XOXO,
Shauna
One of my daughter, Sydney's, favorite things to say is, "Look, I'm being careful. Like in the circus!" So, I thought it was about time to actually take her to a circus. My son came home a few days ago with coupons for the Antioch Shrine Circus at University of Dayton Arena. I said, "We're going!" So, today was the day. We showed up a little early so that the kids could ride the ponies and the elephants (first time experiences for both). We had to buy the tokens for the rides, and then we were all set! So, there was (and probably never will be ) no way that I was gonna try to bring my "big, fancy camera" (D700) to the circus. I could just see an elephant's big foot coming down and crushing it into pieces. And then I could hear my husband say, "Why on earth did you bring your nice camera to a circus??" So, I brought my D5000, my 35mm 1.8 and my 55-300 4.5-5.6 zoom lens (which is the lens I used for most of these pictures). I like to challenge myself, and I learn best by doing. So, I went all Manual with my shooting. I only had to take the ISO up to 800, used my lowest aperature, and adjusted the shutter speed accordingly. I should also note I did NOT use flash on any of these pictures. Even though it was pitch dark, the spotlights on the subjects made for plenty of light. I loved when they would shine the occasional spotlight straight towards me coming from behind the subject that I was shooting. I think my favorite act had to be the bears. They looked so serious, and would sit in chairs like a person in between doing amazing tricks, that even most PEOPLE couldn't do! I think the clowns were my son, Benjamin's, favorite act. They would fall over and bounce off a trampoline, and he would giggle like a little girl. And you can't have an Intermission without some cotton candy! After Intermission, we had more acrobats, a magic show, and the elephant act. I don't know about you, but when I think of the circus, the first thing I think of is elephants. They always surprise me how gigantic they are every time I get to see one in person. And sometimes, even when you accidentally blow out a pic's highlights and it's out of focus and grainy and a weird color, it turns outs to be one of my favorites. After all, photography is art! So all in all, it was a good day. I am exhausted, but happy. And I brought my "old" camera thinking I wouldn't get a single good picture. It's a great camera in full light, but low light is very limited with a cropped sensor camera. I ended up being glad I brought it. I also loved seeing my children experience their first circus. Circuses are such magical places, especially for children. I hope I captured some of that magic to share in my pictures with you!
XOXO, Shauna
1 Comment
Pat Fenstermaker
2/2/2013 10:26:50 am
Yep, you have it girl! No matter what camera you use your artist's eye is evident in your photos. Thanks for sharing!
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Shauna MaschmannPassion for all things photography, mother of 6 year old twins, Ben and Sydney, wife, daughter, sister, friend. Lover of old movies, anything chocolate, laughing, traveling, speaking Spanish and French, summer, the beach, camping (if s'mores are involved), and being with my friends and family. Archives
June 2014
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