Confessions

Stephanie and friends, San Francisco

Sarah-Ji’s ‘break the rules’ post last Sunday was a stroke of serious serendipity and what she encouraged was exactly what I did at the Shutter Sisters / BlogHer PhotoWalk and it’s been on my mind ever since.

Many of us had the privilege of spending a little time with Me Ra Koh during her photography session at the conference. I think I speak for everyone in attendance when I say WOW! She was authentic, adorable, sincere and so photo-articulate (in the most relaxed and approachable way). Her willingness to share her knowledge was inspiring and what’s more, what she shared was so refreshing and enlightening. She is a true Shutter Sister through and through.

As she spoke I got a lot of looks and whispers from Karen and Stephanie, pssst, did you know that? I nodded yes on a number of points but I most certainly did learn a thing or two. One point that shed some light (pun intended) was the way she explained ISO. I know that ISO is virtually your film speed (without the film part) and that by shooting with a high ISO your images will have MORE grain or noise. What I failed to truly understand is that there’s more to it than that.

I confess proudly that I’m a 400-800 ISO girl just as I was a 400-1600 film girl. It makes it so much easier and fun shooting in low light with a higher ISO and so, I do it. Because I like easy and fun. Well, come to find out, you actually get the optimum color saturation when you shoot a Canon or Sony at 100 ISO or a Nikon at 200 ISO. WHO KNEW? Me Ra did. And now I do too. And so do you, if you didn’t already. To put it to the test and I decided to try it out on the PhotoWalk. I won’t lie, it’s not going to be easy getting used to not having the ability to shoot in super-low light while hand-holding my camera but since we were outside, it was a perfect place to break my own ISO rule and give it a go.

Jury is still out on whether or not I see a difference in my images…I need a little more experimentation time to figure it out. None the less, trying something new, breaking my own rules while shooting was as exhilarating as the cool, crisp air of San Francisco.

If you are so inclined, share your own photo confessions with us in the comments and if there’s a photo that goes along with it, we’d love to see it. And by all means if you are breaking some rules, do share! The fun part is along with your comment you will be entered to win today’s random drawing for one of Me Ra’s awesome educational DVD’s. One lucky winner will win Refuse to Say Cheese and another will win Beyond the Green Box. You have until Monday at midnight EST to leave your comment.

A special thanks to Me Ra for sharing her DVDs with us! You’re going to love them!  And if you haven't already, pop over and visit her blog at www.merakohblog.com.

Comments

[dr lyn]

All I have to say is, thank goodness for digital cameras. I've been able to learn so much by shooting and making some terrible mistakes. And thank goodness for the Internet -- which has taught me more in the past year than I thought possible. Me Ra sounds amazing. Thanks so much for sharing what you learned in your post!!

[Secret Agent Mama]

I've been playing tons with all the varying factors that make a photograph what it is, and what it's supposed to be. I've been playing with them so much that I drive myself crazy at times. ;)

I'm in a constant state of learning and evolution with my photography. I'd have loved to sit in on Me Ra's session, and will be the happiest girl if I win this drawing!

[Chris]

I must admit that I'm a creature of habit and very afraid of change. LOL. Especially when it comes to photography. I definitely need to 'step out of that box', as they say. I want to learn so much more!

[laura - dolcepics]

I didn't know about the increased saturation either until I read up on Me Ra's blog the other day! Very good to know, although I think I try to keep the ISO as low as I can. (200 for me)

I've been trying to break my own self-imposed rules these days... it's quite freeing! I think it makes for more artistic and unique images. Like this one:
http://www.dolcepics.com/dailypic/morning-routine/

Not my usual style and a bit bold for me but I sorta like it. :)

[Lan]

in the last six months, i've learned how to use just a standard digital camera. i actually read the manual. i also have learned that it's ok to get up close and personal with whatever i'm taking a shot of, and that practicing is very important.

[Lawyer Mama]

I loved her trick about bouncing my external flash off the ceiling AND to the side. I bounce off the ceiling and behind me, but I'd never tried that before! I admit I have a hard time using ISO200 when it's cloudy or darkish. I'd rather have higher ISO than have to use my flash or cart my tripod around.

