Learning about photography

I’ve been meaning to write this post for awhile now – for my friends and readers who are also interested in photography and want to begin taking better pictures themselves.

Four years ago I owned a DSLR which I had never switched off of the “Little green box” or Automatic setting. Then, I began noticing amazing photographs online and felt some serious picture envy. I desperately wanted to take good pictures, so I began working on it. (Some might say I became slightly obsessed!) I took a digital photography course at ANU (Australian National University here in Canberra). I read photography magazines. And finally, I found wonderful photography resources online. I switched my camera into Manual mode and never looked back.

Probably the most useful information I’ve found has been online. There are some incredible resources on the internet for people interested in learning more about photography and DSLRs. I’ll share my favourites with you here:

1. Digital Photography School – This is a free website and forum full of great information and interesting articles. I particularly like their “New Photography Tips for this weekend” email which you can sign up for on their website.

2. Creative Live – The folks at Creative Live put on amazing photography workshops, broadcast live for FREE, on the Internet. I have learned so much from some of these workshops.

3. ClickinMoms – I’ve saved the best for last! ClickinMoms is a little bit like my second home. This is an online community of both hobby and professional photographers (who also happen to be mothers). It is filled with tons of information and support. There is a small fee to join, but it has paid for itself over and again with the learning, inspiration and friendship I’ve found there. You can check out the blog, which is free, to get a taste of what you’ll find in the forum.

And to add a bit of news, I was so excited and proud to have been recently accepted into ClickinMoms’ “Pro” group of photographers. You may have noticed the new badge at the bottom of my website :-). To be included among the incredible talent in this group is such an honour for me. This means you might see some tidbits from me on the blog. You can also see some of my project 365 images on the CMpro Daily Project website. I have really been enjoying the CMpro daily project- so much inspiration can be found there.

So, if you’ve just got a new camera, or if you’re keen to get the most out of the one you already have, I hope that some of these resources might be useful to you. I can honestly say that I am super pleased to have been bitten by the photography bug. I find it challenging, rewarding, and creatively inspiring. And now that I have taken it further with my business, it’s even more so. Thanks for reading!

kara - April 2, 2012 - 11:27 am

i just started shooting in manual in november and clickin’ moms has been such an amazing find. i can’t get enough of the workshops and eagerly await natural light 101. just wanted to let you know that i always adore your daily project photos. i love your style and am always inspired.

Holly’s picnic – Canberra Newborn Photographer

I am finally getting around to blogging this session. On a hot summer’s day, we took some photos, then enjoyed a picnic while little Holly slept. And slept some more.

jennifer - March 3, 2012 - 2:36 pm

What a beautiful newborn session!!!! I love the shot of baby on the blanket further away… such a gorgeous image! Beautiful baby and you did a wonderful job showing the amazing first days of her life. 🙂

Beach holiday

In January, we took a short holiday to Mollymook Beach on the South Coast of New South Wales. I always enjoy the drive from Canberra, which typically begins with hot, sunny, dry temperatures and then changes drastically as we descend Clyde Mountain into the cool, lush rainforest. This trip did not disappoint, and it rained heavily on us as we approached the coast. When we arrived, we stopped briefly at the beach, if only to say hello, I suppose. The rain had just stopped and a light misty fog remained. Kinda cool for photos…

As it turns out, this was the closest Eliza came to swimming in the ocean on our trip. She was quite dismayed that she got her “pretty dress” wet and wouldn’t go near the water again. Hoping for a better start next time!

Sibling session – Canberra Family Photographer

I’ve now done three sessions for this very photogenic family… this occasion was big sister Cait’s visit, who was meeting her brand new baby sister for the first time. The rose garden setting was just perfect, until the sprinklers unexpectedly came on! It was all good fun and we got some “running through the water” shots as a bonus. My little girl joined us at the end of the session and she also had a blast.

F a c e b o o k