Learning to Use My Camera

First of all, let me introduce a gorgeous blog to you.  It's called The Smallest Sparrow, and it contains some very lovely and inspiring photography and craft tutorials.  Its creator is Erin McCarthy, who happens to be married to my cousin (tall guy in the above picture).  I was so happy to discover Erin's blog.  I love getting to see adorable pictures of my little cousins (once-removed) every day, and she has also inspired me to learn how to take better pictures.

I mean, look at her pictures...isn't this gorgeous?  

When we first got our DSLR camera, I spent a little time with the user manual, learning the terms (ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed...) and trying to put it all together.  I quickly got frustrated with the blurry shots or the dark shots or the weird shadows, so I kept putting it back on "auto" and letting the camera do the work for me.  In general, it has worked fine.  It takes good pictures.  But I know I could take great pictures with some effort.

Erin wrote a post containing some tips about how to learn to use your DSLR camera, and she inspired me to give it another try.  I've spent the last couple weeks brushing up on terminology and relearning the controls on my camera.  It's coming together.  Now I just need time to practice shooting and comparing and editing.  I don't have tons of time, but I plan to focus on it throughout the summer.  Hopefully by the time our big trip rolls around (Italy in August!), I'll be prepared to take some great shots.

My camera doesn't scare me any more.  Thank you Erin!

My little guy modeled for me yesterday.  I got a bunch of fun shots, but I love the intensity of this stare.  He has almost black eyes, and that makes it even more striking.

I can't leave you with that one, though.  Check out this smile!