Workshop Reflection....

I had my first workshop at the Houston Center for Photography on Monday night. It was such an enjoyable experience. There were only six people in attendance which left the instructor plenty of time to answer specific questions and target individual's frustrations. The workshop was called Out of the Box: Using Your Digital Camera and was almost like a zero level class. It isn't required for my program but I'm a firm believer in review and building a solid foundation of knowledge. I really loved the workshop because I was given tips and information that I had never heard before, even in my Photo I class at the community college. The instructor taught us how to read the information of the front of our lenses, which no one else has ever shown me. (I had no idea that my camera body will allow me to choose an aperture that my lens may not have the capabilities for... *So THAT'S why that sucker freezes on me!*) She also gave us some great tips about ISO settings, how motion can effect zoom, and went through the meanings of the modes on our camera dials. I realize that this is all really basic information, but I have never been given any of this and I already feel so much more prepared to go out and shoot. I can not be any more excited for this program! I know that it's not necessary to have a formal education to be a successful photographer, but I am just the type of person who learns best in a classroom and gains confidence in their skills in doing so.

Oh also, check out my friend from a recent Realty shoot that I had....

Practice, Practice, Practice! Learn! Experiment! Learn More! Practice More! Get Better!

I have taken so many steps forward in the development of my business lately. I registered (finally!) with the Houston Center of Photography for their Certificate of Completion program. I have to test between difficulty levels, have to submit a portfolio before receiving my certificate, and have a great line-up of classes/workshops ahead of me. As I matter of fact my very first class is coming up very soon! I absolutely can't wait. The class is a remedial class just about using a camera and learning all of the settings. I am purposefully starting at the WAY bottom because I want to learn all that there is to know. When I have finished the certificate program I am going to pick an official name for my business, obtain a logo, and register as a real and true legitimate business. I am so looking forward to that day. I would love nothing more than to own a studio but I know that if I work hard enough I can make this business a success even without a studio.

One problem I am encountering is a lack of detail in the important features of my images, namely the face and eyes. I have been told and have learned from research that a big part of that is the fact that I still shoot in JPEG and not RAW. Next Tuesday I am doing newborn pictures for my God-sister whose maternity photos I did in the summer. I plan to shoot 50/50 and see what a difference it makes. I have bought a TON of new props and a great bamboo rug for a backdrop so I really have high hopes for this photo shoot. So much is invested in it.