Creative Captures

This is week three, of my four week course online with clickin moms.  I am having so much fun and learning so much. This week really taught me to step out of my comfort zone!!!  

This week was all about being creative!  Silhouettes, starbursts, shadows, and night shots!  In the beginning of the week I didn't know really how to start this assignment.  All the techniques, to achieve these shots, were all new to me.  As soon as I started, I knew it was going to be a fun week!

Rock Your Camera 201: Lesson Three

My assignment: 

DUE ON TUESDAY!!!!

For this week, I want to see creativity with your use of light. Look beyond catchlights and traditional portraits. 

• Shoot in RAW
• Process only in Lr or ACR
• Share your post processing steps or panels

1. Silhouette
2. Shadow or reflection
3. Exterior night shot

Here is what I turned in, my SOOC (straight out of camera) and my edited picture!  

NIGHT SHOTS/STARBURSTS

Denver at night! 

This one was taken from the rooftop of Erik's 49 story building.  The shutter speed was set very low in order to capture the headlights like that!  In the edit I increased the exposure and added some brightness.  This shot made me really appreciate my 70-200mm lens!! I was a little bummed that it turned out soft, the wind was not helping me much, but I still love it!!

20.0sec, f/32, 200mm, iso 100

SOOC

EDIT

Erik looking out over Denver

20.0 sec, f/13, 75mm, iso200

Another rooftop shot!

It was very windy on this side of the building so the picture is not as crisp as I would like it. I added a little red to take some pink out of the light. I cloned out his white t-shirt on his back and cropped it a little.  Added a little brightness to enhance the city lights. Again, the picture is soft from the wind, I was using a tripod and remote, but still had camera shake!

SOOC

EDIT

SHADOWS

I had a lot of fun with the shadows and so did the kids.  They were fun because I just snapped away while they played. 

Dancing Abby

1/750 sec, f/4.0, 50mm, iso 200

I cropped it, added some contrast to brighten the red skirt and added exposure. I also upped the blacks to bring out the shadow more.

SOOC

EDIT

Mommy on a ladder

1/180 sec, f/5.6, 50mm, iso200

I am so thankful for such a supportive husband, who helps me with my vision! 

"Can you please load up the ladder in the truck honey?"

"Sure", no other explanation needed!!

I increased exposure, cropped, added contrast and blacks. I also used the graduated filter on the top of the picture and the bottom, this really help boost the color and bring out our shadows!!

SOOC

EDIT

Playing in the street

1/250 sec, f/5.6, 50mm, iso 200

This is my favorite of the shadow pictures!  I cropped, took out the ladder and stop sign, added exposure, and blacks. Added contrast and used the graduated filter on the top and bottom.  I also added a tiny vignette. 

SOOC

EDIT

All four together

1/180 sec, f/5.6, 50mm, iso 200

I cropped, added exposure and contrast. Bumped up the blacks.  Also used the adjustment brush in lightroom to expose the dirt/shadows apart from them.  

SOOC

EDIT

REFLECTION

Sky in the window

1/90 sec, f/16, 50mm, iso 100

This wasn't the greatest reflection, but I did think it was cool how you could see the beautiful sky in the window.  This was taken of our deck about 6:45 in the morning. It was really fun to play with the sky colors. 

SOOC

EDIT

SILHOUETTES

Swinging with Daddy

1/30 sec, f/16, 50mm, iso 100

I really loved learning how to do silhouettes!  

On this one, cropped, lightened, and used the graduated filter to bring out the blue sky and yellow sunset.

I love Matty's little profile and how he is watching Erik pushing them. Being such a tough guy, he doesn't like the swings!

 Praying

1/30, f/16, 50mm, iso 100

I really love how this one turned out!  Little Abby praying!

I think I might put this one on canvas!!

I upped the yellows, to change the background, sharpened it, added some brightness and cropped it a bit.

 SOOC

EDIT

JUST FOR FUN

I did not turn this picture in, but had to post it here.  Erik and I had fun one night trying to paint with light.  We used his green laser light and left the shutter opened, while we traced each other! We spent 45 minutes playing around, good times!!! 

I had huge boost of confidence this week, with some amazing feedback from my online teacher!  Opened up an email from her first thing Tuesday morning, what a perfect way to start my day!!