Spring Class

It's been awhile since I've taught photography classes.  Well I have decided to teach a 5 week photography class this spring. Are you interested in learning your camera? Do you want to take better photos? Maybe you want to buy a SLR camera and you need to know what to look for. Whatever your needs are, if photography interest you and you have/want or can borrow a SLR camera you will benefit from this class. 

Email me for details, space is limited.  connie.hemmer{at}gmail{dot}com

A few of the many comments I've received after taking my class.

Hey Connie -
I just wanted to send you a quick message to say thanks so much for putting on this class - in two sessions I have learned in leaps and bounds how to put my camera to better use. I honestly thought that so much of what we are learning was in the post production editing not in the actual camera settings! I am not yet to the point that I can't sleep at night because I am thinking of what I want to take pictures of but everywhere I go I am looking at things differently!
I hope you have a great weekend and am looking forward to next week! 

Just a quick good luck for your class tonight - I know you will do great and I am excited for all of your new students. Their minds will be blown by how much they will learn in such a short time and it is just such a great learning experience. I know I've said it a lot but I really do mean it that you have a great gift for teaching and sharing and our little photography community is so lucky to have you.

Hope to get lots and lots of practicing in this week:) After last week I was a little frustrated but I think you answered some questions for me last night so I'm hoping for GREAT pictures this week! If I don't get the perfect picture after a few tries I get frustrated but after hearing your experiences it makes me feel better. Thanks for your patience! 

I am totally hooked, I would take pictures of everything, sometimes I do. Everything seems interesting in it's own way when I look at it. I have always been one for quantity and need to now focus on quality and slow down. I will be driving and all I think is what a great picture that could be. Believe me when I leave your class and the sun is setting I am this close to stopping and snapping some pix, last night the sun was setting on a field just up from your place and the dandelions had seeded and the sunset illuminated them in the field and I'm still kicking myself for NOT stopping. Or driving into Stetsonville and the top of the church peeking through the top of the tree with the road going into to town and a road sign off to the right of the road slightly crooked........I totally understand the obsession and the love for photography! thanks again for sharing your knowledge in a fun environment and helping me learn to understand my camera! 

And a post about photography wouldn't be the same without pretty photos to look at. The sunset tonight was amazing.

New Opportunities

What I learned while doing photography is that I enjoy the teaching process just about as much as I do taking the pictures.  I enjoy watching the students eyes light up when the learn something new and hearing them talk about how they thought all you needed to do was point the camera and shoot but really there is much more to a camera and a photo than you would know.  When you take a good picture someone might say "oh wow you must have a good camera"  so why is that any different than eating a fabulous cupcake.  Do we say to the baker "oh wow that's fantastic you must have a good oven"..... no we don't but in everything there is more that goes into something than you would ever dream, that is until you learn it yourself.  There always room for another photographer or a mom that takes great pictures of her kids and doesn't have to spend the money to have them taken every year.  There is always room for more people to talk the photography/camera language to help us all grow and learn from each other.  That is why I teach I'm willing to watch them grow and turn something they didn't know anything about into something that makes their creative soul burst.  And from the number of students I have had there are several that have grown into living and breathing photography in their backyards, their kids, other kids, trips.... their camera is a part of their daily lives and with that I am proud to have shared a part of what I know.  I may not be an expert but what I know I will teach and what I don't know I will learn..... and then teach it.  Teaching photography cannot be learned in a day, it cannot be learned in a few hours it takes me 6 weeks to teach them to move off automatic and then most of them that really want to learn have come back for a second time with the exact same 6 weeks of classes..... and then it clicks (no pun intended).  I've been tossing around the idea of teaching a class again since I haven't for a couple years but we'll see where that all goes.  For those that are asking me to teach it again, I am listening and you may get your wish soon, you'll be the first to know.

So what all that babble is about is around June as I'm being a painting freak with the Jazzed Up Junk sale fast approaching a local hardware store got in Rust-oleum Chalked Paint and asked me to come try it out, she gave me a can of the paint and said "I know you use chalk paint and I want to know if you think it's good".  She also asked for me to teach a class in the fall if I liked it.  Classes are set up for October 1st at Foremans Farm Home, visit them or call to sign up, last I heard the class is almost full.  We are painting a jar like this.  

