I feel limited by my equipment, my incomplete knowledge, and the small amount of time I can devote to learning and practicing. And while I know that the most important thing is to capture memories for my kids (who won't care about white balance or composition), I find myself picking each image apart. I get so frustrated when I completely miss focus or exposure. Often, after loading the pictures on my computer, I need a cool down period before I can enjoy the memories instead of critiquing them.
So yesterday morning, when there was plenty of light in the room and the sheets were in the wash, I decided to have a little photo shoot with the kids and just my phone camera. I used the Camera+ app so I could control my focus and exposure, but still keep it simpler than my DSLR. Then, I used the PicTapGo app to lightly edit them, conveniently while I was nursing the baby. And you know what? I love them. They may not be DSLR quality but these ten pictures...I love them.
I'm not saying I don't love my "real" camera shots, too. Because I do love them. But these days, simple, quick, and convenient win out over quality. And fun. I need to be having fun! Stressing about exposure and white balance is not fun. I don't feel that pressure with the phone camera.
I'm also trying to remind myself that I don't need to upgrade to keep improving. I would love to upgrade my camera, computer, editing software, and lenses (not necessarily in that order), but it just isn't in the cards right now. I also don't have much time for continuing education at the moment, but I can still practice what I know and slowly, ever so slowly, learn new techniques.
Just in case you're the curious type, here's what I use:
Phone - iPhone 5
Camera - Canon EOS Rebel XS
Lenses - Canon 50mm f1.8, Canon 35mm f2.0
Computer - HP desktop that is nine years old. Ancient in computer years and frankly, it's surprising that it still works, but it does. Very, very slowly.
Editing software - Photoshop Elements 6
My final thought? I'm totally buying white sheets for every bed in the house.
OMG I loooooove that one of the girls, you sooo need to put that in one of those "sister's" frames. Or you could always craft one :)
ReplyDeleteYour post made me smile :) Isnt that what photography is all about - freezing those moments? Who cares if they didnt follow the technical rules, sometimes its all about freezing 'that' moment. I think you did good :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jennifer: I love the one of the sisters. It's my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with this: "I feel limited by my equipment, my incomplete knowledge, and the small amount of time I can devote to learning and practicing." Don't worry too much about it, Mama . . . your pictures are lovely!
Thank you! And can I say I especially love that I can tell you're an English teacher from the way you formatted your comment. :)
DeleteLove the one of the 2 girls looking at each other!
ReplyDelete