If you follow me on Instagram, then you may know that I recently purchased a new lens for my camera. I bought my Nikon D40 DSLR camera back in 2009 and have been using the 18mm-55mm kit lens that it came with ever since. I have never taken photography classes nor have I ever touched any of the settings (knowingly) since I first bought it years ago. Basically I just set it on aperture priority and forced the flash. And for the most part I was happy with my photos. But after reading on several blogs about the 50mm lens, I decided I would go for it. And I even went big (for me) and went with the 50mm f/1.4G lens. And then I stood on my trusted doorstep where the good lighting can usually be found. And realized there is no way I will be able to do full-length shots there anymore with this new lens. I feel like I am using a brand new camera and have no idea what I am doing. SO I hope you don’t mind while I play around with my settings, etc. until I get it figured out.

JustFab Cork Clutch

50mm (obviously) f/1.6 @ 1/4000 ISO=800 No Flash (Aperture Setting). I am going to be posting the exact settings for each pic so I can keep track of what I like and what I don’t for a while. So feel free to ignore that part. This was my fave pic of the day. I was shocked at how much light I got without using a flash. Still not as bright as I’d normally like but it works.

TwentyTees.com

50mm f/4.5 @1/500 ISO=400 Flash (Aperture Setting). This pic was taken in party cloudy weather with the sun in front of me. I rarely take pics here because I prefer to shoot with the sun behind me but playing with the settings made it look like it was a sunny day. Although it is a bit too bright. Again, I am pretty much just talking out loud to myself so if you are any sort of photographer, I apologize for boring you.

JustFab Cork Emerge Clutch

50mm f/1.8 @1/4000 ISO=800 No Flash (Aperture Setting). Another pic that I liked although it is a bit too grainy. But at least you can see the detail of the shirt and clutch.

twentytees.com

50mm f/3.2 @1/500 ISO=400 Flash (Aperture Setting). WAY too bright/blown out. And I think I warmed it up a bit in iphoto.

JustFab Cork Clutch

50mm f/4.5 @1/500 ISO=400 Flash (Aperture Setting). I suck at full-length shots. Which is why most of the time I am doing the flamingo pose (#dothejenn)….so you can see my shoes. Plus, I think my pics look better when I am being overly pose-y. Who wants to look at stiff boring pics? I realize I look like an a$$ most of the time…but that’s the thing about being in your late 30’s. You just don’t really give a sh*t. Wow…that’s a lot of sort of cussing for one post. You can’t take yourself too seriously when you are taking pictures of your outfits and posting them on the internet. =) This pic is blurry. But you know what….it is friggen (there I go again) hard taking your own pics with a tripod and remote. Oh well…

Outfit Details:
White Cotton Blouse c/o Twenty
Seven Jeans (old)
Star Ling Cork Heels (old)
Cork Clutch c/o Justfab
Michael Kors Runway Watch
H&M Floppy Hat (last year)

categories: oufit of the day21 comments

21 Comments ( Reply )

  1. Annette
    May 09, 2013 @ 12:29 am

    I always love your photos and poses and really appreciate it is not easy with a tripod. Currently I am looking for a DSLR and a standard lense and don’t really have a clue yet. It all seems very complicated to me…

    Your flared jeans look great on you, love your styling!

    Annette
    Lady of Style
    now on Facebook

  2. Tara
    May 09, 2013 @ 4:08 am

    I am loving the lace detail of that top!

  3. Penny Pincher Fashion
    May 09, 2013 @ 4:28 am

    First of all, I love this outfit! It’s very Rachel Zoe (who you know I’m obsessed with).

    Second, when it comes to taking pictures with your new lens, for a while we still did our full-length shots with our old lens and then did the rest 3/4, half and close up shots with the new lens. Also it helps to have a shady spot for you to stand in and you DON’T want sun behind you because then you won’t be as clear. Those close-ups you took on your porch (which turned out amazing) can be lightened a little in Photoshop or PicMonkey & you can also sharpen them if they are slightly grainy. 🙂

  4. Ana
    May 09, 2013 @ 5:49 am

    I love the new pics! The best advice I got for taking the full length shots with a tripod, was to pay attention to what is in sharp focus and adjust where you stand based on that. For example, in this set, the palm tree to your left (our right) is in sharp focus. Your 50mm lens focuses on an area (focal length) not an item, and anything in that focal length will be in sharp focus, so once you figure out where that length is, you stand there and you will also be in sharp focus. This is easier with a tripod because you move instead of trying to move the camera.

