Weekly Photo Challenge: State of Mind

I haven’t taken a class — not a real one with homework, at least — in oh, about 30 years.  So, you can imagine my state of mind this weekend as I attempted to satisfy the requirements of a non-credit photography class.  That’s right — a person who didn’t know an ISO from a White Balance is attempting to improve her picture-taking just a wee bit. In over my head?  Possibly. At the least feeling a bit frazzled and frustrated.

So, here’s one assignment I worked on this weekend: Take a variety of pictures to demonstrate line, shape, form, texture, and luminance.  Here’s what I’ve gotten so far.

Line

Lines in an old rush chairseat

Lines converge in an old rush chair seat.

Shape

The shape of a weathered, old buoy.

The shape of a weathered, old buoy.

Form

Always recognizable -- the form of a conch shell

Always recognizable — the form of a conch shell

Texture

A weathered birdhouse ready for new residents.

A weathered birdhouse ready for new residents.

Luminance

Bathroom towels welcoming the sun.

Bathroom towels welcoming the sun.

Not bad for a start.  But oh, how I wish I knew PhotoShop!  Maybe next semester.

For more entries in the Weekly Photo Challenge: State of Mind, click here.

31 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge: State of Mind

  1. anotherday2paradise

    Wonderful shots, Rusha. I just point and shoot, so maybe one day I’ll get around to doing a course too. I’m sure there is so much to learn. 🙂

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      There absolutely is a lot to learn. I’ve tried using Manual only, but it’s not easy. I take a picture, look at it, adjust the light, etc. But it takes time. I’m hoping I get better soon, because I just may revert to using Automatic!! Thanks for your comment.

      1. anotherday2paradise

        One day when I really have some spare time, I’ll get down to reading the thick manual which came with our camera. At the moment, I haven’t the faintest idea which of the multitude of packing boxes it’s in. 🙂

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much, Regina. It was fun having a directive and then finding something to go with the theme. I’m not there yet, but working on this photography thing.

  2. doublewhirler

    These are lovely and hit each theme perfectly! Photoshop will never give you a better eye for subject and composition. We think you nailed it!!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Oh, my. Your remarks have made my day. I’m working at the craft of photography, but I have much to learn. And watching what you produce fascinates me.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much, Amy. Your comments are always appreciated, especially since I’m one of your biggest fans. Your photography is always sharp and interesting.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      I’ve thought about taking a follow-up course led by my current instructor on PhotoShop. But sometimes I get so buried in keeping the current photos organized, I’m not sure how I would find time for one more wrinkle in the whole photography thing. I’m pondering what to do next! Thanks for joining the discussion!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks, Sue. I hope to take more classes — not just photography — in retirement. You know what they say: Never too old to learn!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks, Judy. I live in fear that the instructor will shine my photo on the screen and all will have at ’em. Oh, well. That’s how you learn!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much. I’m an ex-teacher, too. But now I’m finding out how kids feel when their work is critiqued. It’s a bit daunting, I must say. Appreciate your comments.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Coming from you, Linda, that means a lot. I’m working hard on this but very frustrated. Sometimes I just don’t “get” what I’m supposed to be doing. Oh, well. Read the manual!!!

  3. Pingback: WPC: State of Mind (From The Eye) | Chris Breebaart Photography / What's (in) the picture?

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks for that comment. It’s one I’ve had for a long time, and since my guest bedroom is kinda beachy it’s in there. Was an easy subject to find!

  4. SueBee and Kat

    I’m glad not to be the only one frazzled by photography classes after all these years! I think you’re doing very well! Great job!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Somehow I think I’ll be learning a long, long time. Photography can be fairly complicated, and I’m used to using the Green A button!!! But practice should make — well, a bit better. Probably never perfect.

  5. Dawn

    These are good. What would you change if you knew photoshop? Do you have it on your computer? You can play with it without knowing much. I always save the edited photos by labeling them as edited so that I keep the original. But these are good as is. I don’t know how to white balance either, I know what ISO is, but not how to change it on my camera. So I sympathize with you!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Dawn, I’m not sure what I would change with PhotoShop, because I know so little about it. But my instructor is teaching the course next term. It’s tempting to take it. Of course, I have to shell out for the software. Thinking about it.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much. I had to take pics around my home — too cold to roam around much. So I’m glad I keep a lot of stuff here!! Have a good weekend.

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