Calgary Sunset

what I've learnt about photography

I found a post on one of the blogs I read, about the things the blogger learned about photography.  And it got me thinking... I've been serious about this photography thing for a while now, so what have I learnt?

You really do need to get off of auto mode.  I was scared to get off- but I did, and it's made a world of difference.

Photography can be technical- but a person can learn the ins and outs.

Expert photogs always say- know your camera inside and out.  They are right. 

It is not wise to take a client's word for it that a location that you don't know, and that they insist on is great.  It might be a fabulous location, but a horrible photography spot.  Lesson learnt

Always scout out a location before a shoot.  If you can't- don't shoot there.  (related to my learning in #4)


Do not over saturate yourself with blogs and fb pages of other photographers.  It makes you feel bad about yourself if you are looking at too many.  


Take inspiration from a few photogs that you really admire.  My top three are Jasmine Star, Kelle Hampton, and Drew B.  There are others- but these are some of the most talented ladies out there.


Don't follow blogs/fb pages of anyone within 500km.  I have made one exception to this rule because this lady is wayy too talented not to follow.




Find inspiration everywhere.


Shoot what you love, and try out other types of photography too.


When you are trying to develop your brand- shoot 70% your style, and 30% of what you know the client will love.


You must own and use a prime lens.  Must. Must. Must.


Try not to compare yourself, be too hard on yourself, or give up.  Some factors in your photographic success are in your control, some aren't.


Try to tell a story with your photos.


If you really don't want to do it- don't.  (actually that's a life rule too)


Be true to your photographic vision.Find a mentor or a friend to share and learn from/with.  It can be very inspiring.
Seek input and constructive criticism only from those who are giving it for the right reasons.


Know that with props, it's a fine line between good relevant prop and cheesy items.

The rule of thirds really does help.


The histogram is helpful, but not essential.


Photoshop suggestions aren't always right- if you like your image- use it even if conventional thought is that it's wrong (ie over saturated  blown out, overexposed, underexposed etc)




You don't have to do anything- it's your photography.


Blog and share your stuff


Make friends with photoshop (uggh) but edit in a way that represents your style.  (ie I say I'm an organic photographer- meaning I use photoshop to touch up, not to drastically alter an image)


Find your photographic voice and use it- whatever level you are at- your thoughts, opinions, contributions matter.


Would someone remind me to look at these next time I get frustrated or lose my way?  I plan on reviewing this post in 6 months, and 1 year to see if I still agree with myself....

I hope you don't mind me sharing more then just my client photography.

This series is titled....

A city girl who loves cows

 Cows who were following me along the fence line as I took scenery photos.... I think they thought I was a weirdo.

I love her

My husband said if I loaded her up in the back of the truck i'd have a big issue when we got home, and attempted to unload a cow into our backyard.

Spoiled sport !

Photographing Alberta - part four

Rowley Alberta

Just literally steps away from the main street you'll find these beautiful grain elevators.  

I guess they were sold to the town by the Alberta Wheat Pool for $1.00.

If you know anything about grain elevators, you know they are imposing figures in the praries, are no longer used, and not often found.  These are in really good condition, and again are going to be preserved by the community for tourism.

 The elevators as seen from a disused train nearby.

Definitely a place I'd like to explore more.  We were short on time, and were given the opportunity by one of the locals to go inside buildings which I would have loved to do, but time didn't allow.

I do have to say it's a weird feeling to be there- we were pretty much the only ones there, and all of the locals knew it.

I totally felt like an intruder although they are a welcoming community.

tracy cook {SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

What am I working on today????

Photographing Alberta - part three

Big Alberta Skies and Abandoned barns and houses were easy to find on this trip.

I've really become interested in old things in disrepair.  

Buildings included.

I always wonder what the story is.

Who lived there?

Where did they go?

Why did they leave?

 I thought it was pretty unique to see a house/shed painted this colour on the very green praries.

This one was really beautiful.  Awesome wood- still solid, but obviously no longer home to anyone but birds.

We took the barbed wire as a nice photo op rather than a warning to stay out

This place was literally in the middle of 

N.O.       W.H.E.R.E

 Another barbed wire fence....and yet another disused house.

Perhaps it's my imagination, but the door hanging off it's hinges makes me think they left in a hurry.

(probably just an over active imagination)

 Now there is a story to this place.  

Rowley.

Population 8.

Classified as a ghost town.

It didn't look like a ghost town to me.

But my husband explained that the local town "folk" are trying to re-brand the town and make it a tourist spot.

So it is a ghost town.

With mowed lawns

And re-purposed buildings.

Like the funeral home that is no longer used as a funeral home.

And when you peek in the windows...

looks like it was last used as a pool hall.

It's future?

 The lovely old fashioned train station.

Photographing Alberta part four- more about Rowley.

tracy cook {FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

While in Calgary I was invited out to this family's home for the photo shoot.  They live a bit out of town on a beautiful golf course with sweeping views.  The weather was beautiful on the day of our shoot- but sometimes the bright sun works against a photographer, so the best view wasn't able to be captured as well as we would have liked.  But you work with what you've got, and I think we managed to capture some nice images of this very sweet family.  I hope you enjoy your photo preview !

sweet sweet little boys

Such a nice family

 the littlest guy had the BEST smile here, so what better way to highlight it, and show how small and sweet he is?

 Brotherly love

Mom and her boys

The dog I wanted to steal

haha

Hope you like your images.

tracy

Photographing Alberta - part two

Not too far away from Drumheller is a little place called Dorothy. It's one of those places, as the saying goes, if you blink you'll miss it.

 There is a beautiful grain elevator (which was tough to photograph) and two churches near each other that are no longer used, but are being refurbished by the community.  They are still very old looking, and have tons of character.

My Boy.

2  1/2 yrs old.

Love him.

Photographing Alberta - part one

My husband and I were recently on vacation in Alberta- which is where we are from.  We are both into photography, and with the benefit of grandparents to watch our little guy, we went out one day in search of cool images that represented Alberta.

Part One

Drumheller Area

 As far as the eye can see....

Disused bridge....

The last of its kind in Canada.

but don't ask me what kind, because I'm not sure.  :)

The previously blogged session includes teens from this session.  

I'm happy to share shots of these two wonderful boys and their mom.

This session is one that is really close to my heart.  

While editing some of the images, I was really moved by the tenderness and love that can be seen between the boys and their mom.  I can only hope that my boy feels the same way about me when he's a teen.

I have known this mom for many years.  We survived working for the same boss many years ago, survived learn to run courses, and always stayed in touch.  I have had the pleasure of being friends with this incredible woman as she travels down life's road with grace, strength, and beauty while being an inspiration for others in how she conducts herself.  I am so pleased to see her thriving, looking so good, and being a wonderful inspiration to those around her, including me.  I've always known she was a one of a kind person, and have always treasured her friendship, so it gives me a lot of satisfaction to have been chosen by her to capture some of her family images.  I hope you enjoy the images.