Then a few weeks ago I was approached by another local hardware store to do some chalk painting for them and to teach some chalk painting classes.  I love chalk paint and it's been a few failed attempts at some points to understand it and know just what makes it work and what doesn't.  All the brands of chalk paint out there (and there are now lots of them) all work differently so if you think you know how to chalk paint and then use another brand you just started over with the learning process.  Our Ace Hardware store got in a chalk paint line called Amy Howard at Home One Step Chalk Paint.  I've not heard of the brand but was willing to go in and chat with the group to see what it was all about and what they wanted me to do.  They wanted a display painted to promote the paint in the store and the rest was up to me.  I got three cans of paint, a couple waxes, and a few other Amy Howard products.  I flew home to dig right in, my hands were itching to get started.  I had an idea but to make it work I needed to spend hours in the garage and the hardest part was my idea needed help from John to build it.  My display has been delivered to the store and she's beautiful so please go check it out and while you're there don't forget to touch it, this paint line is beyond amazing when you touch it.   I'm working the details out with teaching classes for the Amy Howard at Home Paint line and beyond the teaching I've started a new blog to let you know what is all happening on that end of my busy life.  The new blog is called The Painted Photographer.... clever huh?   click here to check it out and don't forget to bookmark it.

There is always something to learn, we all have something to teach, and there is plenty of room for all of us to grow.  We might fail and others might criticize us for what we do but keep going no matter how many times you fall.... get up and try again.  Start learning, start teaching what you know, and start growing you'll be amazed at how good it makes you feel.

I've stopped in to see the display and say hi to each painted piece.  I've grown so attached to them all it was hard to let go.

I'm not usually this wordy so if you made it to the end without just arrowing down for the photo thank you for reading.  If you didn't read that's okay we're still friends, just check out the new blog here.  

Week 1 - Telling a story with photos

Working on a class "Light, Lines and Love" and the first week is telling a story using photos.  When Mallory watches a movie she ignores the world...... and her grandma.  Which was perfect since I had to capture the story without talking to her.

Planning Homework #1

My photo session this weekend was used as a homework assignment.  My homework was to find a new location and plan (on paper) a shooting guide.  I settled on a location that I’ve been to often but tried to find something different that I was overlooking.  The only reason I didn't go somewhere else totally new is due to the weatherman calling for rain, rain, rain so I knew I had to find locations that would work for shelter from the mist/downpours that might happen as well.  Another challenge that presented itself was the fact that a Packer fan was involved in the session so time was a huge factor.  I couldn’t find a location that involved a TV so I needed to get him done and back home before kickoff.  My planning came in extremely well for this situation.  He was probably home, changed into his lucky shirt and cracking a beer before the game started.  All of that with a pretty fabulous family resulted in some pretty fabulous photos. 

These images are a few of my favorites.


This location looks a little rough but I kinda like the small porch with it's rustic look.  I could do without the air conditioner.  This family does so well with falling right into place.  The kids are very active and huge explorers of new surrounding but when they are called over they know right what to do and they do it fast so they can get back to exploring. 

I love this brick building with the white front but to get the view I wanted the family is really small but I kinda like it that way.  

Another location from a view I don't usually shoot.  The early fall look is perfect with the river in the back.  

This time the kids continued to explore and Miss Ella noticed an otter swimming in the water. I love this one because it shows the true personality of the 3 younger children, mom is also looking away because she always acknowledges what they find and then will continue to request what she needs.

All locations were hit between rain (downpour) showers but as soon as we let dad loose the rain started and forced us under bridges and inside.

More Color and Photography Club

The garden is starting to get colorful. 

Last night was the last week for the photography class we’ve been having.  Our group got smaller and smaller every lesson but those that stuck it out until the end were very sad to see our “girl’s night out” come to an end.  We had a list of 36 questions to answer some photography related and some totally off the wall.  We learned a lot about each other and had so many laughs.  We all could see the growth in our photography and knowledge about our camera that we discussed for awhile how it was hard to give that up when there’s always so much more to learn. 

