Photography Smotogrophy #2

Hey guys!

So, I finished my photography course early due to unforeseen circumstances, but I did it and got pretty good marks for it. It is safe to say that I did it with a distinction. Yeah me! If you missed the first half go check it out H E R E .

I had a variety of topics to photograph. The easiest of these was the "painting with light". The most difficult was the portraits. I just don't gel with it. I think night photography is my thing. So I will explore that. 

All these shots were done with my Canon 700D and I used the kit lens (18-55mm) and my zoom lens (70-300mm).

(Disclaimer: This is my own work. Please do not use any of these pictures without my written consent. Thank you for your cooperation in this regard)

Aperture. We had to take two photos at the same angle. 1 With a big aperture and 1 with a small aperture. These were my submissions.

Aperture 1:f3.5 1/1250sec ISO-100 18mm

Aperture 2:f36 1/10sec ISO-100 55mm

Close up. I struggled to find something that would really make a cool close up. I settled for a bicycle. I think it came out pretty cool, but my mentor had some very good suggestions. Next time it will be even cooler!

Close up 1:f5 1/20sec ISO-200 43mm

Close up 2:f5.6 1/15sec ISO-200 55mm

Group Portraits. I struggle with portraits. I find it difficult to take a creative photo and not the normal "just stand there". And the composition. Again, my mentor said I should watch out for a few things, but I did not do to bad.

Group 1:f4.5 1/1600sec ISO-100 120mm

Group 2:f4 1/2000sec ISO-100 31mm

Topic: Here we go. This was my submission. My friends "bakkie". I really like this picture.

f3.5 1/40sec ISO-800 18mm

Campus outing. We went on a campus outing for one of our lessons and this was not a submission, but I took this on that outing.

f5 10sec ISO-100 37mm

Head&Shoulders Portrait. Again, not my strong point, but it came out pretty well.

Head&Shoulders 1:f5.6 1/800sec ISO-100 300mm

Head&Shoulders 2:f5.6 1/1000sec ISO-100 255mm

Head&shoulders 3:f5.6 1/800sec ISO-100 300mm

Landscape. I struggle a bot with composition and keeping the horizon straight...will just have to practice!

f5 1/250sec ISO-100 37mm

My favorite thing. What more can I say. Coffee and Books. It does not matter if it's digital. As long as I can read I am happy! Don't forget my plant. Love greens!

f6.3 1/80sec ISO-400 48mm

Black&White. This was the most exciting outing we did. We visited a local scrapyard and we had to take all the photo's in black and white. I had so much fun. This was my best one and my submission.

f5 1/1250sec ISO-100 29mm

Topic: Winter. Blankets, books, pj's, chunky socks and lots of coffee! What more can I say?

f3.5 1/30sec ISO-400 18mm

Still life. I struggled with this one. I had another photo, but it was too flat and did not give dimension. So, this one is my re-submission and it was perfect. 

F5 1/60sec ISO-100 32mm

Full body Portrait. My lovely friend. Thanks for playing model!Could have composed it differently, but I did well with this one.

F4.5 1/1600sec ISO-100 130mm

Painting with light. The next few photographs was the most fun! I really enjoy night photography. I submitted the second one and got full marks. Yeah me! I cannot wait to explore and better my night photography skills.

Painting with light 1:F3.5 10sec ISO-400 18mm

Painting with light 2:F3.5 10sec ISO-400 18mm

Painting with light 3:F3.5 10sec ISO-400 18mm

Painting with light4:f3.5 25sec ISO-100 18mm

Painting with light 5:f3.5 25sec ISO-100 18mm

I hope you enjoyed this post. I am now done with my course and now I should go out and take some pictures! What do think I should photograph or do you like photographing certain things? Leave a comment below!

I shoot with canon!

Speak to you soon

xoxo

Photography Smotography {Part #1}

Hey guys!

This post has to do with the goals I set for myself at the beginning of this year. If you did not see that post go read it here No to resolutions YES! to goals.
So, this is sort of an update.

