A weird Aperture tutorial! |Queen Creek Child Photographer

One thing I love about my job is how I fall in love with each of my clients. I met these two cuties a little over a year ago...and just love seeing them and their sweet mom.

What I especially love is when I receive pictures from clients with pictures of how children I've photographed have grown and the beautiful captures that are caught.

Secret: The cutie on the left is where I found my inspiration for my Cam's haircut. The haircut that I hear more compliments on and I have to always give credit to the real inspiration...the cutie sporting the tutu.

What I love about this picture is it's full of fabulous composition and is a great example of following rule of thirds. To read more on rule of thirds, scroll down a few posts.

Now...there was reason behind the random titled blog post. The mother of these cute girls took one of my first "Getting to Know Your Camera" class.

The "meat and potatos" of this class is learning how to understand how Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO work and relate while using these concepts in manual settings...

P mode- Program

A/Av mode- Aperture Priority

S/Tv mode- Shutter Priority

M mode- Manual

Ultimately, the best way to learning how these concepts relate is practice using them in manual mode. Meaning, just playing around to understand what happens when you shoot with a shallow depth of field and a fast or slow shutter.

The beauty of the digital camera is you can shoot crazy amounts of frames and not be out a dime from film lost. Back in my film, 35mm days, not that I really knew anything...I literally would go out with a pad of paper and write down the settings for each frame and then run to the nearest one hour developer... and try to learn from there. But honestly, I knew NOTHING!

Anyhoo, my client recently sent in this picture with a very sweet email to brighten up my gloomy day. How sweet is that!

One thing she did include was that she was at a playplace playing around with her settings when she decided it would be easier to switch to A/Av, aperture priority mode.

Yeah...I was excited for her. Excited for not just switching to green mode but still being open to learning by shooting in Av mode. Honestly, aperture priority is a great place to start. Why? Well, your aperture/f-stop/depth of field is what gives the creative element to a picture.

How you ask? Well, your aperture determines how blurred your background is. Which ultimately is what everyone wants. How the blurred background adds to a fabulous picture is it blurs out the unimportant details in the frame to allow full attention to the focus of the picture.

Many of my clients that try to get that blur get frustrated as there is detail still included and not blurred as much as they'd like. Now, here is where I'm going to get lazy in my explanation...

basically it depends on your lens, along with the focal distance of your the background from the focal point in your frame. You really can't get that nice blur or bokeh... without opening your aperture wide open , achieved with a prime or fixed lens. Nice apertures typically range from f1.2 -2.8, depending on your lens. The lenses that come with cameras are considered kit lenses and limit you. The widest aperture is often f3.5 or f4, again depending on the lens and this aperture is only available when your lens is zoomed completely out.

Meaning, a 18-55 mm lens will probably have an aperture of f3.5-5.6. So, you can open up your aperture to f3.5 at 18mm and f5.6 is the widest available at 55mm. In order to open your aperture to f1.4 or 2.8, you would need a higher quality lens. Prime/fixed lenses are best for this. Why? Because they are available at a low cost while offering superior quality in clarity and shoot fast in low light. A lens with an aperture of f1.2 is super fast in low light.

(negative side not: not all Nikon cameras are compatible with prime lenses! be sure to research lens compatibility first!)

95% if the time I shoot with prime lenses, 35mm f2 (have a secret crush for the f 1.8), 50mm f1.4 and the 85mm f1.4. I do have the 17-55 mm f2.8, but it doesn't get much play as it doesn't offer near the quality of my primes and struggles in low light. The funny part is, it's the big lens. When I bring it out, that's when I see eyes pop as it's big. Then I often hear, "Oh, that must be your best lens." To which I reply, " Not really! It's good for that wide angle feel but my fav is hands down my prime lens....the less impressive looking small lens."

One thing to learn about getting sharp pictures is knowing your aperture and choosing the best for the subject being shot. Now...here is where my english turns japanese, or any foreign language, that means nothing without a translator. The more shallow your depth of field, the more room for error in clarity and/or selected focal point accuracy.

When I saw the picture below, I giggled! It's adorable! And the composition takes this picture to the next level...the level of printing, framing, and/or scrapbooking. Not the level of just thinking it's cute, can't delete but limited to never leaving a CD or DVD along with oodles of other pictures that never see the light of day.

One thing I did notice is where the clarity landed, and how it most likely fell off where the person photographing had the focal point selected.

The focus fell on the little girl's hand. Why, well...I'm sure the photographer told the camera to focus on the little girl's head but that's not where it landed.

Why? Simple...children move! The child moved off that focal point and the focal plane stayed but the child didn't! Rare right...HA...NOT! That's children. BUT...she is still in the focus range, not perfectly sharp but in the focus range. Which tells me she shot at a more realistic aperture for keeping details of the little girl in focus.

