I thought it would be fun to share some picture tips. Some readers have asked…so I will share what works for me. I am by NO MEANS an expert. Even though I have had classroom training I still learn by trial and error…and you should too. Cameras these days do so much—there are so many functions.
What I would suggest is start with one feature—say the Aperture–while keeping everything else on Auto. As you become really familiar with Aperture…you can then start to add in other components like playing with shutter speed and white balance, iso…etc…

Aperature settings can be confusing because they are opposite. The larger the number (f stop), the smaller the opening is for light to enter the sensor. Pictures of the flowers were shot with an aperature of f16.

 For close up photos when you want the subject right in front to be crystal clear and bright the f stop should be a large number (small aperature) . This will allow the background to become soft and out of focus–bringing the subject very in focus.
The day I took these shots the sun was peeking in and out.
I had about 5 minutes before the bus came home so I decided to go shoot these blooming trees before all the buds get blown off. My friend tells me they are Bradford Pears (thanks Kel :)

I set the aperture to f 16 (allowing the flower closest to me to be super in focus, while the background falls out of focus.)
My white balance was set to “cloudy”
My iso was at Auto (camera picked 400)

I think I may frame some of these!! Love how they captured spring!!