SUNDAY SHOOT IN THE GARDEN

Testing out my Canon D100 in the garden

Today was such a beautiful day, if chilly as soon as the sun hid behind a cloud. Daddy Long Legs and I took advantage of Caspian’s afternoon nap to get some things done in the garden. And by that I mean Daddy Long Legs actually doing proper gardening while yours truly was prancing around taking pretty pictures.

I’ve had my Canon D100 since Christmas 2014. It was basically the only thing on my list that year, so I really didn’t give Daddy Long Legs much choice. But I had always wanted a good camera, and with Caspian due to arrive less than a couple of months later, it seemed the perfect thing to wish for. It has been my trusted companion ever since.

Though for the first year I got by using the standard 18-55 mm lens that came with the Canon and simply clicking the camera to auto focus most of the time. I did occasionally experiment with the portrait, landscape and movement function and managed to capture some descent shots. But I wanted more. I wanted a better lens and I was keen to hone my skills.

Beautiful spring unfolding

My two favourite subjects are flowers/nature and children. Earlier this year a friend of friend even asked me to be the official photographer at her son’s 1st birthday party after seeing my photos of Caspian here on the blog. It was great fun and, of course, a challenge, as I know my boy so well and can anticipate his moves, but I loved shooting all the kids there and capturing their excitement and glee.

For Christmas Daddy Long Legs got me the much desired bigger lens, though we didn’t actually buy it until we went to Gibraltar in February. There are lots of shops selling camera equipment there and we got an excellent deal on a Sigma lens after a bit of bargaining. The main difference between a Canon and a Sigma lens is that the latter is made of glass. I’m no expert but I can definitely see a big difference in the quality of my photos. The new lens ranges from 18 to 250 mm as well so I can keep my distance and still get a good shot. Which is great when you want to capture your toddler exploring the world without popping a lens in their face and distracting them.

One of my blogging goals for this year has been to improve my photography by utilizing the manual function more and not relying on the inbuilt functions, however clever they may be. With an intelligent camera like that most people can take a good shot. So while Daddy Long Legs were climbing step ladders (with his height you would think he didn’t need them) and pruning hedges and Caspian was kipping, I exercised my camera skills.

Here are the results as I played around with lights and focused in on Spring unfolding in our garden. I would love to hear what you think?

scandimummy_flowers_shot_with_canon

Gorgeous flowers from our garden shot with my Canon D100 and Sigma lens

Coming from an acting background and having been in front of the camera for years I’m really enjoying the creative control photography gives me. In our world we are however always told not to work with animals and children. The latter is a bit hard to avoid for a parent blogger, and with a furry loving little man I can’t seem to escape the animals either. As long as he doesn’t suddenly grow fond of bugs and spiders I think I’ll be okay.

What I did realise today was, that it’s a lot easier shooting beautiful flowers and blossoming threes than trying to catch a cat and a Caspian. Especially in the same shot. Though I’m still pretty happy with the results. You might have noticed Cubby, the neighbour’s cat, in my Magic Moment post this week? She comes to visit most days and Caspian lights up when he sees her.

Caspian and the neighbour's cat playing in the garden

Do you enjoy photography? Any tips to share?

This Mum's Life

 

My Petit Canard

 

snowingindoors


Run Jump Scrap!

20 thoughts on “SUNDAY SHOOT IN THE GARDEN

  1. Gorgeous, gorgeous pictures. I am a bit frustrated photographer and I must admit I have 2 nikon cameras, various lenses and I now have an Olympus too… If I don’t stop myself I will buy every single camera / lense going!

  2. Wow what gorgeous photos. I treated myself to a sony camera a while ago, nothing on the scale os dslr’s but I’m pretty pleased with the results. Your photos are so crisp, I think it’s fab when you can take good shots. Thanks for linking up #bestandworst

  3. Your pictures are stunning! I wouldn’t know what to do with an actual camera, and all the images of my tots are generally blurred and of the back of their heads as they’ve generally got bored and run off. These are brilliant!
    #bestandworst

    1. Thank you so much. Yes, I’m sure I’m set to run out of Caspian wanting to pose for a picture, so snapping away while I can. Plus taking a lot of photos generally mean that one or two will turn out as I hoped.

      Nadia – ScandiMummy x

    1. Thank you, Sarah. It’s all down to Daddy Long Legs, I could kill a plastic cactus given half a chance, so I stick with taking the photos 🙂

      Nadia – ScandiMummy x

  4. Totally gorgeous shots and I feel the same! I never had an interest in photography until I had children and now I’m constantly trying to improve. I think children are a fantastic way of getting better at it as it’s difficult when they’re constantly on the move, but the outcome can really be so worth it. Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays. Kaye xo

  5. Oh what stunning photos! You are very good. I love taking photos too and flowers and the kids are also my main sublects. I have a dslr but take 90% of my pics on my mobile because by the time I’ve faffed around with the camera, they have moved, whereas my mobile is always there! I need to change this! Thanks for linking up! #bigpinklink

    1. I know what you mean. It takes more effort to get the camera out and set up, so for every day moments I tend to use my phone too. Thank you lovely.

      Nadia – ScandiMummy x

  6. These are beautiful. I am so rubbish at photography and it’s something I’d love to be better at. Your new lens sounds snazzy. I really like the way you talk about your photography as well…the fact it gives you a creative outlet #bigpinklink

  7. Gorgeous photos! I’m trying to learn more about photography too and move away from my reliance on the auto mode. I think it’s fair to say that your results are far better than my efforts though! I feel your pain on photographing children though – mine is far too quick for me! #bigpinklink

    1. Thanks. I know they are so fast… and now that Caspian is up and walking is not easy. Might still have to use the auto mode for capturing him 🙂

      Nadia – ScandiMummy x

Comments are closed.