huga

Thanks Huga! I feel like when I look at other people's photos on here they look really sharp and have strong contrast between what's in focus and background out of focus. Plus the colours often look fuller/richer/more vibrant. I do think I need to go off automatic. I got a DSLR Photography for Dummies from the library... I need to read about technical things with the camera...you know, those technical thingies So you would like more blurry backgrounds (compression)? That happens a couple of ways - shooting wide open (which you need a fast lens for), focal length (longer lens, more compression) and how far the subject is from the background, if that makes sense? What lens are you using the most?

LFF you have improved heaps! Keep going! That first image is pretty amazing, love how you got the plane in there :) That said, can you be a bit more specific about what you'd like to improve? What do you mean by clarity? And if you'd like to take your camera off auto settings, just try it :) It's a steep learning curve, but you'll get it.

They are gorgeous, Tay. Sharp as a tack and so beautiful :)

I tend to underexpose slightly and I look for places that have dark as well as a bit of light. I will pretty much only shoot from around 4.30pm onwards (if I have the choice). Editing is done in lightroom and ps (although I was lazy and only used lr for these). ETA So no, no filter :) I also shoot mainly from f2.5 to f3.5. The sweet spot at the 85mm seems to be f2.5, which I what I shoot all the shelter dogs at. That's what's giving the lovely compressed backgrounds in some.

Thank you! I made myself change lenses multiple times - as that's something I'm usually too lazy to do with my own family. I ended up using the 24mm heaps, which is probably my least used lens. I forgot how sharp and cool it is. It's also the first time I've had all the boys actually sit down and have a photo together. Bad photographer

My seven year old took this one (he's getting quite good with the camera):

I was in desperate need of a new photography location and a friend told me about this place, so off we went. Proper camera and all :laugh:

You guys are doing so well! I'm hanging in there by the skin of my teeth, just have to get around to uploading. Have an awesome time, Gap (and I love the one of you with the skull on. Superb).

Thanks, he's pretty cute :D I had trouble deciding though...

Lol Teekay - pillow pet is the first thing I thought of when I saw Jenna! So cute! 31/52

I wish we had snow! Boringly, our winter looks much like our summer :laugh:

Thanks BC. We're ok though :) Lucky he had hearing previously, so we have something to work with - he knows sit, drop, stay, come etc, all from hand movements. Everyone assumes it's because he is white, but his hearing was tested as a pup and came back fine. And I know he could hear me when he did his ET, because he'd try to drag his breeder over to me every time they went past and I was chatting to someone. LOL. He's recently had a middle ear infection, which has affected his balance (he has a permanent head tilt right now) - so he obviously had something happen really deep in his ear to cause it. The bloody little bugger never shows any signs of infection though and has left the vet puzzled because he has great big ear canals and erect ears. Sorry to go OT.

Yep, it happened a few months ago. No one really knows why, something really deep down. He watches my face a lot more now, so he stares at me when I chat away.

Everything I say to Sid is stupid, I guess - he can't hear me. But I chat away to him anyway.

30/52 My best friends wedding on Saturday. I wasn't the photographer, but did manage to sneak a few in:

The D5300 will be a step down from your D60. I'd go the D7100.

Thanks :) I think they're pretty cute too ;) I am much more comfortable, but I also had a 6-8 inch gap between my abs closed. That has helped enormously. I think half my front is missing now :laugh: Not that you can tell in the pics, I'm still very swollen.

Thanks, Grumpette! I like it in B&W, but I also love it in colour: You're totally right though, some things work better in B&W. I find B&W likes lots of contrast. And emotion. Totally OT: Oh man, Kirislin, I cannot express how much I love them :laugh: They now sit where they're supposed to and stuff fits me. He took 400g off each one, so it's quite a difference. Interestingly I had a massage yesterday and my therapist (who is also my PT) could not believe how good my back and shoulders are - no more knots. Probably one of the best decisions I've ever made.

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Well done, Gap! I hope they are crediting you :) Bluey - there's no reason you can't take better images before you get a better camera :) Just think about your angles, think about the lighting and watch your backgrounds :) Really wish I could use this one for this week, but it's from my phone and I know it will print badly. But still, Paul Dempsey

I want her skin :laugh:

Thanks guys :) Gap - she is stunning! Was this another workshop, or something you did on your own?

Everyone seems to be coming along in leaps and bounds :) Gap - that is really lovely :) Sorry, I'm still pretty housebound so you are stuck with my kids again (looking forward to making the book at the end of this though). Holy crap, I wish Flickr would stop sharpening for me! 28/52

It was really lovely swimming weather today! I didn't go in, but the tourists were swimming here :D