Post 6

 Every time I've taken pictures and come on a computer to pick out the best of the photos I'm always concerned that they have turned out bad. I'm also concerned with the thought that I have a terrible eye for photography or when I do some amount of editing I'm worried I'm making things look unnatural.

 My only goal when I do do editing is to bring out the natural color and make the entire photo look as close to what I saw in the moment. I've gotten a number of compliments from some of my friends who have seen my pictures but like a number of people it's easier to take scrutiny than it is to take compliments. I've never understood this but I'm still doing my best to take good photos.

Patience

This week I went to an area that was covered with aspen trees and was surprised at the mere quantity and density in the area. I traveled down roads that had aspen trees of all sizes on both sides of the road for miles on end. I also got up there right as they were in full swing of the Fall colors. I was lucky on this regard since today (two days later) high winds knocked most of the leaves off for the year. While I traveled I was welcomed by a small pond with about a dozen ducks swimming around. When I pulled up they all came my direction and investigated me. I'm sure they thought I had food stashed somewhere which didn't really exist. I was able to get a couple of photos of them before being stopped by a proprietor in the area.

Fall Colors 2016 Part 2

When I started this blog I had the thought process of "since I want to try my hand at photography; I'll go a head and share my journey with others through a blog." Then as I began learning about photography reality hit. I thought I had jumped into the shallow end of the pool without a care in the world. I didn't realize what I was jumping into was the ocean with the shallow end being non-existent... I have to say the thought of giving up has crossed my mind since I'm way out of my depth (see what I did there?). Instead I decided to go online and look at the photos that the professionals have done; great idea right? I compared their photo's with mine and learned I have a very long ways to go. Surprisingly I wasn't discouraged. I went to YouTube to watch some videos to find out what photographers do to make their photo's look so beautiful. This is when I discovered editing and shooting in RAW Format vs JPEG. 

Unfortunately I don't possess an editing program and even if I did I don't have a computer to install it onto. For all of those who are wondering how I'm posting my pictures here I'm using someone else computer with their permission. It has been my goal to change this but one thing at a time. Up until now I've been taking photo's in JPEG and have officially switched over to RAW in the hopes that I'll get the equipment I need to begin editing. Which for the record I didn't even realize was needed prior to two days ago. I'm consistently finding out that the water I'm swimming in is deeper and deeper and I just hope that I'm not making myself look like an idiot on here. I also didn't realize that their's quite the debate going on between taking pictures in RAW and taking pictures in JPG. Frankly (as all of you know) I'm new at this so I will be taking my pictures in RAW just in case I finally learn what in the world I'm actually doing here. After all I can switch to JPG if I ever want to but I can't switch the other way around. So for now RAW Format.

Apparently the computer that I'm using (probably this one time only) has basic editing capabilities so I edited these photos slightly so if these pictures look better (which they do). You know the reason why.

Anyways onto the actual update. In Cedar City, Utah I've always been interested in traveling up the C Mountain to a specific area where several square acres of aspen trees are clumped together. I finally went up there yesterday with clear skies (unlike last week) so it was beautiful weather. I still needed a light jacket due to the breeze but overall I was highly satisfied. Thankfully the area had a road close by so I parked and walked the short distance needed to get to my destination. 

Almost immediately I began taking pictures; and I've never in my life have consciously seen colors as vibrant and with such contrast as I've seen in this area. I'm not sure if it's because I'm beginning photography and I'm now seeing things in a different perspective or if it was the situation. I thought the photos from Cedar Highlands were beautiful but this time I was literally at a loss for words. I just hope the photos I took will at the very least do some amount of justice for Mother Nature.

I was taking pictures right and left and was surprised to feel adrenaline coursing through my body. I kept hoping that I was doing things right but knew even if some of the photo's I was taking were not up to par settings wise. That I would be able to see how they will turn out at a future time when I edit them (Someday). So the main thing I was worried about was taking photo's at the right angle and correct focus. I told a friend of mine who's name is Brooke how I was feeling through text and she replied "Isn't the mind of an artist/photographer wonderful?" 

I'm truly learning so much and seeing so much at the same time. I don't know if I'll ever be as good as the professionals are; but if I keep seeing the beauty I saw yesterday and continue feeling a feeling of utter awe. I don't care where I'm at on this journey it's all worth it in my eyes.  :)

2016 Fall Colors

I mentioned last week that I was hoping to take some pictures in the mountains. Thankfully I had the opportunity this year to travel up the Cedar City, Utah mountain and took some beautiful pictures. If you ever travel that way I would advise taking the paved route and not the rocky one through Cedar Highland. Both routes tend to close during winter conditions.

I know it's not showing the vibrant colors of fall like the two above but this photo still turned out beautifully.

This particular area is called "Cedar Highlands" located by Cedar City's letter C*. A number of cabins are built and the air is cool and clean making the experience of the Fall colors that much more enjoyable. If you ever travel up there or anywhere up the mountains be sure to bring a jacket and a poncho because the weather is unpredictable even in the summer.

* For those of you who aren't from Utah; most cities tend to have a letter somewhere that can be seen from the entire town or most of it. In Cedar City they have their's up on a mountain they call "Cedar Mountain" or simply called the "C". In Dixie and Beaver they have their's lit up so it can be seen at night. I'm not sure if this is shared outside of Utah but would love to know if it is.

Work Party

I had the opportunity to attend a BBQ with my work this afternoon. While I was there I decided to try my hand at taking pictures with people... Easier said than done that's for sure. The only good photos that I took of people were of a baby; one while she slept and the second when she was held up by her dad. I also realized that when you are the one taking pictures of people they somewhat shun you (especially when they're eating). I don't keep pictures of people that are considered embarrassing. After all I wouldn't want a picture of me taken and shared to the world that I consider embarrassing. So I put myself inside their shoes before I decide to keep the photo or not.

I'm hoping to take pictures of the fall colors in full swing here soon. The one on this post was a single branch of yellow on a tree of green. 

First attempt at photography

 Yesterday I was in St. George, Utah looking at furniture and while I was there I decided "Hey why not try taking some photos while I'm here." So while family looked at things I walked around taking random photos. I'm sure I looked like some tourist just in a furniture store. :)

Like I said I'm completely new to photography so this should be an interesting endeavor.