Do some of the camera settings intimidate you? Do you want to learn how to develop your photography skills and learn how to use your camera effectively without always going back to the "auto" function? These challenges are for you!
This week’s challenge is Self-Portraits.
Explanation:
How is taking self portraits a camera settings challenge? If you have ever tried a self-portrait, you'll know. First, you have to get the focus right, then you have to mess with the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc., for the perfect exposure, lighting, sharpness. I know you are saying you have got them all down, but wait until you try without camera in your hand. So, it is a myriad camera setting challenges in one - manual focus, drive in timer mode/using remote shutter release and not to mention the hundreds of trials to get your exposure right.
If you already know how to take self-portraits, you might want to explore advanced stuff like tethering, using external flash etc.
Tips:
- You can either use tripod or do an arms-length one.
- Put an object where you'd stand, auto focus, then lock your focus and switch to manual for achieving perfect focus in each of your trials.
- Set your drive mode to timer with about 10-sec delay or use remote if you have it.
- Play around with aperture/shutter speed/ISO until you achieve good focus, light, depth and sharpness.
Experienced photographers who are knowledgeable in taking self-portraits are encouraged to offer "kind and constructive" suggestions on the posted entries. Those entering this challenge want to learn and improve.
This challenge starts today, and will run through till midnight 17th March. All photos must be taken during these dates to be considered. Enter as many as you would like- the idea is to practice and learn. TAG your photo CSC14-05 AND post your picture in this thread to receive feedback from other experienced photographers specific to this challenge.
Voting will take place on 18th March (and remain open 24 hours), and the winner will be announced 19th March.
Expect to receive constructive suggestions on how to improve your skills.
How to post your photo on this link:
1) Upload your photo to 365, and be sure to add CSC14-05 as one of the tags.
2) Go to your page that has the photo you wish to post.
3) Copy the "share" code in the bottom right section of that page.
4) Return to this thread and paste the code under comments.
I hope this challenge will let you practice various camera techniques involved, at your own pace in your own space and help you grow as a photographer. Have fun!
This is perfect for me, i am actually challenging myself to take a self portrait every week and I am not finding it easy...I want to get creative, but it is so hard already just to get the settings down.
@semjaja@hopess13@ithinkithunk@awsadler68@mathilde22cat@cheesvo@kali66 Thanks for giving this challenge a try. Please take note of the fixed tag name and change the tag if you have already used the wrong one. Sorry for the trouble. I'll check both tags for selecting finalists just to be sure.
@mathilde22cat Karyn, I guess so. :-D However, the camera is in your hand, right? The idea is to deal with the challenges faced when you are in front of the camera instead of behind it. Hope that makes sense.
Here's my attempt. Taken with the camera's timer...balanced the camera on a flower pot on a bench, and focused beforehand on a plant stand about my height...then moved it and scurried into position.
Selfie taken two nights ago about 12:15 am. Was out on the Lake Superior ice watching a very mild display of the Northern Lights. Photographic challenge was a very bright moon washing out the Aurora, and very reflective snow and ice. Scaled back my exposure and ISO big time. This photo of me was ISO 300, aperture 2.7, infinite focus, and 16 seconds.
A selfie with Google Glass. Shows a couple of things about me:
1) A slight disregard for the rules (I'm really not supposed to be past that cheap stanchion)
2) My latest fling = my camera hanging by my side
3) And of course, my love for geeky gadgets, i.e., Google Glass.
@kali66@gigiz@mikegifford@steampowered@cgarner and all the others who are proficient in taking self portraits, would you all be so kind to provide feedback on the portraits posted here? Thanks in advance.
I came looking back at the thread to see if I could still add a photo or if the challenge dates had closed and noticed we were asked to share how we managed to take our selfie. On my first attempt (which ended up not producing a posable image) I had my husband grab my camera and take a "Nia in action' shot - this is it.
yes I am using multiple mirrors to position myself and see my composition and focus on live view!
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Decided to challenge myself by not using my usual technique for this challenge...
I'm a bit confused by the tag. Shouldn't it be CSC14-05 (rather than CSC15-04) or has the format changed? (14-05 as in the 5th CSC of 2014?)
Here's my attempt. Taken with the camera's timer...balanced the camera on a flower pot on a bench, and focused beforehand on a plant stand about my height...then moved it and scurried into position.
@semjaja Good ones.
@lambda Looking forward for your entry.
Also, please provide a description along with your picture if possible of your setup, what worked and what didn't. It'll be helpful for others.
1) A slight disregard for the rules (I'm really not supposed to be past that cheap stanchion)
2) My latest fling = my camera hanging by my side
3) And of course, my love for geeky gadgets, i.e., Google Glass.
BTW, I'm always willing to have my shots critiqued...
yes I am using multiple mirrors to position myself and see my composition and focus on live view!