Friday, April 15, 2011

Assignment, Week #1 -- Aperture

Ok, so this week, we learned about the photo triangle, and how to control the aperture on our camera.  I have a Nikon D5000 Digital SLR that we purchased last spring to take to Kauai with us.  We got some awesome photos -- on automatic.  I can only imagine what we might have gotten had we learned how to use the camera before we left.  That's ok -- just means we have to go again, right?  LOL!

Anyway, here are my photos for this week.  We were to take a series of 9 photos; 3 for each of the three groups of aperture.  As this dealt a lot with depth of field, I decided that my small backyard and my always-in-motion dogs were probably not the best subject choices.  So, my dear hubby and I ventured out to the marina on the Great Salt Lake, near our home.  Here is what I came up with:

Storytelling Aperture:

 ISO 200
1/320
F/22

 ISO 200
1/2500
F/8

ISO 200
1/4000
F/5.6

Singular Theme Aperture:  note -- I included the first picture because I liked it the best, and think it best represented the assignment on singular theme; however, as I was working with birds, the goose moved, then actually had another one join him/her, so I started over.  Not quite as happy with the first of the three images with the geese, as the camera focused on the grass in front of their faces and blurred them just slightly.  It didn't help that there was a slight breeze.

 ISO 200
1/1250
F/5.6

 ISO 200
1/1250
F/5.6

 ISO 200
1/320
F/11

ISO 200
1/80
F/22

A couple of other notes on this set of photos:  the second goose got shy in the third picture, so there is only one goose showing; also, I didn't realize until I looked at the photos on my computer, but the interstate is in the background, making each photo slightly different.  I was SO focused on the birds that I didn't even notice the cars (or the bicyclist).  

The "Who-Cares" Aperture:

 ISO 200
1/200
F/11
 ISO 200
1-1000
F/4.8

ISO 200
1/50
F/22

So, there you have it.  Week one, learning about aperture -- which is, if I understand correctly, is defined as how much light the camera is letting in.  I noticed the biggest difference in light in the first set of photos, but had the most fun taking the singular theme photos.  Please let me know what you think!

13 comments:

  1. Great photos!! I felt so liberated when I actually understood aperture and could look a a setting and know what settings to use to get the picture I wanted. I love your point of view of the goose. Good work!

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  2. GREAT job, Kate! You are too hard on yourself. They are all great!

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  3. Hi Kate! I am in your photog class. All of your pictures are great, but I especially love the marina pictures. They are beautiful! I live just a couple hours from SLC and your pictures make me want to drive down to take some of my own!

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  4. Kate: Are you just loving the class already? I am having so much fun watching your photo journey begin. Love all your photos. Makes me want to drive right out the the great Salt Lake and take photos. AUGHHHH my kids are on spring break next week so maybe I will just have to do that. Anyway, everything is looking amazing. I love shooting in singular aperture. I have to reamind myself that who cares and story telling apertures are great as well. Anyway-great job and I can't wait to see next weeks photos. ENJOY.

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  5. Oh Kate, the pictures are absolutely beautiful!

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  6. Hi Kate- Another student in the photog class checking in.

    I love all three sets! But I really loved the marina. We are still dealing with that four lettered S word here in Michigan. I cannot wait until it warms up enough to get back out to the lake!

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  7. Thanks, everyone! I'm having a lot of fun. I actually have another set from the marina, showing the line of boats -- I love it out there, and my sister has a sailboat, so I'm kinda partial. I appreciate all your sweet comments. Thanks again!

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  8. We used to live in SLC before we moved to Northern Utah....It was fun seeing the marina and those pictures are super!...but your other pics have the country flair that touches my heart. They really tell a story, and you did great!

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  9. Hi Kate! I'm in your class and am enjoying your photos! I love the marina ones, too!! Looks like it would make a great print! Wish we a place here like that to photograph! :)
    Kathy

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  10. Hi Kate! Thank you for your comments left on my blog for week one homework. I absolutely love your template and the subjects you chose for your assignment. Wonderful shots! Look forward to seeing more... Your fellow classmate, Kat

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  11. I like the train cars the best...rugged and hard with the soft grass around it...nice!

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  12. Kate, it was good to see you this week! I'm sorry we didn't get to visit more but it was nice to see you out in the congregation!

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  13. Great homework assignments, looks like you are learning a lot from your photography class. Thanks for hopping by!

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