I have been trying to break my rules and just go with the flow when taking pictures a bit more. ON the shutterwalk, I fogged over my lens b/c I cleaned it - DARN IT - and it wouldn't unfog! Once upon a time, I would have just gone back or switched lenses. Instead, I went with it & ended up taking some photos I love.

http://flickr.com/photos/lawyermama/2705707232/

[rghdrft]

The rule I'm breaking - moving the dial off Auto! Even though my little p&s has manual options I'd never ventured there - to afraid I'd mess it up and what did I know about manual settings? Stumbling onto this site provided the push I needed to start experimenting. Even today it would be a reach to say I know what I"m doing - I'm just doing it and see what comes out. So far I've not been disappointed - now if I could just remember what setting produces which result - then again I'm liking the surprise factor.

[laura]

i am new here...is that confession nough?
no.
okay.
i am the moldiest of old school kind of girls not willing to pry my F-I-L-M SLR from my hands. finally last year i literally took a gulp and swallow and dived in with a canon digital slr xti.
film?
who shoots with film?
but seriously i should still shoot with fil because i have like 6 rolls and a very lonely slr film camera.
that's my confession and i am sticking to it.
i will have to try shooting with 100 ISO and see how it looks.

[Marcie]

I'm constangly expermimenting - with ISO..with my point-of-view..with my xubject matter. This is one I took lying on the gorund..200 ISO:

http://bravo.unisonplatform.com/~marciesc/index.php?showimage=468

[shelli]

Thank you for these tips. They're great.

I suppose everything I do with my camera these days is an experiment because I recently got the digital SLR. I am trying all kinds of different settings (and taking some terrible photos!), but I'm having so much fun. It's frustrating, but I'm learning. I'm itching to get better.

I'm also just trying to find new things to take photos of. My eye is always open. For example, last week my toddler crawled under our back deck, and I went in after him, but instead of pulling him out, I looked up and saw how pretty the light was streaming through the cracks in the wood. I thought the light and lines made a interesting composition.

http://www.mamaofletters.com/Mama_of_Letters/Camera_Happy/Pages/Nikon_D60.html#13

[e.darcy]

My confession?
I did my first maternity shoot-and I shot it all in manual for the very first time ever. I also didn't use my flash to the best of it's abilities, relying on just natural light. I don't know what I was thinking-but I guess I just had the confidence to pull it off this time...
http://flickr.com/photos/edarcy/2705109494/
http://flickr.com/photos/edarcy/2704349305/

[jfrancis]

She flew in on a big bird!
No way!

[brittany]

I have been in Europe this summer and (confession) have had to force myself to get used to taking the dial off of auto! I just to shoot film with all manuel settings, and often forget a lot of basic rules... (which means i'm breaking them all!) but while we've been here I haven't wanted to experiment in fear of missing something! however, once i do break out of that fear I often get some beautiful shots!

thanks for all the tips ladies!

[Sarah S]

My confession is that I don't know what I'm doing most of the time, but good things still happen! I don't know how to use a flash without making my subjects look bad, so I just wait until there's good light around.

[kayla]

i have never messed with the iso before and now i think i shall give it a go. i have tried breaking free from taking the same old pics all the time and having this site is such a great help. it really shows a great variety of photos and gives awesome tips...thanks for the inspiration!

[Kathleen]

OK - trying to pace myself with the rule-breaking (I always was a good girl - heh). I tried taking my dSLR off of manual mode AND not using a flash for this...thanks for the inspiration and nudge to grow a bit!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/2679010566/

[Kathleen]

Oops - I meant that I take it off of auto mode and USE manual. This is what happens when I post before coffee...

