When did your work improve the most?

I've had 3 distinct times that I remember getting that light bulb hovering over my head and saying "Oh! I get it now! WOW! This really makes all the difference!"

(This is after getting the manual settings on my camera).

[Check out my last blog if you're looking to purchase a camera.]

#1. When I figured out how to adjust focal points within the camera. 

          

 Before, I'd get pictures like this: 

See where the focus is actually on the grass, and not on the "little monkey"?

 After, I'd get pictures like this:        

The focus is exactly where I want it, on the mannequin.

It was a huge boost in confidence and feeling proud of my work. 

#2.  When I moved from my Canon Rebel XT, to my 7D. 

                 I had worked so hard with my rebel to learn everything that I possibly could. I took that thing everywhere and beat the crap out of it. Because of this, when I purchased the 7D, I was like a whole new photographer. I knew what to do, I was confident.

 Here's the last session photographed with my Rebel: 

 And here's a pic taken at my very first shoot that I ever did with my 7D: 

You can see where I still had a LONG road ahead of me but the separation of the background and sharpness in this images is a million times better than the XT. (BTW- I was an idiot. I think I pretty much came straight from the store to this shoot. I do not suggest this at all, under any circumstances! Practice first!) November of 2009

#3. When I started shooting with film, and a Large Format Camera. 

                  Somehow, I think I was always meant for this way of shooting. I am a nut for the pre production aspect of photography. I love how you MUST slow everything down. If there's only a few pieces of film, you only have a few shots to get it right. And yes, I have destroyed a couple of major shoots with getting everything wrong, but live and learn. 

This is what it looks like when you're shooting:

Salem, MA. Shooting my cemetery project for school!

And this is the final product: 

Take a step back and think about your progress. What changes can you make to learn more? What do you want to learn in the next couple months?

Everyone learns to crawl before they can run.
Do you know how to wobble?
Almost to standing?
Keep moving forward!

Scarlett J

All photos are property of Scarlett Jewel Photography. They are not to be reproduced without permission under any circumstances.