Since daylight savings time began, the alarm clock
(aka coffee pot) wakes me up while it is still dark!
It's much too dark to pour a cup of coffee!
So I thought I'd try one of those battery powered
candles. They are made of wax on the outside and have
a 'flame' on the inside that flickers very realistically!
It's easier on the eyes than turning on the lamp, too!
On the first day of my camera class, I learned about
shutter speeds. Have you ever taken a picture in the
dark that came out blurry? I slowed the shutter speed to
let in more light and the result was much better and gave
a more realistic picture than any previous attempts of mine.
This is still with my old camera, but the information still applied!
♥
My friend tried to teach me about shutter speeds and ISO's but my mind was preoccupied. I should have her give me another lesson.
ReplyDeleteI remember being especially frustrated last summer trying to photograph lightning bugs! I'll have to give it another try this summer!
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten to ISO's yet. This is all like math...my worst subject. ha. I am going to be a very slow learner. oh dear!
Yeah, I am a hands-on learner. I should learn one thing at a time too.
DeleteBut she came to show me a few things the morning of the big fire that killed my husband's uncle (and father of my childhood friends) and his two boys. I'm lucky I even remember her showing me anything at all. Shoot, I'm lucky to remember ISO!
I have a hard time taking night/dark shots and absolutely hate flash photography.
Oh, goodness...yes...you have a good excuse for being distracted! I agree about the one thing at a time. I need to take the time to practice using each thing that is taught. I'm finding it easier to translate the lessons to my old camera that I'm familiar with, but in time I guess I'll get used to the new one, too. I'm sure ISO is on a lesson plan, too. ha.
DeleteYes, flash photography is horrible!
Interesting photo and I see the need to use a greater aperture which requires a slower shutter speed. This is the way we used to do it but we used a light meter. We set the film speed then scanned the area with the light meter which calculated the shutter speed and the lens focal setting. From memory the more open the lens is the shorter the depth of focus on the subject. But I do it the lazy way now.
ReplyDeleteI haven't learned aperture yet. Maybe that will be next! I'm impressed with how much you remember about the old 33mm cameras!
Delete35mm my dear! And yes . . . . . glad the old grey matter is still functioning LOL
DeleteI had a camera with a f 1.9mm lens. That is pretty good and let a lot of light in as you might see when the class covers it.
I think you will enjoy the subject as it progresses. How long is the course and you know you WILL be an even better photographer when you graduate.
It's a 5 week course with open forums and encouragement to post photos and ask as many questions as you like. Yes, I do think it will be worth it.
Deletehaha..yes, 35mm is what I meant to type! I did know that much! ha.
Glad to see that you're learning already! -- silver fox
ReplyDeletethanks, silver.
DeleteI wish I could take a class but being hearing impaired makes it impossible, even with aids. I do have a great book and need to do a little brushing up. My pictures in the dark are terrible. My SIL uses her flash and they look fine. Mine looks like a spotlight on the subject! lol!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
Yeah, when I use a flash, everything look harsh. Cat's eyes look evil. And the colors are all wrong. My class is online..all the lessons and assignments are done through email. There was one video, but short and not the main lesson. I must be a visual learner. When I read the manual it doesn't always translate to me in a way that I can put it into practice. A few youtube tutorials have been helpful, though.
DeleteI think I'll be learning some new things from you and your camera classes. I really need to get out my manual and read more about my little power shot.
ReplyDeleteI really like the look of your picture and the candle ... Very nice.
I'm loving that little candle...exactly what I needed in the mornings!
DeleteI have several of those candles and I love them. A couple of my friends have even tried to light them by mistake! Ha! The wick, etc. is quite realistic. I love how you have the coffee pot right there. I have always wanted to wave my magic wand and have someone... anyone (!)... bring me coffee in bed. Maybe I will have to do this.
ReplyDeleteI remember trying to tackle the manual for several different cameras of mine and once I started getting to apertures, etc. I would tune out. I just need to be shown, practise it a few times, and then I have it down.
Maybe an online class is the way to go for me too, but I have found youtube videos incredibly helpful on a number of topics - like my new cellphone. And if you "gootube" (that's what I call googling in youtube - ha!), about very specific things you get answers that, for me, are more helpful than telling me a million things I don't really need/want to know yet.
Good luck!
Maybe a coffee pot on your bedside table is one of those things you should apply the quote from a couple of days ago? haha...'You should go and do that!" If it's programmable, you can use it for an alarm. I keep those little one serve french vanilla creamers in the drawer. If you put it in the mug first, and then pour your coffee, you don't even need a spoon. See...I have it down to a science. haha.
