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| F21 top, Old Navy jacket, Loft jeans, Sole Society shoes, Michael Kors bag, bracelet from Dillards |
This, ladies and gentlemen, is as casual as I get. I almost didn't put this one up because I felt like it might be a little too casual.
Let's talk about one thing today: consistency. I am struggling with consistency in my pictures. I have had my fancy pants camera (a Canon Rebel) for about a year now and it has been a huge learning experience. At first I shot in auto but hated the way the pictures came out. So I was determined to learn how to shoot in manual mode. All of that technical jargon confused me from the beginning so I just started playing around with the settings. While I think I know how to adjust them for the most part, the settings will vary from location to location and the time of day certainly plays a big role.
I think shooting in manual mode has been a huge challenge. Sometimes the pictures come out great and have the look that I want:
See the difference? Both pictures look completely different. The top two pictures above are blah, in my opinion. I think a lot of it may have to do with understanding where the light is in relation to where I am standing. I never shoot in full sun because I haven't figured that one out yet. I always stand somewhat in the shadows. I think the picture above was an overcast day and it made for good pictures.
I think my favorite picture that I have done is this one:
My face actually looks like it has a little color and I am not super washed out and white like I am in most of my pictures.
The whole point of this is that I am trying to be consistent in my pictures and I am finding that it is hard. Yes, I could take a photography class and maybe I should. I know there are some online ones and that would probably be my only option. I'm also thinking about buying another lens. I'm using the 58 that came with my camera but am considering a 50. If you have a Canon Rebel T2i, what are your thoughts on the type of lens that I should get?
Make sure you link-up your casual looks below! Also, please make sure that you are a follower of this blog and link back here in your post. Have a great day!
*Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday.
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I love that your casual look includes the gorgeous lip stick :) super chic! I've been working on consistency as well - the photos definitely look different! I'm no photography expert, but congrats on working so hard to create wonderful content!
ReplyDeletexox Lara www.weheartbeautyblog.com
Pretty casual looks. The nude jacket looks amazing with the stripes top. Love also the polka dots top.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
xo, Petra
If you have time take a look on my latest outfit post http://www.sweetsoflife86.blogspot.com
you look cute in those outfits :)
ReplyDeletexx Jeeshan
www.beautydosage.com
Me too - I also have a Cannon Rebel. Husband bought it a few months ago, and I'm still learning how to use it. I had no idea photography can get so technical. Your pictures look good though. Mine are a bit "hard," but I'm getting better.
ReplyDeleteBeauty Fashion Skin Care Blog -Girlie Blog Seattle | Casual Chic Fashion
nice look :)
ReplyDeletevisit me : http://nicoraulea.blogspot.ro/
You look so nice in all these look. I feel you on the pictures and that's a daily struggle for me. But I would recommend 50 mm prime lens, and take your pic preferably when it's bright, sunny and beautiful outside.
ReplyDeletexo
http://pinksole.com
Great looks! love polka dots pants, so cute!!
ReplyDeleteThe Fashion Heels
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Playing around with the camera can be tricky & so frustrating...but don't you love when you get photos that are awesome?! Love the casual look Amy - so cute!
ReplyDeleteAnnie
The Other Side of Gray
Great casual looks, so put together!
ReplyDeletexx
http://thescreensiren.com
Your casual looks are still so perfectly polished!
ReplyDeletexo Emma
http://strollingthecityinheels.com
I think your photos look great but I understand where you're coming from! I don't understand the jargon either and I've been doing the exact same thing - playing around with the settings on my camera. Some of my photos come out weird. I'm still learning! And I love your casual look! It is definitely not too casual! You look amazing!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a DSLR but I know if I got one I'd have to take a class because I'd be clueless otherwise!
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Group Giveaway!
Love love love that lip shade! And I think photo taking is always a learning process... it's funny how poses that you think will work make you look terrible!
ReplyDeleteYou will always look great whether in casual or dressy Amy! More power on photography...it's a never ending learning process!!
ReplyDeleteRebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I'm in love with every one of your looks! Can we swap closets? :)
ReplyDeleteNot too casual at all, I actually love this outfit. Super cute and looks comfy too!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand much about the technical stuff either - luckily, my husband is the one who is really into photography. Overcast days do make for the best lighting sometimes though and definitely an hour or two before sunset.
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
I love the first outfit, and the one with the gold heels!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean...I don't have a fancy camera :( but it does make a difference the time of day and where I stand. I like a little bit of shadow, and to shoot around 7pm in the evening.
