Attending the Heritage Hills Historical Park annual Victorian Christmas has become a tradition for us. Continue reading
A Christmas Tradition
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Category Archives: Travels
Scooter Club Christmas Party
Last night we attended our scooter club’s Christmas Party. I took this photo while we were there. I thought these candles were gorgeous Continue reading
Touring Kolob Canyons-Zion National Park
Even though today was a rainy day, we went for a drive with good friends and toured Kolob Canyons, which is in the more isolated northwestern section of Zion National Park. This section is less crowded than the main canyon, but as you can see in the above photo, there are spectacular views there as well.
I started photographing in color, but quickly changed back to monochrome. I really do like the look.
Later, back in Virgin Utah, where we are staying, I photographed this replica of a mining company. I was fascinated and took the photo below of the water sluice that was part of the display.
This is my third day taking photographs in monochrome and I’m still enjoying it, which surprises me, because generally I love bright colors. Tomorrow we are going to tour Zion National Park, and because of the red rock and blue skies, I will probably switch over to color. I’ll make that decision tomorrow when we reach the park.
Monochrome Photography
I took this monochrome photo today, as we drove back to our camp ground. We are spending a few days in southern Utah, RVing in our 5th Wheel trailer. While studying my digital camera and the manual, I learned how to photograph in monochrome and decided that today I would use this setting for all photos.
The mountains in the far distance are part of Zion National Park. I get goose bumps just looking at this photo. Zion seems even more mystical in monochrome. These photos make me feel like I’m looking at photographs taken in the 1950s.
We made a stop at the local hardware shop, and if it wasn’t for the modern car, again I’d think I was looking at the 50’s
This last photo is of my camera case resting on my lap. My jeans are dark blue and the case is chartreuse. It’s amazing how the monochrome setting works. I have a feeling I’ll stay in this particular setting for at least another day, and then on to Sepia, I think.
Learning to Use my Lumix Digital Camera
Above you see my Lumix DMC-ZS40 Digital Camera by Panasonic. I bought this camera last year when I started my Plum Bird Corner blog. Photos are a large part of a blog, and I knew I’d need a camera that I could use for close up photography and distance shots as well. I was taking a photography class at the time and my instructor recommended the Lumix as a camera that would fit my needs. One of the advantages of this camera over my last one, is that the Lumix has both a view finder and a monitor display. You can see both on the photo below. I usually use the monitor, because it shows me exactly what I will see in the recorded photograph. If I’m taking photographs on a very bright day, it’s not always easy to see what is displayed on the monitor, so in this instance I use the view finder which can be adjusted to suit my vision.
I’ve been very happy with my purchase, but today while looking at the manual, I realized that the Lumix does so much more than simple basics. I decided right then and there, to start from the beginning of the manual and really get to know my digital camera.
Today I started by learning to use the Intelligent Auto Mode or the iA Mode. In this mode the camera optimizes settings to match the subject and recording environment. It’s recommended for beginners, or if you’re in a situation where you want to be ready to take a photo quickly, without making adjustments to focus and exposure. Below you see two photos that I took in iA mode. By the way, all digital cameras have a fully automatic mode.
I’m very happy with this photo of our hibiscus. All I did was point and shoot. The camera did the rest. Next I photographed two pieces of ceramic green ware that I’m currently working on. Once more the camera did the work. I simply had to frame the image and press the shutter button..
I’m really looking forward to working my way through the manual and learning all there is to know about my Lumix DMCZS40. I’m hoping you’ll follow along with me as I learn and share. Perhaps you might learn something new and helpful about digital photography as well. I’d love to hear if you do.