Photo Tip Friday - Setting the White Balance

Photo Tip Friday - Setting the White Balance







In the days of old, we never had to worry about setting the white balance on our cameras.

But we did have to purchase the correct film for the lighting conditions that we would be shooting in.

Many of the point and shoot cameras today have an "auto" setting for the white balance, and the camera determines what it is before it takes the shot.

It somewhat works - most of the time.

But we have all seen those "yellow-hued" photos that we get sometimes when shooting indoors under artificial lighting.

The camera didn't choose too well that time.

These settings can all be set manually depending on where you are, and what the lighting conditions are.

My DSLR has outdoor settings that include bright sun, overcast, and shade. And I must remember each time I am outside to adjust for the correct setting.

There are also settings for indoor use and the different artificial lighting conditions.

The camera also allows one to make a custom white balance setting for any of these conditions.

The camera is aimed at a gray card and it determines the correct "balance" for the light.

It is more accurate, but I have found there to be little difference between that method and the preset ones in the camera.

Of course, I usually only shoot outdoors. If I did a lot of studio work, this method would be the one to use.

So if you find that you are sometimes getting some funky colored photos, or the colors don't look just right in the view screen compared to the actual scene, try adjusting your white balance.

It will make all the difference.

ABC Wednesday - R is for Rippled Sand

R is for Rippled Sand............







The tide was on it's way out and it left a unique rippled pattern behind in the sand.

The day was chilly - no little feet running around in the wet sand yet so I was able to grab this neat pattern before it was gone.

Totally sculpted by Mother Nature herself, no human could do a finer job.

The ocean's footprint in the sand.





This is the fifth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

An Overdue Thank You

An Overdue Thank You







I owe a big thank you from the bottom of my heart to Dorothy L, over at Womens Self Esteem blog.

She has honored me by featuring my blog and website in her monthly newsletter.

This month she shared with us her thoughts as she prepared for her journey to return to her family in Canada.

She left us with some great quotes and beautiful videos as well - including one of my favorites - the Celtic Woman.

I wish her and her daughter a safe journey in returning to our northern climate and hope the settling in goes smoothly.

We all look forward to your encouraging words and thought provoking posts.

Take care, my friend!

Photo Tip Friday - Overcast Days

Photo Tip Friday - Overcast Days







Picture perfect days with blue skies and fluffy white clouds don't always work into our schedules when it comes to taking photos on a trip.

When having to work with what we have - it isn't always bad to have an overcast day.

A slight cloud cover at sunrise or sunset can make for some pretty dramatic colors.

Even though a cloud cover can make for less light, what is available is a more even light - no harsh shadows and contrasts to avoid or work around.

Landscapes can get a bit boring when the sky is all white - it gives a flat, washed-out look to the image, so try to include less of the sky in a landscape on a completely overcast day.

Even though it was overcast in the above landscape image, I still used my polarizer - and it was able to pick up a bit of definition in the clouds.

So not all is lost on an overcast day. By looking at things a bit differently, it can work out after all!

ABC Wednesday - Q is for Quiet

Q is for Quiet............







Nary a sound as this sailboat glided through the water.

An occasional puff of wind would flap the sail - but still much quieter than the boat engines that took us out to our fishing spot.

It was a pleasure to watch this boat float by - all powered by the wind.

No pollution, free power, and blessed quiet!





This is the fifth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

Symmetrical Reflection - My World

Symmetrical Reflection - My World







Ultra smooth water without a ripple of wind.

Late afternoon sun that gives just the right atmosphere.

Clouds and trees reflected perfectly in the water.

Mother Nature at her finest makes for a great photo!

And I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

Photo Tip Friday - Other Details Too

Photo Tip Friday - Other Details Too







A bit of a different tip for today.

I love to explore new areas when taking photos, and I always try to make sure I have what I am going to need with me for my equipment.

For sure, I will always find something - even just walking under the power lines will yield something worth photoing.

New views, plants, rocks - my eyes are always open for something.

With the powerlines humming above us as we walk along, we stopped under one set to take a break - sitting on the concrete base so we are off the ground.

I'm interested in looking through the viewfinder, my husband is scanning the scenery for any wildlife.

Both absorbed in our actions, we were not paying too much attention to our very immediate surroundings.

And that was our downfall.

It's chilly outside and we are in a shrubby area with tall grass - and the soil is rather sandy.

Perfect for tracking the wildlife.

And perfect for one of nature's big menaces.

Ticks - lots of them.

I saw one on my husband - and he was just like velcro - no brushing him off.

Then I looked down - they were all through the grass and climbing up - towards me.

My first thought - I should have tucked my jeans in my boots, then sprayed all my clothing with repellent.

One of the details I forgot about - it will not happen again.

Need to think beyond just the equipment!