11.8.12

PHOTOGRAPHY: capturing the little moments

There's been plenty over the blogosphere recently about picture taking and how to capture a fleeting moment perfectly. This man is conquering the world with his beautiful photography and sought after masterclass, and this lady has written so eloquently (as she always does) about what she's learnt from Tim and a lot of practice. Not only have their posts about taking pictures contained some very helpful information, but the comments and replies have also been packed with some golden nuggets of advice. Since reading all of this, and seeing how well it all works in the ever so pretty pictures, I've been inspired to go a step further in learning how to use my Canon 500D better.

When I first got my camera 18 months ago I shot everything on auto, too scared was I to twist the dial and press the buttons. I then found this sheet about a year ago and suddenly it all seemed a little less intimidating. Before long I could see a definite improvement in the photos I was taking.

And then I had a baby. And while having a baby gives you the cutest model to shoot, and new and exciting developments to capture everyday, it doesn't give you much time to do things like play with your camera. So while I was now shooting on manual, it was with limited knowledge and I was having to take a lot of pictures to get just one I loved.

Over the last few days, with Phiney sitting so confidently and happy to play with her books for chunks of time on her own, I've looked at that sheet again, read and re-read those posts and put into practice the advice they've offered. On Thursday I decided to take photographs of the things Phiney and I do most afternoons. To practice capturing the little moments that we never want to forget. To get used to the idea that Phiney doesn't have to be looking at the camera, or paying any attention to me at all, to find a connection between her and the picture I take. After all, these are the details that I imagine will differ between each of our children - how they play, their little mannerisms, what they'll find more funny anything; making them extra special.

Apologies for the huge amounts of pictures below, but I'm feeling pleased with how they turned out. I think I'm improving getting the composition right (kin of) and that I'm starting to capturing the expressions and fleeting moments that are so special to us. I've still got a lot to learn, but I think that's part of the fun so I'm happy to keep practising and shooting hundreds of photos a day. Until Mr Coulson is UK bound and I can attend The Nursery, of course.

A little playtime before Mama has a shower, occupied as ever chatting to the baby in the mirror while I get ready in the bedroom, the joy of Papa coming home from work and the sleepy, post bath floor time before bed.

21 comments:

  1. Oh oh, so many beautiful moments captured! I love how natural, joyful, poignant they are. And I think nothing compares with the sight of papa and his baby!

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    1. Thank you, lady :) and I completely agree...My heart swoons when I see ben and phiney together xx

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  2. These shots are beautiful. You've captured those little moments well : )

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  3. Nell, these are gorgeous! I can completely relate to this post; I too have been scared to shoot manual, but have taken the step to explore and experiment (using the same fact sheet as you!) and also hoping to attend a Nursery workshop with Tim later in the year. Well done for being brave and having a go! Your pics are stunning x

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    1. Oh and our little Sage is a January babe too - the 23rd! x

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  4. You have really absorbed all that information and made it your own. The photos are beautiful. I particularly like those little action shots - the cuddles and the feet in the air - that convey so much so simply. :)

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  5. Such lovely photographs - there's so much to capture with small people and often I can't keep up in manual. I think I need to find some time to practise lots and improve my confidence. I recently did a course with Capturing Childhood about using manual and lots of bits of the jigsaw have now fallen into place, I just need to keep going with it. Love your blog x

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  6. Super gorgeous, Nell! I had been noticing a real improvement in your photography lately... the practice is paying off! xx

    P.S - I'm starting to notice I barely have ANY photos where Lalie is looking at the camera.... I so much prefer to 'spy' on her when she's in her own little world... or 'Lalie Land' - as I like to call it!

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  7. They are so beautiful, Nell! Really glorious. You have amazing teeth to boot. Kellie xx

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  8. Precious, gorgeous pictures Nell! The light, the colors...bliss!
    xx

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  9. Cant wait to spend a week with that super adorable little pixie face!! xxx

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  10. You got so many cute photos and memories captured! I can totally relate to this post. I just started trying to shoot in manual this week. I got some totally adorable images that are very over exposed. :) I guess I'll have to find my own "Mr Coulson" in California to help me learn.

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  11. Beautiful images, lovely Nell. I wanna run a workshop in London, or somewhere close by. Let's talk.

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  12. these photos are a delight to look at, you have a beautiful style. keep shooting! :)sarah

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  13. i remember when you first got the camera! you've inspired me to FINALLY learn to use the manual setting as your photos are stunning. I'm saving my pennies so I can attend one of Mr Coulson's classes! :)

    p.s - heading home in a few days and wanted to treat myself to a lens purchase...would you be able to let me know via email what lens you're finding best to work with for portraits/everyday shots?? xx

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  14. Your photos are always effortlessly beautiful, honest and natural Nell. That's a handy cheat sheet too, thank you! ;) xx

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  15. Love all of these. I too want to conquer the M switch on my camera. Getting there, slowly! X Ashley

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  16. These are so beautiful Nell! I LOVE the first photo of you and her in the mirror, and the one of Phiney and Ben having a giggle - SO cute. x

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  17. They are so wonderful, Nell! Really fantastic. You have awesome tooth to boot.
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  18. Beautiful shots Nell, you've captured such simple moments and expressions so beautifully. I've been crossing my fingers for ages that Tim would do a class that would be possible for me to attend and was SUPER excited to see he's coming to Western Australia... however, I'm worried I'll be too much of a novice as manual mode still daunts me... plus I have Grace's birthday during the time he's here so I'm still trying to see if the logistics of it all will work out... :)

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