Landscape Photography Class

I love community education.  Take a cheap class, have an excuse to get out of the house.  So my friend Wendy and I signed up together.  I didn't learn much and I realized landscape isn't my thing.  After the two classroom sessions we did two field sessions.  This is why I was there. When else would I say "Brian, I'm driving up into the mountains to take pictures, you've got the kids for a few hours."  Once we got there I realized I was more amazed by the beauty of the small things up close rather than the giant mountains. Thanks to the season it was a real adventure.

First was Little Cottonwood Canyon last week with snow up around my calves.

This past Saturday we went to Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.  The water flowing under the ice below my feet was my favorite thing.  I loved finding clear patches of ice where the flowing water was visible. Luckily I didn't fall through.  Although the teacher thought it was a good idea to have us take a trail up close to the falls. It proved too difficult and on our way down a lady behind me fell and slipped, and if it wasn't for a couple of leafless bushes to grab onto she would've slipped down the steep mountain to the riverbed.  The last part of the trail proved too steep for all of us and we all just sad down rode the mountain down.

Temple Square Photowalk

Family Pictures

Saturday we got family pictures taken. In my searching for a photographer I found an ad and recognized the family in the portfolio.  A friend from the ward is starting up a photography business.  I couldn't be more pleased.  We were able to be comfortable at home with a friend behind the camera.  Jed did a great job and I"m jealous of his photoshop skills. Thanks Jed!  You can check out his site here and the rest of our family pictures here.

Sunset Photowalk

My friend Annette and I got a break from the kids last night and went to a photowalk to hopefully get some good shots of the Salt Lake Valley from the hills above Draper. The professionals were so nice, walking around to answer questions and give tips. I was sad there were no clouds for extra color. Tonight there were clouds. Clouds from smoke. Here's the view from my bedroom a few minutes ago of the fire now spreading over the same mountains.

Practice

Aparently her husband's peek-a-boo was funnier to me than Esme.

Like every other mom that gets a new DSLR, my friend (since 9th grade) Annette and I are both getting into photography. We met up for a picnic at a park in American Fork Canyon and, since we both brought our cameras, had a mini photoshoot. We both love the chance to practice. We used her camera, which is a bit nicer and had a telephoto lense (on my short wish list), and she afterwords played around with the images on Photoshop Elements (the other item on my wish list).

In my blog browsing I've realized what a role photoshop plays, making average pictures really look amazing. For now I'm content with my free Picasa. I'm usually happy with how they look straight out of the camera, but sometimes I crop or brighten. I'm sure the more I read Pioneer Woman and get to take classes my wish list will become a need list.

I was about to say I wish I had more time to practice, but I suppose I have time for the things I make time for. And as soon as I find the right class to take, hopefully I'll get out of the house by myself for a couple hours a week.

My Escape

(no, not the random guy below)

I've decided to join this photography club. I didn't even know such things existed until a couple weeks ago. Luckily for Brian, events only come once a month or so and it's free. A little time with both kids always rejuvenates his appreciation for me and vice-versa . Not that we don't already.

Last week I went to my first two events. Saturday was a little intimidating. Nine photographers volunteered to set up various stations with models to teach us about camera settings and various lighting techniques. When it was time to start, I happened to be standing right in front of one and was first. Ahh! Who am I, Nigel Barker? I just want to learn to take good photos of my family, but I like the chance to learn and stretch myself.

The first set up was my favorite, two lights on opposite sides illuminating the white background (apparently it would turn out grey if not lit) and one big soft light above at a 45 degree angle in front of this guy.

Everyone is friendly and the man in charge is really funny. There are even door prizes, provided by a this camera store. I'm sure they'll get plenty of business from me since I'm seeing all these cool, necessary gadgets and lenses everyone has (Like the last picture, it is with this special lens that turns background objects into whatever

shape template you

drop in the front of the lens, those are just regular christmas lights behind her-not that I would drop $250 for that).

I look forward to learning from them all, since everyone's more experienced than I am. I'm just glad for that community education class last year that taught me the basics in working my digital SLR so I can even understand their instructions.

I've already learned some crucial stuff and can't wait for warmer weather when we're outside, taking pictures of beautiousness around the state. I look forward to rubbing shoulders with experts and enthusiasts all willing to share what they know.

I'd love company if anyone wants to come, activities are listed on the photowalking Utah website.