Which Stitch Markers Are Best

When I first took up crochet I didn't have any stitch markers, I didn't even know stitch markers existed. It wasn't long before I knew about them and I learnt the value of using stitch markers, aka stitch savers. That first frustrating experience of when a project accidentally unravels because there's nothing holding onto the stitch to stop it coming undone or your crochet circle grows in ways it isn't supposed to and the worth of this tiny tool became obvious very quickly. But there are so many styles of stitch marker to choose from, locking, circle, coil-less, plastic, safety pins, thread, 3D printed... does it really make a difference which one you use? Is it just how pretty they are? I walk you through a dozen different stitch markers from items you have lying around your home to the fancy artisan styles. I share with you what features to look for and those that don't really hold up to the task.
0

Why I'm Shooting In RAW Again

white-cheeked honeyeaters
There are several reasons I stopped shooting in RAW.

This might surprise some of you but mostly, I simply don't care enough about my shots to go to the extra effort of processing RAW photos (just keeping it real) but there are practical reasons too. Such as my pathetic excuse for a computing device , a.k.a. net-book, struggles with doing too much at once (my mobile phone has more computing power). Working with RAW images creates more admin and filing work and then there is the whole software side of the equation too. We have RAW editors but my computer only has PICASA.

white-cheeked honeyeater pair

Then last week these shots happened. And I was sad. I wished I'd had RAW turned on. I was totally unprepared to take these shots, they just happened when I was outside with the intention of trying to shoot a blossom or two. As it is I've cropped them down to where they don't get too blurry and that's pretty much all I could do with the JPEG's.

white-cheeked honeyeater in flight

These small birds are white-cheeked honeyeaters and are often mistaken for the New Holland honeyeater which has white eyes instead of brown. The white patches on the cheeks also differ. The new Holland honeyeater's white cheek patches are simply markings, however on the white-cheeked honeyeater the patches get longer and more dramatic as the bird ages giving them these lovely sweeping 'moustachio's'.

white-cheeked honeyeater swooping

These little birds move super fast and hide in the depths of tree branches a lot so an opportunity to get clear in-flight shots is a rare thing.

white-cheeked honeyeater showing off

This sweet little fan tail also decided to hop around and prove the point a few moments later.

fan tail

I went inside and showed my husband and the first thing he asked was 'Did you have RAW turned on?'

fan tail in flight

So if we're going to have a pair of white-cheeks hanging out in the garden regularly I thought I really should turn RAW back on so as not to miss another opportunity to get some wonderful bird in flight shots.


Comments

  1. Rachel @ Coffee, Cake, Kids31 July 2016 at 13:48

    I'm not entirely sure what RAW is, but those photos look fab anyway! #MySundayPhoto

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle31 July 2016 at 14:30

      I'm glad you liked them =D. 'RAW' is the digital data for the photo before they are turned into a picture, if you have that data you can choose which settings you want your picture to use. If you don't have the 'RAW' data then you have to put up with the settings the the camera chose for you. Stuff like how much shadow or light to use.

      Delete
  2. Cathy Glynn31 July 2016 at 14:48

    So beautiful. I think you have captured them perfectly x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown31 July 2016 at 15:58

    My advise to anyone is always shoot in RAW. Lovely photos

    Thank you for linking up

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle29 August 2016 at 16:27

      There didn't seem to be much point if I wasn't going to be able to edit the raw images.

      Delete
  4. JOhn Adams31 July 2016 at 16:42

    The results of shooting in RAW look fantastic to me! Hope you get some new hardware for editing soon. #MySundayPhoto

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle29 August 2016 at 16:28

      I do too. It's frustrating having my computer freeze up when I do try to edit using my current my machine.

      Delete
  5. Unknown31 July 2016 at 17:43

    These are beautiful - I particularly like the 3rd one from the top. I started shooting in RAW last year and I don't do anything else now :) It is so much better for processing. Hope you get it sorted soon x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mary K.31 July 2016 at 18:36

    These are really spectacular photos Stella.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown31 July 2016 at 20:39

    Stunning. I only use my mobile camera but OH uses RAW all the time with his Nikon. Hope you're computing power holds up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle30 August 2016 at 09:22

      Every time I try editing RAW my netbook just freezes up. It's frustrating but I can at least shoot in RAW.

      Delete
  8. Carol @Comfort Spring Station31 July 2016 at 22:09

    Never used raw which explains the problems I have capturing things. I really like your photos and knowledge about the birds. Lovely shots.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle2 August 2016 at 16:29

      Well, capturing is one issue, shooting in RAW gives you the opportunity to do better 'fixes' or change your mind about what camera settings you wanted to take the photo in. A better lens and a better understanding of your camera options are always a great place to start for taking better photos.

      Ultimately you want to be taking the photo how you want it to turn out so you don't have to try to 'fix it' in a photo editor like Lightroom.

      A longer lens and faster shutter speed with more light would also have made these shots nicer.

