At only $60 for two classes and a field trip with the instructor, I had to jump on this offer! Especially after having been photographically stagnant since my stock photography rejection. (I did discover that it's one of the most difficult ways to get published, which helped mend my bruised ego.) However, I know there's more for me to learn before I become a superior photographer, and this class was sure to inform.
On Saturday, July 21, we met at the Arvada Center at 8 in the morning and carpooled to Old Arvada a few blocks down. Old Arvada is one of those wonderfully historic areas with the quaint feel of a small town, despite the Denver Metro area having expanded like an ever progressive flood in all directions surrounding this old fashioned cut out.
The morning was a typical blue skied sunny Colorado morning. Perfect. I set off with my friend to find and photograph the hidden treasures of Arvada. The architecture in old brick two-story style, street lights draped with flower hangers, color dabbed sidewalks, tree lined streets, railroad tracks, churches, parks and a fountain all within a few square blocks were enough to inspire my artistic eye. My technique, however, left much to be desired.
Here's my favorite shot that came out without tweaking:
A bit underexposed, but I like the composition, and all lines pointing towards the water tower.Another was a good idea for a shot, but I underexposed it, too, and got too much in the frame:
However, a little cropping and "dark room" correction, and I love it!
After wandering around downtown Arvada for a while, we hopped back in our cars in search of Two Ponds Wildlife Refuge to the northwest, but still in Arvada. By this time the sun was higher in the sky, and the heat of the day was making me wish I could have splashed through the fountain in Old Arvada!
Once again, I underexposed. But at least I framed it alright this time:
Oh but I do love the ability to edit:
Lessons Learned?
I need to play with my manual settings more, but at least I remember how to now!
Even when playing with manual settings, you've still got to take basics into account. Like framing...
Any other suggestions?
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