Italian Living

Whilst in Italy, I am taking a series of classes. One of which is photography. Each week we are responsible for turning in a set of photos based on a particular theme. We have a lot of autonomy when it comes to choosing our theme and vision for the project.

Having read numerous Pioneer Woman posts about composition, lighting and exposure - in addition to drooling over every photo she posts about her beautiful life and gleaning a little knowledge that way - I felt moderately confident in my proficiency of the art of photography. Au contraire. To my pride's chagrin, I was about as average as Joe Shmo with his point-and-shoot.

Painstakingly, I have learned many things. But as goes the acquisition of anything, be it a language, a recipe or a VOR instrument approach, practice makes (almost) perfect.

TAKE MY ADVICE

 A good photo is always a simple-minded photo. 

Photoshop cannot fix an unfocused photo.

 depth of field, depth of field, depth of field

 Shadows can be good.

Natural light is always better.

 Coordination (of color, of light, of emotion) makes a good set.

 Always crop out the unnecessary.

 Don't be timid in post production.

 Center the needle when you look through the viewfinder.

Always use custom white balance when shooting with artificial lighting.