7 Little Australians Photography Challenge for May

I'm so excited!  A few years ago when I was radically blessed with my very first DSLR.  We were on holiday in South Africa and wondering how on earth I was going to learn to use this amazing new blessing when Erin posted a photo challenge on her blog.  It was perfect.  I was forced to learn something new each week and I loved finding new ways to express the word in her challenge.  I'm so very thrilled Erin is hosing a photography challenge this month and I've decided to join in.  Each Wednesday I will share my photographic interpretation of the word on her list.

Day 1 - A Smile 

Smile ...

 Day 2 - High Angle

The trees are wearing their autumn colours

Day 3 - Daily Life 

Daily play time with our dog Pugsley

Blessings until new week Wednesday

Chareen

Please Don't Say Cheese - Online Photography Class {Review}

A few months back I was contacted by a blogger who was hosting a giveaway to an afternoon photography class.  Turns out the photographer offering the class decided to bless everyone who had entered and had invited us all to meet her along with our children at the beach in order to learn to take better photographs.  Boy was I excited! Until I realised that the class was in Sydney.  I anxiously scanned Web Jet for specials to Sydney I even had accommodation.  No flights ...

Sadly I contacted Robyn (the owner of Please Don't Say Cheese Photography) to let her know I was unable to join her for the class.  About two minutes later I had a letter from Robyn offering me a spot in her 8 lesson online photography workshop. To say I was excited was the understatement of the century. I had been feeling very frustrated with my photography skills and understanding of how to use my camera so this class was just what I needed.

What I received

• A 6 month membership in the 8 lesson online photography workshop.

How I used it

• I went to Please Don't Say Cheese and Signed Up.
• There is a specific members area which made finding my courses and signing in really easy to do.  This area is divided up into six specific areas.

• In the Share area you will find photographs that have been uploaded by others doing the course for you to look through and learn from.  
• Robyn's blog is full of tips and insights and challenges.
•  At present there are two video tutorials.  This area will be growing in the future as Robyn adds more video's for her students.
• In the contact Robyn area there is an online contact form.  I am impressed with how promptly all my emails and queries have answered by her.  Every time I have sent an email I have received a response in less than 24 hours.
• Under the My Courses Tab was a list of courses I was signed up for with a short description of each one.

Click to see image in full screen.

• When I click through to my specific class the top has the date that I began my course and below a beautiful image taken by Robyn there is a course status notification.  Mine is currently: In Progress (thank you Robyn) from here I can click through to my lessons.
• To the right below my name there is a quick link to My Profile, My Courses, FAQ and Log Out
• Below that a status bar showing my progress through the course
• Followed by the eight lessons.  These are locked when you begin the course.  A new class is unlocked for you one every seven days. However you only gain access to your course content upon completion of the modules preceding it.

Click to see image in full screen.

• Below this is a course content. This can be expanded or collapsed depending on your preference. 
• Each course starts with a 'Getting to Know you area' followed by the first lesson.
• Once you complete a lesson it is highlighted with a white tick in a green box.  You can see at a glance which lessons are completed.
• Each lesson is divided into topics. As you complete a module a green button appears next to the topic.
• Robyn's mantra is "Practice" A requirement of each of her classes is participation.  At the end of each module there is an assignment. Once you have submitted your photograph the next module is unlocked.

My course covered the following topics

1. Camera Basics (5 Modules)
2. Understanding Exposure (6 Modules)
3. Composition (6 Modules) 
4. Finding the Light (5 Modules)
5. Seeing Creatively (3 Modules)
6. Avoiding the Cheese (2 Modules)
7. Photo Editing (3 Modules)

One of the things I have appreciated the most about this course is that Robyn does not assume you know anything.  You are taken to the beginning and regardless of the type of camera you have (DSLR, Canon, Nikon, Instamatic) everything is explained to you in everyday terminology.  Robyn introduces you to the correct terminology explaining it to you in an easy conversational tone.

• At the end of the module there is a summary followed by a practical assignment for the work you have just learned.
• Once you have taken your camera and applied what you have just learned it's time to upload your results.
• After submitting your photograph to the online community it's time to look at what others are doing and share some comment love.
• Submitting your photographs also unlocks the next module in your lessons.
• An advantage of the online class submissions is that we can learn from one anothers photo taking and build friendships. 
• Robyn then comes along and gives you some tips on your submitted photograph.  I was a little afraid of uploading my photo's to start with. This I soon discovered was unwarranted because all feedback is always encouraging and positive. Robyn gives excellent practical advice to help me grow and improve in my skills as a photographer.

