sometimes i am a little too enthusiastic about photography…that is why peta and i started beyond snapshots. if you join us for any of our classes (only one seat left for the next class so hurry if you are interested) or workshop talks, be prepared for over sharing. i have a lot of information and frankly, alec is no longer interested. i start talking about my search for the best wide angle lens for the money and i can see his eyes glaze over and i can almost read the thought bubble hovering above his head “please make her stop talking.” i recognize the look…it is the same one i have when he speaks cycling.
i can’t help it. i just get really excited about things i love.
these guys pretend to be enthusiastic, but really they just want a cookie. in fact gemma would like 3 cookies. never too early to bribe. there is your free tip for the day.
but one thing that is amazing to have when you are learning a craft and excited about the work you are producing is a community of like minded friends. it is a lifesaver (for husbands like alec.)
that is exactly what you get with clickin moms! these women have created a friendly and beautiful community where you can virtually hang out with people who are actually interested in your in camera settings.
clickin moms is the newest sponsor here on the blog and to celebrate having them join the sidebar we have a contest for 2 people to win a year subscription each to their information packed forum!
How great is that? Here is what you need to do to have a chance to win, leave a comment here on my blog (facebook comments do not count, so if you are reading this on facebook, click on over to the site to leave your note) and tell me something photo related…something that would bore the pants off your kid or trigger eye rolls from your partner. i am listening.
what are you excited about today?
have you found a great photoblog?
want a new lens?
are trying new processing?
going to your first photo/blogging conference?
ANYTHING.
I will be picking 2 random comments as the winners so get clickin.
the contest is now closed, but i love hearing your stories, so if you landed here and have something to share, tell me! like i said, i am listening!
Random Picks:
Congratulations to Julia Avina and Natalie Barnes!
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{ 116 comments… read them below or add one }
I recently stepped waaaaay out of my comfort zone and grabbed a sudden opportunity. It may mean nothing in the end, except for the fact that I proved to myself that I can go for IT, whatever IT is. When I had every excuse, every reason NOT to do it, not to TRY, my friend gave me the best advice. She said, “what are you afraid of Alice? jump down the hole!”…it worked. I pictured the hole, it was scary and unknown and filled with things I had never seen before…but I had to jump!
good for you!
p.s. LOVE the photos!
I just bought a macro lens, and l'm busting to get it on my camera and give it a go. I'm so excited to be able to capture the little things that l normally can't get close enough to! (when l tell my husband his eyes glaze over somewhere around "l just bought….", and l think my children may be in hiding so they can avoid being the test models!! hahha. so l too appreciate the chance to talk shop with like minded mums!
I so, so, SO want a new lens, because the Tamron zoom lens I have doesn't work right (when I set the aperture wider than 4.0 it gives me an error message, and I have to eject the battery, sometimes repeatedly, to reset it), and the only other good lens I have is a 50 mm prime lens, which is great, but I really also want/need a zoom. So I want the Canon f2.8 24-70 mm, and my husband is actually talking about buying one for me in the next several months, if things work out. (He's not completely bored with my photography talk yet.) Clickin moms sounds awesome!
Where do I start!! I have a ton pent up and no one to talk to about all this new stuff in my life. I finally bought a 50 mm f1.4g lens to add to my Nikon D40x body. Relatively new to photography, this lens has so many meanings to me. To name a few, I actually was able to save money to buy this lens, and not spend it on cute baby clothes and I finally have found a passion in my life, other than my husband and family that I am investing in. Lately, everything has been a whirlwind when it comes to photography. It seems every day, more and more, taking photos has become more than a hobby. It's flattering, but I know I have yet to become the photogapher I want to be. The confidence is growing, but I have a long way to go.
How neat! I love how cool Kieran is! I'm excited to finally upgrade my camera!!
i am really really excited that i am finally getting caught up. i was Thousands of photos behind.
i covet the Mark II and the canon 24-70 f2.8 like its my job,
i'm Really frustrated that I can't get my photos as sharp as i would like them to be.
and in this particular moment i am very Relieved to feel somewhat talented. Cause its not always the case!!!
getting caught up is a great feeling…i am a bit behind now.
i totally want a new lens. i have a nikon and currently have 2 lenses to play with. an 18-50mm and the 55-200mm. i'm interested in a prime lens.. but we'll see. if i had to sum up my style of photography it would be focusing in on something.. closely. so i'd like a lens that will allow me to get really close and personal with things like flowers, fruit, faces, etc. i just don't know what kind of lens would best do that. i'm also super excited because i'm taking my very first photography class this coming saturday in nyc. yayaya!
