Photo Feedback: Garden Boys

Yay! It's time for another Photo Feedback hosted by Mom Tried It.  :)

The other day my husband decided it was finally time to till up our garden.  Of course, I had my camera handy to catch all the action.  As he was tilling, my little ones decided to follow him up and down every row. I probably snapped 20 shots, and I just love how this one turned out. 

I really felt this picture needed a monotone edit.  I think it helps give it a classic Americana feel.  I tried a few different actions to convert to b/w or sepia.  I finally settled on a Pioneer Woman's "Vintage" action and adjusted the levels.  I wish I could have reduced the vignette because it is still a little strong, but I have no idea how.  :)

Any pointers? 

(and I really have enjoyed the Photo Feedback posts.  I truly appreciate the comments and critiques!)

It's Amazing What That Little Learnin' Does!

I fell in love with photography about a year ago when I found the iPhone app, Instagram.  I took several pictures each day, edited them with numerous other apps, and posted them.  Other members would host challenges which taught me a ton about "rules" of photography, like colors, balance, framing, etc.  Those challenges helped hone my eye and were lots of fun to participate in. 

When I got my camera (a Canon T3i) back in October, I used my knowledge learned on IG to help take my photos.  If I got lucky and the stars aligned, I would get a great shot.  I've done a ton of reading and practicing over the last few months, and I really feel that I've improved.  But honestly, learning to shoot in manual mode has given me several headaches. 

I decided it was time to take a class.  I had read over and over about f-stops, shutter speed and ISO, but I needed hands on help because I couldn't seem to put it all together.  Thankfully, I found a local photographer who offers very affordable lessons.  After just one class, I think I've found that "missing piece".  Enter in the light meter.  It's amazing what that little meter has done for me.   :)Anyway, I've been practicing getting correct exposure (and experimenting shooting in RAW format). 

I took this picture of my son (correctly using my light meter ;) and in RAW).  I did not edit the colors or lighting.  I did use a Pioneer Woman's action to "bring out the eyes" and ran her "quick edge burn" and reduced its opacity on both.  Too much?  I'm still learning and would appreciate the feedback. :)

Cowboy Up!

My nephew turned three last week, and on Saturday we celebrated him cowboy style. My sister in law went Pinterest crazy in finding the perfect decorations, snacks, and activities to fit this fun theme. I was happy she let me practice shooting pictures. :)

Ice Cold Root Beer with Cute Straws

Smore's Bar!

Cute Cookies

Cowboy Cake

Loved the Decorations!

The barn was filled with several horses, all unique.  Some big, and some small.  I've always felt horses photograph beautifully.  I'm glad I was able to get some pictures.  This one below cracks me up.  I imagine her as a spunky, gossipy little horse. 

Below is such a beautiful horse.  The mane in her eyes and that look she's giving me gives off such emotion.  That is, if horses have emotions. 

This one below is my favorite, this solemn old fella.  He was so gentle and seemed wise.  I wanted to take him home.

My entry for Shoot.Edit.Submit. and Sweet Shot Tuesday.

My brother tossing around his little cowboy! It's so funny to see us as parents. :)

Birthday Boy's Dirty Hands

My little one evidently was not informed on the cowboy theme.  He INSISTED on his superhero suit.

Pretty little cousin

We had a blast!  I mean, who wouldn't with all the yummy snacks and horse ridin'!

Photo Feedback

As a beginning photographer, I was so excited to come across Mom Tried It and her post about Photo Feedback.  This is the first time I have participated, and I cannot wait to hear some helpful hints and tips on how I could have improved this photo.

I shot this for friends last weekend at a local park.  In my eye, I had great vision for this shot.  I am still trying to get comfortable learning my camera settings, so, while it turned out nicely, I wish it could have been better. 

I've done some minor edits including straightening and slight color and lighting adjustments. 

I appreciate the time and comments in advance!

Thanks!

Birthday Pictures with My Son

My middle son turned four at the end of February.  I wanted to try to find a place to take his pictures that was different than my normal backyard scenes.  Just by chance, I drove by our town's skate park and knew it would be a great place to take my spunky little boy. 

iheartfaces photo challenge ~ beautiful black and white

This sweet little boy is the son of one of my friends.  He is such a little doll! I was more than happy to snap some pictures of this little cutie. 

This is my first time to enter a challenge hosted by iheartfaces. 

Somthing I'm Thinking About....

If you're familiar with me, I'm sure you have noticed my little obsession with photography.  It's funny to think that one year ago, I was so unaware of my affinity for this hobby.  Starting out on my iPhone and now shooting with my Canon (and still my iPhone), my abilities and passion have grown. 

I've recently been asked if I would take pictures for friends.  Now that I have done it a few times, I have discovered that I absolutely love it!  On one hand it's great to be taking pictures of someone who is not my child.  But what is even greater, is watching my friends see the pictures I took and how they cherish the photos. 

So, I'm toying around with the idea of taking photos for others who are not in my circle of friends.  I am certainly still a beginner with much to learn.  Practice makes perfect, right?  I'd love to bring others joy and provide them with hard copies of such precious memories.  I also think it would be a perfect part time gig for a stay at home mom like me. 

Who knows where it will lead....

:)