My First Photography 101 Seminar

I have been using cameras and taking photos for many years now.  I even created a photoblog last year.  But on May 11, 2012 was  my very first time to attend a Photography 101 seminar.   The Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. organized a Photography 101 Seminar in celebration of IBS' first year anniversary and Iligan Bloggers Month in May this year.  The resource person was Bobby Timonera, an Iliganon photojournalist.

The seminar was only about four hours.  But, boy, I learned so much!   Bobby first showed us some pictures he has taken.  Then he talked about the 3 basic camera controls :  Focusing, Aperture and Shutter Speed.  He also discussed on ISO, exposure, exposure compensation,flash,histogram, and types of lenses.  What they are for and how to use them.  With each topic, we have a little hands-on photo shooting to see for ourselves what he was talking about.  

I was not able to concentrate much with the lecture though. I have to take photos for IBS' documentation of the event.  But still I got some advice from Sir Bobby that I will have to remember always.  These are :

1. When shooting at slow speeds, always use a tripod or other means of stable support to avoid blurry pictures.  I already have a tripod.  But at times I get lazy taking them with me on trips.  So when I am shooting and then needs the tripod, I don't have it, hehehe...
2. Do not use full manual mode in all your shooting activities for you will miss the subject or the moments you need to capture.  I sometimes use the Smart Auto in my camera settings whenever I need to take pictures fast during events. 
3. The key element in photography is good composition.  This is something I know I got.  Though I need to practice a lot to really develop it. 
4. To make ordinary subjects into extraordinary photos, explore other angles.   I have been trying to experiment on this. 
5. Learn the rules but don’t be afraid to break them when the situation calls for it.  I still have to really learn the rules, hehehe...
6. To get good pictures, move in close to the subject, except for wildlife.   This is my problem with taking photos in events.  I am naturally a shy person.  So, I still have to practice getting up close with the subjects. 
7. Capture “decisive moments”.  Yes, I like this so much.
8. Capture emotion.   This is what I like with portraits.  When one gets to put into the photo the feelings of the subjects at that moment.
9. Take lots and lots of pictures.  One of them is bound to be a perfect one. 
10. “A technically perfect picture with a fuzzy visual concept won’t cut it.” – Adam Ansel
11. A picture that tells a good story, even if technically flawed, is always better than a technically perfect but boring picture.   So true!
12. Shoot the event’s highlights but shoot the sidelights too and don’t forget to look for interesting details.  Yes, this is what I usually do when I document events.  And I also like taking candid shots.   The pictures themselves would tell a story on what happened during the event.
13. Experiment. Experiment.  There is no added cost in digital photography, just extra effort needed.
14. Read photo books.  Both instructional and story books. 

 Below are some of the photos I have taken during the seminar :

Mr. Bobby Timonera, the Master :-)

Taking a picture of subject against the light

Xy-Za of Purpleslipperz.com, our instant model since she doesn't have a new camera yet. Typhoon Sendong took her old one away from her.   

Outdoor photo shoot

My photo of Xy-Za with the blue cloudy sky

Macro shot in manual setting   :-)

My ID, hehehe

I took this photo outside the Bishop's House, near the gate, while we were waiting for a ride.

Sir Bobby said we have to practice everyday using our camera with the different settings so that we would know our camera well and we could take good pictures like a pro.  Hmmm.. it has been almost a month now, but I have not yet started practicing with my camera. Tsk tsk tsk...  :-(

In taking good pictures, it is not about the camera.  It is about the photographer.  No matter how hi-tech and expensive your camera is, if you don't know how to use it and you don't have the eye for art, your pictures would remain ordinary and boring.  :-D

Two Leaves. Two Lives

On December 13, 2003, when I have finally decided to accept the marriage proposal of Pat and set a date for the wedding, I wrote a letter that I plan to read during our wedding.  But somehow, I felt shy reading it in front of the witnesses in the church.  So, I just kept it to myself.  Today is May 18.  Eight years have passed since I walked down the aisle to say "I do". 

As Pat and I are now in our 8th year wedding anniversary, and more than 9 years of being together, I would like to take this opportunity to tell him (and the world!), how I felt that day when I finally decided to marry him.  Below is my letter to my husband, Pat, written more than 8 years ago.

Dearest Pat my Gen,

The day you came into my life, I thank God.  I thank Him for all the blessings He has given me. For providing me with all my needs.  And for not answering some of my prayers 'cause I know that He has something in mind.

Just when I was ready to accept the possibility that I may stay single for the rest of my life.  You came.  We got along so quickly.  And as the days passed, I know I finally said the right prayer.  

But doubts run in my mind everyday.  Fear of the future kept crossing my mind.  Worry took hold of my thinking to the point that it got me sick.   

But you were always there to reassure me.  I know I've been unfair to you and I am very sorry.  You've given up so much for me.  I just know God has answered my prayer. 

I am not sure what tomorrow brings.  I am not sure what our future will be.  I am not sure what God planned for us.  But one thing I am sure of.  If I am not going to give this a chance.  If I am not going to give you and me a chance.  If I am not going to give our love a chance.  I'm sure, I am going to regret it for the rest of my life. 

http://yaymicro.com/stock-image/dry-leaves-background/42459

For when I see us, 
     I see two leaves from two different trees, 
          yet somehow, the edges fit together like pieces in the puzzle.

When I see us, 
      I see peace...  as I am at peace with you.

When I see us, 
      I see love ...  the love that you freely give me.

When I see us, 
      I see forever....  because I want to be with you forever.

If there is someone that I'd want to grow old with, I want him to be you.

I love you.
        
                                                       Binky, your Baks   :-)

Happy anniversary to my one and only love of my life.  my only gen.  my only pat.  I love you very much. muah!   I look forward to more years with you.    :-)