a good time to start!
The rules are fairly simple, there is a list of 100 words which can be interpreted and represented by the particiant in any way they wish. The list does not have to be done in order but the photos must be taken for the project, no previous pictures can be used (and you can't use anyone else's pictures either!). You should post your progress onto the LJ community page - I'm not sure if i will participate there yet, I think I will be posting here only.
The list is under the cut. I think until I get familiar with the list it will be hard to remember what is on there so I will have to keep reffering to it and it wont be as natural for me to find shots. I will probably have to have set ideas for what I want to do for the first ones.
The rules are fairly simple, there is a list of 100 words which can be interpreted and represented by the particiant in any way they wish. The list does not have to be done in order but the photos must be taken for the project, no previous pictures can be used (and you can't use anyone else's pictures either!). You should post your progress onto the LJ community page - I'm not sure if i will participate there yet, I think I will be posting here only.
The list is under the cut. I think until I get familiar with the list it will be hard to remember what is on there so I will have to keep reffering to it and it wont be as natural for me to find shots. I will probably have to have set ideas for what I want to do for the first ones.
Thursday 4 August 2011
Photography Course
I have booked myself onto a photography course. I think this is the only way forward for me. I tried reading the manual and trying things out but I can't seem to make it sink in enough so that I understand it. I need to be shown and I need to be able to ask questions.
The course was a bit of a bargain actually. It is with a company called Frui who are based in London and through Groupon they were doing an offer of a course for 3.5 hours for £35. It's specifically for new DSLR users so I think it will be perfect.
It has been quite popular so I may have to wait to actually go on the course - especially as they only do 8 people at a time. This is good though, I wouldn't want to be in a large class.
I need to get off that auto setting!
The course was a bit of a bargain actually. It is with a company called Frui who are based in London and through Groupon they were doing an offer of a course for 3.5 hours for £35. It's specifically for new DSLR users so I think it will be perfect.
It has been quite popular so I may have to wait to actually go on the course - especially as they only do 8 people at a time. This is good though, I wouldn't want to be in a large class.
I need to get off that auto setting!
Wednesday 3 August 2011
York: Day Three
Our final day. Weather was a bit hit and miss but generally we managed to avoid the showers. We visited the Micklegate Bar, this Gladiator thing, had lunch on the Shambles and went to the Barley Hall to try on hats - during this mother of a thunderstorm!
Tuesday 2 August 2011
York: Day Two
On Day Two we hit up the Minster after breakfast at Betty's. We then took a wander down the Shambles and visited the York Dungeons and the Jorvick Center. We had dinner at Loch Fyne - which was an interesting experience and took a walk on another part of the York City Wall. We also visited the Terrys Chocolate Factory but that will be detailed in a different post.
49 - Terry's Chocolate Factory
Again, this building was large and made up of more than one building so I have included more than one photograph.
48 - York Minster
As the Monster is so immense I had trouble selecting one picture to represent it, so I have included 4....
Monday 1 August 2011
York: Day One
I took a gazillion pictures in York. To be honest over half of them are shit. They look like tourist pictures, which is fine for remembering the trip but I could have done that on my normal digital camera. My shots are not standing out. They are pretty lifeless actually. I really need to be taught how to use it.
AS I havent quite got the hang of this blog yet I will split York into three days. Its taking too long to dump all the pictures in one post, plus it would be very picture heavy.
These pictures are of the city. I have some of the Terrys Chocolate Factory but i will put those in a seperate post.
AS I havent quite got the hang of this blog yet I will split York into three days. Its taking too long to dump all the pictures in one post, plus it would be very picture heavy.
These pictures are of the city. I have some of the Terrys Chocolate Factory but i will put those in a seperate post.
Sunday 31 July 2011
Chocks Away!
Today was an opportunity to see how my camera faired with action shots. My dad was flying an old WW2 Tiger Moth across the lovely Fenland countryside. Again the weather was good, a few clouds and it was lovely and bright - I'm saying this like I know these are good picture taking conditions, I have no idea really.
I think I got some good shots. I wasn't trying to be fancy, I just wanted to document the day. My camera was set to auto and I tried to use both my lenses.
