Digital Photography Flashcards and Notes

My digital camera set (purchased here) came with an instructional DVD which is basically "Digital Photography for beginners." The DVD is called "Focus Digital SLR Photography in a Snap: Jumpstart Guide." You can purchase it here if you would like. Naturally, I took some notes and screenshots while watching the film and decided to make flashcards to keep in my camera case so I can always have a reminder about ISO, aperture, depth of field, etc. when I need it. Thank God for this crappy matte photo paper I bought from Amazon. I used it to print my flashcards even though it was intended for prints. I didn't like how matte it was. A little bit of gloss would've been better than this cheap crap. Nonetheless, it was perfect for printing my flashcards.

I printed the screenshots I took on one side and then wrote my notes on the other side. There was no order to the notes or what went on the back of what image. Here are a few of the many notes I took (also in no order):

• SDXC memory cards are for massive Hi-Def pics and vids that will instantly be transferred.
• A faster read/write speed memory card is needed for shooting bursts.
• Back up your photos before formatting your memory card to your camera.
• Fine JPEG is a better quality than Basic.
• ISO: how the camera interprets a scene once its passed through the lens.
• ISO sensitivity determines how your camera will react to light.
• A fast shutter speed is good for action shots (i.e. 1/1000).
• A slow shutter speed is good for night shooting. Be sure to use a tripod.
• Aperture is the lens opening. 
• f/2 = much light is getting in.
• f/22 = less light is getting in.
• Only RAW files allow for adjustment of white balance after the photo has been taken.
• Depth of field is related to aperture and how much of the image will be in focus.
• f/1.8 = a small portion of the scene will be in focus. This is great for portraits and flowers.
• f/22 = a large amount will be in focus. This is great for landscapes.
• Fast shutter speed freezes action shots.
• Use a tripod and move the camera slowly horizontally to pan and vertically to tilt.
• Flash
• Use a pre-flash setting to close a subject's pupils and reduce red-eye.
• Turn flash completely off for shooting newborns and subject's behind glass.
• Use rear flash for motion blur effect (i.e. moving lights).
• Studio lights
• Key light dictates the position of the other studio lights.
• Fill light softens shadows and should be positioned mirrored to the key light.
• For portraits make it 1/2 as bright as the key light.
• Position the back light 45 degrees from the background in order to illuminate the subject and separate them from the background. It makes a subtle difference.
• Life hack: Use a bag of beans as a tripod if you need one.
• Wide angle lenses are good for panoramas.
• Fish eye lenses are cool for photographing animals.
• A Polarizer 77mm minimizes reflections and intensifies blues and greens.

Camera modes

• Fully auto: camera handles everything for those who are intimidated by adjusting settings.
• P(rogram): sets shutter speed and aperture; user can adjust white balance and ISO; avoid overexposing.
• AV (aperture priority): use for adjusting depth of field.
• TV (shutter priority): to stop action of a moving subject.
• M(anual): adjust shutter speed and aperture.
• AF-F: full time auto focus for a moving subject.
• Subject focus: locks focus on a moving subject.

Aperture

Depth of Field

Fast shutter speed

Low F-stop and Depth of Field

Narrow aperture and high F-stop

Shutter speed and Depth of Field

Shutter speed

Telephoto lenses

White balances

Wide aperture and low F-stop

Slow shutter speed

Artist Spotlight

Joseph Wilfrid Daleus

I know that I haven't been posting for a while. I'm slacking. However, I haven't been motivated to post and I have things going on in my personal life that have distracted me from my blog. I'm feeling a little bit of motivation and productivity today, therefore I wanted to get some posts done. This one is long overdue.

On March 19, 2015 during a week long trip to Miami, FL a group of friends and I stopped by a community called "Little Haiti." We had great food, we went to a music festival, and we toured the art gallery of Joseph Wilfrid Daleus. I was very fortunate to have met him and to converse about visual art. The experience was exhilarating, phenomenal, and inspirational. I was so blown away by his craft, artwork, and expertise. Daleus is so multi-dimensional. He is a painter, but he is also a sculptor and photographer! Amazing, right?

A 20" x 24" print on a canvas retouched with paint by him costs $300. I need to step my game up and start charging more for my work! If you want a painting by hand, he charges $25,000. Yes, you read that correctly. Twenty five thousand dollars. But here's the thing... he's THAT GOOD, he deserves to charge that much. I cannot wait until my craft improves to his level and I can charge those prices. Of course, I'll always be in my own lane... he is still something to aspire to. One of his key pieces of advise was to live a substance/toxic free life. He doesn't use oil to paint. It's toxic (and smelly... and messy). Many artists have developed asthma from oil paint use. Also, he doesn't smoke, drink, or use drugs. That kind of purity and his health is very significant to him.

