Exposure

Peace.
When I first started using my Canon Rebel, I shot everything in auto or aperture priority. After several weeks of shooting in auto mode, I began to question my decision to spend money on the new camera. The reason I wanted to upgrade from my point and shoot digital camera to a DSLR in the first place was because I wanted to have more creative control over the pictures that I took.
However, I was overwhelmed with all of the features and buttons and OH MY GOD APERTURE WHAT? ISO THE HELL? I mean, I knew what “exposure” meant and that it was “very important.” (Lighting is EVERYTHING!) But I didn’t know how apature/iso/speed all worked together. And anything I would read about it would make me cry a little because TOO MUCH INFORMATION. BRAIN JUST DIED A LITTLE.
I began to ask my brother in law, who is an incredibly talented photographter, some questions and he did his best to help me understand what it all meant. And as he would tell me, I’d be all “Ohh, I get it!” But the next day, I’d be all “wait, low light needs higher f-stop or is it the other way around and ISO is for what again?” For some reason, all of the information just wasn’t clicking.
But I was determined to shoot in manual. I was determined to learn how it all worked because a) creative control! b) I HATE FLASH.
Then, one day a friend suggested that I buy a book titled Understanding Exposure. I ordered it on Amazon that day.
I’ve not shot in “automode” since reading that book. The way that the author breaks it all down was perfect for my delicate little brain. It may not be “the best” book out there about exposure and how it all works, but it’s definitely been the most helpful to ME.
Here’s an example:
Just before I left for NYC last April, I read the chapter on “panning.” I had never heard of panning, nor did I ever think I’d need to know how to take a panning shot.
The last night of our stay in NYC, we decided to take a late night walk to Times Square. As we were waiting for the light to change so we could cross the street, I noticed the taxi cabs racing by us. And then I thought. “speeding cabs, bright lights in the background. OMG PANNING!” And so I tried the technique that I had read about in Understanding Exposure.
This was the result:
Taxi in motion
Awesome, yes?
Yes.
I recently decided that I want to learn more and felt that another camera upgrade was in order. So, I sold my rebel and a lens that I loved very much. (Because it took shots like this) With that money, I was able to purchase a Canon 40d. I am more inspired than ever to learn more about photography. I want to see how far I can go with something that I may not be the best at, but love with a passion.
Now, because I love this book and because I love the people who are still reading my blawwg, I’d like to give away one copy of Understanding Exposure. I will purchase the book from Amazon and immediately ship to the winner. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post. That’s it. I would love if your comment included a link to your favorite picture, taken by YOU. Just for fun! I will close comments on this entry on Friday night (tomorrow) and announce the winner shortly after (no later than Monday morning, depending on how busy the weekend is.)
Comments are now closed. Thank you for the links to your photos. Will keep looking at them over the weekend.
xo

175 thoughts on “Exposure”

  2. Valette

    I love, love, love shooting with an off-camera flash. Really, it’s so awesome. But I’ve forgotten how to shoot in ambient light, and would love this book to help me get re-acquainted with it.

  3. Mr Lady

    This is one of my favorites. I’ve got 4 or 5 that I can’t believe I took. 🙂
    I’m eyeballing DSLR’s as we speak, and I haven’t used a manual camera in 18 years. Even if I don’t win, I’m TOTALLY buying that book. Thanks for the recommend, baby!

  8. Z

    I always read, rarely (never?) comment… But this sounds like a great book for me! (If I don’t win it, I may just buy it… Or at least put it on my gift list for Xmas, etc!)
    As for a favorite photo, one of mine is from early on in my “trying to take GOOD photos, rather than passable ones” career – can be seen in this post:
    http://autobiographyofmyfeet.wordpress.com/2007/11/10/random-beauty-carl-shurz-park/
    the one of the orange flower… As a print, it’s hanging in my mother’s kitchen, and just seeing it there makes me happy 🙂

  9. Shell

    Oh! Very exciting! My husband bought me a fancy camera after we had so “professional” portraits done of our son that came back horribly out of focus. However I totally always shoot on auto because I don’t understand all the stuff it makes to shoot in manual! This would be lovely!

