one year....new beginnings

One day for someone can be completely different to another. I have seen two points of view of Weddings but it never occurred to me, until now, that there is in fact a third. I have been thinking about it recently, as this time next year my sister will be getting married. None of my immediate family has been married yet, only some of my cousins so this really exciting for all the family. I have my bridesmaids dress and Sarah has her ivory gown and it made me realize that a couple getting married have their own view point of the day. Of course that is obvious but philosophical moments just are.

They have been engaged for seven months now, since Christmas day and it will be interesting going to a wedding where I can just relax. I remember at my cousin's wedding last year where my Photography dream was concieved and it is defintly a different story to what I know about it now. I'm happy with it though, even though I have to keep reminding myself that it will take time to know all the in's and out's.

I get impatient about progress and I've probably mentioned before about how I am a perfectionist and want to be able to do things without too much learning. I know for a fact that doesn't help at all and practise does really make perfect and that is the boring part. It shouldn't be boring but whenever you see people doing their perfessions, such as a Photographer they make it look so easy, when in fact they have probably learned a lot too. This is probably why I would never want to be a dentist or surgeon who have to work years on courses to earn that status. It is not just this hobby that I feel impatience about progress, it is almost everything I try. I'm learning how to cook at the moment and bought a student cook book the other week. It has definitely been useful and my Mum has been guiding me through. Every week I pick out a few recipes, write them down and buy the ingredients. I then come to recognise the techniques and the order of sequences and it seems easier. I think there is more to learn with the Photography and I have been disappointed that I haven't been able to use my camera at Wedding Shoots with Stuart. I need to use the learnings skills from the cooking and transfer it to the Photography.

Is life ever fair?

[Photos from the Engagement Photo shoot]

Epiphany

Hmm I think I know what my problem is. I look at these photos I have taken and feel proud but that is because I have been on my own control and used my own ideas. I hate being told what to do but I the thing is I need to listen to Stuart so I can be better than I already am.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Angle and Position...wedding take 2

Is work ever suppose to be easy? I don't think so. I guess having a dream job is like waiting for the right person to come along into your life. You may have a vision of what you want to achieve when you first meet them and how you would spend your lives together. Whatever happens it is always going to feel like hard work,even at the best of times.

Nothing is perfect of course and just as I was observing Stuart on my second Wedding shoot, it came to me that there is a lot more to the job than you think. Obviously that was bound to happen, but not in the way that it struck me today.

He wanted to make my experiences in Photography more interesting, than just watching and taking the odd photo or two. He started feeding me all these tips and techniques and the realization hit me, that Photography is not just point and shot, its composing a piece of art that gets treasured for lifetime. It sounds as if I had known nothing about Photography but sometimes the things you thought you did know, are not quite what they seem.

Todays Wedding was at the 16 century Abbey in Great Missenden - somewhere in South East England. It was odd day that started mid-afternoon with the ceremony beginning at 4.30, complete with photo shoots that ended at 6.

Now, when I think of a Wedding, it usually begins, say around 12 or 1 and continues for the rest of the day and night. Well today I appreciated the uniqueness and the bride and groom were very friendly.

Everything was all in one place which was nice. There was a mini chapel in the building, where Emma (bride) would walk down some stairs and then down the isle. I was in charge of getting a few shots, here and there, though I'm not sure how they turned out. It felt a bit alien using Stuarts cameras. Although they are Canons' like mine, they have different buttons and settings and its just to confusing for me. As we didn't have much time to prep, it was pretty much;here is the camera, use the flash when she walks down the stairs, then off in the ceremony and off you go.

Err, right, okay, sure I'll just do it. Also what was odd, was when I looked through the lense everything was blurry. "Oh my God, what have done?!", I panicked in my head and I couldn't ask Stuart anything because he had another camera with him standing on the other side of the room - the ceremony had started. I came to realize, however in the middle of the Wedding that once a photo had been taken it was then preview itself back, all in crisp condition. My worry was over.

After some readings and the " I do's", we took the bride and groom around the grounds for their special photo shoot. It was nice to know this time what was going on (from the first wedding) and predicting the poses Stuart asked them to do. Again I had to lay out the train of the brides dress and hold up the metallic disk of torture. Okay, not really torture, that just sounded like a dramatic word to use. The reflector is light and easy to use, as long you can get the light right - often Stuart directs me.