DeleteI loved the couple of youtube tutorials I watched...one on shutter speed and one on lens cups...oh, and one about the type of camera I just got.
Wow - you DO have it down to a science. Yes, it's one of the things I should go and do! You are the one who first turned me on to flavoured creamers - about six months ago I started to use it. Ooooooh my. Love it. French vanilla and caramel are my faves but I bought hazelnut the other day, as it was the only one, and I am becoming attached to it too. See what you started! :-)
Deletethose are my three favorites, too! Every time I buy hazelnut, I tell myself I should do it more often. Yum!
DeleteVery nice. I like that it's light later in the evening, but it IS annoying to go back to dark mornings. At least it's a temporary issue
ReplyDeleteyes, it is temporary! But I can't believe how much this time change is bothering me this year. I've never had so much trouble! It's only one hour...what's the big deal? ha. I think it's the dark in the morning....but I do look forward to daylight all evening...that's the best part about summer, I think!
Deletehaha have to have that coffee at your sea
ReplyDeleteHate stupid daylight savings time and its ahead spree
I'll move some place where they don't do it
That would be a hit
And never knew about the shot
Bet you`re going to learn a lot
If you find a place where they don't have it
Deletelet me know and I'll go lickety split.
Maybe that's also where the fountain of youth is
along with the pot of gold and all that biz. ha.
Well Arizona and Hawaii don`t have it
DeleteAnd Saskatchewan doesn`t at our canadian pit
I guess it depends on if you want sun or snow.
DeleteI'd want to go back and forth to get both, you know. ha.
You might be interested in this:http://io9.com/5715413/tonight-will-be-the-darkest-night-of-the-past-500-years
ReplyDeleteGlad that you learned something already. You have to have steady hands when you slow the shutter, and it looks like you do!
ReplyDeleteyou certainly do..it felt like ages for that thing to complete! haha.
Deletethats cool...i like the soft light like a candle...esp in the morning as i am adjusting still....
ReplyDeleteWaking up slowly is SO much better. haha...when my feet hit the floor I have to be alert and moving fast to get three boys on the bus!
Deletea perfect click Betsy..Happy learning!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try to be happy about it! Really! haha.
DeleteI am excited you're learning camera info so I can learn from you...would love to get off 'auto' on my fancy new camera.:-/ Thanks so much for sharing what you're learning.
ReplyDeleteThe auto is just so comfortable, isn't it? It's hard to break away. ha.
DeleteYou are really serious about your coffee, eh?
ReplyDeleteThe candle looks great....in fact....perfect!
Have a great first day of Spring!
Dull as dishwater here......
Cheers!
Linda :o)
I'm loving that candle! Looks very real, too.
DeleteThe grey sky just opened up to some sun. Still freezing cold this morning, though.
Great photo! You're learning already. I love your coffee-by-the-bed idea. Perfect way to wake up.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is. I can't imagine stumbling out to the kitchen for that first cup now that I've done this. ha. Sitting in bed in the dark and enjoying it is much better.
DeleteI have been backing up and reading the comments...so you are taking an online course, I like to learn visually too. Did someone get a new camera? Inquiring minds want to know.
ReplyDeleteYes, I did! My first DSLR. I'm lost. ha. Need the online course, but feel completely ignorant. I've never taken my camera's dial off of auto. haha. Oh dear.
DeleteYour photograph has a serene and cosy feel to it, which I imagine is just what you were attempting. Your coffee in bed each morning is a brilliant idea. And I can't think of anyone more deserving than a pampering treat to begin each day!
ReplyDeleteVince xo
well, thanks Vince :)
DeleteDon't spoil her, Vince! LOL
DeleteAw, not a chance! :)
DeleteI saw your reply above to someone that shutter speed etc. is too much like math. Math was my worst subject too!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my. I was fine until 2nd grade. hahaha..... we moved every couple of years while I was in my early grade school years. Each move put me in a school where they were a little more advanced than the last and I was lost! I never did catch up. lol.... Besides that, my mind just doesn't work that way. I think I use the other side of my brain. :)
DeleteI love candles but I hate the smoke and how it dirties the walls so I bought myself one of these battery candles too. It's amazingly realistic and still creates a cosy atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI love this Betsy, but I have to say you always take amazing pictures of all:))))
ReplyDeleteI just smile every time I am reminded about your bedside coffee maker :)
ReplyDeleteIt makes me smile, too! ha.
Delete