I am always drawn to bright colors, especially shiny bright colors, so this morning when I stopped at Raley’s on the way home from the gym, the display of garden pots caught my eye. I would have taken some shots anyway but I realized this display was perfect for one of my class assignments, exploring exposure compensation with Aperture Priority. I submitted this shot for my class as the favorite shot from this exercise. We were challenged to take a shot using the camera’s suggested settings and then increasing and decreasing the exposure compensation settings until we found a pleasing result. The sun was very bright at 10 this morning and the pots were displayed against an east facing wall so I thought the camera’s suggested setting was bit washed out. I preferred the decreased exposure (minus 1 and 1/3 stops) that I got after viewing all the options both increasing and decreasing the settings. This is definitely something I will start using. I used manual settings to the exclusion of all others, not appreciating how valuable some of the other camera modes are.
Focal Length 160mm
Aperture Priority
ISO 100
f/5.6
1/400
ev -1.33
SOOC
We have a one week break in class so I thought I’d finish my assignments today and have an entire week to explore my new camera without the pressure of class assignments. I like the other two shots I took for the class assignments so I’m posting those as well.
Shooting manual is the next shot. I’m comfortable shooting in manual mode but I am learning a lot from this class and I’m certain I will improve my exposure as a result of what I’m leaning. What’s interesting about this shot is not the intended subject, but the little guy I followed around the hens-and-chickens until I couldn’t find him anymore. I have no idea what he is but I hope he’s a beneficial insect! What is also exciting to me about this shot is that I used the lowest ISO my new camera offers: ISO 50!!
Focal Length 50mm
Manual
ISO 50
f/5.6
1/800
SOOC
Finally, we were challenged to play creatively with focus and use a shallow depth of field and a narrow area of focus to tell a story. This really isn’t much of a story but I love artichokes and they take a bit of trimming before cooking so the eater isn’t impaled by the thorns on the leaves. The trouble is worth it, though. And right after I took this shot, I plopped the one trimmed artichoke into boiling water, cooked it and ate it for lunch today!
Focal Length 50mm
Aperture Priority
ISO 160
+.67 ev (2/3 stop)
f/1.4
1/80
SOOC
I LOVE the clarity and colors of the pots! And nice composition! The other two are great too- that creamy bokeh! Very cool DOF on last shot- it looks like something from a food magazine! And yes, it tells a story (and reminds me that my first time eating artichokes was with you. . .)! I am very envious that you have your assignments done- I haven’t even started (and didn’t even remember what they were!). You are rockin’ that new camera, Carol!