Say "No" to Auto: 3 Basic Steps to Understanding Manual Camera Settings {Giveaway}

Have you ever taken a photo on the Auto setting of your camera and ended up getting a super dark picture? Not what you were expecting and definitively frustrating,  isn't it? Do you own an expensive camera but always use the Auto mode instead of Manual?

I personally have always admired photographers and the art of taking beautiful photos but it wasn't until after I had my son that I grabbed our DSLR and started taking TONS of photos.  I quickly realized that it doesn't matter what type of camera you have, to take beautiful photos you need to know what you are doing!

I was super excited when I read Kristen Duke's book "Say No to Auto".  Her short and sweet book is perfect for beginners and it goes right to the point. It gives you enough information and super key tips and details to stop using the Auto mode on your camera for good.

Kristen's book is filled with great example photos with their unique ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed settings. That's a great way to see how she captured her photos and to learn from the examples.   By answering 3 basic questions she helps you navigate through the manual setting on your DSLR camera and understand how to work with ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed settings.

What I love the most is that this is not a super complicated and long 400 page manual. It has 17 pages and it is easy to read. Perfect for a busy parent on the go.  It is also small enough to take with you when you are outside shooting, plus it doesn't matter if you own a Canon or a Nikon camera as there is a page with color coded examples for both brands.

If you are looking to stop using the Auto mode in your camera and start taking beautiful photos then I recommend you check out her website and her book.

Buy it: You can purchase an e-book version of her book for just ($10) on her website and you can then print it at home or you can purchase the hard copy for $20 (shipping included). 

 
Win it: One very lucky reader from anywhere in the world is going to get an e-copy of Kristen's book. Click "Read more" below to see the Rafflecopter form to enter.

Vince Wallace: Learn and Master Photography {Giveaway} $249 value

I have always loved photography but since my son was born I have really gotten into it a lot more. I like being able to capture all of the special moments.  There are just so many special moments when raising a child, so many first times and so many beautiful daily changes. 

Many times you have just one chance to capture that special moment and if  the photo turns out different than what you intended you can miss it. That is really the reason why I decided to learn more about photography and become better at it. To not miss a thing!

I received the Learn and Master Photography with Vince Wallace set and I am so grateful I  had the chance to try it out.   The set contains 15 DVDs, 2 Sample Photo CDs, Lesson Book, and unlimited access to their online Student Support Site.

I really like the way the lessons are divided and how easy it is to follow along. The explanations are wonderful and there are so many little tips and help for new photographers.   After each lesson you have some "homework" to do to review the lessons and I have been working on it every time. 

I like the way Vince Wallace presents the information and he is very easy to understand.  I have enjoyed my lessons and I am working hard on becoming a better photographer. This is a course that I recommend 100% to friends and family and anybody interested in photography. From beginners to advanced students, there is tons of information for everybody!

I am still learning a lot and I haven't finished the course yet but here are some of my personal photos after learning some of the basic skills from the first lessons of the course:

Win it: One lucky reader from the US/CAN will receive a Learn and Master Photography with Vince Wallace set ($249 value). Click "Read more" below to see the Rafflecopter form and to enter.