Daleus has been painting for 55 years. He is a second generation Haitian artist. When I asked how many paintings he does in a span of time, he said that he does 3 paintings a year. Three! I couldn't imagine that. I feel so compelled to have at least one painting done a month or else I'm wasting my talent and not sharing with the universe. However, I can somewhat understand only doing that many paintings a year, because again... that man is talented. True creativity and a work of art takes time to create. I did a charcoal drawing of Frida Kahlo... it took days to finish. I worked at least 4 hours each day on it, too.

One of his techniques that I would like to try out one day is his method of printing a photograph on a canvas and then painting over the photograph. That is so clever and unique. I would definitely need the right photo, though, with great resolution. I don't want to try with a crappy contrasted, highly pixelated photo. It will all come with time, though. I need perfect my craft as a painter before attempting that. Another thing I admire is how he is able to create texture in some of his paintings. I regret not asking him about that. It's like one can touch the painting and feel raised edges, bumps, ridges, etc. So cool. Check out his website to see more of his work.

Picture I took outside the gallery. Daleus is standing at the door.

Jerk chicken, plantains, rice and beans, and fruit champagne from Chef Créole restaurant. So delicious!

Snow Day (overdue)

My Canon Rebel T3i finally arrived and I decided to test it out this past snow day, February 25th. I have not learned the settings of it yet, how to use it, how to set the ISO, aperture, f-stop, etc. I just went outside, turned it on, and started snapping. I still need to add the software to my computer... for some reason it's not working so I'll try adding it onto the desktop. I also need to watch the DVD that came with my camera that teaches me about how to use my Canon as well as buy the Digital Photography certification program from Groupon. Check out a few of the photos below from my snow day.

My shop is up & running!

Prints, posters, stickers, canvases, t-shirts! I'm officially selling my art here (among a couple of miscellaneous items). I'm so excited and I cannot wait to develop a following and customer base.

Creative mental eruption and overload!

For the first time in a long time, I am overwhelmed with excitement and so many ideas that I can't hold them all in. I'm going to keep many of my creative entrepreneurial ventures to myself until I can bring them into fruition--many people do not wish you well plus I don't want to share until it's finalized. However, I will say that once I receive my Canon Rebel T3i this weekend to better photograph my paintings, and once I start working on digital photography, I'm going to have plenty of art to share with you all as well as products which you can buy. I'm going to be selling a lot of wonderful stuff on my store; as of right now, I only have available for purchase some prints of a couple of paintings, prints of my film photography, and my "Blackness is not a weapon or crime" t-shirts. Do not fret, though! Like I said, more work will be featured soon and you'll be able to purchase even more awesome products. It's been a loooong time since I've been this excited and happy re: art. I hope you all continue to support, check my site, check my store, and share what I do with your social networks, family, and friends. Support a Black business woman and Black artist!

Should I sell prints?

Someone asked me if I was selling my painting of Quvenzhané Wallis‬. I'm too in love with it to sell it, plus I'm not at a place artistically where I would want to part ways with anything that I paint. However, I've seen many artists sell prints of their work and I'm definitely thinking about doing the same as soon as I find a printing service I want to use. Of course, the "gregariousali" watermark will not be on the final product.

Acrylic Paintings

Film Photography

NOT Photography, but still my art

I told you all that I would probably feature my drawings and paintings on here, didn't I? Well, I'm putting my money where my mouth is. Lately, I've been painting a lot and searching for inspiration as well as trying to figure out what my style is. In many of my paintings, I noticed that I kept pulling from a particular style that has always resonated with me and for years now, I forgot from where and I. First, let me show you some of my work and then I'll get into what has been my inspiration.

"Big Poppa"

In an effort to get back into the swing of things re: painting, I did this cartoon creation of the Notorious B.I.G. If my memory serves me correctly, I found a doodle of him on Tumblr, used it as inspiration, did my own recreation, added my own touch, and then went from there. I enjoy art and I enjoy painting, even though I don't think that I'm good at it (painting). However, for this to be the first thing that I painted in years after not doing much 2D artwork and focusing on photography, I was quite proud of the final result. Like I do with all of my art, I viewed painting this as educational. I looked at ways in which I could improve as well as reinforced the message to myself to work more on my patience. Patience as an artist makes you better and I believe it limits opportunities to slack off or not put forth your best.