Next we took some group photos and Stuart did his wide angle technique with his piece of string. I think I mentioned this before, but it is a really genius idea.

It had been a cloudy day and then sun began to shine through by the time the photos had been taken ( bit of a shame really). Then it was time for me to go home.

So it was only a couple of hours but least I got some more experience in behind the scenes at weddings and the main important thing the photography, but what did I learn.

I learned today:

- When working with wedding photography there are three main modes.

*church mode: uses ISO 600, that gives a good balance of aperture and depth of field.

*central mode: uses ISO 200

*outdoor mode: uses ISO 800

- When using a subject outside (ie. tree) make sure the light is even on both sides, as one side will be darker than the other.

- Plan your composition.

-You don't always have to point and shoot.

- Change angle and position( you can move around)

- When taking candid group photos, either take a wide scene of everyone or

focus on a small group of two or three.

So yeah, they were the main things. Hope these tips have been useful for any photographers out there.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Past...Present...Future....

Sometimes I feel like I want to punish myself for not keeping up with this blog. Since when has it ever been update and parallel to my events etc.

Since I have last written I have been to another Wedding, snapped my sisters engagement photos and been on holiday to France and been on a five mile walk in the countryside. Another thing is that I have completed one year at college. It's scary, and as a future orientated person I'm constantly wishing my life would move to the upcoming events quicker. They move too fast. Selfish?

I am lacking motivation again. I shouldn't. I have been asked by two people, that doesn't include Stuart to do photos for. I should be happy and grateful. Somewhat I am, but I don't feel like I am a good enough photographer. I am an amateur still, and I want to get to the part where I become professional and know what I am doing. I should know how to use all the gadgets on my camera by now, I am still unsure. Is this right?

Well I've got to keep track on what I have done before it gets whipped right under my feet, so here are some pics from my recent life.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Onto the road of progress...

Finally, I have got some motivation. It takes time and confidence to spark motivation. You probably knew that already, but I am one of those people who needs a little extra push to get things started.

After doing my first Wedding Shoot a few weeks ago, my dream is aspiring and I have the urge to learn the skills I need to become a Photographer all round. Those of you have read my blog from the beginning - Aug 2009, you will know that I have mentioned Practical Photography Magazine. Any Photographers out there? You may know it.

Well I have no been collecting for a year and purchased my twelfth issue yesterday. So of course they were beginning to pile up in sandwich of dust. "What I am going to do with all these magazines?" Of course I was not about to throw them away. I decided there and then to cut up articles that I showed interest in. Wedding Photography included, but I also need to swab up on the basics. If I am going to be a photography I need to know the technical stuff.

I have worked through half of the magazines so far - cutting them up, that is. Today I had ago at using textures and RAW. Stuart has mentioned RAW is the best and the magazine couldn't agree more, so I had a go using RAW and textures from http://www.photoanswers.co.uk/textures/ [the magazine's website]. If it doesn't work, just leave a comment below.

The original photo is at the top - a converted RAW.

I then edited the second photo using Photoshop and the Flickr photo editing side, Picnik. Both software is useful to use with different advantages and disadvantages.

Photoshop

- I used to blend the texture and photo layer together

- Used the curve tool to even the exposure

Picnik

- Get a range of sepia tones

- Use a selective colour tool efficiently

- Show a Before and After effect and placing the two images without spaces

Together I created this interesting image. I like it and quite proud.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Behind the camera - the first Wedding (22.5.10)

Yes, I have finally gotten round to do my first Wedding Shoot.

Thank Goodness it was a sunny day yesterday, as it made me more enthused to starting snapping. The wedding was based in a small chapel on the other side of the road to Stuart's house, so it was easy just to pop over when we needed to be of use.

11.30 am

I arrived just before half eleven and was informed about the itinerary of the day. Unfortunately I didn't use my camera as Stuart had three Canons set up for different focal lengths and depths of field. About five minutes away was the brides house, which was our first stop. Here we were to take photos of the bride getting ready; makeup, bridesmaids dresses and the brides dress. For most of the time I was holding reflectors and lamps to provide a natural light for the subjects. It was exciting watching everyone get ready. I felt like I was going behind the scenes on one of those bridal programs. I have been to three family weddings so far and it was interesting to see the day go by from a different point of view.

