Friday, November 19, 2010

On learning a new camera.

I finally took the plunge on a digital SLR,  a Canon T2i. Today it went for its first real controlled-environment test drive.  One of the great things about working in media is that, despite being, say, a writer and/or producer, if you have a piece of technical gear in your hand and look pensive and/or reflective, or are carrying a clipboard, walkie or Sharpie, it can seem like you are performing work-related duties.

I've worked in food for a while now, and to date food samples remain one of the best parts of the job.  That means I have tasted a lot of food out there, and that in turn means that seldomly does something spring to the top of the pile of food memories.

La Dee Dahs candy, top of the pile.  Creamy, caramely, dark-chocolatey. I ate the whole box, which contains three dreamy pieces.  For reference, of fifty products I've tried recently, I've liked two well enough to inhale.  So, here's how trying to document that went...
 
 Horizon line in background.  Take 12 more photos.


 WTF is wrong with my depth of field?  Angrily take 15 more photos.

Are you f*cking kidding me?  Break fourth wall. Take photos of surroundings.


I have been here for fifteen minutes.


 Oooh.  I actually like this unintended photograph.


Fine. 65 photos later.  One barely passable photograph. Still having depth of field problems.


Take a bite in frustration.  Can't even photograph that properly.


Fine.  I've said "fine" twice. I'll keep my day job.

I have a lot to learn. But, I've been wanting an SLR for a while now, it feels like an extension of my arm and my eye even without knowing how to use the damned thing.   So, that's a good sign, right? Right?

1 comment:

  1. I have been thinking about taking the SLR plunge! Glad to know that it isn't perfect photos immediately. :) For now, I'll stick to my little point and shoot - but I know I'll be jumping into the SLR world soon!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Stay positive!