J's Grad 2008

Just a few shots from the grad I took pictures at over the weekend. The hands are her Grandparents. I learned so much from doing the pictures....so incredibly much. It's so funny how I take everything I learn from the fantastic workshops (and personal photography advice that I have access to!!) and I try to apply it when I go to photograph events (etc.), and the lessons just end up leading me into a whole new world of learning.
I enjoyed taking these pictures so very much. They are a geniunely sweet family and it was so much fun. Things I learned......lol.....never try to sort through your pictures on your camera while at an event (I almost erased them all). A 70-300m lens may not be as essential to me as I had thought it would be. Always know that you are the photographer for the event and I must get the best shot first and then everyone else can have their chance (I know you told us this , H....lol, and if you don't follow it everyone ends up looking in different directions as there are 100 cameras on them at once. I learned sunset truely may be my favorite time to take pictures.
I learned I have to work on what to do when my pictures are back lit....(expose for longer, icrease iso speed and open the aperature.....but should I have been using a tripod if I was exposing for longer and opening the aperature????).
And I learned that I have a lot to learn still, but being to put soo much of everything I've learned into an event was incredible. It was an awesome feeling to be part of such a celebration. It was so nice to see the relief on the mother's face when I said you don't need to worry too much about snapping pictures (as she packed up her camera), you concentrate on your daughter and I'll make sure I get the good shots. It was amazing to know I was the one recording the happiness, the pride and the joy of the entire family and grad class.
I'm in love with my camera all over again!
So here are just a few shots. I have to work on a watermark and a licience before I post anymore.
:)