I just wanted to start out this post by saying that I was in NO way paid or sponsored to do this post. I had such an incredible, enlightening experience that I wanted to tell you all about!
This last weekend I was given an opportunity to attend a photography workshop given by a photographer I absolutely admire, Kristen Duke! You can check out her website here: http://kristendukephotography.com/
I am SO glad that I went! In prepping for our trip up North, I decided to do a last minute craft and whipped up this little guy:
Or should I say medium sized guy? I’m in LOVE with the camera purses, but I just can’t swing something like that right now, so I made my own! AND it was no sew! Boom! 
I will post the tutorial soon, I promise!
I will post the tutorial soon, I promise! The night before I was so stinking excited, I felt like it was the night before Christmas! It’s always cool to meet somebody that you admire, but then to learn from them…man, that’s awesome!
Let me tell you something about Kristen Duke, this chick really knows her stuff!
I loved learning how to use my camera from her because she was SO down to earth. She didn’t make me feel dumb for not knowing how to use my camera at all! She spoke in a way that was EASY to understand and she even took the time to show each individual student how to set up their manual settings. I seriously can’t say enough about how much this workshop has changed my pictures…so I will show you.
Here is a collage of some pictures I took a few days before the workshop:
No matter what I did, I couldn’t make the picture turn out how I wanted. The lighting stank, the focus was doing who knows what and it was just plain frustrating. I finally settled for that last one! That’s just it, I settled…
After attending her “Say NO to Auto” Workshop, I don’t have to settle anymore. She taught me how to make my pictures look how I wanted them to. Here are some examples below:
(The top two were taken with me just setting up my camera and pointing it without even having to look in my daughters carrier so it wasn’t very bright in there at all…the lighting was similar to the pictures above)
The picture below was taken of my little bug being naughty. Any time I tried to catch him in the act before, they ALWAYS turned out blurry!
So…if any of you ladies have a fancy camera that you’re shooting from auto and not getting the pictures that you want. I HIGHLY recommend attending this workshop! You can click here to find out more. Don’t walk…RUN!
Here’s a picture of me and Kristen after the workshop:
Here are a few during it:
On a side note that has nothing to do with the fabulous Kristen Duke…
I know A FEW photographers have a pet peeve that regular people ask them what kind of camera they use because they take good pictures and that it’s like asking a baker or chef what stove or oven they use cause they bake good bread or a cake or whatever… they do have a point, a very small one though.
You wouldn’t see a baker or a chef cooking delicious meals on a piece of junk camping stove as their first option. The same goes with a professional photographer, don’t even tell me that they would use a junk disposable camera or low end point and shoot instead of their preferred camera.
It just wouldn’t happen. Sorry team.
It just wouldn’t happen. Sorry team.
I did ask a few of those photographers and imagine how small I felt when they shared those feelings. If you are a mom who can’t capture your little ones first moments because of the lag time on your point and shoot (this is what drove me to research better cameras) I say, go and get that fancy camera if you can afford it. You WILL capture those firsts in auto on your DSLR and it’s wonderful. The pictures WILL look better than what you were most likely getting from the point and shoot. However, if you can’t get that fancy camera just yet. STILL take those pictures with your point and shoot, because when push comes to shove the quality of the photo is wonderful, but not as important as the memory being captured. I’m sure the point those photographers were trying to make is that until you learn how to use your camera and set up the components, you will most likely not be getting the quality of picture a seasoned photographer can get. It is an art, and it requires patience, practice, and some learning. But it can be done…even by us regular people!
That my friends is why I am SO grateful that I was able to attend this workshop so now I can really get into capturing some incredibly lit and focused pictures!
That my friends is why I am SO grateful that I was able to attend this workshop so now I can really get into capturing some incredibly lit and focused pictures!
Ok…stepping off of my side note soap box! Thanks for listening!
Please remember that all of my tutorials and printables are for personal use only. This post was seen first at, and written by Cox’s Corner
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I can see both sides of the photography issue. As a designer I don't like when people say they could do what I do because they have good taste, because to me there is more to it than that. But, maybe I'm just defensive because I don't want to lose (potential) customers to someone with out training. . . so photographers are trying to say that there is more to good pictures than just their camera, but you're right. A good camera can make a difference and so can a good oven. Take it from someone who sucks at baking, I need all the help I can get!!
That hank you so much for your comment Kimberly. I actually think being a designer would be tough because of everything that goes into it (same with photography) and I think I have good taste!
I guess my main point is that with certain fields especially photography, raw talent can only get you so far, the equipment you use is what pushes you to the max.
I am so stinking excited for you and your wonderful news by the way!! I will so throw you a shower if you'll let me!!
Stupid auto correct…I meant to say thank you!
I really need a nice camera! It's been my dream for many years
someday….
It took me a while to get mine, but when I did I haven't looked back since! You will LOVE yours!
Cute camera bag! I recently got a new camera and would love to make a bag like yours. I will eagerly await your tutorial! Thanks for your kind words about my blog, it's nice to know that someone besides my mother thinks my blog is good:)! I'm also excited to have found a new fun blog to follow!
Thank you! Stay tuned, I think that will be next weeks tutorial! Thank you for visiting my blog! I love new boggy friends and I can't wait to see more of yours!
I look forward to the day I can afford a class on my camera! In the meantime I might hit you up for some hints while our little guys play.
You really should get that “Say no to auto” book! You won't regret it!
Oh, equipment is SO important! You'll note that probably every photographer saying that has a super nice camera anyway
They just like to whine about how “under appreciated” they are, haha! Way to go, learning to use your camera better! I love your blog, by the way. I have been reading it for the past 45 minutes or so 
I love you Erica! I'm so glad you like my blog!!
you're welcome any time!
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