Well, today I feel 'like the cat that got the cream'. I got my City and Guilds Level 1 Photography exam results. I got 2 distinctions... and I'm feeling a little smug! I submitted two portfolios - one on 'typography' and one on 'manipulated images' (Photoshop). I suppose it just gives me confidence to keep on doing the follow up courses, still so much to learn. I feel like I've learnt an awful lot since I took those photos for my assessment. One of my problems is that I frequently don't learn from things I do. I might take what I consider to be a good picture, but then find it difficult to replicate because I didn't pay enough attention to the light or angle of the picture. It's easy enough to check the camera settings, but not the thought (or lack of thought) processes at the time. Note to self: pay more attention...!
Here is an example - I took this photo, above, of my beloved hydrangeas one morning recently. I liked it, the way the filtered morning sunlight fell on the flower, together with the shady areas. But I can't remember how I did it... I did a similar thing with my rose picture, below. I paid a lot of attention to the camera settings, and not enough to the mood. Consequently, many of my photos are happy accidents!
Indeed, happy I am! I wonder if this means I should treat myself to a zoom lens... or maybe a flash gun...? Photography is such an expensive hobby. So, Level 2 here I come. This course lasts a whole academic year, and starts next week. I'm so glad I'm not going to have to ask for a refund! Better go and take some pictures, I think.