My Photography Journey - hope you enjoy the ride!

My husband treated me to my first DSLR camera for my birthday in 2012, it was a Canon 500d with the kit lenses. I couldn't wait to get home and start taking professional photos. This was the start of my photography journey! I quickly realised switching a camera to Auto and shooting away doesn't create professional photos. I guess it's like buying the same oven as Jamie Oliver, it doesn't mean you will be a great chef as soon as you turn it on.

For me this was a huge realisation and I started studying other photographers photos wondering how they captured the image. I then delved into Manual Mode....wow it suddenly became very overwhelming. Shutter speed, ISO, F stops, Exposure triangles, focus points. I felt like I would never understand it all. I am by no means anywhere near professional yet but I am taking it a step at a time. I spent the first year buying all the gear.....'all the gear and no idea' springs to mind! Hoping each new lens, speedlight, reflector or prop would magically improve my photographs.

As I practiced more and more I did feel I started to be limited by my 550d. I upgraded my camera to a Canon 6d. Instantly I fell in love with the low light capabilities. I also LOVE the way you can connect via Bluetooth to the camera to download them onto your phone. Even when I am shooting in RAW I can share photographs with family and friends before I edit them.

So what will 2014 bring for my photography journey?
This year I have made a New Years Resolution to not buy anymore 'gear' but to learn to use the stuff I have to it's full (fullish) potential. I'm going to concentrate on improving my photographs in camera rather than spending hours fixing mistakes whilst editing.
To do this I have joined Clickinmoms. I already adore this website and feel totally at home there. I am surrounded by professional and very talented hobbiest photographers who love capturing images of their children. They are incredible helpful and supportive. I have taken two breakout sessions by Lacey Meyers and Shalonda Chaddock. Shalonda is the photographer from Chubby Cheeks photography. Her website instantly caught my attention when I first started studying other photographers and their styles. I admired her work and was so excited when I saw she had a breakout on Clickin Moms. How amazing to be able to learn from such an experienced and talented photographer.

My next post will hopefully show what I have learned from both Lacey and Shalonda's breakout sessions.