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First lessons
 
1/160 5.6 45/237
 
1/13 5.0 65/237

 

 

 

 

 

These are the first photos I can call "mine". They were taken last Friday, after two classes of photography (basic level).

 

For the first time,

I didn't use the Automatic Mode and had to deal with speed, aperture, ISO, focus - not just with the composition itself.

 

Things are much harder now, but, on the other hand, much more exciting.

I have a long way ahead before I achieve the level of photographers like Anders, Thierry,

James Nicolay,

 Jason Tengco  or Anna (Decoy) (to name just a few). But if "one mile begins with one inch" then my first inch has already been walked.

 

I chose the St. Sebastian Cathedral to take my first "non-automatic" pics because of its great stained glass windows and peaceful atmosphere. And also because I had a business meeting right in front of it, and wouldn't miss that opportunity...

 

 

 
1/640 5.6 181/237
 
1/320 5.6 198/237
 
1/640 5.6 179/237
 
1/15 4.5 62/237
 
1/30 4.5 109/237
 
1/15 3.5 104/237
 
1/30 4.5 68/237
 
1/8 3.5 137/237
COMMENTS
Rdneg10 said at 10:40 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Some great images here! I really like your DOF and POV on these! Great work!
Eduardo.affonso said at 10:44 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Thank you, KELLY. Bu the way, what does "DOF" mean? (I've already learrned that POV = point of view... or am I wrong?).
Andre. said at 10:50 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Depth of field I guess
Andre. said at 10:52 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
And I love the # last
Eduardo.affonso said at 10:53 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Thanks, ANDRE. I still can't control (or manage) the depth of field (it just happens...) but it's just the begining of a loooooong way.
Wildthing said at 10:56 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Awesome images inside the Cathedral. I think you nailed it.
Andre. said at 11:03 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Eddie, what Do you mean “Cant control” [W]D[O]F? And LOL...Can you control LOL? Or manage it at least?
LostAbroad said at 11:09 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Really nice pics, especially the ones inside. Enjoy your learning :)
Eduardo.affonso said at 11:10 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Thanks for your comment, MIKE - and for teaching me a new expression ("nailed").

ANDRE: I don't know what to do NOT to get a deeper field, for example. When I was taking these photos I wish I could "bring" the background closer to the foreground figure (and have both well focused). I know it's just a matter of adjusting, but I have to go step by step. Controlling lighting is enough for now...
Eduardo.affonso said at 11:12 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Thank you, "Lost Abroad"! I'm enjoying my classes, and hope to be able to use most of the resources of my cam from now on.
Andre. said at 11:15 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
OK, Eddie, White Bomber redirected 2 BraZil. You just said not long ago that you've learned how 2 use Aperture. Did you lie 2 granny?
Chilla said at 11:21 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Eduardo, you have inspired me to try to do more with my camera. Some lovely shots.
Ira said at 11:23 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
I very much like photos in church? The cross as though soars in air. Unusual sensation
Eduardo.affonso said at 11:26 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Well, I had learned about aperture, which didn't mean I was able to use it... In fact, I had to discharge most of the photos taken inside the Cathedral, and it means that I'm not already comfortable with such tool. I'll keep on trying, anyway. And, of course, I never lie to Granny. Unlike a certain girl we know, I'm a good granddhild.
Eduardo.affonso said at 11:28 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
CELIA: I feel like a boy playing with his new toy...

IRA: This is a very unusual building, and it brings us unusual sensations.
Andre. said at 11:49 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Would be cool if you post some camera settings somewhere...Great subject
Tishfish said at 11:50 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Very nice shots ! ! I don't understand too much about a camera either, I always keep it in automatic mode.
Eduardo.affonso said at 11:57 a.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Great idea, ANDRE. I have deleted lots of photos from my memory card after downloading them, but I'll try to find the settings and post them (as captions?).

