Good news/bad news
Some of you may recall a certain post from a few days before Christmas in which I ever so subtly mentioned that I really, really, really wanted a DSLR camera. I never seriously thought I'd get one for Christmas—or for any other occasion any time soon, for that matter.
Yet, a very generous Santa in search of one last special gift took that post to heart and granted me my Christmas wish.
That is the good news. The downright-so-awesome-it-made-me-cry-when-I-opened-it news.
The bad news: I've not yet had the time or inclination to learn even the smallest of wonders the magical camera has in store for those who know which bells to ring and whistles to blow. Because—and this is good news—my adorable and ever-so-photogenic grandsons and their mommy and daddy have been visiting since the day I opened that unexpected DSLR.
More good news, though—in addition to my grandsons still being here—is that I don't have to know much of anything to get great photos from my new toy because it has a nifty auto feature intended to save ignorant newbies like me. As proof, here are two photos taken using that awesome auto feature during our family visit to the aquarium yesterday—photos that never would have turned out as well (if at all) with my old camera, photos straight out of the camera with no editing at all:
I love those photos! I love my new camera! (And I love the subjects of those photos taken with my new camera a fair smidgen, too!)
There is one teensy bit more bad news, though: Now that I finally have exactly what I've been wishing for I can no longer blame any crappy photos on this blog on my camera. The onus is on the operator.
Which can be turned into good news, I think—once I take the time to figure out all the bells and whistles that make for super awesome shots.
Or once I commit to forever going forward leaving the camera set to the automatic-super-awesome-without-knowing-a-thing feature.
(Having that option is pretty much the very best news of all.)
Today's question:
Describe one of your favorite recent photos taken by you or someone else.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Reader Comments (14)
Looks like Santa delivered a perfect camera. Great pics!! (tho' I beg to differ with you on the quality of your previous blog pics...I think they've always been good)
I haven't taken a decent photo in my lifetime and it doesn't matter what camera I hold in my hands. Fortunately, other family members are much better at capturing great moments than I am. My most recent favorite is a photo taken by my daughter of my Grandson looking at my husband...unbelievably with a cell phone. It's a beautiful pic.
OMG! Those two boys are cuties. And the pictures are wonderful.
I don't take very good pictures ever, but what I have serve as reminders if nothing else.
Confessing to camera envy.
What did you get?? You left out the most important thing -- what kind of camera is it??!!! You are just going to love it! I've taken over 3000 pictures this year but I think my favorite picture is one my daughter took of Grampy and I opening Christmas gifts. I am usually the one taking the pictures so I am seldom in them. This one is extra sweet.
You are going to have so much fun!! I should warn you that you will likely go broke buying extra lenses -- and Photoshop!
I wouldn't know top from bottom of a fancy new-fangled camera but I'm glad you got one because it makes you so happy. Those two pics of the cute little guys are precious.
I think my favorites are going to be those taken Christmas day of our four-generation family gathering and any taken of the desert-dwellers who are infrequently with us.
Like Nonnie Kelly, I think your pics in the past, even without the state-of-the-art camera have all
been great. Enjoy!
Lovely photos.I need a camera like that.Sometimes I get so disappointed at my photos. Looks like you're having a lovely time.
Congrats on your new camera! I just have a little digital camera but I did take a great pic of my family at Christmas. I hope no one took my picture because I don't take very good ones.
Oh, I'm so happy you got your camera! I've found that photography has a huge learning curve, and it's equally fun and frustrating! I'm loving it all though and I hope you do too.
The pictures are fabulous! The one with Bubby's reflection is really cool.
YAY! I'm so happy for you and your new camera. DSLR's take such wonderful pictures. I've had mine -- and got a better one for Christmas! Woot! -- since 2005 and never learned how to use all the bells and whistles. Most of the time, I just leave it on automatic.
Love your pictures. Baby Mac is getting big! How cute.....
I haven't taken many significant pics lately, but I did receive the engagement pictures from my son and his fiance and my grandson. They are beautiful.
How precious those photos are! The boys are adorable and you caught the wonder in their expressions! I'm happy for you getting such a great camera! Have fun! I also got a kick out of your Christmas panties! HaHa! Enjoy the rest of your holidays! Love, Linda
Beautiful family!!!!!!! Awesome pictures!!!!
AND SANTA ROCKS!!!! :)
Sending love and best wishes for the New Year, my friend. ~
I like your photos!
I love to take pictures! I have to be careful because I enjoy taking pictures in stores that may have a problem with me taking pictures of their merchandise or, children who are not mine just because I think they are so cute!
I have photoshop but have so far found picnik to be much more user friendly for me.
Lisa, I hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year!
To all who asked: The fancy schmancy DSLR I received from Santa Jim is the Canon EOS Rebel T3i. So, so cool and not as intimidating as some of the DSLRs I've considered.