I think I got some good shots. I wasn't trying to be fancy, I just wanted to document the day. My camera was set to auto and I tried to use both my lenses.
First Outing: Wedding
So, my first proper outing with the new camera. Besides a few tests shots on my terrace and some at a birthday meal on Friday night this is really the first time I have taken her for a spin. Talk about in at the deep end! It’s ok though, I left her on Auto and decided I would just try to get some interesting shots rather than try to be technical.
I used my wide angled lens for the most part; the first picture I took was with the VR on the lens on manual. Rookie mistake. I didn’t even realise, I just couldn’t work out why I couldn’t get any focus. As a result I didn’t get any decent shots of the bride and groom signing the register.
After switching to auto when I finally realised I was well away. The day was nice, few clouds but sunny so good conditions. Some squinty shots from people (in particular my boyfriend) but I think I did ok. It is clear that as a point and shooter I do ok – these shots were by far not technical and that is where I need help.
Thursday 28 July 2011
Project: 300 Buildings
I actually started this project a while ago using my point and shoot. I took 32 pictures of various buildings, most in London but some in Riga too. I made a decision when I started the project originally in May 2010 that I would only include pictures of buildings from that point onwards, however this means that I have not been able to include some iconic buildings that I have seen such as Dancing House in Prague.
1 - Kensington Palace, London 1st May 2010
Wednesday 27 July 2011
New Start, New Camera
Today I bought my first DSLR. I am now the very proud owner of a Nikon D3100 a 18-55mm VR lens and a 55-200mm non VR lens. I am now also £750 lighter but I am sure it will be worth every penny.
I have wanted one for such a long time and now I have one and I have no idea how to use it. It took me 10 minutes to get the lens on and a further 15 minutes to get it off again. There were also a couple of things in the box that I don't know what they are. I'm hoping that all this will become clear.
So, here marks the beginning of my journey into amateur photography. I'm going to use this blog as a progress report as well as a place to document my photographs along the way.
I want to work hard to improve my, currently non existent, technique so I am going to take part in a number of projects which will not just help with technique but will hopefully challenge and inspire me. I have listed some of these projects in the side bar.
My first challenge however, is going to be my friends wedding on Saturday. Having had the camera a few hours and not taken any pictures yet I'd say this will challenge me. Thank god I'm not the professional photographer otherwise the poor bride may find herself disappointed!
On Sunday my good old dad is having a flying lesson in a WW2 Tiger-moth biplane. This will be a good chance for me to get some distant action shots in. Fingers crossed it's not rained off!
I've got allot to learn but I'm excited about my new hobby so hopefully it won't be too painful. I'll drop back in after the weekend, hopefully with sone decent shots!
C x
I have wanted one for such a long time and now I have one and I have no idea how to use it. It took me 10 minutes to get the lens on and a further 15 minutes to get it off again. There were also a couple of things in the box that I don't know what they are. I'm hoping that all this will become clear.
So, here marks the beginning of my journey into amateur photography. I'm going to use this blog as a progress report as well as a place to document my photographs along the way.
I want to work hard to improve my, currently non existent, technique so I am going to take part in a number of projects which will not just help with technique but will hopefully challenge and inspire me. I have listed some of these projects in the side bar.
My first challenge however, is going to be my friends wedding on Saturday. Having had the camera a few hours and not taken any pictures yet I'd say this will challenge me. Thank god I'm not the professional photographer otherwise the poor bride may find herself disappointed!
On Sunday my good old dad is having a flying lesson in a WW2 Tiger-moth biplane. This will be a good chance for me to get some distant action shots in. Fingers crossed it's not rained off!
I've got allot to learn but I'm excited about my new hobby so hopefully it won't be too painful. I'll drop back in after the weekend, hopefully with sone decent shots!
C x
Monday 18 July 2011
Sunday 17 July 2011
Freeze
This was taken in Norfolk at Christmas time on my iPhone 3GS using the Hipstamatic App.
Freeze, a photo by Eyes like a shutter, mind like a lens on Flickr.
Freeze, a photo by Eyes like a shutter, mind like a lens on Flickr.
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