I love this local photographer from Tasmania… http://www.photobat.net/batblog/2010/03/02/adam-and-alis-batbooth/
yes…that is Adam Hills the comedian.
I am going to Jinky's Art Retreat this summer and am way too excited for words. I love both Barb's and your use of color in your photos. Would love to get any helpful hints I can on it. I have been debating about joining Clickin Moms so this give-away would be AWESOME!
what a great thing to do! check out our beyond snapshots blog for all our tips!
I'm flying across the country to photograph my BBF baby… I am excited to the max
have fun!
I reallly realllllly reallllllllllly want a new camera. like, really bad. i have a not so awesome old old old canon rebel xti and i mean it's a good camera and i guess i should be lucky that i have a slr at all but i am just so tired of that stupid camera. at first i had big hopes to get a nikon d3. i personally think nikon is wayyyy better then canon but for some reason i have a canon. anyways i first had hopes for a d3. such a nice nice camera. but as time when on my hopes started to go down. now i'l settle for any nikon…or even a better canon at that. i would love to have a nikon d90. it's a great price. but now i'll even settle for a cheaper canon. I JUST WANT A NEW CAMERA!! and a tilt shift lens would be great to =) hehe
This is pathetic, but here it goes. I love photography. I am a Nikon gal. My first digital camera pro (what I felt) was the D70s. I was taking the best photos without hardly any processing which I flattered myself daily. I carried the camera on me everywhere. Mind you married and with 1 kiddo at that time. Someone once told me it doesn't matter what you have if you can't figure out how to use it. I learned the hell outta that camera. Then I decided financially my hubby (then, now ex) backed me into thinking I can do it as a side job. Excited I decided to up my game and purchased the D300. Every day since that day I purchased it (over 3 years now?) I am lost, confused, mess up every shot. I bought 7 books. Oh yeah added another child in between there, had a stroke and was told by doctors and school that my first born is Bipolar with ADHD. My dreams of becoming a professional photographer dwindled and I became the supermom advocating for my child. Hubby filed for divorce 2 years ago (couldn't handle sick people me-stroke, our son-bipolar). Hopefully our divorce will end this year. My point sorry for rambling is that I need a career. I love making people happy. I feel I have an eye for it and for sure the passion. When I have to support myself and my children I would love to call myself a professional photographer a year or so away.
Basically I suck, My camera laughs at me, and I would love the chance to earn my way to calling myself a photographer.
Thanks for listening and good luck everyone
Julia Avina
Just keep shooting. Make sure that all the other stuff does not stop you from doing what you love to do…even if you do not get paid for it right now.
I have been experimenting with the (cue scary music here) FLASH lately. I've used the mounted flash to get some snaps of my family, but I am really trying to get it right in a photograph. I normally shoot by natural light, so it is very uncomfortable for me. And my little models get a little tired of me – despite the bribes!
Flash is great! It does not have to be scary!
Thanks for the encouragement! The joy of digital is that you can learn through trial and error a lot less expensively than film. I just keep trying…And sometimes it actually works!
I'm excited about renting a fabulous wide angle lens for our upcoming cruise.
I have a Nikon D300 and want to add a full-frame camera to my bag. I’m rocking back and forth between two cameras and making myself crazy. I need to get off this fence!
I am thinking of adding another camera to my bag as well. shhhhh, don't tell anyone.
Oh yes, I want a new lens. The AF DC-NIKKOR 135mm f/2D. If only I had $1,300 sitting around. I also want to purchase some new lighting stuff since I've been reading Strobist lately. And I am lucky to have a network of women friends who get together to talk about personal and professional goals (of all kinds – not necessarily photo related). I enjoy your websites!
That is so funny to read about your husband's glazed over look; I get that daily!!! My husband will say "it's not that I don't care, because I do care about YOU. I just don't really 'get' what you're saying…" Bless his heart.
I'm in the middle of getting up the courage to switch camera brands. After some buying/selling [ebay makes my brain hurt sometimes], I think I've finally decided on the brand to switch to and which camera to buy. I THINK. Sometimes, in the span of an hour, I'll go from 'deciding' I'll get one, to 'deciding' I'll get the other, and then back again to 'deciding' to get the original one. And, my husband is about to rip his hair out if I change my mind again. No, he's really supportive and wants me to get what I want. He trusts my judgement… It's just hard for me to make up my mind!!