Currently I am enrolled in a photography course. I am at Level 1. They teach you how to shoot in manual mode with some nifty tricks. 

We had some assignments we needed to complete the past 2 months and I would like to share them with you. All these were shot with my Canon 700D in manual.

{This is my own work. Please do not copy/use any of these photographs without my written approval. Your cooperation is appreciated in this regard.}

 Capture Movement {f/5 1/1250sec ISO-400 44mm} -This was one of the first assignments.

Scene composure {f/3.5 1/500sec ISO-200 20mm} I am going to re-submit this one. I am not satisfied.

 Sunrise over Potchefstroom Dam {f/25 1/10sec ISO-200 27mm)

 Show movement {f/22 1/15sec ISO-800 55mm}

 Shoes {f/5 1/500sec ISO-100 38mm}

 Aperture {f/5.6 1/160sec ISO-400 55mm}

 Aperture {f/22 0.8sec ISO-400 24mm}

 Turning night to day {f/3.5 30sec ISO-100 18mm}

Kitchen {f/4 1/25sec ISO-100 24mm}

I am really having a lot of fun. Any constructive criticism is welcome.


Please leave a comment below. Don't be mean. We are all friends here.

Speak to you soon...or sooner!

xoxo

Photo a day Challenge {November} | Summary

Smile ♥ Mother Nature ♥ Today's Footwear ♥ Inherited ♥ Half

Hats ♥ Window ♥ On my bedside table ♥ Mirror ♥ Indulgence

Sparkly/Blur ♥ Healthy Meal ♥ Handwriting ♥ Flower ♥ I recommend

Bubbles ♥ Books ♥ Pajamas ♥ Pet or Friend ♥ Summertime

Ice Cream ♥ Grass ♥ Fresh Fruit ♥ Hug ♥ Pastel Blue

Shadow ♥ Favourite ♥ Place Peace ♥ Vintage ♥ Water

This summary is long overdue, but as you know (I hope) I had a re-design done on my blog and took a little break, but here you go. If you did not see every photo in November, enjoy this summary.

Speak to you soon...or sooner!
xoxo

Photo a day challenge | Water

Day 30: Water

I can not believe that it has come to the last day. I first want to thank my trusty cousin and friend for joining me and making this a lot of fun! I really couldn't wait to see what you have shot the day and how you interpreted the topics. Thank you!

Now, this afternoon I was thinking that I would like the last photo to be more creative than the other. So, on our way home from a weekend at the in-laws, we ended up in a thunder storm. At first I was freaking out on my husband and telling him to slow down (even though he was going like 40km/h) and then I remembered, I don't have a picture yet! So, I got my new Canon baby and shot quite a few images, but these were the two I am most satisfied with to share with you guys.

I wish I could give you all the specs, but give me some time. I will get there. For now, enjoy my amateur shots!

This is a really pretty picture of some thunderous water my cousin took.

Howick Falls - Januarie 2010This photo was taken when my mom, Graham and I went to Amanzimtoti. This was also the first time my mom walked in warm sea water!

Photo credit: E Downs

Now, who does not like a hot bath!

My friend said that this is Alana's (her little girl) favourite time. When we start running her bath!

Photo credit: N Kotze

So, would you like to join us next time? Stay tuned because in February I will be running another challenge and I would love you to be a part of it!

Speak to you soon...or sooner!

xoxo

Photo a day challenge | Vintage

Day 29: Vintage

Vintage is a nice word for something very old fashioned or just plain old. I wondered what was going to pop up on this topic. But  have to say, these items are really Vintage!

This bookcase was handmade by my husband's grandfather. They had to do a school project and this is what he chose. This bookcase can also turn. It is approximately 60 years old. I am amazed!

This bookcase will one day be an inherited peace for my husband and I am proud that we may add it one day to our collection. 

My friend also send me a picture of an inherited piece. This table was handmade especially for her aunt and now it is ours. It is approximately 60 years old!