So….. we decided to continue our group as a Photography Club.  We’ll decide what subject we’re going to learn about, actually practice shooting different things with real live models and focus on subjects/techniques that we need practice with.  We will meet once a month and without a doubt it will be a great time, we’re a totally fun group.  If you’re interested in joining the Photography Club send me an e-mail and I’ll get you the details of where our first meeting is and the subject.  Everyone is welcome, there are no rules for what type of camera you need, if it takes photos you’re in.

connie.hemmer@gmail.com

Mad Rush to Get Home

So tonight I'm driving home from work and I realize that I'm about 30 minutes earlier than usual and it's still some-what light outside and it's foggy due to the snow falling. My A-D-D mind stops thinking about work, slippery roads, what's for supper..... and it wanders off back to when I took the photo of the woods during that foggy November morning. I wonder what the same photo would look like with snow... I mad dash for home, thrash in the house, purse, gloves, work stuff goes flying onto the cupboard. I rush to the camera, grab a few lens and fly right back out the door..... I hear behind me "Hi hun, how was your day.... oh really.... come again when you can stay longer". He understands and knows I'll be back. The daylight was coming to an end real soon, the moment was fading, I needed to be fast. This was the money shot.... I knew it in my mind I just needed to get there before it was to late.

Was I right?

One day left for the calendar give away. Go here if you haven't signed up yet. I love the response I have gotten and I can't wait to find out who the winners are. You all are very special to me and I appreciate the love and support you have given me for the last 364 days. If I can help anyone to take a better photo or to change the way you look at things I have been blessed. Tonight I shared with John the next photo class lesson and had to give him a great big ole' kiss on the cheek.... he's learning right along with my class (not that he wants to, I don't give him a choice). The next class the fun stuff starts..... no more technical stuff, let's take some photos we're proud of.

In case you don't remember the foggy November photo.... here it is November photo

Star Lights on my tree

Do you have star lights on your Christmas tree?

When you take a photo of your tree it looks like this.

Well mine looks like this.....

Wanna know how you can make your lights look like stars? Follow these directions.

1) Set you camera dial to AV or A mode
2) There will be a number on your screen or in your viewing area that you can change with a dial or arrow button. It will be a number like 2.0, 4.5, 15.0..... 22.0 Find out how to change that number (you may have to read your manual) This number is called your f stop or aperture.
3) Change that number to as high as it will go. Mine goes to 36 but I stopped at 22
4) Change your ISO to 200 (read your manual)
5) Change your white balance to AWB or Auto (read your manual)
6) Make sure your flash is OFF
7) Put your camera on a tripod or a study table or chair (you can have no movement)
8) Push down the shutter (take a picture) and do not move...... I repeat do not move, you cannot hold the camera or touch it in anyway
9) It may take several minutes for the camera to finish taking the picture, mine took at least 2 minutes.
10) Wa... la... you have stars on your tree.

Anybody from class reading this..... since I didn't give you homework try this and bring in your results for the next drawing.

20 minute assignment

I gave my students a 20 minute assignment and I thought it wasn't fair unless I did it as well so Sunday I decided to take the time to finish "the homework" so I could at least say that Yes I did it. The assignment is to take and object, and take pictures of the object for 20 minutes. Changing to all the different settings that we have learned so far and being as creative as you can. So secretly I decide that I won't do the 20 minutes, I'd have this done in 5..... well after 25 minutes I'm still taking pictures of my freshly filled wine rack.

Had my Internet been working for the last 3 days you would have seen this before class but since it hasn't been I can tell you that quite a few of the girls did the project and came up with some awesome photos of just "objects". Everyone who did the homework and brought in a sample for all of us to see went into a random drawing to win...... a bottle of wine.

Here is my most creative shot out of about 50. Go ahead and give it a try you'll be amazed with what you can do with an object. I love how the ornaments lying on the table are spots of colors and the ones in the glass are clear. That's my new lens baby!! :) It you look really close in the ornaments that me standing on my tip toes on a chair, elbows out.... oh and my legs are in the wine bottle, on second thought maybe you shouldn't look that close.

Grandpa's Grumpy Eyebrows

Miss Mallory has grumpy eyebrows and we say "put Grandpa's grumpy eyebrows back"..... John says "Grandpa Dave has grumpy eyebrows?"

I was doing my homework for next weeks class and since I have no one else here I get these eyebrows along with the "look" over his glasses. I'll take this look any day... it means he loves me!!