1.30pm

It was only once we had got to the church that Stuart allowed me to shoot with his camera. I was set at the back of the church and knew when the highlights of the ceremony were, so I took that to my advantage and Stuart was impressed with some of my pics. This gave me more of a confidence boost and helped to motivated me. He took most of the photos previously and outside the church. There were some really quirky photos of the groom and the best man. The brick wall provided a good backdrop and they used the shape of the wall to create relaxed but interesting poses.

3.00pm

After transporting the camera eqipment back to his car, we drove down to the reception. It was a lovely hotel/restaurant called the Mill House, with a gorgous garden and a peaceful abode for the newlyweds. As we arrived first we waited for the white 1952 wedding car to pull up before we could take some shots. We then went out back and took the couple behind the reception canopy and got them to stand by a tree, dressed head to toe in ivy. These poses were more cheeky and romantic compared to other photos of them during the day. It was lovely having the swishing of a stream as a backdrop and provided us all with a calm environment as we were getting hot under the sun. For this part of the day I was only observing but I held the reflector to capture the light gleaming in the couple's eyes. I learned a lot in this section as I'd never had the experience to see exactly what photographers do with the couples as it remains very secretive and special to the congregation.

4.00 pm

Now was time for the group shots. Stuart had a very interesting way of handling the families and friends by using some string and a wide angled lens. He position the camera infront of the bride and groom and then attached one end of the string to the camera. He then took the other end and asked the congregation to stand in one long line while he brought the string up to the people to make sure they were securely in line for his panorama shot. At the time I didn't realise what he was trying to do but I knew the string was used as a measure. Once he said "panorama shot " I remembered when I went first talked to him in January and he showed me in his studio a panorama wedding photo he had taken. I recall feeling inspired by its unique approach and that I would like to accommodate that in my own work. So yes, I have been going on about how I remember this technique, but I havn't told you what exactly it is - unless you have guessed already.

The camera is supported on a tripod but is able to pan from the left side of the congregation to the right. He split everyone into groups, separated by invisible lines. Even if it wasn't a persons turn they still had to smile incase the camera caught shot of them. Stuart then took four simple photos of the groups before working on the individual groups.

Just before the Wedding Breakfast began I went into the canopy where the meal would be held, and was allowed to take some photos. I knew this would easy for me as I work a lot with still life. It's a great way to start off when you are an amateur because you don't have to tell anyone what to do and you can feel confident before being interactive. There were two pictures I took that caught Stuarts eye. As I was snapping around I remembered what my college tutor Joe said about lines and diagonals. I remember thinking that they were unintentional and I must be a natural at it. Ever since, I have been aware of it and I captured the head table at an diagonal angle. There was also an impromptu moment where the bride had left her bouquet roses against a white chair. I just randomly chose this opportunity to experiment. Stuart seemed impressed my photos because he didn't think of taking them himself. "It's good to have another eye on looking at things..". I'm starting to feel like my photography could be worth something one day.

[If I hopefully receive the images and I will post them on my blog on a later date]

As it was an absolute hot rare day in England I was boiled and starting thinking about heading home after the group pics were done. Stuart and I went to sit down for bit and had a chat about how I found the day so far and what I had learned. He did give me the chance to go home but then I would miss out on the rest of the night and in the end proved important.

5.00pm

We were now just about to head back to Stuarts house to review some of the photos we had taken, while the congregation ate their meal. The photos were edited on Photoshop but as they were taken on RAW, Stuart had a compatibility pack so he could create effective edits. We started with one pic from outside the Mill House and we richened the blue sky before adding a Gaussian Glow effect. Those of you familiar with Photoshop or edit tools you will know how this effect makes colours bolder and adds depth to the final piece.

6.00pm - 700pm

We headed back to the Mill House where we had to sit through the boring part...the speeches. Yeah, sure they are entertaining when they are told by family and friends but this became the part of the day were you felt a little out of place. Nevertheless I was able to take some shots of the reactions of the congregation.

