Life isn't automatic

 I was so excited to go to my Digital Photography class today. I prepared a little and for the first time ever I took some pictures in manual mode this weekend! Yes it was scary at first and until recently I've completely avoided using the manual settings as I really didn't understand what ISO or f/stop are supposed to be used for. My husband considerately gave me "A Guide to Canon EOS 80D" and I even downloaded the exceptionally huge user manual for my new camera, about a year ago, but it was too overwhelming, so I carried on using the Auto settings and sometimes I was lucky, but life isn't always about luck. It really isn't something we can always hope for or rely upon. Sometimes we have to prepare and make an effort if we are to change our dreams into goals.

​So here I am working on my first assignment. I need to choose somewhere to go on a "Walkabout" and take pictures of anything that sparks an interest. This weekend was beautiful so I took my two children to Smith Creek Park on Saturday and yesterday we decided to go to Airlie Gardens. Both are amazing places to take pictures and there are some perfect backdrops. I also need to take a picture of something that "stops me in my tracks" and thanks to my children this happened frequently, "Mom, come over here! You have to see this. This is the best fungus ever!" Or my daughter would find the perfect place for a portrait, "Mom! Take a picture of me here please". There will probably be many more pictures of my daughter but that's because she loves to be photographed - that wasn't always the case so I am making the most of it. My son is not so keen so if there are any pictures of him it's because I actually managed to persuade him to stay still and smile! I will continue to use the fastest exposure available when I photograph him otherwise he just won't stay still long enough.

All the pictures I've uploaded to my Gallery were taken this weekend using Manual settings (definitely a first) and then I edited using Lightroom. I know it's very early days but let me know what you think. Resisting the urge to use the Auto button was scary at first but I am so glad I did. 
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