Behind The Lens: Angie Wagner

I love watching people's photography talent improve. Angie is one of those people I've watched. I remember the first time she posted a photo of her son that took my breath away! I knew then she had begun to master her camera!

Please meet my a friend and photographer, Angie Wagner.

What sparked your interest in photography?

When I started scrapping in the late 90's, I got a lot more interested in photography. I discovered digital scrapbooking in 2005, and my interest grew. I got my first dSLR (a Canon Rebel) in 2006. I took tons of pictures to get the perfect shot, but everything was on auto until just this past fall. I decided with the release of Get Me Off Of Auto, that I wasn't happy just getting lucky whenever I got a great shot. I wanted more great shots. I wanted control.

My pictures have changed so much since I got the confidence from GMOA to take control of my camera. Controlling aperture has made such a dramatic difference in how my photos look. This is a great example of how I used a wide open aperture to get this dramatic look. I used the smallest f/number the lens would allow. Before the book, I was afraid to touch or change anything. Not anymore!

What makes you happiest about your photography?  

I love being in control of my shots. I love the variety I'm getting. I love the editing process. I love taking pictures for other people and having them be so excited with the results.

What camera do you use?  

I now shoot with a Nikon D90. I bought it while I was still shooting on auto. Now that I don't touch any automatic settings, I would like to upgrade to a Nikon d300s.

 I used the rule of thirds to make the crop more interesting and dramatic. This is one of my favorite pictures. I was thrilled that I chose the right aperture to keep the entire fishing pole and line in focus.

What is your favorite lens?  

My favorite is definitely my 50mm 1.4 with the 85mm 1.8 being a close second.

  

What have you learned that helped your photography most?  

I've learned not to be afraid of my camera and all of it's buttons!

I chose just the right focal point to get his eyes sharp. That was the goal. I absolutely love being in control of focal points!!

How has your photography changed since reading Get Me Off of Auto?  

My pictures are more dramatic and more crisp. I am not afraid to take chances and play with settings. I am a better photographer and GMOA and Katrina are the reasons for that.  Thank you so much, Katrina, for sharing your knowledge and love of photography! My thanks to DesignerDigitals for making this all happen.

What are your photography goals for 2010?

I am in the process of fulfilling my dream of having my own photography business focusing on kids and families. Katrina made that possible! My goals are to finish my website, increase my business, and continue to grow as a photographer. I want to get faster at deciding on settings and setting up my shots.

You can find more of Angie's great photography on her blog And1Makes4. 

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Thanks Angie for such kind words! You are truly talented!

Get Me Off of Auto and my GiveItYourBestShot tutorials are on sale through the weekend at DesignerDigitals! 

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.