Falling off the Learning Cliff

This past week I have started to learn the basics of my new toy.  I am also becoming increasingly aware that once you know all the terms and settings, are using the right lenses, have great subjects and still tripods- photography is an art.  Having the instinct to know which settings will produce a great photograph based on that particular lighting, subject, motion, etc. is not something you read about once and go do.  All that to say, I have a new respect for the photos that I used to flippantly call "pretty".  But, the trying is addictive.  It is so satisfying to get it sort of right that one time.  Once again, I am very thankful for the all talented Pioneer Woman, her basic photography articles have been so helpful. Also, Ashley Gentry, of Ashley Gentry Photography- thanks for all the camera and lens advice!

Honing the skills will take years and many a memory card, but I am slowly learning about adjusting the aperture to create bokeh (I really wanted to use both my new vocabulary words in a sentence, I used to call it: "that cool thing where the background is blurry").  Now, how that all relates to the shutter speed, lighting, mm of the lens, ISO sensitivity and exposure makes my brain hurt.  One thing at a time, I need clear days and still subjects!



Manual setting will be my Everest for a while, but I managed to get one okay photo once I figured out what on earth the ISO was... (and I went in the other room with more light so I could use a faster shutter, is that cheating? I'm okay with it if it is).



Of course this fella will always be my favorite to snap... even if he is a bit wiggly.





The wiggles make for good practice, though... here the shutter is too slow, and I'm not focused on J...





Clear... but, now the lighting lost it's warmth... but, what a couple of cuties! :)



Oh, Lady. Leave us all alone.