As a photographer, understanding your equipment and how to use it is extremely important. Without being able to correctly and quickly assess and change camera settings and equipment, such as lenses, you can miss the perfect shot or waste a lot of time. A great photo does not just happen. It takes work. And while understanding your equipment is one of the largest steps to getting a great photograph, it's not all! Composition, lighting, editing - these are all important steps as well. But don't worry, these skills can be learned over time and with lots of practice! Nobody was born a photographer; while some are quicker to catch on, photography can definitely be learned.

When I first became interested in photography, I was quite lazy. I wanted to get those pretty pictures that I often saw, but did not take the time to really learn. That was a poor choice! Not only did I take poor photos {I cringe every time I look at them}, I also entirely quit photography. I hadn't touched my camera for over a year. That is something that I do not want you all to have to go through. I do not want you all to completely give up photography simply because your photos are not up to par wit your liking or because you are lazy.

I have decided to create a free online course that will help you avoid the mistakes that I made. If you are motivated and want to become a better photographer, then this course will be for you! All that is required is dedication, patience, and time to practice what you learn! Every week, I will share a post with information to help you become a photographer in no time as well as a prompt that will inspire you to take pictures that week.

Lets Define a Few Things

Aperture:  A circle-shaped opening in a lens that light passes through. You can adjust this setting to either allow in more light or allow in less light, according to your settings and what you are trying to photograph. Aperture is expressed in f-stops, so if you see a number such as f/11 or f/1.4, that is the aperture. 

Shutter Speed: The amount of time a camera's shutter remains open. This determines the amount of time light can enter your camera, or, in other words, the exposure. The faster the shutter speed, the less exposed your photo will be, and the slower the shutter speed, the more exposed your photo will be.

ISO: Another feature that controls the exposure by making the camera either more ore less sensitive to light. The higher the ISO, the brighter the photo will be. However, the higher the ISO (1600 or 3200) the noisier (or grainier) the photo will be. The lower the ISO, the darker and less noisier (80 or 100) the photo will be.

AV: This stands for Aperture Priority, which is a mode that allows you to manually set the apertuure to your liking (thus prioritizing it). While you can choose the aperture, the shutter speed is automatically chosen to correspond with the aperture you selected. AV is basically an automatic camera that gives you the option to select your aperture. 

Shutter Priority: Read above, only switch aperture out for shutter speed and vice versus. 

Depth of Field: The zone in a photo that is in focus and acceptably sharp compared to the remaining parts of the photo, which is out-of-focus and blurry. This is controlled by the aperture (f-stops). The shallower your depth of field, the more distance you will create between your subject and background, thus making your subject sharper and more in-focus. A deeper depth of field is used to keep everything in focus and sharp.

Next week, it all begins! 

Creating a good photo starts in the camera. There is not enough editing in the world that can make a photo with poor composition, irreparable lighting, and no meaning behind it good. As a photographer, it is your duty to create a good photo straight out of the camera. The greatness is what can happen in the editing stage - you simply have to make it to that stage.

1. Adobe Photoshop Express

2. Fotor

3. PicMonkey

4. Pixlr

While I enjoy all types of photography, pet photography is quickly becoming my number one. Not only am I able to surround myself with furry friends, I am able to capture some of the most candid shots because, let's be real, animals are really unpredictable. One moment you think you know what they are going to do and bam! The exact opposite happens. But the spontaneity is exciting, and I live for it.

1. Bring toys, particularly their favorite one. (Treats are a bonus!)

2. Bring in their humans.

3. Don't be afraid to get up close!

4. Get up on it. Or down. Or in its face. Or somewhere, anywhere, really.

5. Shoot in Black + White.

6. Keep the flash at bay.

7. Don't pose, pose, pose.

I have a particularly late graduation when compared to other high schools. Mine is June 7th. {Almost there!} With graduation comes many opportunities for photos, which I am beyond excited about. Unfortunately, though, I will be on the other side of the camera. I'll be the one walking across the stage and receiving my diploma! But I still have some tips for photographers; keep reading to learn about graduation day photography!

1. Know the rules for the venue.

2. Understand what type of photos your subject wants.

3. Make what you shoot into a story.

4. Don't forget the "simple" things.

5. Anticipate the moment.

6. Know your gear.

7. Prepare for horrible lighting.

Photographing people and animals are two different ballgames. Not similar at all. Well, let me not completely cross out similarities. It's just that animals can be extremely difficult to take pictures of. Even children are easier to photograph (unless, of course, they get distracted easily; then they are just as difficult as animals). Nevertheless, I love the challenge of getting that photo. If you are willing to be patient and practice, photographing animals (pets, in particular) is extremely rewarding. In this article, I want to share with you all some tips for photographing your feline friends. I'll touch on photographing canines and wildlife in a separate post.

Cats are unique creatures. They seem to defy the laws of gravity; they are extremely stubborn and seemingly enjoy ignoring their humans (and making sure the humans know that they are being ignored); they also sleep a heck of a lot. But they are also unique in terms of looks and personality. Because of these of this, you need to prepare to photograph them. Here are some tips below that I've found works well for me:

1. Do not pose, pose, pose.

2. Have toys or something for them to crawl/hide in/behind.

3. Have places/things that the cat can peek behind.

4. Have something noisy or with a unique sound to catch their attention.

6. Be prepared to move.

7. Get down.

8. Do not use flash, if you can help it.

I love Michigan. Let me forewarn you that that is a biased statement (born and raised here, hey!), but even those not from Michigan love it. We have the Great Lakes, beautiful nature, all four seasons (although I am seriously questioning that this year - spring, where are you?!), and Yoopers and Trolls (people who live in the UP and those who live below the Mackinac Bridge).  It is also one of the best photography places. 

Although I have only been to the Upper Peninsula once, I can testify how gorgeous it is up there. And it wasn't even during its popular summer season. The water is blue and gorgeous, the mountains are ideal photoshoot places, and nature is beyond beautiful. It's no wonder people love to go there for camping, vacation, and retirement. But let's not forget about Southeast Michigan, a place that not too many people credit for its beauty. In SE Michigan, we have the state capital, Lansing, the largest city, Detroit, a lot of diverse cities, Dearborn, Hamtramck, Pontiac, Farmington Hills are a few examples, and some of the most well-known universities, Michigan State, the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan Univesity, University of Detroit-Mercy, and Wayne State University.

All of this variety in Southeast Michigan allows for some very unique and worthwhile photo-ops. Just by where I live is Heritage Park (one of the places that I shot Amber's photos), a beautiful bridge over a pond along Halsted and south of 11¹⁄2 Mile (also a photoshoot place), and 12 Oaks Fountain Walk. Now imagine how many more photogenic places exist throughout Southeast Michigan. Check out the top 10 places to take pictures below. 

Best Places for Taking Photos in Southeast Michigan