January 27, 2011

a call for help


I'm working on a photography information page for ye olde blog.

I haven't made much progress.

So far, I've penned a lengthy disclaimer telling you in great detail why you are probably going to want to go elsewhere to get your photography related information.

However, there's a slight chance that a good photography information page should do a little more than simply discredit the person who's writing the page in the first place.

But, it appears I'm a bit stuck.

That's where you come in.


If, by chance, you happen to have a photography related question that you would like me to answer, please ask away in the comments.

I'll do my best to share what I've learned along the way.

And when I don't know the answer, I'll simply make one up.

Thanks for helping a sister out!
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49 comments:

  1. KirbyJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Simplest question- What kind of camera would you suggest or do you use? I'm in the market! Thanks, Kirby

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  2. {A*very} Blessed LifeJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    Ok, Miss Teresa,
    First I must say that you are a Rock Star photographer! I drool over all of your photos. I can only hope to ever take as good a photo as you on your worst day. Your photos are like the closest thing to seeing it live and even then the photo is better. I will certainly ask you questions. I only wish I could ask you these questions in person. BTW I do want your Apple Cake recipe. Thank you for offering to share it with me.

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  3. Jayme Goffin, The Coop KeeperJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    You so funny B. I was thinking of you the other day, as I was trying to figure out Photoshop Elements, and the layers, etc....what Photoshop program do you have, and how do you get such a translucent (not sure if that's the right word) look to your photos? What actions do you use? And what is an action and how do you do them? This should keep you busy for a while. Please close comments until this one is answered in detail. : -P

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  4. Robin JohnsonJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Oh man do I have questions! LOL The biggest question I have during these gloomy, sunless days of winter is how to take good photos inside when it's light, yet not bright.

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  5. debbie @ happy little cottageJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    Do you shoot in manual or do use the other settings on your camera? Thoughts on composition? Do you use photoshop for post processing? Color adjustment? Natural light vs. flash? Point and shoot or DSLR? Nikon or Canon? Hope this helps :)

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  6. Flat Creek FarmJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    Questions, questions. Yes, I do have! Firstly, I love your photography as well as your post-processing (is that even the right term?). Do you have any particular photography books you recommend? Also -- How to move beyond the 'auto' setting? I'm stuck :) Thanks! -Tammy

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  7. Southern GalJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    I was about to email you with a question. It's not necessarily on the process of photography, but how you blog your pictures. I just ran out of my free 1GB of space with Blogger/Picasa. Do you upload through picasa or do you use some other photo hosting site? Should I pay and keep going the way I'm going? What size do you feel is ideal for your blog. I love big pictures, but I'm thinking my D90 has eaten up my space with how huge the pictures are. Thanks!

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  8. Into VintageJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    I'd like to know if you're self taught (and if so, what was your process? What kind of camera/s did you start with or move up to?) or did you read books a/o take classes? I guess I'm wondering what the steps were that lead you to the beautiful pics we see here. Thanks Teresa!

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  9. Cottage MommyJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    I have similar questions as Tammy...I'm stuck in Auto and want to move to Manual but my camera manual is not very user friendly. Do you know of any good books out there that would guide me in the right direction? I have a Nikon by the way. And have you every used Photoshop elements? I hugely regret buying it...so not user friendly and so frustrating! I have friends that love Lightroom but are at a professional place in their photography. What's a girl like me to do?

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  10. StephanieJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Hmmm ... I love your photos and will gladly read any information that you offer. But I guess I was wondering how you post process your photos. Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see it!

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  11. AngieJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Your pictures look like I can actually reach out and touch the subject. How do you do that??? What kind of lens do you use? What f-stop do you use the most? Do you shoot in RAW and edit in Photoshop? They are just so beautiful. Oh mighty photographer lady, pleeeaaassseee share your secrets!

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  12. Low Tide High StyleJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    Great idea, I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions...be careful what you wish/ask for! ;-)

    Kat :)

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  13. KimJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    I'm another complete and utter novice who needs to know: what camera to buy???!!! I really want to get a good camera and take a class while we're in the states later this year. But what camera should I get?

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  14. Edythe Anne HeilnerJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    See, we all want you to teach us. We would be willing to camp out if you don't have enough rooms.

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  15. 102 Lismore StreetJanuary 27, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Yes! Exactly the questions that Debbie and Angie asked above. I love, love, love your photography. I want to know how to get that "dreamy" look. I struggle with composition and am clueless about the editing processing. Looking forward to this!

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  16. Janie FoxJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    I don't take many pictures. I despise every picture taken of me. They are always so realistic.
    I'll take a cave drawing any day of this old broad. Not sure I want to learn how to take pics either...is this bad? Will people still read my blather without decent pictures? I could maybe sketch some stick figures to go with the text... hmmm. Take some time to ponder this. I will await your solution.

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  17. AliJanuary 27, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    Hmmm I would want to know what kind of lenses do what, I just have a point and click camera right now, but would like to move on to something a bit fancier and would like to know what I want!