  12. Burgh Baby

    I am very, very, very slowly making my way around the dial of my Rebel. Every time I master some new setting, I’m pretty sure I forget a different one, but that’s just ol’ lady brain at work. I think my current favorite photo is the last one from this post: http://www.theburghbaby.com/2008/12/kinda-sappy-but-i-want-to-remember-it.html, which has nothing to do with it being a “good” photo, and everything to do with it being a perfect reminder of a great day.

  14. Jeannette

    I too have a Canon Rebel and it’s killing me that I can not for life of me figure out how to take a picture in manual mode. I have written it out on index cards and then I lose them. I really believe that I will not get it – ever.

  15. Tracie

    I am going through exactly what you went through. Only I am still in auto mode and completely unimpressed by the pictures I’m getting. 🙁
    I’ve read online all I can and none of it makes a bit of sense to me. I even joined a photography forum with a daily newsletter that I read daily even though I am not ‘getting it’. I’ve been too chicken to come out and ask for help on the forum. lol

  16. Candace K

    Oh, me, please! I have a digital rebel as well, and I’ve been having a heck of a time understanding just what you were. Maybe if I win my pictures won’t suck on my cruise in May 🙂

  21. Chel

    Wow, I’m really excited about this drawing. I would love to learn to shoot without using the flash. Thank you

  22. Melissa McCormick

    I’d love to have a copy of the book. I got a fancy DSLR for Christmas. My parents got it for us because we had our first baby 2 days before Christmas. Like you were, mine is still on auto!!!

  24. Amy

    You sound exactly like me right now. I KNOW my camera can do more than I’m doing with it and I’ve even read about panning. But no dice so far. I’m bookmarking that book in case I don’t win!

  27. Amanda Brown

    I have always admired your photography. About a year ago I got an old Rebel and I ONLY shoot in manual when outdoors. I totally suck and take a LOT of bad pictures, but a friend explained aperture and shutter speed to me and I have enjoyed tinkering around with the little knowledge I do have.
    I could totally use that book though, and take that knowledge to the next level.
    Here are some of my favourite pics of my girls:
    http://kickyboots.com/?p=1576

  28. pixiemama

    omg – too many comments to even hope, but here i am hoping anyway. i have a new camera and a deep need to learn how to use it…

  30. Kay

    I’m just getting my old Nikon (35mm) back from its extended visit to my sister – and realize I’ve forgotten everything I ever learned in photography class since I went digital/point and shoot. I’d love to get back into it, so I could actually get some pics online to share 🙂

  34. Lisa

    I have been wanting to play with my camera more creatively since losing my job two months ago. I found it funny that employees at a very helpful store told me it was an antique at only four years of age. Sigh, technology…

  35. Kelly

    OMG, I totally need this book! I have a Rebel and I have no clue what to do with it!
    (Longtime lurker on your blawg. Love your writing!)
    🙂

  37. Jessica

    I’ve had an SLR for over a year now and since I just had a baby, I’ve been using it more and as I develope the pictures I’m noticing that there is something decidedly off with the color, exposure, focus. I have no idea what I’m doing! And like you, the books just confuse me.

  40. Melody

    That sounds like an awesome book! So many times I have told my husband (who bought me my Nikon for Christmas, my dream camera) that I am just not smart enough for this camera. But I am slowly (oh how slow) figuring it out- in full daylight anyway. Dim light is another story, but we’ll get there.
    Anyway, one of my very favorite shots ever is http://allmysweets.blogspot.com/2009/03/sandy-blossoms.html And it was SOOC which makes me even happier. 🙂

  46. Tina

    Last summer I got a similar camera to you. I have resolved this summer, when I’m not as busy, I’m taking classes (offered FREE by the camera shop)-b/c like you said, crazy to have such a camera and do everything on Auto. You’re such an inspiration to me! LOVE your pictures, and have put the book on my wish list (in case I don’t win). 🙂
    Here are a few of my favorite–first and last one on this post:
    http://www.the-miles.org/2008/09/25/beautiful-day-2/

