I’ve named my favorite bird “Red.” Very appropriate don’t you think?

I’m struggling with my photography class this week. There was a ton of reading and the professor made a note to be sure to take notes, because the instructions for this week’s assignment would be found throughout the module.

This week’s topic is Shutter Speed. Last week was ISO. I have a prediction that next week’s topic will be aperture.

I have to turn in three photos this week. One is to be panned. I’m supposed to capture something moving by panning at the same speed of the moving object. That object is supposed to be clear while the background will be blurred.

I’ve tried with quails and doves, but they aren’t cooperating. Red is too flighty. I can’t pan fast enough. I’m going to have to rely on my husband walking, riding a bike or driving the car. Not too exciting. And the professor wants us to be creative.

Then the other two photos are to be creative using a fast shutter speed and a slow shutter speed. But I’m finding contrary instructions in different parts of the module.

Here are the photos from my first assignment:

We were told how to set the camera’s ISO and Aperture and to use auto focus. I liked the crocodile because of the shadows from our pergola.

I thought this cactus in our front yard was interesting.

I think this photography class is way more work than what I expected. It continues through May. I have to remind myself not to worry about grades. I’m doing this to gain knowledge. But old habits of worrying about grades are still with me from my school days!

UPDATE ON UPDATE:

I reread the module. Printed it out and highlighted all parts referring to the assignment. I referred back to my camera’s manual. All of a sudden it clicked. I had my husband ride his bike up and down our driveway while I took the “panning” shot. I got the other two shots I liked during the last two days.

My husband wanted to know who the old man was on the bike!

What classes or activities have you taken on to gain knowledge?

Do you worry about how well you’ve done?

Or are you content to learn something new and not worried about the outcome?