Behind The Lens: Angela McMillian

I'm pleased to introduce you to Angela. She wrote such kind words, I must share.

First I’d like to say to you that I’m flattered you chose to feature me.  It really makes me feel like my photography is improving and encourages me to continue.  I’ve been inspired by your work since joining DesignerDigitals two years ago and I’m so grateful for the knowledge you’ve shared with us through the chats, forums and now the tutorials and classes. 

I have loved watching Angela's photography skills develop. Her story of reading Get Me Off of Auto is my favorite part of her interview!

What sparked your interest in photography?

 For as long as I can remember I liked taking pictures when I could get my hands on a camera, but owning a camera and having film developed was definitely a luxury not often provided.  It wasn’t until I discovered digital scrapbooking and joined DesignerDigitals that I really became interested in photography as opposed to just taking a good picture at a family event or special occasion.

I used the principles from the Light Tutorial.  I overexposed for the snow a tip you gave me.

What camera do you use?      

I purchased my first DSLR, Canon Rebel XSi in June of 2009.  I wanted to do and try things that I couldn’t achieve with my point and shoot camera. Once I purchased the DSLR, because of the principles you teach in Get Me Off Auto, I never really made a habit of shooting in auto.  Sure I missed some shots but the ones I got were much better than the average shots.  I printed Get Me Off Auto and kept a copy on my night stand and each night before I went to bed I would read it with my camera in hand taking pictures of things on my night stand, even taking pictures of my feet, the back of my sons head—anything  in front of me at the time to familiarize myself with the buttons and settings.  The book is well written and illustrated and gets you shooting right away!

What is your favorite lens?

Definitely my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 - a wonderful lens at a very affordable price.

What makes you happiest about your photography?

I am constantly learning new techniques and am more aware of my surroundings.  I see things that I would have never noticed before.

Note from Katrina: Angela took her tree outside to get this great night time shot! Anything for a photo!

What have you learned that helped your photography the most?

I would have to say finding my focus, the very first lesson in Your Life Captured Through the Lens class.

 I was practicing back button focus a lot with this shot.

How has your photography changed since reading Get Me Off Auto?
I definitely have a better understanding of aperture and DOF, one of the reasons I upgraded to a DSLR in the first place.  Also remembering to check my shooting mode and settings in different situations are second nature now. 

I was practicing techniques from Your Life Captured Through The Lens: focusing, depth of field, and composition.  Outside in wonderful natural light.

What are your photography goals for 2010?

My goals for 2010 are to start shooting in RAW and to get out and shoot more and practice the exercises from the classes and tutorials.  I also want to shoot in manual more. This year is the first time I’ve attempted the 365 Photo A Day, so I’m determined to continue with that project.  I also want to resume my participation in a flickr group project called 100 strangers that I found last year while cruising flickr.  The idea of The One Hundred Strangers project is a learning group for people who want to improve their social and technical skills needed for taking portraits of strangers and telling their stories. The method is learning by doing.

You can see more of Angela's photos in her DesignerDigitals gallery and flickr photostream.

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To help Angela with her photography goals, I'll be sending her a little something special that I've been working on!

Have I helped you with a class, ebook, or tutorial? Would you like to be featured Behind The Lens? Send me an email at katrina at katrinakennedy dot com.