  47. divrchk

    I want a new camera but my husband wants my old Canon Rebel (the first DSLR made) so I went through my jewelry box and found a good, honest jeweler and sold a ton of gold jewelry that I will never wear again. So far I have about $800 towards my new baby – I want the Canon 50D. This is one of my favorites… http://www.flickr.com/photos/divrchk/1505951566/

  51. Nicki

    Oh geez, I have no favorite picture. I’m frustrated all the time with my little D40x and can not wait until I can upgrade to something without so much noise and which also supports auto-focus on all lenses. I suck at the manual focus, no doubt about it.
    Here’s a picture I shot recently that made me not want to throw my camera in the river. I wish I could say the same for the bajillion I’ve shot since.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/addymai/3379518914/

  52. Lesley

    Oooh pick me! I suffer from delicate brain-us interruptus! I have a Sony that I am desperately trying to learn how to use, but am utterl overwhelmed. *sigh*

  53. jess

    I unfortunately took most of my pictures offline a long time ago and my hard drive crashed, but I’ll have to do more uploading now that I have my new camera. Thanks for the book recommendation. I’m definitely going to have to look into it.

  54. the new girl

    I like how you described the feeling you get when you read about photography in the book/manual. I feel the same way.
    I took photography in college–a HUNDRED YEARS AGO on a manual camera that had, like, FILM in it, that I had to PROCESS in a DARKROOM. I got a canon rebel for christmas and it’s just a WHOLE DIFFERENT ANIMAL.
    Your photos are AWESOME, THOUGH.

  56. Liz

    this would be fantastic! the instruction booklet that came with my rebel gives me a headache and i don’t have time to read it with a 10 month old baby, 3 dogs and 2 cats. i like books that make things easy to understand!

  57. Mel

    I can’t link to a picture because I’m not the photographer in the family. BUT!!!!! My husband is! I’m always telling him about different websites I find about photography. He’s really good when it works, and really bad when it doesn’t. For me to be able to give him this book would be awesome. I’ll even throw in a bribe that if I win, I’ll send you a money order to cover the cost of the book!!! And if I don’t win, I guess I’ll just order him the book my self, but how awesome to tell him that I “won” it? Anyway, love your pics, love your blog! Just a lurker that “de-lurked”.

  59. Jo

    I’ve enjoyed watching your photography skills develop – looking forward to what you can do with the new Canon. I went to a DSLR almost a year ago – still learning the ropes too. Sounds like a book I should check out.
    I’m never good at picking favorites but I’ll choose this one because I LOVE long exposure night photography.

  60. alimomof3

    I have a Rebel and I shoot most things in auto mode. If I mix it up, I just profile or mountain (see, I don’t even know the names, just that they are for close up or far away). I too get confused by instructions. So, if I don’t win your awesome give away, I might just have to order that book myself (or at least request it from my library). I take pics of my 3 boys all the time, but I don’t have a blog or Flicker account. If you “friend” me on fb I would totally squeal like a little girl, then you can check out my photos.

  65. Beth

    I would love to win this book! I am into photgraphy as well…you can check out some of my pix on my blog!!!

  67. Jenny

    I would looooooove to read this book. And honestly, your stuff has gotten so good that even if I don’t win, I have to have it!
    I can’t pick a favorite picture … I had a falling out with photography… I’m just starting to get back into it … and want to learn as much as I can!

  68. Erin G

    This is me exactly! I have had a DSLR for a little over a year and I have yet to figure it all out…

  72. Shelley

    I don’t even have a favorite picture, because all I ever use is auto mode, and my pictures suck royally. My camera does have a manual mode, but I don’t even BEGIN to know the first thing about it, so a book about it would be great!
    Thanks for the advice, I may pick up this book anyway, after the contest, i would like to see that stuff easily explained!! 🙂
    SM

  74. yla

    I want this book. Not for me but my husband. He wants to take pictures so badly and I know he feels just like you did. I’ll wait to see if I win, and then if I have to I’ll buy it myself

  76. Diana

    I bought a Powershot last year, which is great for it’s portability, but I usually shoot on auto, and I get so frustrated with myself!

  78. Mandy

    I got a DSLR for Christmas and was just at the library the other day trying to find a book that would teach me something useful. No luck.
    Thanks for the recommendation on the book.

