Archives for February 2008

February is usually a good month for us financially.  Taxes and bonuses roll in about this time of year.  So while we are still on the Dave Ramsey get out of debt plan we usually splurge and spend money on something both me and my hubbie have wanted.

This year he wanted some new exercise equipment and I was contemplating a few things for my camera.  I use a Canon XTi but have two others that I use occasionally too.  My first digital camera was a Kodak Easyshare DX6490.  I still love that camera when all I want to do is capture something on film and I’m not busy trying to learn (which is where I am with the Canon).  And for Mother’s Day last year I asked for a pocket camera so that I could always have one with me to capture those moments I won’t get otherwise.  It’s a Fuji Z5.  I love that little guy too.  Having these two smaller cameras also allows my kids a chance to take pictures without me having to worry about their sweet little hands on my Canon.

All that said I’ve decided to buy a Canon 58mm f1.8 lens this year.  I’m so excited about getting it.  After spending two days reading up on the lens I’m even more excited.  I’ve learned some cool words like the term for that wonderful “out of focus blur” that is so desirable in portrait shots is BOKEH. And it has a lot to do with the lens you are using, not the camera or the photographer (yippee).  Here’s an article I enjoyed reading about the subject.  It has great examples and is easily understood.

I’ve also learned a lot about f-stop.  Why someone couldn’t come up with a few easily understood words is amazing to me. If you would like to read more about this particular lens you can find great reviews here. Alyssa at Live and Learn has helped in my decision making process.  She has some great advice on photography so check the tips on her blog if you have a chance.
Here’s a good discussion about f-stop or aperture.
And this is a good practical discussion about aperture(or f-stop) /ISO/ Shutterspeed and how they work together.

There’s a lot to learn when you dip further into the photography world.  Meshing all of it together can sometimes feel overwhelming.  So I allow myself times to learn and times just to shoot pictures in hopes that SOMETHING comes out good enough that I can fix anything that’s wrong in Photoshop.

One thing if for certain.  I love taking pictures.  It’s a gift my dad passed down to both me and my sister.

Thanks Dad!!
julie