Here is a sample of a photograph I uploaded for lesson 1: topic 3: focus Activity 1

Robyn's feed back on my submission

Regardless of your photographic ability there is something for you in this course. I highly recommend signing up and participating. Whether you're wanting to improve your portraiture, travel or product photography this is an excellent class to participate in.

Cost** of the Workshops

• 8 module online photography workshop - (a total of 30 modules and 6 months membership) AU $167.00
• VIP membership to Please Don’t Say Cheese [Learn] - Lifetime Membership AU $392.00.
• (short course) Camera basics (for beginners) 
• (short course) Understanding exposure (for intermediate photographers) 
• (short course) Photo editing magic (beginners and intermediate) 

**All prices are correct at time of review.  It is your responsibility to check the price before purchasing any item.  Price changes are subject to change without notice.

Introductory special (3 days only) 50 % discount on Short Courses

• (short course) Camera basics (for beginners) AU $27
• (short course) Understanding exposure (for intermediate photographers) AU $27
• (short course) Photo editing magic (beginners and intermediate) AU $27

Get 10 FREE tips for taking stunning photos of your children

Connect with Robyn 



Robyn also does child and family portrait sessions.

Final thoughts
Before I started this 8 module online photography workshop I was feeling incredibly frustrated with my photography.  This class is helping me to expand both my general and practical knowledge of photography.  I have loved the classes I have completed and look forward to learning many more things.  

My favourite piece of wisdom from the course so far is from Robyn:

"Practice, Practice, Practice:
the three things 

that will make you 

a better photographer!"

Blessings
Chareen

The Moon - Beauty Captured {Wordless Wednesday}

I'm joining in with the Pebble Pond's Beauty Captured Challenge

HSMJ - I need more sleep

In my life this week…

Why is it that when people are angry with one another that they take to defamation ?  I've seen this happen to someone special this week and then was reminded of the scripture in Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.

I have resumed my photography course! I was feeling a little despondent with it all and a friend recently encouraged me to take it up again.  What do you think ?

In our home school this week…

• We are enjoying Season 2 of The Brinkman Adventures
• Started a new geography book by Ann Voskamp.  So far we are both enjoying it.
• Plugging away at spelling and history
• Resumed recorder class after our time away.
• Completed Studying God's Word Book C.

  

  A look at our last two weeks via Instagram @chareenr

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

• Falling off the Charlotte Mason Wagon over at Jimmie's Collage. Four signs that will tell you you have fallen off the Charlotte Mason Wagon. 
• I am absolutely shocked to read this post but feel that it is in your interest to be careful that this book does NOT come home with you from the library  ALERT: Is this in YOUR child's library at school? {"Stuck in the Middle" by Ariel Schrag}
• 428th edition of  Carnival of Homeschooling
• How to Use the Flipbooks  over at the Paper Maid
• Fraction Addition Made Easy: Clocks! over at Love 2 Learn 2 Day.
• FREE! Sea Creatures Printable set over at Homeschool Encouragement.
• Watch as 1000 years of European borders change 
• Cool Math Games 
• Do you have children that enjoy building with LEGO ?  Nikki has a fortnightly challenge for older and younger students. 
• Carnival of Homeschooling- Still Winter Edition  over at Golden Grasses
• Educating with Minecraft 
• Finishing Strong Linkup for Homeschooling Middle School 

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

• Some time at a park with families for a play date.  I have been trying to get to this park for six years.  I am so pleased that I finally made it there
• We went to the park at Buckingham Reserve the childrend had a lot of fun. 
• Tennis lessons on Thursday
• Play dates with friends.

My favourite thing this week was…

• 7 Things You Really Need When You’re Overwhelmed and Can’t Keep Up

Things I’m working on…

• Tuesdays Treasures - The Wheel on the School
  
  
• Second Language Program Review - Mango Languages 
• Cartoon drawing with Sir N - Turbo
• Beauty Captured a Wordless Wednesday link up
• Help this little persons dream of loads of birthday cards come true.  

In Bloggy world I’m reading…

• You have a voice.  "One voice can make a difference, one voice can change the world, one voice can make it better ..."
• Image of Baby’s Hands Touching His Fingers Highlights Dad’s Moving Letter to Miscarried Son
• An Injured Dolphin Approached this Diver for Help. If your children like dolphins this is cute to watch :)
• Weekend at Corinella over at Dingo Den's Travels.
• A 50-cent microscope that folds like origami 
• 9 Things We Should Get Rid of to Help Our Kids 
• Computers are not the devil 
• Thanks, Pharma. You created the “anti-vaccine movement”  very interesting article.
• It Seems Like A Random Guy Just Walking Around Aimlessly. But When See Him From Above… 
• Kid friendly Green Smoothie Recipe 

I’m cooking…

• I really want to try out these Zucchini Oven Chips

On Pinterest I found...