My husband just flat out does not care.
Oh Lord won’t you buy me a D3s?, my friends all use 5D mk 2′s. I must make amends.
Worked hard all my lifetime, with no help from my friends,
So Lord won’t you buy me a D3s?
what i'm thinking about….i think about taking pictures all of the time…i've been taking pictures for over 20 years and i think half the time i'm pretty crap at it…the other half the time i think i'm good enough to get paid….i'm thinking i wish i could get every person i know to agree to let me take pictures of them i'd be happy….i'm thinking it's a drag having teen and pre-teen kids they're so difficult about pictures and self-conscious…i wish i was better at Photoshop…I just have Elements but I want the "real" thing…I can't even figure out the baby one though….how important is that anyway?…way too much info?
Tenns and Preteens are my favorite ages to photograph.
I'm excited that my new 24mm is sharp – that I get so many more sharp images with it than my 50mm 1.8. That I secretly love the distortion it gives me. That I feel like I am getting better – I'm finding my style. That I think about photography and photography related things throughout the day all of the time. That I see light differently – that I see perfect pockets of light and just stare at it.
What lens did you get?
I am still working with a point and shoot camera, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE photographing my two boys. I hope to have a NIkon D300 some day.
I have actually started riding with a camera in my car…at all times. I had had enough of those times while driving that I would see the "perfect light" on that empty field with the sun just dipping behind the trees. My son is happy with it. I was able to nab a neat photo of an excavator (his favorite…and yes, I now know what type of machine that is) on a quiet construction site at dusk. He has it hanging in his bedroom.
a camera can't take great pictures sitting at home in your camera bag!
Oh goodness, I totally know that look you're talking about! I think most recently the glazed over look was the result of mulling over which lens I want next. I'm photographing an event in June with many many small children so I want something quick and sharp, but there are going to be very large vehicles (cranes, firetrucks, etc) and I want to be able to fit them in the frame too… I don't know what I should get! (And then there's the ever present "what can I afford??????")
i hear you!
I've recently jumped into the world of photoshop. Have had it there for ages but am only now pushing myself to learn it. I'm 'trying' to be excited about it, but I have to admit, I'm more lost and confused than anything ;p
I just borrowed my father-in-law's Pentax ME Super with a 50mm f1.7 lens from his college days. He had it cleaned for me and put a roll of B&W film in it. So sweet. I've appreciated the challenge of shooting with this manual lens & trying to be super-selective with the film shots (not used to it being a daughter of digital). I played with my kiddos for 20 minutes the other day and took 1 photo. I'm loving the challenge of it!
well… this is what I want to say to the world: I shoot with a Sony reflex, but I NEED to upgrade to a full frame, Canon would be better. Becaus e I feel I already deserve to take the photography thing to the next level. I´m just making all the calculations to guess when I will get the enough money to get one (and not feeling guilty for that, because I have a baby!)
I guess 8 months is the deadline. I stopped buying clothes, and that is a big deal for me!
xx
your work is really lovely and you are moving right along with it, so I am glad to hear that you are saving for an upgrade!
There are so so many things . . . I really want some new lenses, and a new camera body while we're at it!! Now if only I could afford thoes and a class too we'd be set!
I drool over an 85mm 1.2. A lllloooottt..
I am thankful that through photographs we never truly lose the ones that we love. My aunt and uncle (from different sides of the family) both passed away last Thursday. In addition to that a friend from church lost her precious newborn daughter who was just four days old, on Friday. Grief is immense and photographs bring a little joy back. God is good.
so true.
Rocky Mount (or Raleigh) in June!!!!!!!
Oh would you like to attend a workshop! DC is on our list!
I had to laugh when I read this too. Oh how I dream of being a husband/wife photography team…. Yeah. That would NEVER happen. photography related…well… I will be religiously checking back to when you have your next class, because I am saving up for it! I did however purchase Peta's actions, and I bought yours a while ago, and I have been having a blast editing my photos with them. I joined the flickr group and will start posting there!
Hope to have you in the next class!
Usually … when I get the eye roll I'm fairly certain I deserve it. I'm not sure I want anything but more sleep.