[Melissa (Photomom86)]

Wow it really sounds like SF was fun and inspirational. thanks for sharing that optimal saturation comes at ISO 100 for Canon. I did not know that. I actually adjust my ISO about as much as I adjust my aperture. Outside I try to keep it at 100-320, but inside I pump that puppy up to 1600. Mainly because I'm trying to avoid using my flash.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24035778@N04/2688395639/

[diane*v]

Honestly..my confession is that I visit the Shutter Sisters Site and flickr group every day for inspiration and tips. Then, knowing that I have nothing to lose...I click away changing everything from ISO to aperture looking for the holy grail of photos...the perfect image. I am enjoying the journey and will let you know how it's going.
xo
Diane

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10457443@N07/2644625092/

[Angella]

I usually focus on portraits, because I love to capture the eyes and face. I love this one I took in SF of a grandma and her granddaughter because I took it from behind.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ourcrazylife/2696961859/

[Jenna]

I tried for a long time to get a good photo of birds, but got frustrated and gave it up because they are so... well... flighty and hard to catch. Then, I lucked into a birds nest on the porch and I've shot literally hundreds of frames of these sweet babies.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22555250@N05/2705447252/

[Marie]

I am just finishing up my first photography class at a local college. The biggest improvement I have seen in my photos has been as a result of more religious use of the manual function and awareness of the light meter. From using both more, I've become more nimble when taking candids and can adjust quickly to capture the moment.

[Barb]

I'm a low ISO girl. I actually try not to go above 200 unless I absolutely have to do so! Funny, I usually used 200 ISO for film... I hadn't made that connection. :D But I've been breaking out of my box lately, too, and using higher ISOs more often.

[Amanda]

On friday I pulled out an old Nikon Film slr and discovered that not only could I use the lens on my husband's much neglected D40x, but it was also a lens that I had been debating buying. The flip side is... it is COMPLETELY manual. There is no light metering, there is no autofocus - so I'm setting everything and snapping the photos to see if I've got the right ISO/Shutter Speed/Apeture and of course focus. Thank goodness for the instant feedback of digital though! And I'm actually having fun with it. Here is one of the first shots I took with the lens.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amgreco92/2702195171/

[NTE]

I've been trying new things (taking the P&S off of auto, for example), and compiling a study sheet while I try to figure out the differences and what works best when. But mostly, I just guess... which is a total change of pace for me. I'm still planning on taking a photography course before I can scrounge together the money for a DSLR, but in the meantime, I still feel like I'm really learning.

[lora]

i SO need to learn what to do with a darker room/setting, when i want to be flash less but can't seem to get more than a freaky orange grainy shoot. i know how to correct this in photoshop, have played with different settings (mainly the little cloud, sun, house, light bulbs, etc...), but i can't figure it out. (i hate tripod shooting).

I've also discovered that a natural tilt-of-the-hand blind shot of objects are better than when I line things up with my eye and think it will look good. is there something my arm knows that my eye and brain can't connect to? =)

here are two examples of this that I took yesterday:

the first are my lined up intentional shots (not nearly as good)
the second are blind shots that were done with the same camera settings just a moment later (surprisingly stellar)

a:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28987938@N00/2706616901/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28987938@N00/2706616659/in/photostream/

b
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28987938@N00/2706616439/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28987938@N00/2706616225/

[Carrie K.]

Well, using the "Shooting from the Hip" post from last week, I have been working with different angles and perspectives without using my viewfinder. Since I am in a wheelchair, I usually shoot straight on and it always looks like I am lower, but lately I have been "shooting from my feet" I guess you could say.

I took this picture just the other day at a cemetery, and I love the way it turned out.

http://flickr.com/photos/27953502@N04/2700233010/

[Christy]

Neat about the saturation and ISO. I made the wonderful mistake yesterday of forgetting to turn my ISO down. I ended up shooting an outdoor ceremony in the bright sun at ISO 800, doh!

My confession though, I have barely even picked up my camera in weeks :( There is sits all alone collecting dust. So today I made my self pick it up, just for a brief moment. Now I am dying to get outside this afternoon :)

http://flickr.com/photos/cdwells711/2707513518/

http://flickr.com/photos/cdwells711/2707512826/

[Elaine]

I'm still not in a place in my life where I can afford to buy a SLR, but attending her panel was SOOOOO worth it, even with my glorified point and shoot. I learned so many simple tricks that I could apply to photography in general.

So yeah, I guess my big confession is that I want a SLR so badly, I'm considering theft.

Just kidding.

Mostly.

[Kelly]

Me Ra's blog has been so inspiring to me. I've been a hobbyist for 15 years and have been toying with the idea of going "pro" for the last 10 years. I'm finally doing it. There were many factors that led me to this decision, but Me ra was definitely one of them!