I know you're all dying to know how work went today. It was good, I wasn't nervous or totally lost. My latest nightmare was not even being able to find a pen to write with so I loaded my tote down with pens, post-it notes, markers, calendar, glasses, Special K bar, and a bottle of Mt Dew. (What if they didn't have a soda machine, I wouldn't make it) I told the HR gal about my dream so she looked in my desk drawer and sure enough.... no pens. I am a pen freak, the more pens the better and the pens that write really, really fine are the best.... oh and only black ink or red if you want attention to what your writing..... please no blue ink, it makes my skin crawl. I have lots to figure out in a short time but no doubt in my mind that I can do it. It's hard to go from knowing everything like the back of my hand to not even knowing where my hand is. About 8:30 my new boss came to get me for a meeting and brought me a pen with a big ole' smile..... I'm gonna like it here :)

Photoshop Tip

We had so much fun at photography class tonight, the subject was easy and so powerful it makes you wonder why you didn't know that before. I have struggled with indoor shots for over 2 years and if I had known it was this easy I would have taken the time to learn this a long time ago. As one of the girls said tonight "hey this is explained in my manual".

I may be teaching this class but I am learning so many new things along the way and having so much fun sharing it with others. Tonight we actually got to take lots of pictures and the sound of shutters opening and closing is music to my ears, I love that sound. I didn't know that the sound of a Nikon shutter is different than a Canon, but it is. I know I'm a freak.

Tonights tip was how to blend a photo into paper so I thought I would finish one to show when this might come in handy. Maybe my next classes will have to be Photoshop Fun.

Class Photo

I'm working on the photos for class tomorrow night and finishing up a few other sessions. Not much time left for random photos so you get to wonder what on earth the subject is tomorrow night. I actually thought it would be a boring topic but I'm pretty pumped about it now.

You may recognize the photo behind the green box from another post here, I got it printed in an 11x14 and it's gorgeous.

Chasing Ducks

In class tonight I told the gals and guy about my duck chasing while I practiced with my shutter speeds and how I didn't bring any examples since they weren't what I would consider "good enough" to show anyone. You are your worst critic and I certainly am living proof of that. So tonight I decided to post one of the photos so the class, and the rest of you, could see how the slow shutter speed captured the movement of the ducks wings and splashing water.

I know many of you wanted to see photos of "me" chasing the ducks in my high heels while eating my sausage that I brought for lunch, listening to my i-pod, and screaming "not so fast", while trying not to trip since my camera was up in front of my face the whole time so I could save a second or two when the ducks finally splashed in the water..... got that visual yet? If not drive by the river between noon and 1, and someday you may be able to catch me practicing again.

As you can see SOOC this is a photo I would be pleased with. My eyes have no interest in this photo because they don't know where to look. The first place my eyes go to is the rocks....should I look at the rocks, or maybe the splashing duck or the ducks swimming away. Nothing about this photo appeals to me so that is why I chose to not show the class, it wasn't "good enough".

But since today is Photoshop Tuesday I opened the photo back up tonight and decided I was going to do something with it to change my mind. First get rid of those rocks. Then create a mood.... make the colors pop. And the last thing was to create darker edges and I love it. Now my eyes start at the splashing duck and move to the duck on the right and circle right around to the duck at the top and then last to the duck on the far left, forcing my eyes to view the entire photo in a circular motion with a pleasing effect.

So class..... go chase some ducks

Beautiful Day & The Ahhhh Haaaaaa Moment

Took my camera out at lunchtime to work on my homework for class tomorrow night. This photo has nothing to do with the subject we are learning in week 2 (shutter speed) but it is great for week 1 (aperture) and I liked it. Putting together the assignment and discussion has forced me to get "it".... I got the "ahhh haaa" moment yesterday as I was working on the class information. I have read tons of information about ISO, aperture and shutter speed and how they work together but struggle to fully understand it. I know "it" enough to get by but getting "it" hasn't happened for me until now. I've read blogs and forums about people getting the "ahhhh haaa" moment and was hoping some day that it would happen to me. It will take me some practice but getting "it" feels good. Now my lunches may be spent at the river chasing geese and ducks into the water trying to freeze their splash!! :)

When will it stop?

