Not too long ago I didn't know much about taking pictures. That all changed when I bought a Canon Rebel T6. I bought the camera so I would have something nice to take pictures at my sister's wedding in Punta Cana.

I quickly realized I had no idea how to work this new-fangled contraption. I thought, "I am a software developer.  This is a computer.  I can figure it out."   I went my usual route to learn new things....the Internet.  I read blogs, watch videos on YouTube, looked at ebooks, but nothing was sinking in.  Aperture, ISO, shutter speed, exposure, studying light it all went right over my head.   

I know I am a visual learner, so I decided to take a class.    I was determined to get out of automatic.  The local community college offered non-credit community education course, and I found a Photography 101 class.  I figured I can get the basics, and maybe learn something about my camera.  I was in for a huge surprise.   The class had an amazing instructor that was so passionate about making a great photo that he was infectious.  By the time I finished the class I was completely in love with the idea of making great photographs.   

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I immediately went back to the community college website, and looked to see what other photography classes he was teaching.  I knew he had a 102 class, but it would be a couple months before it started.   I did not want to want a couple of months, I wanted more NOW.   There was a macro photography class starting in 2 weeks.   It was right up my alley.  I love being outside and in the woods.   I like taking pictures of bugs and flowers.  It sounded perfect.  I had just bought some land in the middle of no where that had a field, I kind you not a field, of milkweed.  The milkweed had plenty of monarch butterfly caterpillars (my favorite) for me to study.

I went online, and bought an amazing f2.8 100mm macro lens, and signed up for his macro photography class.   I don't think I have ever had such a great time with a group of complete strangers.  (This is a big deal for me.   I never go anywhere new without a friend.   My best friend would not be my best friend if I had not drug my poor sister to her house for a Halloween party.)   I learned some tricks macro photographers used, and I got some pictures I was really excited about.  I was off to an excellent start.

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