Slow Shutter Speed

I played with a couple previously unplayed with buttons and functions on my camera.

I found how to decrease the shutter speed as slow as 1 second and as I think how to move the focus, but I'm not sure about that specifically.

However, here are a couple photos with a slower shutter speed - 1 second.

PGs Photography Challenge - Low Angle

This weeks' photography challenges were low angle and long exposure. I can't do long exposure with my P&S, so I did some low angle. I love low angle shots, but just can't figure out how to do them right. I'm always trying, and can see the cool shot in my head, but it just doesn't show up that way. My husband, however, is VERY good at low angle --- and he does it without trying.

I had no inspiration this week; with the rain, I couldn't go outside to shoot the trees I usually shoot. At any rate, here are my entries. I am making up for not liking my shots with a little bit of editing. Still isn't helping.

i heart faces - My Favorite Places

This week's entry for i heart faces is "My Favorite Places."


I've lived in only 2 areas my entire life, Colorado and California.  Because I grew up in a landlocked state, I have a massive love of anything water/beach related.  I am just taken in completely by the ocean and beaches and boats and sea life.  I also love mountains.  I was spoiled growing up getting to watch the sun set behind the Colorado Rockies nearly every night.  The only thing as pretty as a mountain sunset is an ocean sunset.


These three photos are the sunset photos from my wedding in Ft. Bragg, CA.  We got married at a rental house that overlooked the ocean.  It was phenomenal.











This is of my favorite winery, Pacific Star; also in Ft. Bragg, CA.  That's my step-son on the bench in the background.  The grounds are beautiful, the ocean is pretty, there are sheep that wander, the picnic benches are awesome, and there are great places to take artsy-fun photos.



Another one of my favorite places is at home. Just BEING.  Hanging out with family.  Playing music.  Playing games.  Watching TV.












And I LOVE church.  Anything in the church is fantastic for me.  My husband plays the drums for church, so we are there all the time.



As I said in the beginning ... anything mountainous has be captivated. (no faces in these .... sorry)



Nothing says Colorado Mountains like Pike's Peak



BEACHES/OCEANS






Anywhere I am with my family, THAT'S my favorite place...












see more favorite places over at iheartfaces.com

PGs Phography Challenge - B&W

Here's my photo for B&W.

I don't have a great photo editing software, so I can't do a whole lot. I actually LOVE B&W photos, so I do them a lot. I would love more tips on B&W though; what makes a good B&W, etc.

PG's Photography Challenge - Bokeh

This week's themes are Bokeh and Black and White. I didn't know what bokeh was until this challenge. I'd attempted it before, but didn't know it had a name.

These were the best shots I could get with my P&S. I think I'm going to put some film in my film SLR and try it again with some plants.

One thing my camera kept doing, even on "macro" mode, was focusing on the larger items in the backround instead of the smaller thing in the foreground. That's when I built the structure for my focal point. It still wasn't 100% successful, but I think I could get it better with some more distance between them and better lighting.

I must say, however, that I am pleased with these photos. I learned something and have a new skill to master.

One thing I really like about the first photo is the reflection of the blocks off the hardwood. I think it adds depth.