Your story, Class of January 2017
The 4th instalment from AYWMC students who have been working their way through A Year With My Camera during 2017
Isobel Pearson
I am off auto - I understand what aperture and shutter speed are and I now (thank goodness) see how ISO links with A and S to create correctly exposed photos. I am so thrilled that I am finally on the ladder of learning. If you do not have an understanding of the exposure triangle, you cannot get on the first rung of the ladder.
AYWMC is best, step by step learning you can have! It's non threatening, manageable to all and there is great feedback from other participants, as well as from Emma. Every step of the way there is support! Simply fab!
BEFORE: Nice diagonals, but central static composition and slightly underexposed
AFTER: More interesting viewpoint, dynamic composition, bold colours
What can you do now that you couldn't before?
Control ISO to get correct exposure! Woohoo!
AFTER: very engaging composition, clean lines, and perfectly exposed bird in tricky light
Andy Bell
I now understand a lot more about how the camera works and feel confident in using it in manual mode and am much happier with the resulting pictures. I'm now using Facebook and Instagram which I didn't before and enjoy that as well. My composition has improved, my photos are better exposed and I can achieve better results using different depths of field to suit my images.
BEFORE: A decent record shot, but the bright sunlight and distracting highlights make for a busy image
AFTER: Two technically accomplished shots, with careful composition and considered lighting
How would you describe AYWMC to a friend thinking of joining?
AYWMC is a great way to learn about photography and how to use your camera to achieve more creative images. The pace of the course is great, you'll look forward to your weekly email with your next exercise and have the week to practice before the next task. The Facebook group and Instagram followers feedback is really helpful and supportive.
Jillian Davis
I love the support from the facebook group and the helpful approach. The thoughtful, structured approach that Emma does in AYWMC has been very constructive and has enabled me to understand my camera and most importantly composition. I have also gained experience in Instagram and am now using my iPhone for photos all the time too. The composition summer daily challenges in August were great fun and I learnt a lot which has made a difference to how I approach my photographs now.
BEFORE: This is a lovely composition, with a bit of humour. The people are underexposed, and whilst there is the beginnings of a dynamic, diagonal composition in the foreground, the background is very static.
AFTER: Perfectly sharp, dynamic image with tension and great handling of bright daylight.
This has been a wonderful way to experience a year through photographs and at the end of the year being able to see the world through different eyes.
What can you do now that you couldn't before?
So many things. Use my camera on manual, buying the correct camera equipment and software - have bought a flash, tripod, Lightroom and several photo apps since starting the course. I use Instagram, know how to make GIF's and have decided to find a local photography club. Technical editing of photographs, shooting in RAW, focus stacking, HDR and much more.
THESE COULD BE YOUR STORIES, THIS TIME NEXT YEAR
A Year With My Camera is a free, online beginner's photography course. Register now and get started today:
