Dial “M” for… Manual Motivation

Writing this blog entry has not been easy. Most of the time the words just flow free, but I have stopped and started more times than I can count. I guess it’s because I am bearing a bit of my soul. It is my desire to be a cool, calm and collective individual, but inside it is a different story. Thanks to the Rowlson side of the family, hereditary components create a big ball of insecurity and anxiety. So much so, that it almost caused me to shut down completely in front of total strangers. Over a week ago, I took a beginner’s photography class at Wet Orange Studio with Michael Cairns. For weeks, Scott kept asking me if I was excited about the opportunity to learn from such a talented professional. I always replied, “Yes, but a little nervous.” There were two reasons in play: 1.Would I have the level of knowledge needed for this class? And 2. Would I do anything to bring unwanted attention to myself? And there I was… sitting in the lobby feeling the anxiety well up as students were arriving with huge camera bags full of equipment while discussing photography techniques and scenarios. There I was… with my Nikon, booklet and new Sigma zoom lens. Yet I remained cool. Our first assignment was to set our camera to manual. Easy, right? No big deal, right? Just switch the lens from A to M, right? And the camera body from AF to M, right? Everyone was snapping away shooting our first assignment. My heart was pounding fast, yet remained calm as I tried to figure out why I could not get anything into focus. The attack set in as I realized the inevitable… my fear had become reality. Asking for assistance would not only reveal my level of knowledge but draw unwanted attention. I felt like an idiot when I still could not figure out the problem as Michael gave me advice. It took a 14 year old girl who was also taking the class to show me my mistake! You know that circle thingy, you know the DIAL on your digital camera with pictures and letters? Well, the one for M is for MANUAL!!! I KNEW that, but I let my nerves tell my brain the M stood for My Personal Settings. Don’t ask me what I thought P stood for at that moment! An emotional eruption was on the verge complete with tears and sobbing, but I not only switched the camera to manual mode, but myself as well. The anxiety attack was manually overridden by the pure motivation to learn, to mature. It did not happen instantly, but I managed to pull it together before arriving at our shooting location.

Our fearless leader took us on a field trip to a local park to shoot two different settings: action and close ups. As we approached an adult male soccer match in play, Michael mentioned the possibility of objections to our presence. Within seconds of entering the field, angry players started to shout at us declaring their disapproval. Joining the paparazzi line of work is definitely not in my future since my gut feeling was to run in the opposite direction of the game. Michael assured us all was fine, and for the first ten minutes of scowls and calls, I did manage to snap a few shots. What I would give to see video of myself during those first few minutes! I can honestly say my “camera to eye then press button” time is less than a half a second!

Here are some slide shows of what I captured...

Action

Close Ups

My favorite line Michael used in describing our tool of the trade was “Your camera is OCD!” (LOL! So am I! ) The camera is always trying to bring everything to gray. It is our job to use aperture and/or shutter speed to compensate for this. There was a plethora of tips and techniques shared, but the most important one I would like to pass on is how to set up your shot: ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed – and in that order. ISO is so very important. If you want to learn more, you will just have to take his class. He simplifies these complicated digital SLRs to help those starting out create amazing photos in such a short period of time. I hope to make time to take Michael’s unofficial “second class” which is basically calling his studio to see if I can tag along for a photo shoot.

Reflecting back on that moment of pure panic, I am so thankful to have pushed it aside. I would have missed out on an incredible day. I can’t take full credit for the turnaround though. Between Michael’s comedic demeanor and a fellow classmate’s quick humor, I felt at home. Not only did I gain crucial tid bits of photography knowledge, but friends as well. One, in fact, that lives right around the corner from my neighborhood. So for now on, both my camera dial and mind will be set on “M”!

Side Notes...

In January of this year, I took a Nikon class where I got a trial version of Capture NX2. I thought I would finally actually USE it. Here is an example of what it can do...

It is a quick fix, but I really need to start learning Photoshop!

This is one of my favorite tips from Michael. Below are two exact shots without editing, but the one on the right is with the assistance of a homemade reflector. I am SO going to Home Depot to make my very own! Thanks again, Michael!