Exciting news, friends! (Well, at least to me it is exciting.) I have finally taken the photography plunge and gotten myself off “Auto.”
Ok, over the year plus that I’ve had a DSLR, I’ve played around with the Manual settings. But very honestly, it often ended poorly. I would be frustrated and confused, staring at a photo that I thought would be great and it turned out was not so much.
Now with the help of an awesome instructor/tutor who I found – and highly recommend! – I have finally made some progress. The road to better photos has been fun, challenging and at times expensive (I always seem to pick up expensive hobbies…)!
Here have been a few of my favorites lately. If you don’t already, follow along for more fun photos on my Instagram page.
Enjoy!

I love Arcadia Farms in Old Town Scottsdale. Their patio is a wonderful little hidden getaway spot, and their sangrias are particularly excellent!

Can’t get enough of this Chai from Pip’s. Thanks to Meredith for being a great tea/donut date and hand model.

My good friend Rachel recently got this adorable Golden Retriever puppy. Spending a sunny morning with them was so fun.

Loved this London Fog tea latte from Posie’s. Read more on this post!
YA! I like these kind of posts!
Yay! Zippy the puppy model!!!
Love that you are always up for learning new things! More donuts, please!
Hi Erin,
I hear you on the “off”auto site. It was intimated to me to start this year without auto and it can be frustrating. But I am off for a challenge and there so many tutors, fellow bloggers, photographer or friends who can give us advice, that we cannot fail. Everybody had “this awkward moment” where they got “off” modus or featured their first picture online.
I am still not perfect and it takes time, but I am up for this challenge and as long as we love to be behind the camera we will always have great shots.
I love your photos and I think they tell a story, which is the most important part.
So proud of your progress since I met you!!! Congrats and keep it up!
What do you mean, better photos…. your photos are already so awesome. I am not sure how to prepare for even higher level of more awesome!!
Aww, thank you Pech. That is super sweet of you!