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  18. Jane WindhamJanuary 27, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. As you could see, I am a newbie. I've only been at this for a month. When I happened upon your blog, I was blown away by your images. So I spent several hours at Pioneer Woman's site to get all the tips I could. I'm so thankful that you are doing this because I have so much to learn. Just consider me your "photo sponge."

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  19. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    How to take a half decent picture in my house....after it's dark. GRRRRR. Everything I try = FAIL! Would love your insight and help! I LOVE your photos!

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  20. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    I'm gaining confidence in taking photos of still subjects, but would like to try to start adding motion. I've had success with a few happy accidents and loved the blur in the background. What suggestions do you have for accentuating motion in photography?

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  21. nateandkatesmomJanuary 27, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    I only have a couple of point and shoot cameras which I'm sure are not conducive for great photography. I'll bet your first advice to me would be to buy a better camera! I do my best with what I have and Picnik does the rest!

    If you are able to give advice about your basic point and shoot camera,(I have a Nikon COOLPIX S3000, and a step up from that-Canon PowerShot A630) I'd ask how to take good clear indoor pictures without the flash?

    Your pics are always beautiful!

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  22. Pam @ FripperyJanuary 27, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    I am in love with your home your blog and your photography!!! I just posted a link to you and your fabulous home. (Blog crush) I need help in using the manual settings on my camera before I invest in a digital SLR. I currently have a Canon Power Shot SX100. I am most interested in close up photos.
    You take such stunning photos.

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  23. Verde FarmJanuary 27, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    Oh my gosh-I would love a page like that from you. You are the best photographer I’ve seen and I mean that. I love your work. I want to know how you get that blue tint to your pictures--I LOVE IT!!

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  24. JenniferJanuary 27, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    I have a question, I have a Nikon CoolPix L100 camera. I have noticed that in a darker room or inside with no natural light my pictures turn out blurry and very grainy. I have the "hand steady" option on as I don't have a tripod, but they still turn out blurry. Also, like others have asked, how do you make indoor pictures look bright when no natural light is available?
    Thank you for answering our questions!

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  25. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    I'm FOREVER telling people to adjust their diopter wheel on their cameras. A lot of people don't even seem to know what that teeny tiny little wheel is for. Spread the word!!

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  26. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    I'm certainly not alone in wanting you for a photo mentor...lol I think i've decided on my camera but the whole idea of manual mode scares the bajeebies out of me. I will gladly try whatever you suggest...sure hope you have nothing else to do for the next 20 years or so!

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  27. April@MySacredSojournJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    Do I have questions? Do I have questions??? Do you think I offer sweet tea and three kinds of cheese to just *anybody* in exchange for photog tips??? What kind of girl do you think I am?

    (Sitting back down) Okay, first off, I have a Nikon D40x and no idea how to run it. I am stuck in auto mode and I think my photos are **terrible**! I have read online that you MUST MUST MUST shoot with natural light and absolutely never use a flash. But how do I get good pics of my sweet daughter or an interior project or whatever if it's cloudy out? Or what if it's just dark in my house (which is the way it goes in the summer when the trees are loaded with leaves)?

    And I also want to know how you get such a gorgeous ethereal quality to your photos. Is that done when you take them or is that due to some magical editing you do? And if it's editing, is that in Photoshop? I have PS, but again, have NO idea how to use it, other than overlaying text, adjusting the exposure and turning something black and white or sepia.

    Okay, that should keep you busy for awhile. :)

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  28. M.L. @ The House of WhimsyJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    Thank you for swinging by to see our last Wedding Post and for your kind comment. : )
    I have a question, but it's not quite about photography (which yours is beautiful BTW). But I can't get my pics to upload big (while using 'new editor') without cutting off part of the right side. So I just keep using the 'Old Editor'. If it would be easier to explain in an email, it's: houseofwhimsy@juno.com
    Or maybe you've done a tutorial about it in the past???
    Have a good weekend,
    Mary Lou

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  29. Sunny Simple LifeJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    I just have a point and shoot but what can I use to add light to my subject that isn't harsh?

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  30. Mary, Windy Meadows FarmJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:02 AM

    Can't wait to see this new addition to your blog...it'll be wonderful! There's a lovely "look" to your portrait photos. Along with clever styling, they have soft lighting, but without the harsh look of a flash. What's the best way to achieve this? Oh, and I need a photo (yikes!)taken...here's wishing you were making a visit to the Midwest in the next couple of weeks!

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  31. TheresaJanuary 28, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    I'm chiming in with all the others who have already asked about lighting issues. Your photos are so uplifting - even the snowy ones have great lighting! One true thing about photography that I've learned through the years - a good camera helps, but when you've got natural talent, you've got natural talent, and it shows.

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  32. nancy in ksJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Oh, I've been waiting for this day! LOVE your photos and I also love to know every thing about it. So I may leave more than one comment after I look through your older posts.

    But for now, the Christmas photo of the red ornament you posted on 12-24: what post treatments did you use to give it the vintage look?