7.30 onwards

It was now getting on eight and Stuart and I hadn't had very much to eat or drink. He kindly let me have dinner with him and his wife before I was picked up to go home. We reflected over the day and I was happy, thinking that I really would like to do this as a real job :)

So a long day but what have I learnt...

I have learned that:

-At every wedding you will find at least five different people with their big cameras snapping away. Its a bit off putting for the professional photographer who is actually doing his job. When we were editing one of the photos I realised that its not about what camera you have and what picture you take of the bride and groom etc, but it actually how you edit it. I assume most people with these cameras only use JPEG, well in fact RAW provides a true image that isn't flattened and dull. If you want to take fancy wedding pictures then learning the professional tips will get you there.

- Reflectors and portable lights are useful for creating a subtle natural light. They also bring out a sparkle in the brides eyes.

- Create an plan of the day to structure and organize yourself.

- Setting the ISO to 1600, 200 and 1800 are the best settings to set your camera for a wedding.

- Have fun and improvise with the poses, the result could be a new interesting selling point.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

On my travels...

Why is it when i'm stuck in the library on a rare warm day, supposed to be doing work, where I get the inspiration to write to my blog. It's been a while and it always has been.

Fortunatly you will be happy to hear that I have been doing alot of photography as I have been away - that is another story. Over April I was to go away to Florida for my birthday. I didn't realise that I would be staying away for another two weeks. Now, everyone has been saying that there could be worst places to get stranded, which is true, but maybe i'd be selfish saying that I wanted to be home more than away. Ok, I need head back to my photography, this isn't a travel blog!

In these extra two weeks, we got a Trans-Atlantic cruise around Europe. Yes, it blew most of the money that my family have but we needed to get back due to family affairs. What I did get out was a trip down nostalgia lane to Rome and Florence. They are such beautiful places and amazing photography oppertunities. If you have been on my Flickr recently then you would have seen some photos I have taken. It was a bit of a shame though because seeing as I thought I was just going to Disneyworld I didn't think I would need my beatiful SLR - Canon 500D. Luckily I still keep my little digi camera, so that was ok, but imagine how much depth and quality was wasted. I guess I will never know....

So, I havn't been to couple of photography events with Stuart, the photographer. He has been away too so we had to cancel some weddings etc. I'm a bit dissapointed because I really want to learn, and dispite the fact I missed a photography day course he was holding when I was away. It's a shame because that would have been another tip filled post for you to share and I would have had the chance to meet young teenagers with dreams like mine. Kinda annoying.

This Saturday should hopefully be heading on the right track again, as long its not cancelled. With having this almost job is that its starting to collide with my social life and my friends and I are starting to go out more. I think I will need to learn how to balance everything out, but it is really time for some more photography...

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

if only time could fast forward...

The sun is shining and I had the pleasure of having the morning off college - reason being is that my Creative and Media course are hosting a show of our work and animations. If you have been on my Flickr page you would probably have noticed two animations that I have done. We have been extremely busy and it has taken all my energy to edit those thousands of photos. We have been introduced to Dreamweaver and created our first mini websites. Below is the link to the one I made and gives information about the show.

Also this week I attended a lecture day at TVU in my local town. The campus was absolutly huge and my friend and I got lost in the maze of buildings. Besides all that we got a taster in what it is like to be at Uni and what is expected. There were all these perspectus stands and tonnes of information that was really relevent. I have found a course I like - a photography vocational course to help me on with my career. It is scary to think that next year I will be finishing college and really getting into the adultworld. I hopefully I will be able to study at a uni in London that specialises in Photography and possibly get two degrees out of it.

As much as I should be concentrating on that, today seems more important. The embarrassment of my parents (probably going to be the only ones) who turn up to this show. The thing is, is that they have ALREADY seen my work, but I know its to see the rest of the class too.

I'm currently in one of the two student learning centres, filling my time because my classmates Emma and George are having techincal problems with their Dreamweaver websites. This means that we miss our Cinema Club enrichment that starts in approx five minutes.

At least it is sunny for once and warm, expect the smell of sweat is rather sickening and I don't know how long I will have to spend in here. Thursday, please can you get a move on.

http://www.henleycol.ac.uk/henleycollege/courses/arts/creative/student_%20websites/Zoe%20Bull/My%20Show%20Website.html

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/