Me...I like to shoot wide open but it's not always realistic when the child is nicknamed "Speedy". Then I will close down my aperture to maybe a f2.8 or f3.2, allowing more forgiveness for movement and not loosing all clarity.

Okay...now I think I actually hear crickets chirping! Is anyone still reading? If not, I don't blame you! I just went total dorky, bookworm on you! But, I did try to not be too technical. Which leads me to...there are photographers out there that might be reading this totally laughing at my description but...I tried. There is a TON that goes into aperture but for me it's best if I cover this in person with hands on practice. So, I'm going to stop here.

Remember this...if it takes a while to grasp clarity in your pictures and getting them to where you are proud of them...BE PATIENT! Learning photography takes time. It DOES NOT happen over night. It's not learned/solved in a Q&A process. It's a journey. It's a journey of soul searching and math put together.

It's a journey that takes you to the level of appreciating life and learning how to better capture the details that make life memorable. Always remember, shoot what you like and be proud of it. Most importantly, show it off!

And...if you need translation for this wacked out post....let me know! Email me through the contact page of my website.

What is exposure?

These past two months, I've taught a handful of classes on understanding your camera.  When teaching how to understand a camera,  learning the basic photography concept is a must.  

What I've loved is meeting several women that start the class, leaving with a huge respect for their very nice camera and all that it's capable of.   Each one of these moms leaves the class as a "momtog"....mom/photographer.  Which honestly, is how several of today's big name photographers started out...simply as a parent wanting to better capture their children and/or life.

If you own a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera, then you most likely have heard ....

"That's a really nice camera.  It must take really nice pictures?"  I always chuckle when I hear that...um, yeah...it's aaaaaalll the camera.  Hearing that makes me think...  telling a chef, "Your food is really good.  You must have really nice pots and pans?"

The basic concept of photography is exposure and how it's created.  Without getting super technical, exposure is all about three concepts.  And how they interrelate.  I'm also leaving out how these concepts apply to metering.

1.    ISO

2.   Aperture

3.   Shutter Speed

While it's still hard for me to see myself as a photographer when I have a loooooong list of photographers I admire and I'm still unsure about me carrying that title as that would mean I'm in the same category as those "big dogs."  But I do decide my exposures and I don't shoot in auto mode.  My camera is my tool and I think for it.

One of the girls in a recent class asked about settings for my pictures as visual examples for her.  While I understand the importance of hearing these numbers as a visual teaching method, it's not always the best for learning settings. At least, not until how the exposure concepts relate and work together.  Learning photography is overwhelming and is not a concept that can be learned overnight...photography is a trial and error learning process.  The settings used for one picture are specific to the lighting available, direction of lighting and determining how to use exposure to convey the message captured for that picture.  And unless another picture is set up exactly how that picture was created, the settings most likely won't work.   It's after going through trial and error of slowing or speeding up shutter speed,  opening up or closing down an f-stop and increasing ISO...that settings will make sense.  But, I completely understand how helpful it is to see another photographer's settings as I often ask friends what their settings were. Why do I ask?  I'm curious how the lighting was used and how the settings related to create that exposure...I'm kinda a dork that way.   I've always been that student that craves the what's and why's of everything.  

So, after that seriously long write up...I was thinking since I've had several woman leave my classes ready to start learning how an exposure is created, I would start including my settings with picture....here and there that is.  Also know, if you're ever curious, email me or leave a question in the comments and I'll be sure to include it.  I am always more than happy to help.

Now before the pictures...for those that don't know about rule of thirds...it's basically a rule that directs a visual artist how to create an image that's appealing to the eye. 

(there is a definition, I'm just not feeling too motivated to write it out.... I know, the big L  A  Z   Y!)

BUT do remember, that not all images follow the rule of thirds as it's always fun to break rules and it can push an artist creatively.  I love shooting both ways...rule follower and rule breaker!

To understand rule of thirds...basically place the focus of your picture on one, or more, of the four crosshairs of this layout.

Here is an example of following the rule of thirds.  

The dog and the baby...landed on or near two of the four crosshairs.  Now if I really wanted to have my teacher hat on, I would have showed you a picture where the mother, baby and dog were perfectly centered in the frame and it would be seriously BORING to your eye, compared to this picture.
My sister...again rule of thirds.  I know, the focus points roughly fell on two of the four points.

Here is an example of Aperture...blurry background, depth of field.  It's what everyone wants in their pictures, at least that is the bulk of the questions I get.  How do I get the blurred background?   

I left the detail in the little girl's face, opposed to really blurring her out...her expression added to the showing off of her bling. 

ISO  400  F2.8  Shutter 1/320

lens 17-55 mm  f2.8

Shutter Speed

I'm not going to give too much explanation on this.  It's how fast the shutter closes.  
ISO 100  f1.4  SS1/3200

lens  85mm f1.4

Again, aperture.  

