Day One -Steady as we go

Page 33 from the Canon 50 D Manual

About the Lens Image Stabilizer

One thing I thought was humorous in the manual about Image Stabilizer was, "The Image Stabilizer may not be effective for excessive shaking such a on a rocking boat." This immediately made me sing, DON'T ROCK THE BOAT BABY. DON'T TIP THE BOAT OVER. Then I thought of the trusty tripod, which I don't particularly like but I always use when canoing. I have gotten terrific shots using a tripod and I know how important it is for a crisp, clear picture.

Although I know this, it is still my biggest area of weakness in photography. I don't like breaking out the tripod because it's so cumbersome. I like to be in the "moment" and a tripod makes me slow down and take time to think.

So, today I reluctantly pulled out the tripod and took it outside to the backyard for my picture of the day. I made sure that I turned off the IS on my lens and set up my shot. The sun had already begun to go behind a huge garage barn so the light wasn't that great. There is a lot of standing around waiting for the hummingbird to make an appearance and the light changes quickly so I chose to use Program Mode, setting my ISO to 500.


I've learned that when you use a tripod, it is best to turn off the IS on your lens.  This goes for panning shots with a tripod as well but don't forget to switch the IS back on after your done or you will have blurry shots.

I watched a video The Moment  It Clicks interview with Scott Kelby by PeachPit-based on book The Moment it Clicks by Joe McNally's. He shared his inspirational story of  the moment it clicked for him and they showed photograph that he had taken near Emerald Bay. Fittingly, it was a beautiful shot of a boat in the bay shot at dusk.  He said that it is "All about the light" and the most important thing he had for the day was the tripod. 
So, I've decided that I have to become one with my tripod.  We have to become the best of friends if I want that loving feeling that you get whenever you satisfyingly look at picture and say, 'ahhh perfect.'
The Nugget of the Day:  BE picky & shine like a new penny.  
Theme Song of the Day-Steady As We Go by the Dave Matthews Band

Day One- I have accepted the challenge-so the adventure begins.

I am now in the BLOGosphere in response to a challenge made by Tasra Dawson (Author and TV Show Host of Real Women Scrap) inspired by Scott Bourne-Improve your photography 300% in 365 days.  I met Scott Bourne at a photography workshop held at Mount Rainier in which I had attended through my winning entry to the Aperture Nature Photography Workshop Contest.  Scott inspired me in many ways and you'll find out here in the upcoming days as we go along through my journey here. 

You can join Tasra and take the challenge along with me by going to her  blog. 
While you are there be sure to read the inspiration behind the challenge. 

Loving challenges like I do, I have accepted and now the adventure begins!
Hope you enjoy the ride!  :-)

DAY ONE
Setting up and posting a blog has been quite a challenge in its self.  I'll post again later today after I've read my manual, looked at other photographer's work, and taken a picture.