New Camera!

I'm so excited that I bought a new camera for myself!!!  Technically, it's a used professional camera.  Michael has convinced me that nothing, ever should be bought a full retail and nothing, ever should be bought before thoroughly researching the market.  Since I fell in love with one particular camera from an amateur photographer, Ms. Darby, I didn't have much research to do besides find out the retail value, aftermarket value and cost comparisons- (which totally killed my impulse shopping buzz).  Thankfully, after a few weeks of digging, I found an ebay auction slipping through the cracks and was able to be one of two bidders on my "new" camera.  It's perfect.  I have already learned so much about ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed and still have a plethora of things to learn.

For anyone that is wanting to get into amateur photography like me, I suggest supplementing your education with free online tutorials.  The best that I have found so far is: Digital Photography School.  Everything is written for the beginner.  He, Darren Rowse, also assigns weekend assignments to help you practice your skills.

Last weekend's assignment was food!  Yah!  Or so I thought.  It was actally a lot harder to find something worthy of photography than I thought it was. 

 This became my best picture.  I call it "The Taste of Summer"  I was pretty happy about how this turned out- considering it was a blazing 101 degrees outside, I was in a skirt, laying face down on the back of my work deck taking this picture on my lunch hour :)

I will make a point to practice with more food this weekend.  But for now, I like trying out my new camera on Ms. L.  enjoy!

This one I "antiqued" a little bit.

I love this picture.  It really illustrates how much she is growing this summer.  It's 90 mph or sleep with this girl!

"Just teasing, Mom!  I know I'm not supposed to eat rocks."

Just for the record #1- I bought the exact one that Darby uses: Canon Rebel xsi with a standard EF-S 18mm-55mm lens.  I will have to save up for the nicer lens that she has, but while I'm learning, this will be just fine.   #2- I consider this a major investment into a side business that I'm dreaming about.  That will be in another blog though :)  (it's not exactly what your are thinking... ;)