So this getting older stuff is for the birds. I don't mind any part of being over {four zero} except for the eyesight going and going and going.... when will it stop. I have had 20/20 vision my entire life so dealing with having to wear glasses to drive was a little hard to get used to, but I got myself a fun pair of sunglasses and a fun pair of regular glasses, they are in my truck for driving only and that's okay. I can't wear them all the time since I don't need them for normal vision and if I have them on I can't see to do things like walk or see peoples faces when I talk to them... just minor things like that.

Now since about August I have been having to wear cheaters to read small print and see other things that I used to be able to see without corrective lens. I would laugh at my sister Gayle for not being able to see things and having to wear her cheaters on top her head at all times.... no laughing anymore. I'm not quite that bad but I do wear them on my head at work and in the stores I may have to hold the box/bottle at arms distance to read the back directions (but I can still see it). When will this stop!!!

So I found at least one remedy for the eyesight going bad..... we bought a big TV.... I can see it now!! I can even read the guide without having to get up and stand directly in front of it. I'm not a TV person so it didn't really matter that we were watching a 19" screen from across the room (some computer screen that sit on your desk are 19") and sometimes I didn't even know what show was on unless I recognized the voice. Okay I'm kidding it really wasn't that bad but now with this huge monster in the house I get a tad seasick from all the motions happening and I certainly don't need glasses to see it. John and I like to point out things we never noticed before like the color is so much better, the focus is so clear, the background is noticeable, last night it looked like the bus on CSI's was coming right through the livingroom, the bing.com commercial has a big booming sound that echos through the house. We are probably way behind the times with getting a big TV and we probably would still be fine with the old one had we both not been getting OLD eyes!!

The first Hobbyist Photography Class is tomorrow night and I'm totally pumped with the response. I can't wait to share what I know and learn new things from everyone else. Besides the regular class subject (aperture), I will be teaching a photoshop trick, per request, the first trick will be adding a texture to your photo. Check out my latest texture.

Love this cow's pink eyes, he looks so sad.

Project Mallory and Hobbyist Class Update

Mallory was my subject for a practice session in low light using no flash and achieving catchlights. With winter fast approaching I have to accomplish indoor lighting, I am not a big fan and I think I suck at it. The Mallory project was at 5:45 but already my camera thought it needed to use the flash so I had to tell it otherwise. I needed lots more time and practice but every time I tried to hold Mally, play with Mally, take pictures of Mally she had other plans. She cried, the phone was for me, daddy stole her, Grandpa stole her, she filled her pants.... I finally gave up with my project and just snuggled with her and put her right to sleep. That was more fun anyway and I did get to learn abit of information from the pics I did get.

First picture taken at 5:43 in Auto Mode with flash creates flash dots in Mallory's eyes. Cute picture of Mallory but not what I want, her eyes are not pulling me in.


Second picture taken at 5:44 in Manual Mode with no flash creates catchlights in Mallory's eyes, richer skin tones and a brighter pink blanket with more texture due to the natural light coming through the window instead of a bright light drowning out the shadows. My focus is too soft so I needed to do some more adjustments but Miss Mallory thought that was enough. These eyes even being soft pull me right into her.


I am by far no expert or professional and do not claim to be, I am just a hobbyist trying to learn and share my passion.... and show off a few pics of the grandchillens once in awhile.

Speaking of sharing I am in the final stages of planning a photography class for hobbyist to learn and share with each other. What I know so far is the class will be held on Tuesday nights at, I'm thinking 6:00 or 6:30. It will be in town "M" close to the hospital area and start Oct 20th or 27th. Co-taught by myself and my niece Shawna. 12 or 6 weeks??? Everyweek or everyother week???? Now I need anyone interested in joining us to send me an e-mail at connie.hemmer@gmail.com. The class will start out with composition, flowing into your style, and learning the functions of your camera. There will be homework and I'd like to find a day to use models and practice what we learn. The class is not all about teaching and grading but more about sharing with each other and learning while having fun. Shawna and I are working on the

Send me an e-mail if your interested and also send me an e-mail if you would like to join us but the date, time, location doesn't work for you we'll pool the results and go from there. I'm excited about this and I think you will all have loads of fun and learn how to take better pictures while doing it.