I'm getting ready to head off to Italy to take my dream workshop with David Nightingale. To say I am excited would be an understatement. To say I am terrified would not be too far from the mark either as I don't really consider myself to be a "photographer" per se and I am worried I will get lost amongst all the f-stop, shutter speed professionals.
I am pretty darned good at Photoshop and making the most of what my camera sees, but as far as capturing the "perfect shot" ... well, I don't know about that at all.
The whole business with tripods, flashes, assorted lenses ??? And the long list of what to take - (I wish!).
So I burned a hole in my Amex and bought a new tripod. I added a flash, since I have never used one and supposedly they will teach us how. I already had a good overall lens for my 5D to do wide angle and some telephoto.
Add the good prime portrait lens and then for fun I'm going to take the fun Lensbaby along as well.
I probably should have something longer 200mm - 400mm? but it's going to be really cold over there and I just don't know if I want the weight of a hefty long lens to carry around for 2 or 3 shots? Who knows? I am at the point of overthinking this whole thing and figure I should just carry the lenses that I know I will use and not have to worry about.
After all, I know I can fix the pix in Photoshop right :-)) ....and there's always the iPhone for the tricky shots yes? :-)))
Let's just hope the canals are not frozen over and I don't end up having to push my own Gondola!
So..I'm reading backwards and now realize you're doing a workshop over there..and now am even more envious. Lucky...lucky you! Can't wait to hear all about it!!!
Posted by: Marcie | February 12, 2012 at 04:40 PM
Hey there! You are going to be so good. It's experience baby! I think your lens is long enough. And you know how to bracket shots? that can really cover a multitude of sins as long as you've recorded your shots in a little book. I cannot WAIT to see the shots of that frosty place and the ice gondolas. You've heard of them? The famous ice gondolas?!
play with depth of field!
Posted by: Chris | February 10, 2012 at 11:01 PM
You'll love it. David is a great teacher, his attention to the smallest details is amazing. I took an online workshop with him.
Have a nice trip, looking forward to see your pictures.
Posted by: Elen Nosyreva | February 10, 2012 at 03:09 PM
don't sweat it,
The last "official"photography class I did had me nearly swearing at the teacher and walking out.
Sooooo many camera nerds with tons of equipment, but no "eye".
You'll be fine.
Posted by: grrlandog | February 10, 2012 at 05:56 AM
How exciting! I also rely on Photoshop to correct what I don't know about when looking through the lens. I could use a good workshop as well. Have a blast.
Posted by: Jane | February 09, 2012 at 02:34 PM
OMG!! this is so exciting!! i can image the wonderful inspirational work you will create!!! have a great time, you deserve it the break
Posted by: nancy donaldson | February 09, 2012 at 07:41 AM
You're going to have a wonderful time and take fantastic photos. I love Venice and would go back in a minute if I could.
Posted by: joanne thieme huffman | February 09, 2012 at 07:11 AM
Oh, Marie, you make me laugh. I am one of those people who know more about PhotoShop than I do my own camera! Even though I have had camera lessons! But, to be honest, your adventure is the ultimate camera adventure!!! I know I would feel intimidated in such a class, but what the heck?? It's a fabulous opportunity in a fabulous city!!! Push those over thinking thoughts aside, since most everyone coming will be in the same boat :-) (or gondola)
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!
slightly jealous,
~karen
Posted by: karen burns | February 08, 2012 at 07:53 PM
OMG!!! It is a workshop to die for! Lucky, lucky you.... and us... cos we'll see at least some of the results.
Posted by: Jo Murray | February 08, 2012 at 07:14 PM
I can feel your excitement - I'm just like you in that I know much more about editing a photo than actually taking one. It sounds like you will learn so much, though - enjoy!!
Posted by: Sherri B. | February 08, 2012 at 09:02 AM
Love the blueberries.....
Wishing you a wonderful and hugely educational time!!!!!
(Don't forget to have fun taking pics! :-) )
Posted by: Vicki in Michigan | February 08, 2012 at 08:03 AM
I'm so excited for you Marie, you will tackle this new opportunity with the same grit and determination and then put your own spin on it so it works for you :-) Above all savour the moments, you've sacrificed to be able to take this trip, so nows the time to enjoy.
Posted by: Bren | February 08, 2012 at 07:34 AM
sounds like a grand trip! Venice. hope you bring mask pics. just take what you are comfortable with and can carry unless you have your own personal porter! the best thing is to have a good time and learn lots!
Posted by: lyle baxter | February 08, 2012 at 06:39 AM
gglandog, that sucks
Posted by: Chantal | February 08, 2012 at 05:28 AM
and then lug all the babies over there... then fiddle because you NEVER have the right lens at the right time...
then.. drop your camera on a cement floor like I did...eek. Will be two weeks before I even KNOW the damage.
Posted by: grrlandog | February 08, 2012 at 04:54 AM