  79. Kat

    I think I’ll just order the book myself because my pics are truly the suck but I so love taking pictures, I so want to be better at it, but right now, still using a point and shoot using the auto settings.
    I understand NONE of it but every time I see your pics, pics by Robyn and others, I want so much to be able to do that.
    I love the taxi pic, and all of your pics of Gabby just make me smile and want to be able to do that.
    I think it’s wonderful of you to want to help others understand photography.

  80. mandy

    I don’t want to win, just wanted to let you know I was here. 🙂 hi.
    I want to add you on facebook, but I don’t know your info..:(

  81. kathryn

    I wish I could send you a link, Y. I wish I too could be proud of the pictures I take… I’ve been following your progress with photography, and wow. You have some talent! Thanks for sharing your hard-won advice with us!

  82. Jennifer

    Oh my gosh, do I ever need this book! I have a new Nikon D-80 collecting dust in the corner and am shooting with a point and shoot Canon 770 (great camera, but I want to grow in photography). I’ve become so frustrated that I’m planning on selling the D-80 and everyone is all, “Nooo! Don’t give up!”. But I swear, I am a camera idiot and am so frustrated at the way the pics come out on the D-80 vs. the 770, that I’ve all but given up.
    If you MUST have us pick a favorite of ours, here’s one of my very first attempts at my D-80 and a very poor first attempt at Photoshopping:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/23926071@N00/2908363568/in/photostream/
    Here’s my favorite of yours, Y: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joyunexpectedcom/2628815074/
    I’ve been following your blog since before you even got the Rebel and even back then you were one of my favorite photographers. (I know that sounds like kissing up, but it’s the honest truth.)
    Thank you, Y for offering this.

  83. mrsgryphon

    I don’t comment often, but wanted to say that I’ve been following you and your photography journey for a long time… and I love hearing that you’ve decided to take it more seriously and see where it takes you!! You have so many beautiful, creative photos in your past, I’m sure we’ll be treated to many, many more!
    As for me, I got my first dSLR last spring and have been fumbling along on Shutter or aperture priority ever since (I refuse to use auto – am stubborn!)… this is one of my favourites http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsgryphon/2603609790/.

  84. Michele

    That looks like an excellent book.
    I got a DSLR for Christmas and have been trying to experiment, but really have no clue what the heck I am doing! I hate the flash too – some people swear by it – not me. I would love to figure out how to shoot better in low light situations without having to use the flash. My kids flinch whenever they see the dang thing pop up! LOL I tend to keep it on no flash and deal with whatever I get.

  89. Nicole B.

    I don’t have a picture to take because mine aren’t that great at all. I would love to have this book so I can take awesome pictures. Thanks, Nicole

  90. txskatemom

    Cool — I loved that taxi shot back when you originally posted it. I haven’t taken as many photos as I used to since I started traveling, but I always do a spring photo shoot with the boys. This is one of my favorites:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/ccervant/442818305/
    I have a Nikon DSLR that I love but haven’t played with enough. Maybe I’ll get the book even if I don’t win!

  93. Julia

    Ooh I have wanted this book forever, but I’m just a poor college student…so count me in!! 🙂

  95. kellie

    Ack! I can’t link to a photo right now but it sounds like your brain and mine feel the same way about aperatures and ISO (I seriously cannot remember why or how I need to use the settings), so I would love the book!

  100. Kellie

    Oh my gosh – you sound just like me (except you are further along in the journey). I’ve been talking to my husband lately about how I’d like to learn more about photography. I feel like I have a smidgen of any sort of talent, but there is way more that frustrates me… I know that there is a lot that I don’t know. I take a photo and things don’t turn out right, and I don’t know what to do to make it better. Thanks for the resource recommendation. Do you have others?
    Here is my current favorite photo: http://everjoyful.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/joy-joyful-wiggles/

  105. Phoenix

    Wow!! You are really good!!! I got a new camera a couple of weeks ago because I finally want to be able to take decent pics. Its nowhere near as good as yours (though it is a Canon) but I will be able to take shots where I make the decisions – although I’ve not done much of that yet LOL However, I can, at long last, take decent shots of flowers etc and this is my first ever DOF shot 🙂
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixellsberg/3376371130/in/set-72157616032648906/

  107. Michelle

    I’m trying to figure out my fancy camera. Thanks for the book recommend. I’m going to check it out.