    PS-I love your flamingo pose. It is one of the things that make you uniquely you and I always call out when other people copy you because it looks contrived on everyone else! 🙂

    • jennifer
      May 09, 2013 @ 8:25 am

      ha ha…thanks Ana! #flamingo

  5. Amy
    May 09, 2013 @ 7:22 am

    Love the outfit and the jenn pose! Excited to hear more about your new lens!

    xx Amy
    Leopard and Lillies

  6. Bethany
    May 09, 2013 @ 8:01 am

    I love the Jenn pose… it’s what makes your blog so friggin’ (whoops – you started it!!) fun to follow. <3

  7. AM
    May 09, 2013 @ 8:10 am

    hahahahaha, I love your outfit and this post is funny 😛

  8. Agi
    May 09, 2013 @ 8:11 am

    Great outfit. I know how you feel. I am still using a simple digital camera. I would love to get a new camera. It would make a world of a difference.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.com

  9. Amy Shaughnessy
    May 09, 2013 @ 9:11 am

    I don’t really know a ton about photography but I am itching to get a 50mm lens. I’ve been working with the 58 that came with my camera but I’m ready to upgrade. So that last pic was taken at 4.5 fstop? That’s a pretty good blur and focus on you for that setting. I think they are looking good!

    Amy
    Fashion and Beauty Finds

  10. Joanna
    May 09, 2013 @ 10:54 am

    This clutch has me lost for words. So gorgeous! Love the way you styled it as well 🙂

  11. lisacng @ expandng.com
    May 09, 2013 @ 12:06 pm

    Yay for experimenting with settings on the camera — it’s the fastest way to learn what works for you! I LOOOOOOOOVE the first photo. It shows off the clutch and hat and shirt, and it’s so mysterious and sexy! Good job on the full length shot too! Well done, sista! Keep at it. Love the new lens. Sharper than your previous photos!

  12. Sara
    May 09, 2013 @ 1:54 pm

    This post made me laugh so hard– I loved it! I am so glad I am not the only one who struggles with tripod photos. They are definitely not as easy as many people make them look. Also, I too am learning more with my camera and really appreciate you posting the settings for each photo. As soon as I think I am getting the hang of it, I change one thing and get so upset because I have to start all over. Thanks for sharing– and your hat is adorable!

  13. Emma Finlayson
    May 09, 2013 @ 4:39 pm

    These photos are amazing and you look amazing as always!!!

    xo Emma
    http://strollingthecityinheels.com

  14. Franziska
    May 09, 2013 @ 5:35 pm

    I just got a 50 mm a few months ago and it was a shock trying to adjust. standing so far back totally got me, but once you use it a few times you’ll get the hang of it. The quality of your pictures has already like tripled! Can’t wait to see where you take it from here!

  15. shannon
    May 09, 2013 @ 8:01 pm

    I totally know where you’re coming from w/this post! I also take my own pics using a tripod and remote and it’s friggin HARD to get everything just right. Also, since my lens doesn’t auto focus, that’s a whole different challenge. You’re doing an EXCELLENT job! Your going to have so much fun playing around w/your new lens.

  16. shannon
    May 09, 2013 @ 8:02 pm

    Oh, I forgot to say I love your outfit! Your top is beautiful. Love the lace details.

  17. Audrey
    May 09, 2013 @ 9:10 pm

    Great photos Jenn….I use a 35mm 1.8 lens that I love. We’ve had our camera for almost 2 years and I STILL don’t use it to it’s full capacity 😉 x

  18. Alice at Happiness at Mid Life
    May 09, 2013 @ 10:39 pm

    I just finally bought a real camera and have only used the manual setting and standard lens. My hubby takes my photo and I am not sure he’s all that interested in photography so I need to figure all this out and take some better pictures.

    Loving the hat!

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

  19. Fashion cadet
    May 10, 2013 @ 11:35 am

    totally loving the flared jeans and hat, very chic

    http://fashioncadet.com/
    http://www.alwand.co.uk

  20. maria at inredningsvis
    May 13, 2013 @ 5:42 am

    AMAZING post:) your blog Is so lovely and Im now following.

    If you want some cute Swedish decor & fashion inspiration…check out my blog:)

    Have a great week dear

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
    (sweden)