DOREEN: I don't think my photos are better now (automatic mode seems to be much smarter than most of us...), but now they are what I want them to be, and that makes all the difference. No matter if I go back to "auto mode" once in a while, now I know (or I'm starting to know) how things work inside my cam and how to manage them. You should try, too.
Andre. said at 12:10 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Edu, captions would be NICE. Thank you.
Andre. said at 12:15 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Edu, where is the F/-setting here ?
Eduardo.affonso said at 12:15 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Captions added, ANDRE. The last numbers seem to be the sequence of photos (#137 out of a series of 237) - which is a confession of incompetence (I had to take 237 photos to get these...).
Eduardo.affonso said at 12:16 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
What is the F/-setting, ANDRE? I just copied what I saw on my display.
Andre. said at 12:17 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
And what camera and lens (if U don't mind)
Andre. said at 12:20 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Right-click on Photo>>properties>>Advanced..What kinda school is this? LOL and L U Edu:)
Eduardo.affonso said at 12:20 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
I still haven't had the lesson about lenses, but mine is a Canon EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 II (whatever it means...). 58 mm. My cam is a Canon EOS 30D.
Andre. said at 12:24 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
I'm totally stupid but I think 3.5-5.6 I is your F/ Number range and that's the aperture...I guess...
Eduardo.affonso said at 12:25 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Be patient, ANDRE! I had only two lessons! And I don't know how to find "Properties" nor "Advanced" in my display. I'll ask my teacher tomorrow, before the 3rd lesson begins. I didn't even know I could tke B&W photos with this cam! I took them colored than used photoshop.... Believe it or not, I'm a completelly amateur photographer.
Andre. said at 12:30 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Edu, you tellin' me don't know how 2 right-click on your PC??? I gotta call Gretel...2 much for 2-day LLOOLL
Eduardo.affonso said at 12:34 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Ok, got it. I right-cliked on the pic, found "Properties" and "Advanced" but... no further information. Maybe we should call Gretel. I have no doubt she's much smarter than me...
Debdog said at 12:42 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
wow, i never guessedyou just worked it auto.....nice DOF you got! See, once you get the hang it;s easier to get the look you want ....i usually shoot in apeture mode, no flash....

ANYWAY...you have some WONDERFUL well composed images here......you have the eye. Don't worry ;)
Eduardo.affonso said at 12:46 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Thank you, DEBBIE. I had a clue about having the eye - now I want to have the brain, too...
Debdog said at 1:01 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
it will come easy to you....think of the lens like the pupil of the eye...if it's OPEN WIDE you apeture setting f2.8.for example, in that range....say it's a flower, the flower will be sharp and the background will fall away out of focus...that is shallow DOF> mid range is around 5.6... f11,16, 22 makes everthing sharp to infinity , like for a landscape.
Debdog said at 1:02 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
hey, you never asked for a critique..these are just great. my favs 1 and 3 :)
Shenresi said at 1:22 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
wow, Eduardo, these are really wonderful results!!! the classe of fotografie was a big effort. Totally great shots and when I scroll down, i get dizzy.
Eduardo.affonso said at 1:24 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
I've got the theory, DEBBIE - now I must practice a lot. I've been photographing for a long time without paying attention to any adjustment, so it takes some time to get used to all these tools(photometer, focus, ISO, speed, aperture). I'm not so anxious - becoming a Cartier-Bresson is not in my plans for a near future... Btw, #1 is also my favorite of this series.
Eduardo.affonso said at 1:29 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
It's just the begining, ANGELA... I have always been very proud of my "amateurness" (does this word exist?), because the results came only from my intuition ("the eye", as Debbie pointed). But, after viewing so many great photos (on Tabblo, Flickr and other sites) I realized it was time to improve my sills.
Eduardo.affonso said at 1:39 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
(... improve my SKILLS, sorry...)
Swedfinn said at 2:13 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
To be first lesson this is amazing!! You have an eye on it!!
EMA said at 2:44 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
I only add to all the others, that you are a very good learner. Nice photos! And don't think that the masters don't take a lot of photos to choose some excellent ones at the end! Cheers!
Nina1960 said at 2:45 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Yes, I want to have the brain, too... someday when its the time for it.....you make some beautiful pictures..thanks for inspiring.
Eduardo.affonso said at 3:16 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
JORMA: Not the first lesson, the first TWO lessons...

EDITE: I think the "masters" have the timing, que notion of which setting would fit better for an occasion. We can call it "feeling", "experience" - or even "talent". I'm learning. And thank God I have a digital cam, not one of those old fashioned cams with films (12, 24 or 36 pics...). I would wast dozens and dozens of films!

MARIAN: I do hope I have the brain, not only the eye and the finger...
Candlepower said at 3:44 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Wow! Looks like you learn fast. Great shots!
Hollyridger said at 3:49 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
This is most interesting tabblo with meaningful comments. You definitely have the eye for the composition, Eduardo so combined with some technical savvy you can only improve. I think the important thing is to enjoy what you are doing. Take the time to study the settings on the computer and compare the results when you take the same photo at say f2.8 (wide open aperture) and f16 (narrower aperture). I look forward to seeing more of your work as the classes progress. Keep going with the camera settings as captions. What kind of camera are you using?
Eduardo.affonso said at 4:01 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
PAT: I usually learn slower than I wanted, but I'm doing my best this time.

