I'm so awesome that I eat myself!
This is the post wherein I’m supposed to brag about my awesomeness! After all, I did live through a photo shoot and even managed to take some good photos and put words together like a grown up. I was really quite competent, and that’s a good feeling to have. Oh, you want more, don’t you?
Well, OK. But you’ll have to slog through the photography geekery first. And then, for dessert, we’ll get to the shameless backpatting.
What’s in the Bag?
My equipment is not bad for an amateur. I have my beloved Nikon D50 SLR. My camera feels good in my hands. I’m not your average photography geek in that I don’t need/can’t afford the latest and greatest gear. I take good photos with my phone. The camera is just a tool. I don’t feel a need to upgrade, and I probably won’t until/unless my camera breaks. When I do upgrade, I’ll probably be getting a Nikon D5000. I also really like Canon cameras and lenses, so don’t attack me in the comments about my camera preference. I learned photography with Pentax and Nikon, and I’m happy staying with Nikon.
I have a Nikkor AF 70-300 that I can use in most outdoor settings as long as my target isn’t moving and the light isn’t too low. I switch to manual for lower light shots and grab the tripod because it SUCKS in low light. Yes, the motor is loud and slow. Yes, it sometimes has trouble focusing on moving subjects. Regardless, I love this lens. I’m able to grab some nice shots with it. It’s not optimal, but it’s mine.
My go-to lens is the standard 18-50mm made by Sigma that a lot of folks have. I don’t love Sigma, but they make affordable lenses. I use this lens most of the time for casual close-ups.
I also have a Nikon 50mm lens that I am still playing with. I use it in low light to catch beautiful skin tones. This is more the lens I use for artsy/stylistic shots. I don’t use it as much, but it’s good to have.
What’s NOT in the Bag?
I’m lacking a macro lens and salivate over the Nikon 105mm. I’m sure Tamron makes a cheaper lens. It’s not something I need, but it would be fun to play with.
I desperately need a shoe-mount flash. Looking at the Nikon SB-600 TTL AF shoe mount. Not sure. Comments welcome.
Can you even believe I don’t have camera-cleaning, lens-cleaning supplies? Oh, it’s embarrassing. I used the soft cloth that came along with Allen’s new HD TV to clean my lenses last week. See my shame?
The Challenges, and How I Surmounted Them!
Thanks to a friend who was willing to watch all 3 of my offspring, I was able to arrive early to the site I chose so that I could spec out the best backgrounds/lighting for the shoot. I did a NOT BAD job of selecting places to take photos given the challenges: First, the photo shoot was outside, on a warm summer day at 2pm. And second, the fact that the subject ended up wearing very contrasty clothing. I’ll forgive myself for taking a few shots that made the subject appear to have a tree trunk growing out of her head. I took a number of good photos, and some that sucked.
My post production was hampered by the fact that PhotoShop grew up while I’ve been mucking about, raising babies. I am PhotoShop CS4′s bitch. So, I definitely need to hone my skills as a photo editor. It’s been a long time since I used PhotoShop on a regular basis, and my skillz, they are rusty.
But overall, with the setup, the shoot, and the post-production, I enjoyed myself a ridiculous amount. I think I took some nice shots. My subject seemed happy. She was very professional, and I tried to be professional as well. The friend who contracted me to take the photos is happy. I hope to do more work with her in the future. *waves!*
And NOW, the Awesomeness! The Bragging! The Backpatting!
I have the most amazing group of friends and readers and loved ones. You are the awesome here. Thank you for supporting me, cheering me on, giving me GREAT advice. Thank you to Allen, who brought out the big pom poms and has been thwacking me on the head with them for much of the last week. My heart is all explodey right now with the warmth of your comments. I love you guys!