(indoor swiming pool)  

ISO  800   f2.0  SS 1/640

lens  85mm f1.4

ISO  (film speed)  

(shot indoors in low light)

ISO  1600  F 2.8  SS 1/2000

lens  17-55mm f2.8

EDITING

I do little editing to my pictures.  When I edit, I edit to merely enhance my pictures. I don't get too fancy but have been known to occasionally.  

Here is a picture straight out of the camera (SOOC).

Here it is edited.  
(shot a little bit before sunset)

ISO  400  f2.8  SS1/500

17-55mm f2.8

SOOC
Edited

(shot indoors)

ISO1250  f2.8  SS1/800

lens  17-55 mm f2.8

Okay, did this make sense to anyone?  Do you even care!?!  HA!  Let me know if it's clear as mud and I'm sure it doesn't help that I'm not going into much detail.  

All I can write is photography is a mouthful...it's A LOT!  I aged a TON these past three years as I've put in several long nights reading books, on the internet and having my camera glued to my hands.  Hence, the permanent dark circles under my eyes.  But I wouldn't regret it one bit, I love photography. Now I'm just learning how to balance it with my family priorities!  And I stress learning.

Tomorrow I have my next class. For now, I will be scheduling once class each month. If you're interested in class dates and the details on one....send me an email at tamiproffitt@yahoo.com.

Had a GREAT time! |Chandler Photographer|

Tonight was an incredible night!  I met with two fabulous women .... and spent a glorious night chatting about one of my favorite subjects....PHOTOGRAPHY!  

A few weeks ago, these two ladies arranged to have me come and give them some private teaching time on using their cameras and shooting with natural lighting!   I have to admit, driving there I couldn't help but think...I'm just a girl who loves photography, happy to share it with others and nervous if I could offer anything.  

I honestly couldn't be happier with how the night went.  Watching these two reminded me of when I started out...all the questions, the why's and the how's!  And being able to see the learning light bulbs go on, gave me a BIG smile!

To these wonderful ladies....THANK YOU!  Thanks for being so wonderful to chat photography with and sharing other fun stories.  You two were beyond what I could have expected!  AND, you both will do fabulous with your talents!

Wedding Update

__________________________________

Thanks to everyone that sent emails and left comments on my pre-wedding photography jitters!  The day went wonderful ...and of course was much better than what my nerves had me prepared for.  

The extra bonus to photographing the wedding...was being able to hang out with my brother. He was the officiant that married the couple in love!  While my brother and I were thinking of doing a two for one deal....I think I'll have to stick with portrait photography.  NOT that I don't love photographing weddings...it's just a one shot deal!  There is not do over...there is no 'could you do that first kiss once more'...it's a one shot deal!  That makes my nerves stand on a high cliff!  NOT GOOD!  

But, what really made me realize my love for child photography...was when my sister in law shared that she noticed I kept gravitating to the children at the event.  And she couldn't be any more right...when I would see one of the kids do something....I wanted to be right there capturing it!  And...my oh my...there were sweet and silly children there!  Loooooved it!

Lastly....today I was singing sweet songs while bouncing on white fluffy clouds!  Why?  I just locked in on the location for my holiday mini sessions...it is Sa-WEET!  I can't wait to share!

Where love is!

~~I'm going to start out this post warning you that it might be a bit long, but....TOTALLY worth reading! ~~

Believe it or not, I have been plugging away at this redesign process. The first step is to get this gorgeous new website finished. While I was going through some archives, I came across this picture and my heart skipped a beat. Skipped a beat at the memory of this sweet mother/son session. While his mother's face isn't in the picture, her presence is all over it. A presence of comfort, guidance, protection, and love.

I couldn't help but think back to a post I did on mothers and daughters...totally highlighting the relationship. Shortly after, I received a cute email from one of my sweetest, dearest and "bestest" friends, Miss T. The email was basically a sweet reminder of falling short in giving credit to the tender bond between a mother and her son.

Without getting too mushy on you, Miss T and I met about 6 or so years ago. While I was teaching, I was in desperate need of a new classroom assistant. When she came in to interview, I hired her on the spot without any formalities. I just knew she was a good fit.

She became a mother at a young age....while I won't tell her age, she wasn't in high school or middle school for that matter. But, none the less...she was young. And she was on her own and she did it all! All with a smile on her face, constant guidance and direction for her son, strength to conquer the unimaginable, and the endurance to never give up her goals. When I met her, her son was her world and she was working herself to the bone to be sure he had every opportunity. Often working more than two jobs. She was an example...and IS an example of a mother's love.