"If A Tree Falls"

The next thing that I ended up painting, MONTHS after painting Notorious B.I.G. was this cute little picture, I like to call "If A Tree Falls..." Originally, I didn't have the fallen tree across the river, but I wanted to disturb the theme of repetitive vertical trees. I've only painted a perspective/horizon type picture once and that was months ago in college (pictured below). So really, I only have two types of these under my belt and I look forward to working on more and improving.

"Moon"

February--Putting in Work

"Cherub"

For Valentine's Day, I painted the above picture for my mother. She loves angels and cherubs, plus she didn't want me to buy her anything, because "She already has anything she could ever want." So, she wanted me to create something from the heart, like I used to. Therefore, I painted her a black Cherub with a quote about angels and being loved. I noticed with this painting, I stuck to a theme that is comfortable and familiar to me. A theme that I enjoy, not painting faces, painting black people, and Afros (stick with me, I'm gonna explain why I love this).

"Quvenzhané"

I cannot remember the exact day I found the inspirational image for this painting, but the day after Valentine's Day, I painted it. It is my own recreation of a photo of actress, Quvenzhané Wallis.

I was captivated with the photo of her and immediately said "I HAVE TO PAINT THIS!" That rarely happens, even though I'm OFTEN seeking means of inspiration and motivation to paint, because my creativity seems to be depleted, lately. I enjoyed painting this the most. Particularly, because when it came to the shirt, I had no limitations, I wasn't trying to be perfect; the final result was fantastic. Reminds me of something Vincent Van Gogh would paint re: the shirt, now that I think about it. I need more practice painting hair and afros, because I don't want to always rely on a Sharpie, however, it's working for now.

 "With Liberty & Justice for All?"

Also, that same day, because I was on a roll and feeling motivated to be in my artistic space, I painted this picture symbolizing the lack of liberty and justice Black people receive in this country. I drew from many different artists and inspirations as far as the picture, especially because I've often seen artists paint the red in the flag as blood. I've always wanted to try something like that and when you see it so often from different artists and you feel connected to what that imagery means, you must take it as a sign to create the work. Trayvon Martin is the inspiration for the hooded young man, obviously, but he symbolizes so many others. Of course, I had to paint the hands up! The more I look at the way I painted he hoodie, the happier I get because I'm proud of how it came out, especially because I have no experience doing something like that. I'm happy how the stars came out, too, because I was dreading painting them. I wasn't sure if I would include them and while doing them, I hated how they looked.

So, I guess it's time to share why I'm so fascinated with faceless Black people and natural hair. I'd completely forgotten about this painting and the artist who inspired it until recently when I asked myself why my painting style is the way that it is.

"Son"

In high school, for our ceiling tile project, I painted two tiles that combined into one picture--a recreation of a painting by Lashonda Scott Robinson that I adored. It was a painting of her son.

Vincent Van Gogh was my favorite painter until I discovered Robinson. I was ecstatic to see the beautiful works of another female Black painter. I immediately fell in love with her paintings and her style, because it was what I liked to paint. It was what I imaged my style to be once I improved as a painter. Featureless faces resonated with me, because I feel faces ares distracting from everything else going on (+ I hate painting them, but that may change with more practice/technique work). I prefer to leave it to the viewer to imagine the emotions going on in the painting and to examine the surroundings instead of focusing on a face. Plus, I personally feel there's something captivating and beautiful about it.
Robinson's paintings appeal to me, because Black is beautiful and I love my people. There needs to be more of us in media, music, and art. We should represent ourselves; show the beauty in ourselves. We are art. I want Black people to be in my art.
You can learn more about her and her work here [x] [x]. I couldn't believe after all of these years I'd forgotten about her/her name, making it hard for me to find other examples of her work, but I'd also went years without painting and when I did start painting again, it was based on a themed class assignment with a direction rather than what I wanted. Anyway, my favorite paintings by her are featured below.

Beautiful isn't it?

Copyright infringement applies to my paintings! Unauthorized use of my images on other websites is prohibited.

Digital Photography Certification Course? Yes, please.

Well look at God! I've recently been bouncing around the idea of getting a job or getting certified in different fields. Randomly, last night, I decided to look into what Groupon has to offer in reference to certification programs, because in the past, I've found deals for being a legal assistant and a couple of days ago, someone posted a Groupon for getting certified in I.T. and something else. I can't remember. WELL lo and behold, when searching for certification programs on Groupon last night, not only did I find a Beginner's Criminology course on there (which would be a refresher for me), I found a DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE! I'll learn about digital photography, web animation, web development, Photo Art Studio, and Photoshop.
The fine print reads: Expires 180 days after purchase. Limit 4 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift for 1 class option. Limit 1 per person for 2 and 4 class options. Limit 1 per visit. Valid only for option purchased. Online registration required. Must activate by the expiration on your Groupon, course will expire 1-year from activation. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Not only does this mean, I need to get off my butt and buy a digital camera and equipment, I'm gonna need to get out there and actually start shooting. I'm going to need to be serious about doing this course. Investing my energy into my art has been very troubling lately, because I've got some personal stuff going on that I'm trying to work out, but I'm trying... or would like to push myself into being energetic and motivated as far as photography and art. When I purchase the Groupon offer and begin using it, I'll give you all a review. The offer can be found here [x].