• Suzie has started a new collaborative board called Aussie Homeschool Adventures

I’m grateful for…

• Those who study and share their wisdom and insight in 5 min talks.  I've enjoyed these ones on sleep this week
  How to succeed? Get more sleep by Arianna Huffington. "shares a small idea that can awaken much bigger ones: the power of a good night's sleep. Instead of bragging about our sleep deficits, she urges us to shut our eyes and see the big picture: We can sleep our way to increased productivity and happiness -- and smarter decision-making. "She
  Why do we sleep? by Russell Foster. "He is a circadian neuroscientist: He studies the sleep cycles of the brain. And he asks: What do we know about sleep? Not a lot, it turns out, for something we do with one-third of our lives. In this talk, Foster shares three popular theories about why we sleep, busts some myths about how much sleep we need at different ages -- and hints at some bold new uses of sleep as a predictor of mental health."

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

“Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven.”
~Walter Savage Landor

Blessings

Chareen

Photo collages made with: Photoscape a FREE photo editor

Beauty Captured {Wordless Wednesday}

I'm joining in with the Pebble Pond's Beauty Captured Challenge

Week 4 & 5 - Photography Challenge Showcase

Today is the last of the Photography Challenge that Erin has hosted over the month of May.

22 Sibling Love

"My Sister!"

23 Friendship 

This is my friend from high school.  She made a special trip to visit me.

24 A photo of Smiles

Happy Birthday Mike. Ginger Pride a  21st b/day bash ... loved his smile.

25 A photo that touches your heart

Father and Son driving up to the house on the farm.

26 A photo that makes me laugh

This photo makes me laugh because
Paul pulled this face as I took the photo and surprised me. 
This is is his New Zealand pose !

27 A photo of the Bush

Evening stroll enjoying the African bush.

28 A photo of candle light

29 A photo of hands

Sir N appreciating one of Nan's roses.

Enjoying fresh stream water after a walk to the waterfall..

Paul serenading me ...

30 A photo of play

Cousins quietly playing as the adults chat in the Kruger National Park

31 A photo of Love

1 Corinthians 13:4 - 6

Dave & Julienne celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Thank you Erin this challenge has helped me look for new photography opportunities and challenged me daily ! 

Don't forget to check out Erin's post and see the photographs that others have taken .

Blessings
Chareen
Week 1 - Showcase
Week 2 - Showcase
Week 3 - Showcase

Week 3 - Photography Challenge Showcase

I am in Johannesburg today visiting my sister and enjoying her internet access while she is at work.

On my merry travels around the internet I have found a really neat site called : Digital Photography School. I recommend you pop on over and poke around but be warned once you start it's addicting !!

I have been enjoying Erin's challenge so much I was wondering what I could do once the challenge was finished at the end of the month ?  I think that I might just take up the dPS Weekly Photo Challenge.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced is taking a picture of a sunset with a SLR.  A point and shoot has a sunset setting which makes it easy to capture the colours.

Last week we took a trip to Blyde Wildlife Estate and spent some time experimenting with the sunset. 

Here is this weeks challenge

15 - Wildlife

Sir N found this spider sitting on top of a wooden post.  

A lion at Moholoholo here in the Lowveld.

16 - Flowers

this one was a good challenge to get in focus.

I love the colours and shadows of this rose.

17 - Trees


This is a Maerua Angolensis.



18 - Something Rustic

This is an ostrich egg light cover.

On one of our outings we stopped to look at the curios for sale.
 I love the colours of Africa.

19 - In the dark

The Southern Cross at around 8 pm at Trackers.

3 am Scorpio with the roof line in the foreground.

20 - Your favourite place to be
My favourite place is waiting for me in Australia :o)

21 - Daily Life

Our daily life here on holiday is getting up early to enjoy the beautiful sunrises over the farm.
 I couldn't resist the shadows and colours here.

Thank you Erin for the ideas and inspiration I have enjoyed doing these. Don't forget to pop on over to Seven Little Australians and see the photo's of some others who have taken up Erins challenge this month.
Blessings

Chareen

Week 1 - Photography Challenge Showcase
Week 2 - Photography Challenge Showcase