Free Online Photography Class

I came across a free online photography class and decided to do a few of the assignments. I am learning new stuff! First of all, I've learned a lot of things through trial and error with my camera, but I didn't really know what they were called. The class is showing me why what I do works and how to use it more effectively. I've also used a course that my sister-in-law Pam loaned me, and that has helped a bunch too, though I haven't fully applied myself to it because I do like due dates and assignments.

Anyway, here's the assignment for week one, focusing on aperture. The first picture was taken at 22, the second at about 8 and the last one was at 5. I wish I had something blooming to photograph, but no such luck at this time of year, so I used the weathered light in front of our house.

The second week was a lesson on shutter speed and ISO. Here is a picture of water. The first picture of course was at a slower shutter speed than the second.

Week three still needs some help. It is on white balance, something that I really rely on for getting the right color in different lights. I already know how to work with the various settings, but I haven't used the custom white balance setting before. I still haven't gotten it to work for me...though I follow the directions and get all the right menus and steps on my camera. This is a mystery to me. I'd really love to use a custom white balance setting if I can figure it out because then I can avoid some of the post picture-taking editing that eats up so much of my time. Here's a picture of a little wreath I have on top of a lamp shade in different settings. Setting the white balance properly really makes a big difference! The first picture is the most true to color, but I like the warmth in the second picture. The last one is just way off!