Finding quality equipment

I'm venturing into digital photography. Like I've mentioned in the past, I don't have the equipment and space to keep doing caffenol + black and white film photography, but I still want to take pictures. Digital will allow me to take pictures in color, learn a new medium, and it's more convenient. Because of my new interest, I have been researching like crazy what camera is best for me and what other equipment/tools I will need. I'm looking into purchasing a Canon T3i. Vlogger, Sarah Rae Vargas, uses a Canon T4i for her vlogs and I like the quality of her videos, but a college classmate of mine uses the T3i and I like the quality of her pictures. I feel that there wouldn't be much difference between the two. I'm starting off and limiting myself on how much I'll spend, so T3i may be my choice.
I've been looking for new and used cameras on Amazon, KEH, and B&H photo. I would look on eBay, because I got a really awesome macro lens for my Pentax K1000 on there, but I'm just really apprehensive about buying a camera or camera parts on eBay as of lately and for something I'm completely venturing into "blindly." I'm struggling on deciding whether to buy a camera body & lens together or trying to find the body for cheap on one site, then look for the lens on another. Again, I'm still learning and researching, so I don't know. What do you think? Comment below your suggestion(s)!
I asked my photo-friend about memory cards and batteries, she told me to get a battery that goes with my camera (Canon camera = Canon battery), so that's what I've been doing lately. I've added a few on my wishlist. I have to look for a reasonably priced battery charger and some memory cards, next. My photo-friend recommended SanDisk, which I have used in the past and usually lean towards. However, I found this awesome web page with memory card recommendations for the Canon T3i here [x]. Once I get the necessary basics, I'll look into a carrying case and a tripod. Maybe even decent photo editing software, Any recommendations on that? Anyway, I know I said I wanted to purchase some lenses for my iPhone 6, but after some research, I discovered that the kind that I want will not fit on my phone once my Otterbox Defender case gets here. I will have to take my case off to use the lenses and I don't have time for that. Taking my case off and on will stretch it out, plus the entire thought of doing that seems exhaustive/inconvenient. Maybe I will find lenses that can work around the case, maybe I change my mind and decide to go through the trouble of taking my case on and off. Who knows...

2015 | New year, new interests!

It's a new year and I figure what better time than now to blog about my newest art interest... DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY! That's right, I want to delve into the digital world. I've graduated college and I'm back home with my parents. Being home with my parents means not having any space to practice my film photography. When I get my own place, I aspire to have one room dedicated to photography--basically, a dark room. I'll use it for loading my film into developing tanks, drying film, and of course looking at my photographs. However, because I don't have that privilege, right now, I decided to look into digital photography. This way, I can still do what I love as well as continue experiencing, experimenting, and learning.
My biggest crisis right now is figuring out what I need. I feel as if it is fairly simple, but seeing as I spent my years in college learning about film photography, my knowledge goes as far as the camera body and lenses, film and the best kind, developing tanks, weighing scales, making caffenol and fix, developing paper, and enlargers. In reference to digital, I've grasped that I'm going to need a camera body, lenses, memory cards (?), and a battery. I'm still learning, I'm asking other photographers, and I'm asking friends who went from film to digital.
Right now, I'm looking at purchasing a Canon T3i. The T4i has been recommended, but I was told besides the price difference, the features are similar. I would purchase used or rent, but I know the type of the person that I am, also, I'm a beginner. Meaning, I'll be purchasing a new camera. I've also decided to purchase lenses for my iPhone 6. The camera on this baby is already mag-freaking-nificent... getting a fish eye and macro lens wouldn't hurt. Especially if I see something while on-the-go, but don't have my camera with me. Since I'm getting lenses for my iPhone and venturing into digital photography, I'm going to make an Instagram for my photography. Of course, it will be called gregariousalisnaps. It will be a private account however, because people tend to steal other artists' work. It's already hard out hear for black female photographers [x], I don't need the disrespect and/or people stealing my work... unless they'd like to face that good ole DCMA Takedown *smirking emoji*.
Anyway, I hope you come along with me on this journey. Leave me comments and you're welcome to contact me about anything. Thanks ❤