NOREEN: That's exactly what I've been doing these days: trying, exercising, checking, comparing. And I noticed that when the cam display shows it perfect, it means it's too dark. The photos that looked better on the display had to be discharged. I use a Canon EOS30, which makes me feel like a chimp driving a spaceship.
Ebucar said at 5:01 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
É. Você esqueceu de colocar meu nome na lista dos "fotógrafos do tabblo". Rs...rs...rs... Parabéns! Quem sabe eu me animo também uma hora dessas?!
Liliana said at 7:39 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Ya te felicité antes por las clases... Estas fotos muestran el "level" aurélico (perdón., áulico) del curso... No sé qué decir de todo lo técnico... Extraño otras fotos, otras tomas, otras iglesias, ¿será tanto modernismo frente a las "igrejinhas" mineiras más recientes...?
Jigs said at 11:17 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
Yours is an amazing inch, Eduardo! (speaking, of course, in reference to what you wrote: But if "one mile begins with one inch" then my first inch has already been walked.) These initial photographs you've taken resulting from what you've learned from the basics are all outstanding, brilliant, wonderful. As always, you prove what a tremendous talent you are and that you have an exceptional vision and sense of composition. Now with you becoming proficient in all the technical aspects of real photography, I have no doubt you will transform into the true master!
Abking said at 11:31 p.m. on Oct 26, 2008:
These are beautiful. You're a fast learner. Don't let too much tech stuff bring you down.
Clydo said at 3:36 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Eduardo, these are wonderful well thought out images! As everyone says, you've GOT the eye. Don't ever worry about your spoilage rate or the photos that did not turn out right. I've read somewhere that pros usually select 10% of their pictures as 'good' and 'sellable' pictures. Having said that, your pictures are amazing given that these images are from only your second lesson. truly great photographers can "see" an image even before it is taken and you've proven that to all of us here that you can indeed "see" exceptional images and serve them for us to enjoy! (without even knowing the technical terms and such!) ...I'm looking on some online photog courses for myself too! BTW, were all these shots handheld?!? the last shot has an extremely slow shutter speed
Leftofcenter said at 6:28 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
and who's photos were they BEFORE the classes?
Albert_09 said at 6:33 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Las imágenes excelentes, asi como la Catedral, las vidrieras muy bonitas, la penúltima foto y la última, tienen un efecto especial.
Eduardo.affonso said at 9:08 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
ELIANE: Você está numa outra lista, tão especial quanto! Espero que vc se anime, pra gente trocar figurinha. Vou ficar metido que só vendo.

LILIANA: A escolha desta catedral foi meramente oportunista - eu estava bem em frente, às 6 da tarde, o sol se pondo. E aqueles vitrais eram tudo que eu precisava para testar as regulagens. Eu nem queria postar igrejas tão cedo...

JIGS: Salamat, salamat! You know your opinion means a lot. I had the wrong idea that I had to choose between intuition and technique. Now I know I can handle both, and one is not going to "smash" the other.

ALLAN: I once learned the word "amateur" means, literally, "the one who loves" (it's clear in Latin languages), and I've always been afraid to lose my "emotion" (or my "passion") if I had some technical support. I'm starting to relize I simply need the technique if I want to express myself (my passion, my intuition) in a better way.

CLYDO: I'll be very happy when 10% of my pics become what I expected them to. I'm just back from my 3rd class, and lots of information have been added - as well as tons of expectation. All these shots were handheld (i have a tripod, but used it only once, to take the night pics in São João Del Rey - see one of my latest tabs). In spite of the slow shutter speed, the last photo was a bit dark, then I had to made it clearer, using some editing resources. Tell me please when you find some good online photo course.

ANNELIES: The previous photos were taken with the amazing cooperation of my longtime partner, Mr. (or Ms?) Automatic Mode.

ALBERT: Gracias! This cathedral is very ugly (one of the ugliest in this galaxy) but the visual effects inside are just great.
Liliana said at 9:28 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Eduardpo, perdón por no felicitarte, parezco una aguafiestas en medio de tamtos "cumpliments"... Leí lo de la iglesia y la ocasión. Lo bueno es que, si las fotos anteriores eran buenísimas, las del futuro ¡serán mejores! Un voto de confianza para el futuro ;).
Welshchick said at 9:48 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Whoa I'm getting dizzy here...alot of stained glass action Edu! Bravo and congratulations for a gorgeous tabblo~ :^)
Eduardo.affonso said at 9:53 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Este é o problema, LILIANA: ninguém garante que as próximas fotos serão melhores. Serão apenas mais pessoais. Afinal, não se pode competir com uma máquina, né?