    Thanks for doing this! I'm so excited to read it when it comes out.

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  33. nancy in ksJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Ok, question 2: do you always set a custom WB?

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  34. VivianeJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Hello,I had asked you this on email but I am sure others can benefit but bastically where does a beginner photographer begin with selecting the right camera? It could be overwhelming :) Thanks!

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  35. Privet and HollyJanuary 28, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Oh, this is exciting!
    Would your photo page
    be full of tips, or
    would it showcase your
    photography? {Either
    one ~ or BOTH ~ would
    be wonderful!} I am
    taking a digital photo
    class now, and though
    I see the point to manipulating
    aperture and shutter speed
    or using an external flash,
    I haven't found myself
    fiddling much with ISO.
    Do you change your ISO
    settings often, or do you
    rely on Aperture Priority
    or Shutter Priority? {Meaning,
    you set the ap or ss and
    the camera chooses the other
    and the ISO?} Just curious.
    Looking forward to that page!
    xx Suzanne

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  36. Leslie @ Farm Fresh FunJanuary 28, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    Boy are you sorry now.
    I got a powershotsx110 last year hoping I might read n learn how to use its manual settings etc. Instead, I was a slacker and it's lens/focus is already dying. So now a new camera is needed along with tips on how to get started with bright, focused pictures!
    I bow down to thee oh masterful Meadowbrook Photog and eagerly await your wise words and stunning pics!

    ReplyDelete
  37. AdeleJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Be proud, your photos are beautiful. I received a Canon Powershot SX210 for Christmas. At The RHS Wisley gardens (uk) today I discovered that in the 'closest' setting I cannot hold it still enough i.e. blurry pictures. Any easy tip? Thank-you.

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  38. HeatherJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    I'd love to know how to nail pictures shooting wide open (especially children). I love the look, but it always seems that I don't get everything that I want tack sharp while letting everything else fall out of focus. Also, how do you choose your aperture when dealing with multiple subjects?

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  39. KellyJanuary 28, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    I can't wait to read your answers...although I was laughing so hard at the Coop Keeper I'm not sure I read all of the questions. :)
    (I wanted to list you as one of my friends on my post yesterday, but I felt that might be kind of creepy without asking you first. So let's be friends okay? Please circle 'yes' or 'no'.)

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  40. NicoleJanuary 28, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    I'd love to know more about your post processing and your lighting!

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  41. LauraJanuary 28, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Hi Teresa-

    I have a Canon XSi camera with a variety of lenses.

    I am still struggling with getting shots of furniture that are life-like in size.How do you do that?

    You may be up all night with all of our questions!

    And I have MORE.

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

    ReplyDelete
  42. Jen KershnerJanuary 29, 2011 at 3:10 AM

    Ummm. Yes please. How in the world do you do the focus up front fuzzy background or fuzzy up front focus background. In terms even I can understand so that I can do it on PURPOSE consistently!

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  43. KoriJanuary 30, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Oh my gosh. EXPOSURE! And all the one letter buttons!! I have a Nikon D40 and it came with a booklet and DVD, but still, I have no confidence with anything but the Auto setting. It makes me sad...

    I love your blog and pics - they're (both) beautiful!

    Also, would you say most photos are pretty good straight outta the gate, or is it best to edit them? Maybe a simple question, but I'd love to know what percentage of pictures you edit (beyond cropping) as opposed to just letting them be what they are. (Does that make sense??)

    Thanks... :D

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  44. KarenJanuary 30, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    I see you have many other comments but I absolutely LOVE your photography, so I'm going to add my question in the hopes you get to it. Whenever I see portraits I love, I always wonder, how are they lit? Do you just shoot by natural light? I love natural light but sometimes I think I must be doing something wrong.

    Thanks!
    Karen

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  45. EmilyJanuary 31, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    I adore those two shots. The cool but vibrant colors are right up my alley (not to mention the fantastic vintage camera!) I'm a photographer as well and I've been on a journey since last August to take a picture every day for a year. As you keep mentioning how hard it is for you to keep shooting through the winter, I'm totally agreeing! It's quite difficult at times but you've done beautifully on these!
    Blessings!

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  46. elizabethFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    anything you could share would be wonderful...
    that just seems to be the way you operate :)

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  47. Pam KesslerFebruary 2, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Iso, aperture and how to get good bokeh are my top questions. I have a couple books on photography, but I still get confused.

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  48. TidyMomFebruary 9, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    you KNOW I LOVE pull back shots.......love to see how you set of for your amazing pictures!!
    Great idea Teresa!!

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  49. TidyMomFebruary 9, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    oooh, thought of one more.....this is actually of the back side of photography (editing)...but what do you do to get such nice sharp pictures on your blog?

    Seems to be hit or miss for me.....sometimes mine look great and other times, not so much. I'm sure it has to with sharpening.....oh and the fact that I edit most of my blog pics in Picnik instead of CS5 lol......picnik is just so quick and easy for my blog pics. and I need to learn my CS5 that I recently upgraded to from PSE

    ReplyDelete

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