      Delete
  9. Neesie31 July 2016 at 23:07

    Beautiful birds... I've never actually seen them before, so I'm happy that you have shared them :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle2 August 2016 at 16:30

      They also sound really beautiful, maybe one day I'll be able to capture a video to share too.

      Delete
  10. Coombe Mill - Fiona31 July 2016 at 23:52

    The results are wonderful, I've not tried using Raw but its tempting reading this

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle2 August 2016 at 16:32

      It's often not worth it just for blog-worthy shots but it is totally worth it for anything you want to look truly spectacular such as photos you might get framed. (or awesome bird shots ;o) )

      Delete
  11. Bear and Cardigan31 July 2016 at 23:54

    These are fantastic. I tend to take all mine with my phone as my heavy DSLR and a toddler don't always mix too well #MySundayPhoto

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle2 August 2016 at 16:33

      I don't have a toddler but I do have 2 boisterous dogs that can make taking a photo quite the challenge.

      Delete
  12. Emma T1 August 2016 at 01:15

    I'm naughty and don't use RAW - even though that was my aim for once I got this camera. I just never got round to sorting out Lightroom, and the storage space needed puts me off, plus the editing of everything, rather than now just minimal needed and resizing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle2 August 2016 at 16:34

      It's rare that I want to fire up multiple editors just to get a photo blog-ready (collages and branding blah blah blah) and storage is always an issue. I totally understand why it's not worth the bother most days.

      Delete
  13. PurpleSlob1 August 2016 at 04:28

    I'm glad someone else asked about RAW!! Because that was gonna be my first question!
    You are a great photographer. Personally, I don't see how these shots could be any better!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle2 August 2016 at 16:35

      If I could crop right in close and you could see every feather and twinkle in their eyes, then perhaps I would be happy :o)

      Delete
  14. Red Haired Amazona1 August 2016 at 10:13

    I have no idea about RAW but my first thought was "what beautiful photos of New Holland Honeyeaters" and you educated me about white cheeked ones! I have NH Honeyeaters around my place and I adore them but they flit about so speedily, I can never get flight hotos of them!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Red Haired Amazona1 August 2016 at 10:13

    I have no idea about RAW but my first thought was "what beautiful photos of New Holland Honeyeaters" and you educated me about white cheeked ones! I have NH Honeyeaters around my place and I adore them but they flit about so speedily, I can never get flight hotos of them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle2 August 2016 at 17:27

      I've been trying for quite some time to get one of these little guys, in flight or standing still. It's not easy. Fast shutter speed is a must!

      Delete
  16. TwoPlusCute1 August 2016 at 11:33

    Are you kidding? These are some of your best photos YET!
    I can't believe how beautiful those shots are. Who cares if they ain't raw? They have good composition, great subject, action and movement, colors - you name it.

    They made me click and come over and I enjoyed the birds "dance", flying around.
    Really my fav of your photos are these ones. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle2 August 2016 at 17:49

      I only wish they had been sharper and more in focus. If they had been shot RAW I might have had a chance of making that happen. But it's always good to have something to aspire to.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous1 August 2016 at 20:53

    Awww they are indeed amazing moments! They do look amazing already but I know what you mean!

    I have turned the shooting in raw and jpeg lately. I dont even know why. But I dont have any program for photo editing so I am just keeping those for future use when I can finally afford to buy one.

    #mysundayphoto


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle2 August 2016 at 17:53

      There are free RAW editors, you don't have to buy Lightroom. If you use a cannon you can get access to the cannon raw editor for free (you just need the serial number on your camera). There is also the opensource editor called Rawtherapee too. Just ask if you want me to send over some links for where you can get these from.

      Delete
  18. Winnie2 August 2016 at 20:06

    I don't know much of taking photos, but I know enough to have good photos to my blog. And I do use RAW.
    Anyway - your photos are BEAUTIFUL !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle30 August 2016 at 09:24

      You're food photos are always fabulous Winnie, I can almost taste your delights through the screen.

      Delete
  19. NCSue9 August 2016 at 18:12

    I've not gotten fully comfortable with RAW but will have to spend some time mastering the basics.
    Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-little-dab-of-color.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle30 August 2016 at 09:26

      I'd be more intimidated if my OH wasn't able to show me how to use the software to make the edits I prefer. Once you know how to apply a bit of sharpen and use the contrast sliders your pretty good to go for most pics.

      Delete
  20. Rhonda Albom9 August 2016 at 20:14

    Great photos and sorry that you didn't have RAW on. I tried to turn it off as well but that didn't last long. I'm always in RAW now and I have the multiple TB HDDs to prove it :) .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle30 August 2016 at 09:29

      My Hubby and I share our TB HDD and with my taking pics every single day for the blog it was looking like I would take up more then my share very quickly. Hopefully we can get a new one soon.

      Delete
  21. likeschocolate15 August 2016 at 21:38

    Amazing photos! I switched to raw about two years ago and have found it it nice to have so much more control over edits.
    http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.com/2016/08/olympics-and-back-to-school-dinner.html

    ReplyDelete

Post a comment