Kiss n' Tell: Adding a little light....

One of the things I want to do is utilize back lighting.  In order to not blow out my highlights (which you can tell in the example below was a MAJOR "my bad" moment) I will have to learn more about fill-in.  I'm going to make myself a diffuser (more on that later), play around with it and see how things go.

As a self-taught photographer, I learn by trying... then trying again, and again, and again, well you get the picture (sheesh that was bad!).  Until I can perfect this, I will have to spend the time adjusting things in post production.  I've discovered a secret....  again, PSE9 and actions (specifically Paint the Moon) came to my rescue!

One day I'll be the ninja master of my camera, light and all that encompasses photography.  Of course, then it will all change and I'll have to learn even more, haha!  Truth be told, the challenge to learn new techniques, new processes, etc..... kinda drives me so no complaints here :D

(SOOC means "straight out of camera" and KISSED.... well, that's my special little term for "after" lol!)

Little steps to BIG dreams :)

I find myself in a grocery store MANY times a week it seems.  Whether purchasing food, getting refills on water (which we go through like it's water!), or picking up some kind of craft supplies; we are there constantly.

We are usually in a long line (20 items or less isn't a category I fall into very often) so I take a moment to browse.  Browse for what you might ask?  NOT the gum, candy or trinkets you ALWAYS find (especially at kid level) NOT the gossip mags, not even the diet mags (which I probably should).  My eyes are continually drawn to Better Homes and Gardens or any kind of food/product/craft magazine.  I'll even check out Martha Stewart (while I'm not a huge fan for several reasons).  Why these?  The pictures!!!!!!!  I LOVE looking at and evaluating the pics :)  I love trying to decipher "how'd they do that?" and making mental notes.  Sometimes, I'll even purchase a mag (*GASP*) and take it home,  in an attempt to replicate it of course, lol!

One thing I have noticed is that they always seem to have the main light source coming either from behind or from the side of the item/food.  I decided to play with the zinnias that we had picked at Sweet Berry Farm, and see what I could come up with.  After about 30 shots, here's the result.

Someday, my ultimate dream(?), to be featured in BHG.  Now that's a BIG 'n!  Just gotta keep taking those small steps toward that BIG dream :D