Behind The Lens: Deirdre Harger

I love sending the emails out for Behind the Lens. The reactions and responses are so real and so fun. Deirdre's words were what every teacher wants to hear, "some of my best shots are a direct result of what I learned in your class." I'm so appreciative of her comment, but do believe she came with her own great talent too! I'd like to introduce you to Deirdre Harger.

What sparked your interest in photography?

Mostly children and family and the desire to document our lives’ progression.  We got an EOS film camera as a wedding gift, and I started photographing our dogs and family members (always on auto).   Later, we got our first digital camera (a 3 megapixel Olympus) as a gift from my mother-in-law.  I finally progressed to a digital EOS but still always on auto.  As I delved into digital scrapbooking, I discovered “Get Me Off Auto” and “Capturing a Photo a Day” and then “Your Life Through the Lens".  Once I started to learn about exposure, shutter speed, ISO, aperture and all that other fun stuff, I was hooked.  

What camera do you use?
I use a Canon 40D 

What is your favorite lens?
My favorite lens is my Canon 50mm f1.8, with my Canon 70-200 f4 a close second.

What makes you happiest about your photography?

My photography makes me happiest when it captures a mood and sparks a memory so that I can feel that mood and moment all over again every time I look at the photo.

What have you learned from Your Life: Captured Through The Lens that has helped your photography most?

I love the way “Your Life:  Captured Through the Lens” explained technical elements of photography while also delving into the emotional side of things.  It taught me to try to find the little things in my life that will remind me of what I was doing that day, not just the big moments, but the everyday little things, and to be able to capture them in a photograph that’s pleasing as well.

What are your current photography goals?
My current photography goals:  I want my focus to be sharper.  I really want to just keep building on what I’ve learned through tons of practice.  I want to be able to view my surroundings in a unique way and capture that with my camera.   I also love viewing others’ work and I draw a lot of inspiration from that.  I guess my main goal is to have a meaningful visual memoir of our lives for my current and future family members and friends  I am fortunate enough to be able to go on most of my children's field trips, so I take a lot of photos that other parents really appreciate.  I also need to try to get in front of the lens more too! 


Thanks Deirdre for sharing your images and words. I love your take on everyday life.

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You can be a part of Your Life: Captured Through The Lens. The six week class begins on November 2nd. We'll explore  "shutter speed, ISO, aperture and all that other fun stuff" in a user friendly, step by step way. You'll finish class shooting on Manual mode and understanding how aperture and shutter speed work as well! You can take part in 13 Days 'Til Halloween for a chance at a spot!