Also … I would REALLY like it if my camera stopped pretending it was a CAR and act up for the repair guys who keep sending it back "unable to duplicate problem."
OH MAN, that is a naughty camera. Mean camera.
This is so great…I am getting ready to do a fundraiser photoshoot for a MOPS group near me. I have been doing many free photo shoots over the last year to get my feet wet and get more confident about what I'm doing. When I have a mom put her hand to her heart, take a little gasp and say "Oh..my"…then I know what I'm doing is what I'm meant to do!! I'm a software engineer turned stay at home mom who was in need of re-inventing herself..so why not finally follow my passion?!?!! My photoshoot is going to be indoors…I've had to get a new backdrop so I'm going for a white vinyl…hoping to be able to acheive some sweet candid photos of the little ones…natural, fun and not your typical "posed" portraits.
I'm excited that I am (slowly) moving my job in a direction to include more photography. I have been taking profile pictures of a number of company executives and they have started popping up on Social Media sites and blogs. It's so wonderful to see photos out there that I took AND got paid for (in a roundabout way, but still…)
I've been dying to get a wide angle lens, but have been waiting to see what you find is the best lens for the money first!! lol..
i love that the sun is starting to stay with us a little later each day!!!!! Especially since Rachel now has me addicted to natural light photos!
How many comments can we post???
I have a few more thoughts!
i have been thinking about whether i should get a lensbaby for ages. i'd really like a new lens, but can't afford one so i thought a lensbaby might be fun. every time i go to buy it online i chicken out thinking i'll never end up using it. anyone out there own a lensbaby and LOVE it? should i bite the bullet and get one?
Hey Rachel! I just bought a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D lens for my Nikon D90. My Nikon D90 came with a Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens, it was good too but I love my new lens. It's so great for taking portraits of my little girl. The photo turns out so soft and creates a great bokeh. I really really wanted to get the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G though, but I think I'm good with my Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D for now.
I laughed out loud when I read this post. My husband has been so good about my love (obsession) of all things photography. He tries to keep up, but in the end, just wants to use his little point-and-shoot. Every once in a while, i get the 'that's a good one' when he peeks over the laptop screen. That and a full storage room for props. That's love.
Haha, I know this look all too well. There is always a little glitch for me. The latest was my ISO settings going all wierd. It was terribly frustrating, and really, who wants to hear me rant about ISO settings? Judging by the looks, no one
i got a new 50mm lens and nobody cares! but i'm excited about it : )
i care!
Since I really want to become a better photographer im going to buy photoshop soon. Im so excited I almost want to cry.
Photoshop is awesome and I keep learning daily.
I have been thinking about upgrading my camera body, and have been talking alot to my husband about 2 different kinds, compering the pros and cons. Can't decide witch one will fit me better.
P.s. these babies are too cute, I love Clover in that tutu.
I usually shoot digital only, but I found my mother's old OM-1 and bought a 4 pack of film for it. The lens was dirty so I tried to clean it with my lens kit, but the edges were still a little grimy. Since I had already bought the film I decided "what the heck, I'll shoot anyways" and snapped away. when I got the first roll developed I was SO blown away. The grimy-ness of the lens brought a holga-esque look to the photos and I am absolutely in love.
awesome!
Hi! Well, yesterday it was my birthday and my awesome partner together with my awesome parents gave me as a present a brand new SIGMA 10-20 3.5
. I'm too excited! I love photography and I colud go on talking about it all day long! Thank you Rachel for all your beautiful works!
The spring is coming together with sunlight (here in Europe) what more could “photo mummy” ask for after long cold grey winter?
) My blog will be full of sunny, funny, happy shots. 
)
I just cleaned out my camera bag yesterday and I have two lenscaps with no lenses to fit them and two lenses with no caps (one of which I know is at my sisters, I have just been too lazy to drive out there and get it) Now how does that happen? I also had a dead battery that I can't bring myself to throw away because I keep thinking it will magically be able to get it's charging abilities back somehow and a tube of chapstick in a flavor they don't even make any more. Maybe if my bag were prettier I'd clean it out more often. What?!? I said maybe.
I considering making the switch from Canon to Nikon – there's so much to think about though – arrgghh, tough choices!!
you know my husband is just sick of me whinging that there are NO photos of me with my kids…. and now I'm doin' a course you should have seen the glazed look when I started the full frame digial conversation!