Here is the fantabulous Miss T!And here is her jaw dropping, gorgeous, future heartbreaker son...Mr. G. When I met him he was about a year and a half old. Watching her raise her son, she set a standard for me. And what's funny, is now she is getting me asking questions on what worked. If you met him, you'd think she did an outstanding job also. And an update on Miss T...her son is still her world but now there are 3 other boys in it. She is engaged to her "Prince Charming" who brought two more amazing sons.

Here we are years later and still friends....and one of my closest friends. I love you Miss T! And I'm sorry to all those mothers to sons out there...I couldn't even imagine the depth of your love for your son, or sons. Just witnessing this relationship, I should only be lucky to experience that level of love.

Sweetness!

This picture speaks to me....

~comfort
~strength
~tender
~security
~forgiveness
~together forever
This is love.

Book Junky!

I guess I could start this blog post with..."In my former life..." Meaning my life before my daughters, before tackling photography seriously, and before my mind was constantly filled with adding to my family.

So...in my former life, I was a special education teacher that not only LOVED my students but LOVED children's literature. Today, my daughters reap the benefits of that obsession. I bought every Robert Munsch book, every Jez Alborough, every Don and Audrey Wood, every, every and every book that appealed to me. I could list them all but the email would probably become obnoxiously long.

I get tickled happy when I find my daughters have snuck away to dig in my piles and oodles of books. I had to laugh at one of the books I found my little brunnette C reading...a book about imigration and Ellis Island. I'm thinking that one was a bit over her head but she was talking aloud about each detail she saw on the pages, so maybe not. While I smile big as this new found venture of reading by herself, I can't help but get a bit sad at how fast she has grown up.

And...stay tuned for some updates on the latest and greatest happenings around my house, business stuff, and AMAZING portrait session deals as I'm taking a little time off from the heat.

Good to know stuff!

I've been wanting to post on this subject for some time now, but honestly have never had enough time to get to this. This subject is on print sizes. This is probably the biggest question I get asked...how will (blank) picture work in (blank) size? This is where it can get tricky.

Have you ever noticed when you ordered an enlargement of a certain picture... chunks of the picture are missing? I remember the first time I really noticed it...I ordered a picture of my hubby, to only find my husband's head had been cut off drastically. And, there was plenty of room to crop from the bottom. Honestly, I really hadn't given much attention to the cropping that occurs when enlargements are created before this time. How could this have happened? Could I have changed the crop?

So, here are a few of the nuts and bolts of enlargement cropping.

Picture sizing is basically in 2x3 inche format. For example:
Here is a standard 300 dpi image...sized 8x12. When you compare it to the 4x6 image, no cropping occurs. Why? The 4x6 size can enlarge to 8x12 in the 2x3 inche format.
Here is the standard 8x12 image compared to the popular 8x10 image. Notice the cropping...2 inches off the top and bottom. Fortunately, there wasn't much of the image lost in this enlargement. Continue to browse down to check out other comparisons of the 8x12 image to other popular enlargement sizes.


While these pictures aren't REALLY a great example of the composition that can be lost in the enlargement cropping process...they do give a good example of the cropping that does occur. I also want to add that I CHOSE the crop for each enlargement.

When my pictures, your portraits, are being printing through a lab other than mine...this HUGE detail can be overlooked by the printer. I can, almost, guarantee it will be overlooked when printed through your local stores. Why? Printers in local stores are meant for mass production...insert disk and print pictures...and print them in one hour. Where as the professional printer will look at each image and choose the best crop for the enlargement. {note: I can only guarantee the crop when I process the order through my lab}

So, next time you place an order for an enlargement of a standard 2x3 inche image format, notice the crop and see how much you lost. This is a little detail you will want TOTAL control of!

Manual Mode ROCKS!

One of these days, I'm going to do a well deserving post on two of my favorite photographers....Allison Tyler Jones and Melissa Jill. I love them both the same, however, Allison and I go back 13 years or so and I just met Melissa a few weeks ago. While there is a great difference in the relationship length, they both speak with strong words...leaving me motivated to face the challenges of photography head on. The last time I spoke with Melissa, she shared with me her feelings with shooting manual...she had said that it had opened the door to having greater control over her pictures. A door of freedom and complete control.

It is an amazing challenge to get shutter speed, apeture, ISO and exposure all on the same team. For me, manual... was terrifying. But, I had told her after the crazy, holiday stampede of portrait sessions I would tackle and complete this challenge. I had been comfortable with shooting in apeture priority mode and was not interested in leaving this comfort zone. But, I need the relationship with my camera to grow to the B.F.F. level (best friends forever). I can now say...shooting manual was amazing, exhilirating, addicting and everything I had hoped it would be. Now there is still great deal to this relationship to learn and understand, but it helps to no longer be afraid. I can't wait to see where my ventures in manual mode will take me!



Here are a few pictures from my first venture in manual mode with my darling twins!

Thanks Melissa for the motivation! You were right, it was everything you said it would be!