Kortney Thoma | Persephone Magazine

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Picture This: No Training Wheels, We’re Going Manual!

May 15, 2012 at 8:00 pm in Photography

Okay, Persephoneers! We’ve learned about composition, we’ve learned about types of cameras, we’ve tried editing photos, we’ve worked on being creative, and we’ve even had a little fun along the way (don’t tell anyone!), but now it’s time to bust off those training wheels and try going manual. “WHAT? HUH? I CAN’T DO THAT!” Why yes you can! And I’ve got a few tools to help you do it! Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: aperture, Guide, how-to, manual, photography, shutter, tutorial 6 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: Camera Accessories

May 1, 2012 at 8:00 pm in Photography

Did you post your photo in our last challenge? If not, don’t worry — here comes another challenge to get you out with your camera. I’ve also got some tips on how to burn money buying camera stuff! From camera straps to camera phones, here are a few things you need (okay, could use) in your camera bag! Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: 3D photos, camera strap, flash, gorillapod, lensbaby, lenses, lighting, pet camera, underwater 10 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: Lens Types

April 17, 2012 at 8:00 pm in Photography

In the market for a new camera? Or how about a new lens? This week we’re going to talk about four different types of lenses and how you can use them! Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: blue, camera, DOF, fish eye lens, gear, lenses, macro lens, prime lens, standard lens 15 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: Vanishing Points

March 27, 2012 at 8:00 pm in Photography

Last week we talked about silhouettes, an easy to construct composition for photos with a light source behind the object. This week, we’ll be talking about vanishing points: a compositional design where the object of your photo extends so far into the distance that it just disappears (or comes close to disappearing). Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: bridge, composition, ideas, photography, road, stairs, vanishing points 3 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: Silhouettes

March 20, 2012 at 8:00 pm in Photography

Last week’s camera phone challenge was fun for me and I hope you had a good time being creative too! So how about other kinds of photo compositions? What are some other ways to make your photos standout? One of my favorites is silhouettes which happen to also be pretty easy to create! Are you ready for the challenge? Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: composition, dark space, exposure, negative, shadow, silhouette 0 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: Camera Phones

March 13, 2012 at 8:00 pm in Photography

Not every photo has to be perfectly lit, edited, and framed. Many great photos are simply funny, odd, and flawed. Photography is all about documenting life: the good, the bad, the strange. But many times we don’t have cameras with us when we come across something amazing. What should we do? Enter stage right: the camera phone. Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: apps, being observant, camera phone, graffiti, keyboards, observing, photography, smart phone, spam 9 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: Taking Good Portraits

March 6, 2012 at 6:00 pm in Photography

One of the most annoying things I encounter as a photographer is when people (mostly friends and family) refuse to let me take their photos. They cover their faces, throw up their hands, and scream, “No!” Most often this is because one of two reasons: a. they “always look horrible in photos,” or b. someone once posted a bad photo of them all over Facebook and you might do the same. Well, that doesn’t always have to be the case and with these five tips, you might be able to convince a reluctant someone to let you take their photo. Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: composition, documentary photography, people, photography, portraits, story 11 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: What’s in your camera bag?

February 29, 2012 at 1:00 pm in Photography

Alright my fellow photo fiends! This month we’ve talked about photo editing, depth of field, and taking a photo walk; for our last week in February we’re going to talk about what to carry in your camera bag and taking photos of people we love. Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: camera bag, equipment, gear, photography, supplies, weight 19 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: Depth of Field

February 21, 2012 at 6:00 pm in Photography

A art professor once told me that he believed everyone had the potential to be a great artist. Obviously it comes more naturally to some people, but everyone can learn and improve through practice which is why if you want to take good photos, you can’t give up! Last week we learned about photo editing; this week we’re going to talk about depth of field—another great composition trick to improve your photos! Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: aperture, depth of field, DOF, flowers, focal point, focus, nature, photography, photos 20 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

The Struggles of Being in an Inter-faith Relationship

February 20, 2012 at 6:00 pm in Perspectives

It’s hard for me to put into words what it’s like to be in an inter-faith relationship. In some respects it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done and in other ways it’s completely natural. If you had asked me 6 years ago if I would ever consider dating a non-Christian guy, I definitely would have said no, but it seems that Cupid has no knowledge of these things when he takes aim at unsuspecting passersby.

Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: Christian, culture, depression, diversity, faith, family, friends, friendship, harassment, inter-faith, Jewish, relationships, religion, tolerance 58 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: Photo Editing

February 14, 2012 at 6:00 pm in Photography

Every now and then I need a break from taking photos so instead I spend a little time fixing them up. When people ask me how I take such good photos, I always tell them it all comes down to three things: composition, light, and editing. We’ve already talked a bit about composition, later we’ll talk about light, and today we’re going to talk about the many software tools at your disposal to help you churn out great photos. Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: editing, gimp, photo editing, photography, photoshop, picasa, picnik, software 24 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

We Try It: Venus Bikini Trimmer

February 8, 2012 at 7:30 pm in We try it!

A few weeks ago I lost my Venus razor so I hurried out to get a new one when I came across the Venus Goddess’ latest invention: a “bikini trimmer.” I considered my options carefully: I could either buy the razor and trimmer set with no extra blades (and for a little more money) or I could buy the traditional razor plus two replacement blades for the standard $12. Further consideration was given to the nice, warm summer weather we were having in Sydney so I decided to give the trimmer a try and forego the extra blades. Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: bikini line, blade, razor, summer, swimsuits, trimmer 9 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: New Cameras and Photo Walks

February 7, 2012 at 6:00 pm in Photography

Lots of people have been asking about what camera they should buy, and while I am a photographer, I am not a Magic 8 Ball. I can’t tell you which camera is best for you, but I can give you some tips to help you make a good decision. So here are a few things to consider before your next big purchase at the checkout counter and your latest photo assignment to keep you busy in the meantime! Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: advice, cameras, decisions, photo walk, photography, shopping 8 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: Poor Weather

January 31, 2012 at 6:00 pm in Photography

So I confess: I didn’t make it out to take photos this past week. The weather was just awful where I live with rain and sometimes even thunderstorms every single day for the entire week. Expensive camera + water = not my favorite combination. So what do you do when the weather doesn’t agree with you? Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: outdoors, photography, rain, snow, weather 16 ♥

by Kortney Thoma

Picture This: Icons

January 24, 2012 at 6:00 pm in Photography

Alright, so we’ve warmed up a bit now! Maybe your camera was a little dusty? A few of you mentioned in the comments last week that you’ve been wanting to put your new camera to use and we’re glad you’ve joined us! If you’re just joining us now, no problem! We’ve got an on-going weekly lesson plus assignment that will get you out in the field and taking pictures in no time. This week, our topic is the rule of thirds and our theme is icons, so get your camera battery charged up! Read the rest of this entry →

Tags: icons, line of sight, natural inclination, photography, points of interest, rule of thirds 18 ♥

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You are browsing the archive for Kortney Thoma.

Picture This: No Training Wheels, We’re Going Manual!

Picture This: Camera Accessories

Picture This: Lens Types

Picture This: Vanishing Points

Picture This: Silhouettes

Picture This: Camera Phones

Picture This: Taking Good Portraits

Picture This: What’s in your camera bag?

Picture This: Depth of Field

The Struggles of Being in an Inter-faith Relationship

Picture This: Photo Editing

We Try It: Venus Bikini Trimmer

Picture This: New Cameras and Photo Walks

Picture This: Poor Weather

Picture This: Icons

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