Where Have You Been All My Life?

I love photography. I'm not professional by any means, and maybe some people don't even think I'm very good at it! I don't care -- I love it regardless.

At one time, I had a pretty good film camera. It was an Olympus hybrid SLR. But I couldn't photograph as much as I would have liked, because film and developing costs were involved. With digital -- not an issue.

When our nice Nikon camera died, I rushed out and bought a cheapy point and shoot from Staples. Another Olympus. It's actually been a good camera for us, and my mom ended up getting the same model [FE-210]. For about $130, I got some really good photos.

But it was time for a REAL camera....

After hours and hours of research, I had narrowed my camera search to two models: the Nikon D80, and the Canon 30D. Both are stellar DSLRs, and I kept going back and forth between the two models. Everybody had a different opinion, and the Canon vs. Nikon battled raged on!

Finally, I went to Best Buy to see both of these beasts in person. There's really only so much you can tell from looking at photos online. I needed to hold these cameras and decide if one just felt "right" in my hands.....

I felt like Harry Potter looking for the right wand....when I found it, I'd know. This turned out to be true.

Prior to this shopping trip, I think I was leaning towards the D80, so I picked it up first. After a few minutes to looking it over and pretending to shoot, I put it down and was handed the 30D.

And that's all it took. This camera felt like a REAL camera. It was a little heavier than the D80 and what I was expecting, but that was okay. It felt like a real camera, and it felt good in my hands.

At that point, I think I knew -- I was going to buy the Canon. But I went home to do a little more research and opinion gathering, as that is my nature. Research it to DEATH, but I rarely have any buyer's remorse, so I guess that's the pay-off.

The next day, I returned to Best Buy. Ironically, I had received a 10% coupon in the mail. Big plus, since I had decided to get the 40D and not the 30D....and there's about a $300 price difference. All I read told me that the 40D had some necessary improvements over the 40D.

Since unpacking my new baby, I have been in HEAVEN. Even some quickie "tests" have turned out phenominal!! I almost cried the first night I downloaded the photos from the camera. I love this camera and couldn't be happier! The photos in this posting obviously came from my new love....

Silly Baby

So, Nick Knack turns 7 months in two days. And he's changed a lot over the months [which, of course, is supposed to happen!]. I thought I would strip the poor thing down to his nappy and take some fun photos....partly, because my mom has been demanding them and partly because I needed some new shots for the Web site. And it was a nice, warm day, so I knew he wouldn't get chilled being half naked.

Well....let me tell you WHAT! I got some great shots! I just started snapping away and let Nick be Nick. What a little character....he's going to be such a riot when he starts talking! I can't wait to hear what comes out of his silly brain.

These two photos are from our informal "photo shoot." Two of my favorites. And YES, I immediately sent several to my mom, so she could print them out for the fridge. I, on the other hand, have added the Mr. Flirty shot above to my computer as the wallpaper. Now, if I'm having a bad day, I can minimize all my programs and laugh at that precious face. Either that, or I'll head to youtube.com and watch his videos.

Speaking of videos.....I have one of an insane Robin bashing itself against one of our windows for hours. I kid you not. This STUPID bird start flying into one of our large picture windows around 8:00 a.m. By 9:00, I was filming it. I couldn't believe the thing was still at it!! I filmed it off and on for about 45 minutes! The entire time, it's alternating between flying into the window and sitting on a tree limb, staring at the window. No idea why this bird would even want to slam into the window over and over.......did we owe it money or something? Seriously, what the HELL?

Finally, around 11:00, it had slowed down to a crash into the window every fifteen minutes. At this point, I had to run into work and then pick up our tax documents. This took several hours since I had Nicholas in tow, and he was very popular with the ladies. When I got back, that freak of a bird was STILL sitting in the tree right outside this window. And sure enough....I got into the house and heard a little bird mass slam against the window.

And no, I am not some sick, inhumane person.....I did go out several times and try to "shoo" away this blasted bird. It really was.....thump......getting annoying.....thump.....hearing this bird slam......thump, thump......itself against the.....thump......window.......

Didn't work. It kept coming back.

In fact, another Robin flew over, and the two of them went at it. I can only imagine what the new Robin was thinking....you know, if it was capable of complex thought.....Hey, dumb ass.....quit slamming into that window. You look like an idiot! And you're making Robins look bad....

FINALLY, the bird took off when it started to rain. We shall see if this crazy creature returns tomorrow for another day of window thumping.