New Year's Resolution?

[angelwall2009]

This may be a strange question..... I am writing my new year's resolutions and one of them is to get better at photography. I like my resolutions to be specific and measurable (so that I'll actually do them). This one is tough... the reason I want to get better is to be able to create really beautiful pictures of my children (not to make a career). Any thoughts for specific things that can be accomplished in 12 mos?

[ptabbert]

Maybe you could break the goal down into smaller goals such as taking better action photos, better portrait-type photos, better candid photos etc and then you could find classes, books, info on each one to develop steps for reaching your goal(s).

[anke]

not to be pushing products but Katrina's ebooks are really good! You get all the necessary knowledge from them! Check them out! She has taught me so much!

[Britgirl]

Yes I agree, GMOA is a star of a book.
Also, consider maybe taking note of photos you like from other people. look closely to see what it is you like, the light/angle/etc? This could help direct your focus. learn each button on your camera - even if you use it and then stop- its the little things coming together that help make you able to 'get' that shot. And even then, its a whole lotta luck and 'right place' kinda thing too
ALL very do-able in 12 months indeed
shout if you get stuck anywhere

[dugarner]

Great advice all around. Before I "knew" Katrina, I joined dgrin, a photography forum that is full of professionals, amateurs, hobbyists, and scrapbookers. I looked at the pictures that were posted each day and read all the critique of the photos. What went wrong, what was good, what they could have done. I would have to say almost everything I learned about photography I got there from reading their tutorials and archives.

Then I found Katrina's tutorials and they summarized everything for me in nice, easy-to-follow language and instructions. I did Project 365 in 2009 and my photography improved dramatically in that year. Actually, I think a picture a day project is a great way to improve. By taking at least one photo every day, you'll be able to track your progress in real time.

This is a very achievable goal!

[carollee]

Katrina's tutorials are so easy to follow, give you great ideas, help you learn the buttons on your camera. I also found her classes at Get it Scrapped absolutely brilliant. She talks in "our language" so to speak. And as Sarah mentioned, P365 when I did it in 2009 was a turning point for me. Like everything, practice makes you better, so taking a photo every day certainly helped.

[katrinak]

Thanks ladies So glad I've been able to help you out!

I would also couple all of the above with a healthy dose of picking up your manual each week and reading one or two pages. Don't try to read it cover to cover, just keep it around as you learn and you'll discover each week it gets a bit more understandable!

[Carol Elliott]

I heartily agree with everything that has been said! I purchased the Magic Lantern Guide for both my dSLRs. They are like an expanded version of your camera manual. It lives on my desk. Katrina's classes and ebooks live on my computer and I refer back to them all the time as well ... priceless!

[Steph]

Everything they said with the goal being to really know how to use your camera by the end of the year.

[echogirl]

Ditto! I was in your position last year and I did three things. One I bought Katrina's Get Me off Auto ebook. Two took her class. Then three, promised myself that for a year I would only take pictures in manual. Don't get me wrong..I am no Katrina BUT I can take a picture of my kids and be pretty pleased with the result!
Which reminds me I think I owe Katrina a thank you thread!!
Have fun learning about your camera!