I’m currently a enjoying an eCourse through Big Picture Classes (found this great site through Kerry over the summer). In Get Great Photos with Any Camera by Elisha Snow, we are learning the fundamentals. Not just how to take good pictures, but how to take great pictures. Some of the topics in the syllabus are lighting, composition, icon settings, flash, and post-processing. I have an increased awareness of all those little details for sure now! To celebrate their 5th anniversary, Big Picture Classes is planning a 5-day celebration on their blog. I hear there are giveaways, challenges and discounts in store!
The weather was fabulous (I’m not taking a high 60’s day in November for granted!), so we went to nearby Algonkian Park for the first time….walking, tossing the football, and stone skipping were on the agenda. My oldest son informed me that Algonkian refers to Native American tribes who speak a related language, such as the Powatans of Virginia. The park was amazing. Being on the shores of the Potomac, it was the perfect place to shoot some pictures (while trying to utilize the elements outlined in my class). I hope you’ll pardon me for taking yet more kid shots – but they are ready and available subjects!
The setting: Algonkian Regional Park
Elements: Side Lighting and Visual Triangle
Element: Angle Variation
Element: Rule of Thirds
Element: Angle Variation II
Elements: Backlighting and Silhouette
Quest: Heart-shaped Rocks
The picture-taking came to an end when my camera battery died. That was fine because it was early enough to head over to Sweetwater Tavern and actually get a seat. Those infamous Ozzie rolls (beignet-like dough balls) were calling our names.
P.S. I just found out that Big Picture Classes offers a Refer-A-Friend program! If you sign up on the site and create an account, both parties will receive a reward for a future class – please contact me if you’re interested and I’ll send you the code. Thanks!
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh what wonderful pictures Cindy!! I considered that class too, but signed up for Picture Fall and Picture Holidays too. I am adding it to my must take list!! And I will let them know you refered me 😉
Your pictures are great! Yesterday was wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Someday I really should take that class. Your pictures and Kerry’s are something worth savoring when I visit. And most of my camera time is spent on jewelry!
Enjoy the day, Cindy!
Erin
Cindy, those pics are great. I can’t imagine how awesome they will be after you finished your class:-)
Beautiful and your children make such wonderful photo subjects. The lighting in your photos is spectacular.
Beautiful photos Cindy! Your boys are darling. And that first photo is stunning–love the colors!
I have the most horrible time with using my camera settings, composition, and especially lighting. I really need to take a course. Thanks so much for the links.
Sweet Cindy…
Your picture taking is amazing!!! I’m so glad your putting in the different elements you are using because although I don’t really know what they mean, I can understand the basic concept & maybe it will help me take better pictures. My very FAVORITE is the one with your little guy holding the football. I LOVE how his body is crystal clear & the background is out of focus…it’s perfect. Your children are going to be so blessed to have this beautiful photo history of their childhood. Just from your photography I can tell your an wonderful Mommy!!!
Big Hugs,
Susie
You take the most amazing pictures! Such beautiful memories you will have forever!
Incredible pics Cindy! You are a natural too!
Beautiful photos Cindy! I went to the site and it is a wonderland for photography! I would love to take this series of 3 classes by Elisha Snow. If you would like you can send me the referal code so if i sign up for any classes you can benefit for the referral. thanks! Now if Nikon would ever just ship out my camera i’d be thrilled!
P.S. As for the photography versus the wire wrapped jewlery, sometimes you just have to follow where your Muse leads! It’s all a creative venture!
It’s all about the pictures Cindy….I know so very well myself =)
These pictures are gorgeous, and thanks for letting us know the technique you were using each time!!
My favs: Rule of Thirds, Back lighting, and of course~Quest ?
these are wonderful! what a great course – you have a critical eye anyway when it comes to photography… but i like learning a bit of what you are learning… may be contacting you for my daughter to take the course… thank you for sharing your world…
Glad you took the opertunity to photo the surounding vista. dido your children are precious. Keep taking those photos you will be so glad you did later. Be Blessed
SandysColoringBox.blogspot.com
Those were GREAT pictures. I am going to check out the site. I do love to take pictures and have my camera ready and on board at all times also.
Your first ‘angle variation’ is just too cute!
My favorite is the boys on the rock–how amazing I love the water and leaves floating…take all the pictures you want I will sit and ohh and awe!!! On a jewelry note I made the wire roses for a necklace and had all kinds of compliments at my show! Looking forward to the new issue of favorites. I did post a pic of what I did with the roses if you would like to see! thanks for your talent!!!!! PS look up Kim Klassen she does some neat ideas with textures on pictures.
Those are all very incredible pictures Cindy! Having two passions in your life is a good thing-When you don’t feel like doing your jewelry, you can take pictures and vice versa.
It keeps you happy and busy xD
I hope some day I’ll have a nice camera and I’ll be able to take a class like you did!
This is perfect timing! I’ve been thinking about a new year’s adventure focused on photography. I’m not ready to commit to a bigger (more expensive) camera yet, so a good class would be the perfect start! Thanks for sharing!
Such wonderful pictures, Cindy. Of course, I already thought your pictures were fantastic. Maybe this is something I should look into…I really need to learn more about using my camera. Oh, I agree…such wonderful weather we are having too!
Wonderful pictures! What a great way to spend the day!
Your photos are just fantastic, Cindy! And lucky you, you always have subjects/models with you. My cats are not half as obliging LOL!
I think Angle Variation II is spectacular!
Of all the aspects of selling jewelry online, taking the pics is what I fear most. I didn’t know you could take a photo class on line. Will have to look into it! thanks for the info ^_^ Virginie
Just beautiful photography… I can see why you’d rather be shooting than playing with beads! and it has been such a beautiful fall
Many Blessings
Rebecca
Gosh Cindy,I am so inspired by all these beautiful photos..I originally intended to tell you which is my favorite,but I’m stuck between photos #3,4,5,6,and 7!! Hehehehee!!Big Hugs,Cat