on doing something different

Until now I've been fits-and-spurts with my camera. A hundred (or two, or three) at once. Every couple of weeks if even that, fifteen or twenty shared on flickr at the same time. A daily photo practice? Distant. Deluded. I figured I'd try just the same, starting with a photoblog that might, maybe, lend a little more accountability than flickr.

Daily practice on the mind and days later, we notice bright blue eggs in a robin's nest tucked into a nearby cedar. And so we started with regular peeking. Three days ago they hatched. Three days ago I put my camera by the front door. Two days ago I saw this. Today I saw this.

In the spirit of today's most excellent giveaway, I'd like to know: what have you done differently lately in your photography? Are you playing with ISO or white balance? Do you have some new actions, a coveted lens? Did you take a course, discover some new inspiration? Or are you just trying out a new practice?

Comment here between now and midnight Thursday 5/ 20 for a chance to win a 16x24" fine art print of one of YOUR images on the famed watercolour cotton rag paper by Hahnemuhle, courtesy the wonderful (and internationally-shipping) Atlantic Photo Supply, one of the oldest and most reputable labs in Canada. This is the paper I use. It's beyond gorgeous. You'll see your photography in a whole new way, with one of these prints.

The only question: will you keep it for bragging rights, or will you gift it to some lucky loved one? Go!

Congratulations to Erika, our 93rd commenter! You've won the fine art print. Atlantic Photo Supply will be in touch to make it happen -- can't wait to hear how it goes. Anyone who is interested in the cotton rag paper of Hahnemuhle -- the favourite of the printing artists at Atlantic Photo Supply -- can go here to order any print you like and have it internationally shipped. Thanks everyone for playing along!

Comments

[Mindy]

awesome giveaway!
I have been trying to learn new things w/ photoshop so that I can really hone in on my branding. I just created a blog header w/ a template, all by my little self, and although its pretty basic, I'm proud of it! I would like to develop my own logo and it's in my head...just need to figure out how to make it on the PC :)
http://www.frecklesanddimplesphotography.blogspot.com

oh, and although I enjoyed your post, I am currently despising anything related to birds - they are in my PVC piping in my bathroom fan and are totally skeeving me out!!

[denise S]

I took two three hour classes on Saturday. I have changed my ISO a few times since then.

[Doris]

I started this year with the goal of shooting only in manual and really so far so good. Just this last week, I've wanted to start playing around...so I'm playing arund with ISO. Sometimes it's so high it frightens me! LOL!

[judy spradley]

I'm going with what the weather gives--lately it's been rain--shooting impressionistic landscapes through a rain drenched window.

[Heather M.]

I'm on my 3rd year of taking photos every day. It's a huge challenge some days but so worth it. I'm also looking forward to a continuing ed photography class starting next month.

[Sally]

I'm learning all about my new camera. While I have miles to go, I'm loving the adventure!

[aphrodite]

I'm playing HDR. It's hard to tell what sorts of results I should be shooting for!

[patricia]

Well, it's sort of cheating, but what I've done differently with my photography is to get a new camera! Today is my birthday, and I am the proud owner of my very first SLR. So I'm looking forward to lots of playing--and lots of inspiration from shutter sisters!

[Claudia]

I received a telephoto lens for mother's day, so I'm trying to figure it out. I just got my 1st T1 and all I can do is hope that I can figure out how to take better pictures. I'm new to this and I love it! But i have a lot to learn.

[Mira]

i've been shooting from the hip more often these days. and occasionally being pleasantly surprised.

Also, i've been sifting through old photos and creating groups of images to <gasp> actually print and hang on our walls! This is a long time coming... so this give away would be perfect!

Thanks for the sweet new life of baby birds.

[Jessica]

I've pulled out my manual recently (how did I never realize that little AF button was there???) and I've purchased Florabella actions, which are perfect for spring in their pastel-iness!

[Suz]

I am constantly fidgeting with white balance. Such a simple setting makes an enormous difference in getting just-right SOOC photos.

[onecraftychick]

Right now I'm trying desperately to master shooting manual indoors. I've been taking pictures of random things - playing with the settings until I can figure out what works best for my camera. It's maddening. But, I will keep practicing until I have mastered it!

[Tracy]

getting reacquainted with a lens that was broken and now is working again, also trying out picnik:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31417716@N00/4622941817/

[Christine Edwards]

Working on a 365, so I'm usually trying something new. This week I was trying to get better results with continuous focusing as the dogs chased each other around the yard...still no good shots...but it's a process. Sites like Shutter Sisters help inspire and motivate to keep trying something new.

[Lori]

I have been taking my camera on nature walks. Trying to find interest in details and also find the light. Sometimes my pictures tend to look flat to me. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanderwood/4607072209/

I am trying to play with over and underexposing - going against what my meter says to re-create what I see with my eyes. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanderwood/4551187105/

The Celebrate Spring class was very helpful. Looking forward to Celebrate Summer!

[Ann]

PROUD to say that I am actually looking at the histogram. Finally.

[Deborah]

My husband and I shoot together, so it was only natural that we would go to a photographer's conference together. What a great conference. It has forced us to analyze where we most want to focus our time. I've been practicing shooting on shutter priority. It will be a great asset when we're shooting animals in action.

[wendy jane]

I am trying to learn photoshop (elements 8). I have lightroom and love it but I wanted to learn about layers, textures and actions. Nothing has made me feel more dumb and overwhelmed as this elements has. I just can't seem to get my brain around it. Lightroom was sooo easy. I just jumped in and started playing and now have it down pretty good. I am not able to do that with photoshop and it's so frustrating for me. Am I the only dumb one? I really want to learn this.

I also have made a point to bring my camera with me more...like this fishing outing with my family.

http://awebert.wordpress.com/2010/05/20/day-81-eveing-fishing/

[hslee]

I too started a photo blog/journal to keep myself more accountable to practice my photography. I'm working on the composition of my photographs and looking for what would make an interesting background for my subjects. I've been looking for an e-course too.

[jv]

i've been trying different angles lately. next adventure...take my camera off the automatic setting!

thanks for the giveaway...if i win, i am keeping it for myself!

[Suzanne]

I would make a photo for my daughter who is going off to college in August. A photo of all of us... the 9 in the family... a photo of love.. one she can hang on the wall and think of us when she's missing us!

[Marissa]

I'm challenging myself to shoot fully manual. And, believe me, it's a challenge some days. But I see the results in bits and pieces in my photographs, and it keeps me going.

[Vicki]

Oh what a cool giveaway!

I just did 2 years of daily photos and am enjoying the rest this year. I am going on a photo walk in a few weeks and can't wait!

[Shawna]

I tried some food photography this past week, and while I normally don't shoot on bright sunny days I was scheduled to do so and had to make the most of it this past weekend. (Mostly I looked for pockets of good light away from the glare.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shawnac/4614126810/)