[Jenny Rebecca]

I usually hate using flash but I've been having fun experimenting with "night mode" on my camera. Usually at dusk on the beach. It has a sort glowy, slightly blurry effect that can be fun.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fanglord2/2688830237/in/set-72157606296005105/

[Janine]

My confession is that I have a lot to learn; much, much, much more to learn than I already know. My good shots are coming more frequently but are usually accidental. I just start shooting... not knowing where the settings are from the last time I used the camera, etc.

An accident that turned out pretty cool...
http://flickr.com/photos/25744047@N03/2702873686/

[Karen]

I am a daily reader of Shutter Sisters and an admirer of all the wonderful shots I see here and on the Flickr group. I think I learn something every day about photography, but it's hard to remember it all when I'm out there shooting--especially when traveling or having "uncooperative" subjects. But I'm no less fascinated than I was when I started on this journey two or three years ago. Thanks for all the inspiration! And the great tips.

[Gypsy Alex]

What a wonderful post! For the longest time I avoided my Illustration and I was afraid of sharing my Photography, because I felt that I couldn't bring in a decent angle to my pictures. I remember this was a "fear" brought in by a certain art teacher who once said that my work was too flat and that I needed to learn 'perspective' in order to become an artist. Anyhow, after feeling sorry for myself for several years, I recently decided to let it loose and break all the rules ~ I like how I see the world and whether it's flat for some or not, I'm still going to capture it... Because I need to do it for my soul and mostly, because I love doing it! For what is worth, breaking the rules allowed me to finally have some fun and find myself in my images. Here are some of my shots from the Chinatown walk in San Fran. Please come by and let me know what you think :)
http://www.gypsygirlsguide.com/2008/07/walk_with_me.html

[Christina]

I have been trying to shake up my rules a lot lately! Losing my fear of the noise that comes with higher ISO is one of the ways. Also learning to backup and take more wideangle shots, getting more creative with angles, trying some new PP ideas...One of the things I love most about photography is that there's always something new to try.

[Leah G]

I must say, I am one of those folks who will read something new, and try it out the next I'm shooting (and remember). I'm still trying to find my style, and wishing for a few more models in my world -- my hubby in not usually very cooperative, and my dog, while lovable, prefers that I shoot him while he's asleep.

My confession?

I am scared to death of Photoshop. I've finally gotten the darn thing, but am so intimidated by layers and all of that stuff, I hardly ever use it for processing. I still do most of my processing in Lightroom only. If I'm not happy with the results, the picture just ends up in the "scrap" pile.

[camerashymomma]

wow, thanks for the tip, i learn so much here!! i don't think i've been breaking any rules lately, but i have been trying new things to keep my camera from being broken. does that count? my son is really intolerant these days of my camera anywhere near my face and i'm about done with the last karate kick to my face with lens to eye, so i found a telephoto lens adaptor to attach to my lens (since telephoto lenses are pretty pricey) this $45 fix will keep me sane and my camera not broken! and so i'm new to this type of zoom access, i guess i am breaking out of my comfort zone shell... here's one of the first pics i took with it, from about 15 feet away and safely on dry land while my son was in the pool.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerashymomma/2705646278/

[camerashymomma]

oh and my confession? i'm with Laura G... terrified of photoshop. there it is, i've said it! i feel better already! :)

[Diane Schuller]

Thanks to Flickr and forums on the Internet, I've recently learned to break that old rule about not shooting into the light. Shooting into the light was actually a theme recently and I was thrilled with the results and how freeing it was. It's now one of my favourite ways to shoot. I'm loving it. By breaking this one rule recently it was like playing Monopoly when you get "Go, do not stop, and collect $200" or something like that.

Something else that I'm grateful for is digital cameras. Since moving from a 35mm to a DSLR I have been taking far more shots, experimenting where I was afraid to before, and have been improving at the pace of a hare instead of at the pace of the old turtle.

Living much too far from San Francisco (way up north) I couldn't attend recently but oh would it be grand if I was the lucky person drawn for one of the prizes.

I'm thoroughly enjoying Shutter Sisters -- you're the best community ever.

Diane
way up north of the 55th parallel.

