It was a beautiful day today. I must admit that I didn't leave my house until 5:00pm, but I still managed to enjoy some of the sunshine. We had Chinese food with some people from where Erik works and then we decided to take a little stroll down by the beach.
I had enough foresight to bring our new camera along. After months of saving and then months of humming and hawing over what to get we finally settled on the Canon Rebel T3i. That was the easy part actually. I was perplexed over which lens to get along with it and decided to start out with the 50mm f/1.4. Good choice? Even if it isn't please just tell me it is.
Erik actually went and ordered the camera and the lens one day while I was at work because I couldn't commit. I'm very bad at spending money, unless cards or yarn is involved that is. I still have some money saved up to get another lens... I just have to decide which one. I'm thinking the one we have will be good enough for now. I can accustom myself to the camera and hopefully improve my photography. Maybe even figure out what I like so I can make a more educated decision when purchasing our next lens. Any recommendations?
Anyway. To enjoy the beautiful sunshine we had today Erik and I went walked to the lake and snapped a few photos. I pretended I knew what I was doing as I adjusted the aperture and ISO, but really, I was mainly pretending. I read part of the manual, but there is so much to take in. I just played around for a little bit and familiarized myself with a few things. Actually, I don't know anything more now then I did when we went out.
I know this is completely unrelated to everything else I am writing about, but I feel so lucky to live where I do. I can walk to this beautiful beach in 15 minutes, and it isn't even the closest one to my house. I can't believe only two people have taken me up on my offer to house you if you make the trip out here. It really is a lovely place.
I'm hoping to read some more about the camera and to go out snapping more photos. Maybe focus on one thing each day to start... just to get a handle on things. You know, learn about aperture one day and play around with it. Then tackle ISO the next. Or something. My biggest pet peeve is when people buy fancy pants cameras like this one and then use them like point-and-shoots. I do
not want to be one of those people.
I at least figured out how to manually focus the thing -- Erik has some work to do in that department. I did appreciate him taking an interest in the whole picture-taking thing though. He is usually very reluctant.
I'm excited to learn more about this handy little piece of equipment. If anyone has advice regarding lenses, tips for learning (contemplating taking a coarse to learn about the camera/basic photography, but I'm hesitant to do so), or just any advice in general really, I would love to hear it!
4 comments:
Yay!! 50mm f/1.4 is awesome! Way to go:) My biggest recommendation is to learn to shoot in AV mode. Read that part of the manual, you can do it. ISO is not tricky, it's just like the old film speeds (if you remember that at all). 100 for bright sun, 800 when it's dark. It's aperture that makes everything way more fun. Just leave it on auto focus too, easy.
And, my favourite most versatile lens that I use for every session and with my kids is the 24-70mm. Great in tight spaces and works in every single situation. You don't need it now, just get to know that 50mm of yours. I'm excited for you!
And finally, if you have time to invest into practicing, I would say a course isn't necessary. You seem to be really good at teaching yourself things so I would try that first.
Looking forward to seeing your photos:)
oooh! Congrats on the big purchase A&E! Awesome! Loving the shots of you ash -- beautiful! :)
We have a canon and enjoy using it... I havent learnt all the little details but I think I might take a course to better my photos. I will be taking up your offer and stay with you for a night or two in August.. and lastly, your so beautiful, even if you are blurry :) xoxoxo
Hi -
I've been following your blog for quite some time (can't remember how I found it - maybe some google search or simply clicking through blogs) and have always enjoyed the photos you post as well. Seeing how many people photos you take, the 50mm lens will be perfect for that - and great camera choice too! Can't wait to see more. As you keep expanding your camera kit (it gets addictive, trust me :-) ), depending on what you want to take photos of, a zoom lens may be a good one as well. But for now, definitely work that nifty 50; it's probably the key people lens out there.
Barbara
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