Amberly
www.asliceofglam.com
I agree, trying to take good pictures is such a challenge and it's frustrating when some look completely different due to lighting. to be honest I have never noticed poor picture quality on your blog, I think you and your outfits always look great!
ReplyDeletehttp://simpleeasystyle.blogspot.com/
I don't think this is too casual at all–you look fabulous! And no worries about the camera stuff, it will come second nature soon enough!
ReplyDeleteI agree that last picture is fabulous! I have a rebel to and just use the portrait setting. It is hard though to find the right time of day/ place for pictures. I'd love to take a class too, I think I'll have to try that this summer. Thanks for the link up :)
ReplyDeleteGinny
I think your photos always look lovely. Using a DSLR can be SO confusing I've found- I just play around with it from time to time!
ReplyDeletePerfect casual look!! I love it!
ReplyDelete-Adrienne. xo
Citizen of the World
Citizen of the World
First of all, you're still looking lovely and not at all *too* casual. Second, I am having the same struggle... And I am not evening using a fancy pants camera! I was just so happy to have a point and shoot after relying solely on my iPhone :). I think the pictures look great, and have never noticed inconsistencies
ReplyDeleteThis totally convicts me to actually LEARN my camera. Sigh. My pics are all over the place and not consistent at all. I see a big difference in yours!
ReplyDeleteLovin your casual look, btw! I have a hard time with casual since I have to dress up for work everyday.
Blessings!
Star
http://www.beautyandbows.com/
Love your first look. Such a perfect casual look.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to stop by and link up tomorrow on my Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link Up and enter my stella & dot giveaway.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
Loving this look so much! The short trench is so incredibly chic, and it's definitely not "too casual" - it's fabulous!
ReplyDeletexx Ivana
Macarons and Pearls
I think bright lipstick makes any casual outfit more exciting! I struggle with consistency too. Although my husband takes my pictures so he's the one messing around with the settings. Depending on the light he adjusts the white balance, aperture and ISO. Although shade and overcast days definitely help to make better pictures. I also love the zoom lens we bought. It really helps with depth of field!
ReplyDelete~Jessica
To me you look great in any shots but now that you mention the shot with you in black top and jeans is the best. I like the look too :) Thanks for hosting and don't mind if I join in ;)
ReplyDeleteGREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES (a fashion and life-style blog)
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
I love the last photo, it is really pretty indeed!
ReplyDeleteInge
www.fashionenvie.be
I love all of your looks, head to toe! But what really made me smile was how your paired the striped shirt with the dotted jeans...love it! (I am just starting to dabble in the print mixing, so I love seeing how to do it right :)
ReplyDeleteA girl can never have too many stripes <3 x
ReplyDeletehttp://girlinthelens.com/
I love that little jacket! It is too cute. And the shoes too!
ReplyDeleteAs for the pictures, I know how to use my camera (like on manual) but my husband who takes my pictures does not. Sometimes he takes good ones, sometimes I think his eyes are closed. Like, I'm not even in the picture, seriously. Or he will take five and be like "Um are we done yet?" It is a constant struggle. I wish I could jump out of my body and take my own pictures of me. It is quite irritating...
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
A lot of things go into photos looking good but really I think that you are in good shape lady! I highly recommend the 50 lens and then also have extremely large aperture. You get a great background that way!
ReplyDeleteI think all of your pictures look great! You are way ahead of me, I only use my iphone and my little digital camera. Fun to see so many suggestions, though...
ReplyDeleteJill
Classy with a Kick
It really is all about the light, and it does take time to learn where you need to be in relationship to the sun. Plus all of your surroundings are a factor, and it can get tricky! I usually try to shoot later in the day, or in an area that is evenly shaded with a lot of light around it. Think back lighting.
ReplyDeleteI use the 50mm 1.4 and I love it. You may also want to consider a 35mm, as the rebel is a crop camera and the 35mm will actually be closer to what a 50mm is like on a full frame camera. (but i like the 50 with my crop all the same.)
Chic on the Cheap
Loving all these looks! I also adore those sunnies.
ReplyDeletexoxo
www.cakeandcouture.com
The difference is obvious!! ;-) I'm considering bying a 50mm 1.4 for my Nikon...
ReplyDeleteGreat look by the way!!
xoxo
Patricia
http://misstoptenimage.blogspot.com
I love those metallic heels!! Love these looks.
ReplyDeletexoAmy
www.dreamingincashmere.com
Your casual looks are actually my favorites!
ReplyDelete