By Don Backman
It is useful to look back over your work periodically to determine what you like about it, what you don’t care for, and have an idea for how to improve going forward. The end of the year provides a good opportunity for this. I’ve put together 12 photos — roughly one per month — that I kind of like. These aren’t necessarily the ones with the most likes or comments. There is just something about them.
One represents my first ever bighorn sheep photos. Another represents a foray into Milky Way photography.
One thing they have in common is they were shot when I was shooting just for me, just for the craft of photography. Another part of this discovery is that while there were countless photographs taken, most were taken for other reasons or for other people. That is something I need to fix. It’s time to get out more and do my own thing. That isn’t to say that the other photography wasn’t enjoyable, it’s just that it is a different type of creativity.
Looking back over the accumulated photoshoots, it’s easy to see that doing this same exercise in a couple of hours, or even tomorrow, might yield different results. Most of these involved doing something new or different, pushing myself in some way. Learning new things.
I hope you enjoy them.
Don’s photos are available at SeaQuest Treasures in Rockaway Beach, or go to www.donbackmanphoto.com
DID YOU KNOW … Don Backman teaches photography classes at Tillamook Bay Community College? And if you follow him on social media (Facebook), he gives mini-photo lessons as he shares his amazing views while out and about Tillamook County (and other places, too!)
Here are the details for his TBCC Class that starts in January.
Get a new camera for Christmas? Do you have one sitting on a shelf or in a bag that you have been meaning to learn to use? Want to learn photography basics and have been waiting for an opportunity? Tired of using auto mode? Or have you been shooting and just want to brush up your skills?
You are in luck. Understanding Exposure, a two-part class for beginners, is starting winter term at TBCC. The first class is January 8th at 6:00 PM. This class is for anyone in Tillamook County and even from outside the county.
This is a true beginner’s class that starts out with turning your camera on. The only prerequisite is to have a digital camera that allows manual control. Interchangeable lens cameras such as DSLR’s and Mirrorless cameras will work best. Although some folks with fixed lens cameras (super zooms, in particular) have taken the class with success.
You will learn the basic controls that you need to successfully take creative control of your camera. The exposure triangle is the heart of photography. You will learn what it is and how to manipulate the components to create the exposures that you want, not what the camera’s computer brain thinks is right (it rarely is). You’ll learn how to get the best out of your lens and how to manipulate depth of field to creatively apply focus.
This class will feature practicing shooting in class. Of course, out of class practice is a great idea. Be sure to read the catalog description.
You can sign up by calling TBCC, registering online, or in person at the college. TBCC may have a few cameras available for students to check out.
You can contact me with questions at donbackman@mail.tillamookbaycc.edu
