Fine Art Nature Photography Class

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I debated about whether to add this discussion in the Photography group of here in the Art Cafe.  I'm thinking since my photos taken for this class will probably look a little more like "art" (at least I hope they do), it should probably be here.  I'm excited about the class.  I just finished the first lesson and it's confusing but intriguing at the same time.  I'm feeling like a total novice compared to the others in this class who have posted some of their prior work which is amazing.  They have big time equipment...I don't.  Anyway for me this is all about learning to look at things a little more creatively and having fun.  So, here are my first "assignment shots".  The instructor will critique them next Monday.  Since this is the first lesson, I'm pretty clueless about what she'll be looking for.  I'll let you know and add any key "learnings" to this discussion.

This one is actually tree mold that I thought looked pretty neat...

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Unbelievable Jane!  So professional looking and so beautiful.  I love the first one because it is so soft and different with the lack of bold colors.  I just signed up for the Lensbaby class starting August 3.  I have to work it around grandkids coming and going but I didn't want to wait any longer.  Did you do all of these with the Lensbaby?  Also, what font do you use for your signature??  What is the next class you are taking???  I love all the things you have done and learned!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Have you been playing with your Lensbaby....how do you like it so far?  Did you get the 25% discount on your August class....I think all classes are discounted.  I did all of these with my Lensbaby.  It is clearly my "lens of choice" for my flower shots.  I did some this week with my telephoto and the tripod and I didn't like any of them.  Technically they were just fine, but they lacked the softness that I get with the Lensbaby, and I think that effect really suits flower photos.  The first one I shot wide open (no aperture ring) and with the +10 macro.  That's actually my favorite way to shoot because it's all soft and dreamy but you still get your sweet spot (in focus).....the the first photo it's the petals in the bottom right corner.  For my signature I use Zapfino which is an Elements 10 font.  There are lots of awesome free fonts out there to download on the Internet....I need to play around with them some more.  I just started Nature Fine Art 2...again with Kathleen.  Thanks so much for all your supportive comments, Nancie.  I can't wait until you start your class.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

From this week...

The colors right now are totally amazing....rainbows of zinnias.

From our local rose garden...I can't even describe the amazing fragrance.

[F, Calla & Luca]

All of these are gorgeous!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, F.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I sure hope I learn how to use my Lens Baby in the upcoming class!!  Though I do know that you have gone on to other classes to develop these beautiful photos.  Right now I just want to understand how the Lens Monster works!!!!  I totally don't get it!  :(  Once again...absolutely gorgeous.  I love this last photo with the reflection.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I really think the class will help a lot.  Feel free to ask her tons of questions.  Her lessons didn't provide enough detail for me so I used the Q & A board a lot.  She didn't mind, and I actually got more from that feedback than the published lessons.  Keep playing with it.  Go outside, set your aperture to F4, put your camera on AV with manual focus and just start shooting flowers.  At first you'll need to go really slow while you focus (which is why flowers are a great way to start - they don't move).  Don't bend your lens....just keep it straight at the beginning.  As you're looking through your viewfinder you should see everything come into sharp focus when you're in the right position...that's when you've got your shot.  If you want to upload some shots I can probably tell by looking at them what's going on.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Wow, that last one with the reflection is just beautiful!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Jane,

I really want a signed copy, framed, hung on my wall. Just beautiful. Just as beautiful as your last posting and the first posting.  Thanks for such a lovely discussion.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Aww Joanne, thank you.  I've had so much fun with learning this and taking these classes.  When this one is over I'm going to take a break for a few months and start shooting things other than flowers.

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

The last one with the reflection in the water is absolutley gorgeous. I can't stop looking at it.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This week is about sunflowers.  We visited a farm with 14 acres of sunflowers (300,000 + plants).  They grow the each year and sell the bouquets to benefit Make A Wish.....it's really something amazing to see.  Here are my submissions for the "Arts" class.  I have lots more that I have not done strange "exotic" things to, and I'll post them in a Photography group discussion when I get a minute.

On this cosmo picture I had to "clone in" the background, because it came out of the camera really boring.  The flower itself was in focus and a great color, but the rest of the photo was pretty sad.