12 Weeks To Better Photos...Week 10

Landscapes:
Since we will be shooting outside we should choose a lower ISO for more clarity in our picture. We also want an f/stop around f/22 so our beautiful landscape will be in focus. I've learned that using a lower shutter speed helps catch better sun flare.
Use the available light to your advantage outdoors. Shadows and light can help create stark, rich landscape shots filled with depth and emotion. Pay attention to the location of the light and where the light creates the most impact and use it to your advantage.
Also important is your Composition. Landscapes are nice, but it’s always good to have something in the image to grab your attention. Pay special attention to the horizon -- its position in your shot can give your photos a dramatic sense of isolation or openness. Remember the rule of thirds and placing the horizon on the top or bottom third of the photo for a nice composition. The most important thing to keep in mind when framing your landscape shots is to compose with the whole scene in mind.
The Challenge:
Share with us your view of the wide, wide world. Just remember to select an f/stop around f/22, compose your photo with the entire scene in mind, and apply any of the following 10 tips:
1. Use a wide angle lens (if you have one)
2. Find a bird's eye view
3. Locate a focal point
4. Consider composition
5. Pay attention to the time of day
6. Play with shadows, silhouettes, and reflections
7. Use lines to lead the eye
8. Consider a city scene
9. Take a panoramic photo
10. Capture a nighttime scene

With my crazy schedule right now I really haven't had time to scope out a nice place for a landscape shot. I have a few ideas but no time to get away. So the best I could do this week was from my back door. I was too cold to actually go outside, lol.

The world from my back door...


Here's a few I took back in October...

Twilight


The lines of the path lead your eye through the photo to the bench.


Reflection


This one I took looking up through the trees. Thought it was a fun point of view.


I'm also so excited about my new lens. It was on backorder for a while. I'm so glad to actually have it in my hands finally! It's a 50mm f/1.4! I haven't had much time to play but I'm loving it so far.

Here's a couple of fun shots I've taken so far.




I have a million shots of us just sitting around and the kids doing nothing particular. I've just been snapping away like a crazy lady.

Only 2 more course classes to go! This week's challenge is documenting your everyday. I'm so excited about this since that is why I want to learn to take better photos...to document the little things in our life in a beautiful way.

Until next time...