I don’t consider myself a novice with a camera but I don’t consider myself an expert either. I am constantly learning and striving to improve.
I have taken several introductory photo classes. A lot of the basics get covered over and over again but I appreciate it because I need to hear it several (or many, really) times for it to sink in. Even “basic” settings can be really complicated.
What I really need to learn though is how to take photos of moving animals. My background is in landscape photography and that is relatively point and shoot compared to the juggling you have to do to get a good photo of your pet. I am always blown away (envious really) of the great photos being captured by professional pet photographers. I don’t know how they manage to capture the dog or cat’s personality so well. So far, my “signature” is dogs staring at the camera for treats.
I just found out that our friends over at It’s a Lab Thing put together a webinar series for learning how to take better pictures of your dogs called FotoCoach. The first webinar is this Wednesday May 8th and will be taught by Andy Biggar, Award Winning International Photographer from the UK (check out his online gallery of dog photos). The webinar is one hour, only $20 and is available at either 1 pm or 6 pm EDT.
The webinar covers photography basics which IS finally starting to get old for me but I am super interested in learning how to get the best from the animals I am photographing. Even if I learn one or two new tricks in that area I will feel like the hour of my time and the $20 will have been well spent.
Andy is also going to give some insight into the Cannon-Nikon debate. I have only owned and used Nikon but have been curious why people on both sides of the debate are so passionate about their chosen brand.
If you are interested in learning more about your camera, how to capture great photos of your pets, and lighting, you can get more information and register for the webinar on the FotoCoach page.
2 brown dawgs says
May 6, 2013 at 4:44 AMInteresting. I love shooting moving animals. A lot of my shooting is luck though because since we are training, it is take the picture then or never. 🙂
Jessica Rhae says
May 7, 2013 at 9:17 AMIt’s almost always luck for me. That and a really fast shutter speed with a million takes 🙂
snoopy@snoopysdogblog says
May 6, 2013 at 6:11 AMThat would be great for my Mum, cos she really struggles with moving shots of my, she says she thinks it’s especially hard cos my fur looks blurry if I even move slightly!
She’s not gonna be able to make the wednesday class, so will check out to see if you can watch it later – Thanks for the heads up! 🙂
Wags to all,
Your pal Snoopy 🙂
Jessica Rhae says
May 7, 2013 at 9:20 AMI do know that registrants can download the class for later use so I assume that you get a link to a recording after the class is done.
I can imagine how hard it is to get crisp shots of fur that is constantly in motion. I do love your long beautiful hair though 🙂
emma says
May 6, 2013 at 12:28 PMYou should commiserate with my mom! She bought a Nikon D3100 2 1/2 yrs ago, has taken about 5 classes, has some basics down but gets frustrated too. As for moving shots, she is using manual mode and her key is the shutter speed of 1/1000, she also does the lighting and ISO manually for better color and then the aperture. She is getting pretty good motion shots I must say, she does use burst as well so she can take 50 and toss half. It may be a bit of cheating but she figures it is all a learning process and as she figures out more and more she can change things up. She also really liked the one instructor she had for 3 classes and has considered having a private 2 hr lesson at our home with him…it is not cheap but it might be worth it! Mom says just learning one small thing can really make a lot of difference!
Jessica Rhae says
May 7, 2013 at 9:24 AMI don’t know what I would do without burst mode 🙂
I take a lot of my shots on manual but I think my camera doesn’t pick up light that well (it’s only a compact sensor) because If I turn my shutter speed up that high I have to max out my ISO even with a wide open aperture. The photos always turn out grainy at the higher ISOs. I have been considering a better camera (have a Nikon D80) but I can’t afford it. In my dreams I own a D4 🙂
emma says
May 7, 2013 at 10:47 AMThe instructors I have had say to keep the ISO at 800 or less to keep things from getting grainy and that seems to work. You can also shoot in RAW files as well as jpg and adjust the light later. If mine come out too dark I also lighten them up a touch with photoshop. I would love a D90, but can’t afford that either, the D3100 is under $500 these days since the D3200 came out and the only difference is WIFI in the 3200. I love my 3100 and it does video as well. One other thing you may want to try is to make sure you have a high speed SD card. They cost a bit more but make a huge difference, I have them in even my pocket camera! Once you have a nice DSLR, you can always buy more lenses,etc in time, I find I really only use 2 of my 4 that I have. I am a NIkon lover and I love my D3100, I think it takes great photos if I get it set right.
Taryn says
May 6, 2013 at 2:12 PMI’m a Canon person primarily because I liked the ergonomics better. It was just easier to grab and shoot with the Canon than it was with the Nikon. Back in my 35mm days, it was always a Nikon. I wouldn’t say I’m loyal to either brand. But with what even an amateur DSLR costs, it’s not like you can change up too often. My Canon is going to be 4 this summer and is starting to show its wear from being carried on just about every dog walk, but I’m not ready to buy a new one this year. I, too, have taken many “basics” courses, but some of it still hasn’t sunk in 🙂
Jessica Rhae says
May 7, 2013 at 9:29 AMOnce you buy a bunch of lenses and accessories for one brand, you are pretty much stuck. At least I am because I can’t afford a new camera AND to replace all of that stuff too. I would like to upgrade my Nikon but even that is a ways down the road.
At this point, “hearing” the basics is becoming pointless for me. I think I need a one-on-one lesson so we can cover my specific questions and the individual problems I am having. The hard part is finding a pet photographer that can do that though. Taking pictures of flowers, buildings or people is WAY different than trying to get photos of fast-moving fluff balls 🙂
Taryn says
May 7, 2013 at 9:56 AMLOL! That’s why my dogs are well versed in the Sit/Stay…..No fast moving fluff balls that way 🙂
Pamela | Something Wagging This Way Comes says
May 6, 2013 at 4:36 PMI don’t think I have the patience to ever be a good photographer. But I do admire people with the skill.
My favorite action shots are by the Food Lady at WooTube 2.0. She could teach a master class in capturing moving dogs. If you don’t follow her, this is what I’m talking about:
Can’t wait to see more photos of running Chester and Gretel. 🙂
Jessica Rhae says
May 7, 2013 at 9:34 AMThanks Pamela. I will check her out!
Marquie says
May 7, 2013 at 3:40 PMHow cool! Thanks for sharing! I’m always looking for new tips and new things to try with my camera. It can all be so confusing at times though, haha.
xoxo
Marquie, Lassie & Petal