In December I started on a new learning journey.
A journey of listening and loving my body and working towards becoming a runner. You see, my body and I, we have a love hate relationship. Chronic pain since I was a preschooler has left me discouraged time and time again when it comes to starting any new workout regimen.
This time I’m on a mission however to take my fitness goals slow and truly listen to where this road is meant to take me. My hope, dream, and desire, is that I’m able to jog my way through a 5k this Spring.
As I’ve been exploring this piece of my own journey I’ve realized training for a 5k is lot like the road to becoming a photographer (or fabulous momtographer).
Learning the ins and outs of DSLR photography can be a challenge.
You can’t expect to go from newbie to professional overnight. There is always more to learn, always a need for consistent practice, and always new ways you can push yourself.
Today I want to be your guide as you transition from DSLR novice to amateur (or even professional!).
The beginner tips, tricks, and advice below will be your perfect companion as you learn your DSLR camera, and should assist you with feeling out where you need to head next on your photography journey.
Let’s get snapping!
Learn about light
Cameras are huge light boxes. Light comes in through your lens and from there the camera decides how well it can perform. The more available light the faster your camera can click. Less light typically equates to dark, blurry images. In this find your light article I detail different light scenarios for you and give suggestions for how how towork with them.
Explore exposure
Once you’ve figured out light it’s time to talk about the 3 technical ingredients that go into snapping professional level pictures. These are the ingredients that allow for a crisp clear subject and beautiful blurry background. The ones that allow you to take images without a flash indoors when the light may not be ideal. The ones that give you full creative control over your camera. ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed are those ingredients and in this video I’ll walk you through how to cook up perfect photos by mixing them all together properly.
Seek focus
Once you’ve mastered the basics of light it’s time to explore that little red light that’s inside your viewfinder. Ever wonder why the people you want to photograph sometimes end up blurry even on a bright sunny day? My guess is your selective focus is to blame because your camera is choosing what to focus on automatically. You can take full control over that little red dot and find your focus for good right here.
Be playful
So many photo shoots of our kids can end in meltdown city if we’re not careful. Try to make photography about the kids, and not about your desired outcomes. The more you can settle into an activity and play with your kids while you shoot, the more relaxed everyone will become. And remember, not every shot has to have happy smiling kiddos, you can totally cook up incredible candid moments too.
Set an intention
Don’t bite off more than you can chew and remind yourself why you love to take pictures, often. It can be so easy to fall into the trap of watching everyone else’s flawless photos filling our Facebook and Pinterest feeds and then feeling incredibly down about our own images. But you didn’t start this journey to take perfect photos, did you? You are simply trying to preserve your memories so you can look back and remember how amazing it is to be living this life.
Practice makes progress
By focusing inward on your own journey and setting aside time to practice you’ll be on the path to improvement. The photography journey isn’t about aiming for perfection. It’s about seeking passion, purpose, and learning to make progress in baby steps. If you’re looking for some projects to re-ignite your love of getting behind the lens these are some of my favorites.
Invest in your craft
As you dabble in photography more and more you’ll begin to realize there’s equipment out there designed to make your job easier. You’ll discover that the nifty 50 lens works wonders in low light, that a cross body camera strap can make lugging your DSLR oh so comfy, and there’s software designed to make your images get that extra pop you’re after. Check out my favorite photography resources for moms here.
Find Support
One of the best ways I’ve catapulted my learning is through making an investment and learning from teachers and mentors I admire. It’s why I absolutely adore teaching so much because I can see the growth and progress that occurs when you invest in your passion and purpose. Between my local Momtography® classes and online Momtography® class, I’ve got options to help you on your journey to loving your DSLR camera.
Let’s get learning together, shall we?!
Why not start by registering for this completely FREE challenge and get the exact next steps to take to master your camera and take photos you’ll love, without frustration. Click HERE to get yourself signed up!
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