  108. Karen

    I just read a similar recommendation for this book yesterday and thought, “I need this”. I really do need this.

  111. Bunny

    Y, you are awesome. DOn’t enter me for the drawing because I already own the book. I wanted you to know that I am just like you, I read it and now shoot in Manual most of the time and have upgraded with camera body loans from my Dad. Your photos are amazing, great work!

  112. Veronica

    Thankyou SO MUCH.
    This bit? “When I first started using my Canon Rebel, I shot everything in auto or apature priority. After several weeks of shooting in auto mode, I began to question my decision to spend money on the new camera. The reason I wanted to upgrade from my point and shoot digital camera to a DSLR in the first place was because I wanted to have more creative control over the pictures that I took.”
    Is me all over. I think I ought to go and buy the book already because seriously, so many comments, I won’t win. Thankyou for the recommendation.

  113. Kelly

    I would love to win as I need the help. It’s that simple 🙂
    My favorite picture so far is one I took of my nephew when he was 4 days old:
    Luke

  114. Jan

    Nice Taxi photo! If I don’t win, I’m going to totally order the book! Thanks for the recommendation.

  116. Corrie

    My grandfather was an awesome photographer who rocked an old school camera. I miss him everytime I take a picture of my kids or bug my husband for a new camera, which is pretty much everyday. I know he would feel my pain. I have pretty much broken down my husband and he has given me the go to buy a new DSLR, which makes me giggle everytime I think about it. Thank you for mentioning this book, because regardless if I win or not, it’s on my list of books to buy with teh camera purchase!

  118. Miss Hope

    I have this pitiful little 6.1mp kodak that is on its last legs. My husband is retiring from the USNavy this November and hopefully getting a job that will pay more than the military does. I have been promised a camera where I can take pictures to my heart’s content. I want to know it all when it comes to taking pictures. I’m like you, though, in that most of it flies right on over my head and gets lost behind me. Very frustrating.
    I don’t have a flicker acct. but I just did a picture post of my son’s birthday.
    http://www.phopecj.blogspot.com

  119. Ang

    I love this post… and feel very much the same way as you – I’m trying to learn one function of my camera at a time, hopefully understand it completely, then move on to the next. In the end my hope is that I will master the manual setting… exposure is something I have yet to master.
    So glad I found your blog and look forward to reading more posts of this nature.
    Here is one of my favorite shots to date:
    http://365daysofhope.blogspot.com/2009/03/day-53-corks.html

  121. Andrea

    Dude! I have the same issues as you when it comes to the settings. Anytime I go out with a group someone will break it all down and while I’m there I get it. The very next day I go to do things and poof! gone. Seriously. So much of what I shoot and do is trial and error.
    And as far as one of my favorite photos…I have a lot…but this one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerachick/471725643/in/set-72157594571353129/ is one that I always go back to because I just love how it turned out so much. SOOC! And it’s simple and it’s just…I dunno. I like it. It’s one of my favs of my own.
    And now I’m wondering if I need to consider an upgrade….I’ve been using the Rebel for a few years now….hmmmm….

  122. robbin

    That book sounds perfect for my photography brain…it doesnt click for me either
    Robbin

  123. Chag

    As someone who still uses the Auto feature, I would love to see you do a weekly photography feature to explain some of the bells and whistles so we can get the most out of our cameras.

  124. ali

    i am pretty much in love with all the photos you take. and will totally be buying that book because i can’t bring myself to take my SLR off of auto.

  125. Jackie

    MY BRAIN JUST DIED A LITTLE is the greatest explanation of what happens when I try to get all this sorted out in my head. Thank you, Thank you, I so need this book! I can’t even post a picture because all I do is auto mode and I feel that is cheating somehow.