[Jules]

I've spent the summer reading and experimenting as much as I can to make my images better. It's fun to explore and learn in manual, but when I really need a sure thing, I find myself heading back over to auto. I'll keep at it ...

[Kath]

My confession is that my camera takes such fantastic photos on automatic that I have not been spending as much time learning and practicing as I had planned before I bought the camera. In the meantime though, I am proud that I am starting to think about composition and colour and am putting a little more planning into the photos. I took a great photo of my sister and her grandson's matching orange shoes this weekend.

http://3yrplan.typepad.com/soeursdujour/

[littlepurplecow]

I actually have two confessions: 1. My feet were killing me in that shot despite the smile on face caused by those cute little pigeons, and 2. I just spent too much money on my own birthday gift, a nifty 50mm f/1.4.

[melody is slurping life]

Confessing that I have never shot a photo with flash since going digital (if so it was accidental). I am a 100 - 200 ISO gal, but pump it up when necessary. And I have learned the importance of a tripod.

And dang it, I forgot my photo link.

[Me Ra Koh]

I've been reading through all the comments on today's post. Wow! I am so inspired and honored to be a part of this wonderful community. I've always been a total rule follower and so breaking the rules has never come easy for me--even if these rules are things I have fabricated myself. I've even noticed I have adapted a lot of lies throughout life about what I am capable of doing and not doing. These lies almost kept me from picking up a camera. It wasn't until a severe loss that I decided to ignore my fears and pick up a camera. That was six years ago and our life has never been the same. In effort to not make this a mile long post, you can read about that story on our About page www.merakoh.com. :)

'What can I do and not do with my camera?' This is the question I love to ask when shooting a wedding or portrait session. How far can I push this big, black thing and will it give me the results I want and if not, what am I missing? I can always learn from my mistakes and discover even more. No one is looking if I break the rules. No one is keeping score. (well, maybe that grumpy guy behind the counter at the local camera shop is, but that's expected :)). In the end, my camera is a medium to express what I see, how I feel, what and where beauty exists. It's as if these thing culminate into my song. We all have our own beautiful song. It's places like Shutter Sisters that remind you of how worthy of a fight it is to redeem or disover your song again.

And what a beautiful sound when you do.

Thanks for the wonderful warm welcome to Shutter Sisters ladies. I'm honored.

[jen]

I love to break rules!! My favorite *rule* to break? Blowing highlights :) I blow them out all over the place and I don't care if it is *wrong* I love the way it LOOKS!

jen :)

[Lu]

I actually did learn something from attending her session. Another blogger and I had a huge aha moment over the Servo setting!! You can always learn something from a photog if you are willing to listen.

[Abra]

OH!! Shooting at 100-200 in lowlight would be almost impossible for me. To break my 3200 speed habit will be quite the challenge. I do try but since I take a lot of photos inside without flash I find the H setting on my Canon to be my best friend. That and a noise reducer. :)

[Val]

My confession is, that just this past weekend, I learned something new. I hate using my flash outdoors, but I had a 2nd shooter shooting this wedding with me. I was shooting a shot into the sun (group shot with a lovely background) and my images were not coming out right. My 2nd shooter suggested I shoot the flash towards them, and bam!, what do know, it worked! I hate the look of flash outdoors, but in this shot, you can hardly tell. So for once, I stepped out of my comfort zone and achieved something I never would have had I not used my handy SB-800 outdoors :)

I love this thread! I would so direly love to meet Me Ra. And I have contemplated and contemplated buying those CD's, too. (I secretly really hope I win!)

[steph m]

The most favorite concept I have about photography is that the digital darkroom is not "cheating" film, it's just expanding the photography medium beyond what film could have done. My latest favorite tricks are finding new actions and ways to group and layer them for great processing! I'm not very good at it, but love to learn them. Speaking of saturation, it's great to see the wide range of color that comes through in great processing!

[tangobaby]

Thank you for these explanations. As a newbie photographer, I find that many of my great photos are accidents, but I also don't always pay good enough attention to my settings to know exactly what I did. And I'm still using Auto a lot, only because I'm not quite sure what else to do.

This post makes me realize that I might want to be a little more conscious about what my camera is set to when I take some photos that I really like.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tangobaby2/2579337798/in/set-72157605619267486/