Christmas this year came a little early for me, when my husband surprised me with my DREAM gift on Christmas Eve -- a new camera!
And after a quick bout of not knowing how to work the darn thing, I finally decided it was broken. Yes, my Christmas present was a dud. I slunk back to the store from which my sweet husband had purchased it, and begged for either instruction or exchange.
Thankfully, the intelligible young man who looked over the camera with me agreed: it wasn't just user-error (something I was fully ready to admit) -- the camera wasn't operating right. He switched it out with a different one, and I was on my way.
On my way to bliss, actually. I had so much fun those first few days that I shot anything and everything I could capture in the viewfinder. A dusty ornament, a box full of hair-accessories...anything was fair game.
Anything IS fair game -- I'm honestly addicted to snapping photos right now. And though I still don't really know how to use the camera aside from a few basic settings, I'm trying.
I know that it takes practice, and I also know that I'm a little on the l a z y side; I'll need encouragement and incentive to take enough pictures to help me learn.
To that end, I've committed myself (seriously -- committed, as in, lock me up, because it's crazy for me to assume I can handle one more thing right now) to taking photos (or -- at least ONE photo) each day of 2011.
If you'd like to follow along, I opened up a separate site to display them -- Heavenly365 -- and I hope that by having that site up, and noticeable, I'll keep myself accountable. I'm sure I'll duplicate some of those photos here, but it's just meant to be sort of a running tally of my daily attempts.
So, here's to 365 photos!
(Oh, and feel free to give me tips on how to use this new toy!)
Sarah, we're such soulmates. Guess what camera Hubby and I got with some Christmas money we received as a gift?! Looks to be the same exact one you're sporting, girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteAnd... I don't have a clue how to use mine either. I almost threw it across the room yesterday, but when Ben's eyes started to bulge, I decided that might not be a good idea. I shall be practicing here in DC, while you practice too :)stion
I'm hoping to learn how to use my camera better too! I have a good one on loan from some super photographer friends, but I mostly just shoot in auto. I'm going to try and branch out a little this year and switch it to manual some.
ReplyDeleteWoooooo-hoooooooo!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool gift. Hmmm so I see it is a Nikon (um LOVE) and I see that you are gorgeous (great selfie!) So tell mee... dooo you love it yet?!? Have you cuddled with it? I often cuddle with mine. ha.
And you are much stronger than I with the 365. I fizzled out with mine when creativity went in the toilet. I might try it again starting on my anniversary with the hubbster. Maybe since I'll start it with an important date... but enough about me. I can't wait to see your 365 and your photography grow!!!
Alita
I got a new camera too, and started a 365 :-)
ReplyDeleteCheck out My 3Boybarians, I am using this tutorial: #1 Days to a better photo: http://my3boybarians.com/31-days-series/
I have learned so much, and I am on day 3. I like how she explains the different settings so simply!
What a great gift! I have to admit, I am coveting your camera. I have been saving up for one for a couple years. Just as soon as I start getting close, something breaks or real estate taxes come due...and it's gone again. Oh well, it'll happen eventually!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of taking one photo a day. It sounds like quite a challenge, though!
I, too, am having a love affair with my Nikon! They pictures are SO AWESOME! When we received ours, hubby bought me "Digital Photography for Dummies." no joke. Some of it is not very helpful unless you've been still using film and living under a rock. However, a LOT of the advice is fantastic, and super-EASY read. I have been branching out with mine a lot thanks to basic trials.
ReplyDeletestart with auto and get used to the feel, focus, color. Then try using the presets on the wheel. read up on what they mean and then try those. Also, try finding a target that STAYS STILL. My girls were not, uh, interested in this part. So I have LOTS of pics of the baby. :)
6 months later I STILL use it almost every day, and utilize a lot of the features, and am still learning a lot about diff techniques. HAVE FUN!
Ah man, I didn't get a Nikon! It's still on my wish list! Love your pictures! Have fun snapping away!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love love love my Nikon! Enjoy it... I kept mine on one of the automatic settings (the one w/o the flash) for nearly the first year and it still took absolutely great photos! They're great cameras - have FUN!
Congrats on your Nikon! What a fun gift!! Can't wait to see those spectacular pictures!!
ReplyDeleteWish I had some expert advice for you, but I guess that's why I still own a point and shoot (is that even what you call 'em?)... I'm way too lazy to figure out a new camera. I'd rather watch you do it! :)
I also do a 365 day challenge, and am currently somewhere around 120. I haven't missed any of them yet. I love it, and I have to admit, I have learned so much about my camera. There are several really great sites out there that all do the 365 or different photo challenges. I enter the ones I like, comment with others and just enjoy myself. I never worry about words on the 365 day blog. I just worry about the pictures. They are totally amazing to me!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited about your new camera! You guys are crystal clear and busting with color--and I'm delighted!
ReplyDeleteSo. much. FUN! I'm really, really excited for you. I think you have a natural eye for beauty. You're going to go so far, Sarah. :)
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo! I'm excited to see more and more pictures from you! I especially love the box of hair pretties.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to watching your journey with your camera. I love photography but still not sure if it's something I want to get into a lot yet - I think this year I'll be focusing more on my crafts than anything else. Have fun with your new toy.
ReplyDeleteLove the one of your girls' hair-bow drawer! With all that color and variety, it's like one of my daughter's "I Spy" books. :)
ReplyDeleteOff to check out the new site!
I can't help but wonder; how did you cut your knuckle? Was it cooking or was it using a sharp object to open the Camera package? Or did you get that from punching your husband while exercising?
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I noticed the cut. Maybe it is because I cut myself a lot and so am sensitive about it.