  126. lmo

    I adore your pictures . . . I purchased an SLR and have been too overwhelmed (or lazy) to navigate all of the manual settings . . . I’d love to post a pic, but need the book first! 🙂

  128. Debi

    I need this book…need! I bought a Nikon D80 as a gift to myself 2 years ago. The place I bought it from offered 2 free classes. Yay! I went and learned nothing. I always shoot in the auto mode too. The idea of actually reading the manual that came with the camera scares the bejebus out of me. We sound very similar in our attention spans involving things like this. Thanks for the heads-up about the book!

  129. Lori

    Ok, I was totally going to leave a comment before you mentioned giving away the book. I NEED this book, and may just order one. I just got a SLR (Nikon) for my journalism class that does the yearbook. They had never had a good camera. I’m not a photographer, so of course I have struggled trying to teach them. I only have about 8 kids in my class, but this book will be so helpful!
    Good for you Y…love reading your blog!!

  130. Erica

    I need this book. I have spent a small fortune on camera books and my brain melts when I try to understand what they are sayin. I have the digital rebel xti and it takes great shots, but I am scared to switch out of manual cause i get so confused. Anyway….

  132. Karen

    I am terrified of buying a DSLR ( shit I honestly don’t know what that means) hahah But I love taking pictures and really can not get creative with my point and shoot. One day I will have enough huevos to but one.

  134. Kami

    I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and your photography is an inspiration to me for sure! I’m in the same place you used to be (I have a Nikon D40), it’s a little overwhelming at first, hope I get as good as you!! Love the taxi shot 🙂

  135. NTE

    That’s an awesome shot. My brain is the same way: I think I understand it while I’m reading it, but three days later, I’m sitting there cursing my stupid point and shoot because it won’t do what I want it to do. If I don’t win this book, I’m certainly at least going to request it from my library, because I want a DSLR, but am determined to conquer ISO and F stops first, so that I can justify the expense.

  138. Jennifer

    one of my favorites – I just got a nikon d60 and just like you said, I’m scared to get it out of auto mode. What do all these symbols and buttons do?? I tried to RTFM but it just doesn’t make sense to me. Grats on the new camera!!

  139. Katie

    I love our Nikon D60, and we’re contemplating upgrading to a Nikon D90 since we love it so much!
    I love that taxi shot, very vivid colors. My hubby is taking 2 courses at our local college on portrait and landscape photography, mostly so he can take great pics of our two boys and the beautiful Idaho scenery we see daily!

  145. jennster

    i feel like i could have written this post! that book has been recommended to me more than once by multiple friends, but i’ve yet to read it… because i’ve yet to buy it!!!!! now i really want it, cause that ny pic…. AWESOME!

  148. Karla

    Y, I’ve loved your pictures since the very beginning. I especially love how you have been inspired to take beatiful pictures of your little girl. When I found out I was pregnant I went out and bought a Rebel just like the one you just sold. My son is still not born, but I’ve been learning how to use the camera in the meantime and a book would help with all the features the camera has. Anyways, here is a link to my favorite picture taken with that camera. It’s of my husband at the skate park…his natural habitat…lol
    http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3409137999_bc5fc94864_o.jpg

  151. Reesie

    Ohhhh, I need this book. I have my kids have albinism which makes them very sensitive to a flash. Every once in a while (like once a year), I’ll get lucky and get a good shot, but mostly I photograph just to have a record. I’d love for the photos I take to be more than just a snapshot of the moment.
    The only decent photo I have online is here http://strengthinournumbers.blogspot.com/2008/10/wherein-i-get-crafty.html. I like the shots of the shirts on the clothesline. Help me please!

  152. Jami Lunn

    I am saving up for a “real” camera, so in the mean time, I could be reading up on how to use the sucker once I get it. Thanks for the giveaway!

  154. Marcy

    Oh my gosh.. This is so weird..I just bought a little Nikon coolpix camera, all while lusting after a DSLR … I would not or could not justify buying a better camera, becuse I know JACK about photography…. I love photography…. but am too chicken Caca to try somthing new.
    If I win this book.. I am personally taking it as a sign that a “REAL” camera is in my future.
    Ok.. Good Catholic Girl that I am.. * cough *cough
    I am going to light a candle and pray ….lol
    Amen and Thank You Jesus.

