Welcome. Grab a cup of coffee. Stay a while. Learn how to use your fancy camera of yours.

how to take a picture inside in low light, without flash

By Cori Derksen | Sep 5, 2010

This picture was a quick snapshot. I didn’t want to miss the moment. My little boy was reading to his daddy in the morning. It was a story in bed and it was just so sweet. So there was no time to change the lighting. The windows were closed and that’s how they had to…

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what lens you should buy for learning manual on your camera

By Cori Derksen | Sep 3, 2010

I’ve recommended Canon’s 50mm 1.8 lens to many people who are learning how to use their camera on manual. I’ve also been asked why a 50mm lens and what’s the difference between the various 50mm lenses that canon sells? Why a 50mm? On a full frame camera (like my 5D mark II) a 50mm lens…

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last photography workshop for 2010

By Cori Derksen | Sep 2, 2010

Do you want to learn how to use your camera on manual? There are only a couple more spots left for my workshop on Saturday, September 18th. This is likely the last workshop for 2010 due to the busy fall that is approaching. So, if you’re interested sign up now or read more details about…

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your aperture and changing your focus point

By Cori Derksen | Sep 1, 2010

Remember aperture? If not, check out my definitions page. It’s the opening in your lens that allows you to do two things. One, it allows more light in and two, it controls your depth of field (how much is going to be sharply in focus in the background. These two pictures below are taken at…

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do you have specific camera questions?

By Cori Derksen | Aug 28, 2010

Do you have specific things you’d like to see on this bruises and bandaids blog? Do you have any questions or specific areas of confusion? If so, please leave a comment on this post letting me know what types of things you’d like me to cover on this blog. I would love for this to…

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shooting photos outside in open shade

By Cori Derksen | Aug 26, 2010

I blogged about this little girl’s pics previously but only when referring to the color and contrast. This time I’m going to focus on composition and my manual camera settings. These shots were taken outside in the full shade of a building wall. Full shade is the best! Especially for those who are still learning.…

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white balance

By Cori Derksen | Aug 23, 2010

Have you heard the term white balance? What is white balance? Have you ever seen pictures that appear to be too blue (“cold”) or too orange (“warm”)? The white balance is likely off. Here’s an unofficial definition of white balance from my little definitions page… White balance: Sometimes an image can look too blue or…

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photography of little children

By Cori Derksen | Aug 21, 2010

This little miss did not want to sit still, gaze silently into my camera, and smile. She didn’t quite get it. I don’t blame her either. How is she supposed to understand my goals and what I’m trying to create as an end result. Really? No. That’s not how it works with kids. Especially one…

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how to take a family portrait on a bright sunny day…

By Cori Derksen | Aug 19, 2010

It’s a bright sunny morning, 10:00am with the lovely bright summer sun. So, how do you take a photograph of a family outdoors without having everything blown out super bright and leaving way too many dark circles under everyone’s eyes? Well, here’s one shot that’s in the sun, not shade and here are my settings.…

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