White Balance Test

The assignment: take pictures in different settings using all different white balance options.

Here are the results (I only included the top 3-4 choices, the others were awful).

FULL SUN the white balance setting that is most accurate is the "Sunny" setting.


The best WB setting for SHADE is either 5000K (I don't even know what that means) or Auto. It is definitely NOT the shade preset. This was completely in the shade. I am a little suprised by the results. What do you think?

The weather was finally cloudy (not that I really wanted it to be, but I did want to finish this assignment). I think the best is 5000 K or Auto, but definitely NOT the Cloudy WB.

The most accurate WB setting for an inside shot looks to be "incandecent". That being said, it is really cool. What do I do about that?
Try #2 (I tried to get a more perfect exposure here and the results to me indicate that Auto wb is the best option)

Try #1

To summarize here are the settings I will shoot most and the WB setting I should use.

Full Sun = Sunny white balance

Shade = 5000K

Cloudy = hummm not sure Auto WB looks a bit cool and 5000K looks a bit warm but I think it is one of these

Inside = Auto

Testing a new toy

20 minute walk

Here are a few pictures of a 20-minute walk around the neighborhood. (not as much excitement as I expected)

Camera Settings

I have been struggling with camera settings and focus and metering and exposure and should I go on? :)

So, for the record (my record) these are the settings I am sticking with for a while (when shooting people):

auto focus single mode (not continuous)
single AF point (not dynamic)
spot metering usually
ISO as low as I can get away with
manual mode
no flash

These are also some custom settings on my camera that I am going to try:

• Image Sharpening: Auto (default).
• Tone Compensation (contrast): Auto (default). The D200 automatically adjusts its contrast and dynamic range to each and every shot.
  Color Mode: III (three).
• Saturation: +
• Hue: 0 (Default)

I hope they work out. Maybe this will be my big "Ah-Ha" moment.

Composition Assignment with Kids

"Continue with the story telling environmental images adding in different angles with your kids and their surroundings. Not all shots need to be of their faces, capture the action of their hands or feet to tell the story. "

I need to keep trying. Perhaps I get something good this weekend.

Composition Assignment - Take II

Here is my second attempt at composition - telling the whole story (in order of my favorite to least favorite):

1.


2.


3.


4. Not sure this one qualifies but I wanted to include it. I know it is not a great composition shot because the story I wanted it to tell was this is ONE lonely sunflower grew by itself in the middle of my flower bed.

5. I would love feedback on how to make this shot better. The kids have a ton of water balloons inside on the tramp with them and they are throwing them out and over the enclosure (trying to hit mom and dad). There is too much "stuff" everywhere...houses, enclosure, fences...too bad we live in the middle of the city! I guess that is the story that this shot is telling me. :)

Composition Assignment - Take I

My latest assignment is to, "Focus on compositionally strong images including the environment that your subject is in. By adding in environment we (the viewer) get a better grasp for the whole story. Post 3 different pictures that tell 3 different stories!"

I am not sure that these tell very good stories or that they are very strong images. I would love to get feedback and then try the assignment again!

New Assignment; shooting my daily schedule

"Practice shooting from the hip/on the fly/random things. Set a timer to go off every 60 min. when it goes off grab your camera and as quickly as possible take a shot-you set all the settings, but remember that this is supposed to be helping you learn to “quick grab the camera” and get GREAT shots."

I am not sure I did very well with this assignment. I haven't been shooting a lot lately and I think it has effected my skills. I didn't post settings but can go back and do that if desired. I got started late in the day but here is what I captured:

1. Coming home from school.


2.


3. (I know it is not spring, but we have a lilac tree that is a little confused. I am so glad it is not dead, but it missed the boat a little on blooming.)




4. Really late Lunch (disgusting, huh?) - in fact, I should just call it dinner.



5.

6. My afternoon project

7. We got a new toy: a used trampoline from some neighbors.

8a. An early bath.

8b.

9a. Here is the last post for the day. Sugar cookies...

9b.

9c.

Intentional Sun Spots

I would say this is one of those things that is harder than it looks, but fun to try.

Love these kids! 50 mm, depth of field

Both of these were taken with my 50 mm F/1.4 lens. It is an amazing lens. In the first shot, the depth of field is so shallow. In the second shot, it was much darker outside than it appears to be in the picture. This lens needs very little light to take a good picture.

Classic Letters

Check out my Classic Letters Blog for more information!!

Last Names:

Available in color too, although I think the Black and White is better.

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Other words

"happy"

Grey Card Results

Amy has been advising for months that I get a grey card. I have intended to do so, but it just never happened. I kept thinking I didn't want to spend $10.00 on shipping for a $5.00 item. I finally found myself at a local camera shop and purchased 1 (actually 3 because they come in a pack). I was floored by the results.

I used two props. The grey card was undeniably the best exposure in each situation. And I did each in Program Mode, Manual Mode and Manual Mode using a grey card.

(click to enlarge)

On the inside settings when using the grey card, my metered measured +1.5 for the correct exposure. When outside in the shade/overcast day, my metered measured +2 for the correct exposure. Does that mean in those situations I should meter + 1.5 or +2 respectively all of the time?