Photo credit: N Kotze

My cousin have a different Vintage item. This is the Hanepoot vine at my mom's house (there is a Sultana Vine 

Photo credit: E

Do you have any item that is really old..or Vintage?

Speak to you soon...or sooner!

xoxo

Photo a day challenge | Peace

Day 28: Peace

I have to say this topic is quite challenging, because everyone interprets peace differently. But that is what makes it so interesting.

I have two peace places. 

When I run, I run a blank. Most people say they think and reminisce about the day or something they need to think about. But me, I blank. It is quiet in my head and heart.

Photo credit: Park run Potchefstrooom

And off course the beach/sea. I love the sea. It calms my soul. I am getting very la di da, but it does. It is like inner peace. OK, before I go all free spirit on you (hehehe) it is one of my favourite places! This photo was taken in Mauritius last year on our trip.

My friend's peace photo:
My new job brings me so much peace (Maybe not the peace you had in mind). But they send me a special delivered bouquet to say "Get well soon". I am feeling so much love

 Photo credit: N Kotze

And it is a lovely bouquet.

My cousin gives us a breakdown of the word peace: Define: (noun) Freedom from disturbance; tranquility.
And then the bush is her peace and quiet place. This photo was taken in April 2014 at a place called Waaigras.

Photo credit: E Downs

It is really pretty and looks really peaceful!

Where is your place of peace? Share with us in the comments below.

Speak to you soon...or sooner!

xoxo

Photo a day challenge | Favourite Place

Day 27: Favourite Place

We ALL have a favourite place. Don't you? I have a few, but if I have to pick one place it has to be Yzerfontein at the West Coast. The sea is dreadfully cold and un-swimable (This is the most acurate word to explain it although I don't think this is a word), but the memories-priceless!

I have spent countless summers here. My parents have been camping there for a very long time. I have met some of my life long friends there. Even if we did not see each other the whole year or spoke very little to each other throughout the year, at December we reunite and just take off where we last left everything. 

♥ Hours of talking

♥ Eating ice cold ice cream

♥ Even swimming in that cold sea

♥ Late night camp fires

♥ Hours in the sun (with sun screen of course)

♥ New Years morning breakfast's

♥ Dancing at Flamingo's in Langebaan

♥ Long walks on the beach

♥ Fireworks on the beach New Years Eve

I can go on with this list. I really miss those days. But, we have photo's to remind us. So here is my favourite place Yzerfontein Beach. This was taken 31 December 2013. The last sun-set of the year. And my hubby was there right next to me.

This is my cousin's favourite place...Our bed!

 Photo credit: E Downs

Now, let me just say, I am sure a lot of people will agree that your bed is surely one of your favourite places! I know mine is on my list!

My friend says, she wanted to take a picture of her bed after her visit to the hospital, BUT her favourite place is right next to her blue-eyed family. Look at this little face!

 

 Photo credit: N Kotze

What or where is your favourite place to be?

Speak to you soon...or sooner!
xoxo

Photo a day challenge | Shadow

Day 26: Shadow

WOW, I was so freakin excited for this topic when I saw it yesterday morning and then...it rained the whole day and then the power went out and then I couldn't upload the photo's!! I also struggled with getting a cute photo. I went and actually Googled some tips and checked on Pinterest. Aii.

I did take a photo, but I am not satisfied. I will take a cool pictures of a shadow..someday when it stops raining!

So, here you go. I used a candle to create the shadows seeing that the power was out. 

I got this from Mr Price Home earlier this year. I just love this little bird cage. 

This kitties I bought at a market. They keep me company when I play my piano:)

This is such a cool photo and what I had in mind. My cousin went fishing with her family and this is her father in law busy reeling in his catch. Cousin, really nice photo!

Photo credit: E Downs

My friend's "shadow". And because we ALL did this as kids! Good memories!

Photo credit: N Kotze

Speak to you soon..or sooner!

xoxo