RHONDA: You were not the only one who felt dizzy (me too). Jus try not to scroll down too fast...
JuDeck said at 10:48 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Good for you Eduardo!....going in full manual mode can be intimidating and the rules very confusing...the main thing to do is have fun and practice, practice, practice.
Chiloedream said at 11:28 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Mon cher Edu, il faudra que je me décide aussi à aller prendre quelques leçons de photo. La plupart du temps, je shoot en automatique, pour les photos de rue, les clichés dans l'urgence. Mais quel plaisir de pouvoir jouer sur l'ouverture, la vitesse, la profondeur de champ. Avec parfois de mauvaises surprises, et aussi de très bonnes. Merci pour ces images signées vraiment Edu. On avance peu à peu vers le grand art, la motivation suprème étant de se faire plaisir, et si possible de pouvoir partager ce plaisir. Salut mon ami, merci. Thierry-chiloedream.
Chaitiamma said at 11:43 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
WOW......just 2 lessons ?!!! My Oh My...........you are a real good learner !!! Excellent photos !!!
AliDar said at 11:59 a.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Kudos Eduardo! :)
Liliana said at 1:55 p.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Serao...?
Liliana said at 1:57 p.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
¿No salen en grupo (la "turma") a sacar fotos con el profesor? Sería un buen modo de socialización y práctica juntas...
21-gramm said at 2:01 p.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
a work of great talent, Edu!
good EDU-cations!
congrat on TOD! BRAVO!!
Debdog said at 3:34 p.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
wow you got a long running TOD! ;)
Saulblum said at 5:31 p.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Congrats on ToD! It's great you want to beyond automatic and master your photos. Very nice start!
Clydo said at 6:15 p.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Congrats on your TOD Eduardo!
Snooway said at 6:47 p.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
Congrats on TOD. I've never had photography lessons, would be great to take some. Love the stained glass images, they are excellent. As everyone says, you have a great eye!
Sheila said at 7:24 p.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
they must have said it all eduardo! --- congrats on TOD! looking forward for more non-automatic tabblos... and more TODs perhaps! but please dont forget to always have fun =)
Sirnicolay said at 9:15 p.m. on Oct 27, 2008:
These are great pictures, Edu. I'm actually surprised to learn that you consider yourself to be new in photography. Many of your pictures are gorgeous already. :) I'm glad to hear that you are having fun with these lessons. I learned them on my own, with a few bits of advice from photographer friends. And congrats on TOD! :)
Anjad said at 3:25 a.m. on Oct 28, 2008:
Great shots Eduardo. Isn't it great fun to take those classes? I took some myself just over a year ago and I loved it. Now I joined a photography club where I learn a lot too. Congratulations on ToD.
Curriehouse said at 8:58 a.m. on Oct 28, 2008:
Bravo! Fantastic "first attempt" photos!
Pkeener said at 5:29 p.m. on Oct 28, 2008:
i agree with Thierry completely. And also E. and Annelies.
Pkeener said at 5:29 p.m. on Oct 28, 2008:
bracket bracket bracket
Yug said at 4:31 p.m. on Oct 29, 2008:
Really great shots. Your shots were interesting when you worked in automatic mode. These shots are much more interesting. You are completely correct that "manual" level opens a lot in photography.
PhotoPop said at 10:13 a.m. on Oct 30, 2008:
Excellent beginning, congrats on TOD.
Akeke said at 6:51 a.m. on Oct 31, 2008:
great! you'll really going to succeed!
DocEna said at 9:48 a.m. on Oct 31, 2008:
Edu, indubitavelmente you nailed it like Mike said, as fots interiores da igreja estão top quality...sucesso nas suas proximas conquistas...abraço
MichelleMc said at 3:40 p.m. on Nov 6, 2008:
Edu, love your photos and your "eye" Awesome attempt and well done results!! I would love to take some classes too.....good job and keep them coming!
DEE-Trow said at 5:37 p.m. on Dec 3, 2008:
I wish I could feel comfortable using the Manual mode. I still resort to Automatic. I have so much to learn. How exciting for you to be able to take classes. Your photography is just beautiful already. I can't even imagine how it will be after more training. I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Great first lesson Eduardo!
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