  155. Alise

    I just bought the Canon 40D for Christmas – and I shoot weddings on the side still with film – because I AM AFRAID!! Please let me win so I can play more…

  157. Amanda

    I have cried in frustration EVERY TIME I try to read a new book on how to use my camera. I feel like a total LOSER because I cannot seem to hold any information in my head long enough to actually apply it to my preshus Nikon D40. I am tired of AUTO! *weep*

  158. Christine

    I shoot everything on auto and I hate it! I really want to understand photography more because I take a billion pictures all the time (my friends call me the “stalkerrazzi”) but 99% don’t turn out how I want them to. I think I’ve liked about 10 pictures EVER haha. anyway, this is my fav I’ve ever taken in my life… I just had a moment, I guess, because I think it’s beautiful and was exactly what I wanted: http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/38/l_c0883a812f8be8637e30074a582a931a.jpg Thanks for the contest, Y! So generous of you and even if I don’t win, I’m adding that book to my wish list 🙂

  159. Angie

    I started reading your post and I was like OMG, this is exactly how I feel. I have the Rebel XTi and am trying SO HARD to learn manual but I just can’t quite get it. I am determined to get out of the AF mode and would love to try this book. Whether I win it or not (please pick me!!), I will give this book a shot. Thank you!

  162. flybunny

    I would really like this book. My husband got me a rebel for my birthday a couple of years ago and I have done nothing fun with the camera I so love. I have read books and they might as well be written in latin and I find my eyes glazing over just thinking of it. I have signed up for classes with a local photography store but have had to cancel 2x – once because my mother had just entered hospice and I wanted to spend every minute I could with her and the most recent time, I lost my job and we just cannot afford the lessons – or even for me to buy the book.
    I would love the book so I could maybe actually use my camera as it should be instead of pretending like I know.

  163. Miss

    I’m buying this book right now. I just got a D40 and it kills me to not know how to use it.
    I absolutely love your photos and have for a LONG time. I think most of my favorites are made up of them. Cant wait to see them progress.

  164. paige

    I’m saving for a Rebel or a D40 and working the digital camera I’ve got now…and struggling with the manual settings.
    If I don’t win the book, perhaps I’ll buy it. I love your photos!

  165. Lindsay

    I have had exactly the same complaint in the past – that I just couldn’t seem to get past all the WORDS in trying to learn how to be a better photographer.
    This picture may be my favorite because of its context as opposed to its content, but it’s still pretty: Sea of Hands installation

  166. Honor

    I am SO going to get this book! I have a bunch of photography books, including ‘Photography for Dummies, and I haven’t been able to figure out a thing. Let’s hope I think like you and that this book will get through to me! I’m on my phone, so I can’t link to my favorite photo, but if you were so inclined, you could look at my facebook page (my email has my full name) and go to my photos. It’s a shot of my younger boy kneeboarding on glassy water – I caught him in perfect mirror image. So calm and sweet. Anyway, love your blawwg!

  167. ModernMom

    Sounds like a great book. I got the Canon Rebel xsi for Christmas. Have taken one 3 hour workshop but have so many unanswered questions!

  168. Pamela

    Hi Y…um, don’t know how to link. But hope you’ll still consider picking me!! Thanks! Have a great weekend.

  171. sara

    My URL links to my photoblog. I’m still learning and would love the book. I wish you wouldn’t sell yourself short – you could be doing professional photography right now.

  173. Cynthia

    Love the taxi shot! I must learn how to take pics like that with my DSLR (that I only shoot in auto). So I apparently need to have this book! 🙂

  174. angie

    I just bought myself a DSLR camera for my birthday, which was Wednesday (no, not a joke…haha) so this book would be PERFECT! Even if I don’t win, I will probably order it for myself.
    Unfortunately, I’ve not had time to take any decent pics, so I have no links to share. I hope to change that soon though!

  175. Emmy

    Can I email you the pix? I don’t know how to do do a link…and I’m lammo – no photobucket or snapfish account or flickr. It’s a pix of my youngest son’s first communion class (about 20 kids). I took it outside in the backyard of a friend’s house. The wind blew and I captured the moment – the girls’ white dresses and veils flying, girls trying to hold their hair and veils down, and the boys trying to avoid being hit by it all. The reactions are priceless!

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