Photography 101

On September 14, we kicked off our new year of Relief Society Meetings with a record keeping and photography workshop, followed by a luncheon. With almost 40 sisters in attendance, this Tuesday morning was full of useful information and new skills, delicious food and most importantly love and friendship.

Debbie Marcantano began our meeting with a devotional. She reminded us that family record keeping has been taking place all the way back to Bible times. She encouraged us to keep written records and use them as a resource. We can refer back to our records to reflect on different paths we have taken and how we have been guided by the spirit.

Camille Ebert introduced the photography section of our meeting. She described her evolution as a photographer and demonstrated two tips she often uses:

Depth of Field: This technique allows the subjects in photographs to be crisp while the background is blurry. This is technique is accomplished by moving far away from a subject and zooming in on it.

Panning: This technique helps keep a moving object crisp and focused. In order to accomplish this, the photographer focuses on a moving object, such as an athlete, and then keeps the object in the frame of the camera while moving the camera along with the object. The photographer then snaps the photograph.

Heather Kearns led a workshop entitled "Exposing New England: Lenses and Lighting". Heather did a fantastic job explaining how a camera works and how to make it work for you. Her favorite tips that can be accomplished on any camera are:

Stand with the sun at your back and the light of the sun falling on your subject.

Focus on the eyes! Look for “catch light.”

Prettiest light is 2 hours before sunset. This creates warmer pictures!

In the middle of the day take pictures indoors by a large window or in the shade.

A black sheet and a table set next to a large window makes a perfect studio.

If your picture is too dark, lighten it up with photo editing!

Lindsey Larsen taught the workshop, "Telling a Story with your Camera".

Her tips regarding general photography are:

Turn off your flash when you can

Use shade and avoid overhead light

Get close

Know when to put your camera down and enjoy the moment

Use a tripod when you have limited light

Get down, don't always take a picture from your perspective

Capture a moment, shoot candid shots

Capture the details, colors, textures, shapes, people, and landscapes.

Take different styles of photographs: close-up/full body, details/wide shots, candid/posing

We ended the morning with a luncheon of almond punch, American salad, assorted breads, lemon bars, caramel brownies and gingersnaps. Photographs from our own sisters graced the tables and our sisters' personal and family records were on display. We enjoyed each other's company, with many sisters staying into the early afternoon to visit. We are already looking forward to our next activity.