JD Photography

Selecting focal points

2008-03-03T16:47:00.001-08:00

After all this time, I just learned to do this today. Wow. Thank you to all of my Yada ladies that help me to tame this beast called photography on a daily basis. I look forward to sharper pictures, and better focus!! *cheers*

Today I took Aiden to the park for some play...

2008-03-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

and of course PICTURES! I am falling deeper and deeper in love with my 50mm every time I get to use it!

It was 48 degrees so we weren't outside very long. But, I got some good shots of him nonetheless.

My fav
In B/W

Snowy days.

2008-02-21T15:51:00.000-08:00

Today I just had to take Aiden out in the snow and get some cute pictures of him before the winter was over. It was the first time all winter he actually got to walk around in it, and touch it. Last time it snowed, it melted before he could even see what it was. When he saw it on the ground he said "snomannn" even though it was only a half inch. So, today I made extra time in the morning to get some shots of him enjoying himself.When Aiden got home from school today he was totally pooped. He hasn't been napping at his new school so he usually just falls asleep in the car and goes to bed without dinner. So, while he was snoozing on the couch I had to try and get the picture of his beautiful lashes that I've been itching for. Such long lashes, just like his daddy.

Small vacation from blogging...

2008-02-19T06:38:00.000-08:00

I took a small vacation from blogging because I was feeling uninspired and had little motivation to take pictures. It is cold and dreary outside, so that limits my abilities and creativity. I anxiously look forward to the warmth so that I can take Aiden to the playground, park and on walks to get some different shots.

Yesterday, it was 60 degrees out and beautiful! So, after Aiden got up from his nap we went outside. He enjoys playing outside and getting some fresh air. He is very interested in the "pie-cones" and he likes to hold them up to the sky to try and put them back in the trees. At one point, he even picked two of them up to put them in a wedge in a tree. My little environmentalist...

At any rate, I took some pictures of him and played with a little post processing to try and develop my skills in that area. This is my favorite of the set. I love the conversion, I think his eyes are my favorite part of this picture.

And here it is in color, with a 70's feel...

And this one came out EXTREMELY underexposed, so when I edited it to try and bring it back (because I rarely get smiling shots of him) the background is blown...cute with mommy goggles anyway!

New Design

2008-02-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Today I did one of my favorite things, designing a baby announcement. I just love playing with baby pictures. I wish I was in Florida to take his newborn shots.

With the help of my amazing husband, and the Yada girls I finally came up with a fresh, new design that I totally love! Now I just need a baby boy so I can use this for myself. haha

Atlantic City skyline

2008-02-05T16:22:00.001-08:00

A beautiful shot of the Atlantic City skyline on a brisk winter day. I was on the Cesar's pier so it looks like I am standing in the ocean to get the shot. I love the colors.

Mommy and Aiden

2008-02-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

This picture is courtesy of my favorite local photographer, Cara. This picture is one in a series of pictures that show Aiden's absolute frustration with the camera. We tried like hell to get him to look at her ONE time, but it just didn't work out. At any rate, this picture is the only salvagable one. I like it! I am usually behind the camera, and only have a handful of pictures with Aiden. So, this is precious to me.

Lesson 2, Assignment 3

2008-02-03T16:20:00.001-08:00

This assignment was to utilize various shutter speeds to creatively portray an effect. I used a fast shutter speed to catch the acorn going into the lake, but because I don't have a tripod and had to throw the acorn, focus the picture, and snap it all in one motion-I was only able to capture the after effect. However, I really like the ripples and reflection of the trees.

ss 1/250
f 4.2
ISO 400

Lesson 2, Assignment 1 and 2

2008-02-02T17:31:00.001-08:00

These are the photos I submitted for my Lesson 2, Assignments 1 and 2. The first Assignment was to take a photo of a landscape at ss 1/60, while adjusting the aperature to see the difference it made. The initial aperature set at 3.5 created a totally white photo. With the ISO at 400, the exposure was best at f20, which is shown below.

The next task was to take a picture while adjusting the shutter at a set aperature to best expose a picture. This picture's settings are : ISO 400, ss 1/125, f 9
I look forward to the next Lesson, and need to work on the 3rd assignment tomorrow.

Groundhog Day?

2008-02-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

It was news to me. I remember when you were in school, they would make a big deal about it being Groundhog's day and how we would all do arts and crafts around the "holiday." We would wait to see if Mr. Groundhog (his name escapes me) came out of his hole and make a big fuss about it. Now, mind you I am from Florida...but having winter be over 6 weeks sooner was still exciting to us. We just didn't really KNOW exactly what "winter" entailed for the rest of the states. haha

Well, at some point through the years this day has become insignificant to me. I was reminded today when picking Aiden up from daycare that today was the BIG DAY. His teacher presented me with this cute little groundhog hat that the kids made, and Aiden wears it proudly.

He is the cutest groundhog I ever did see. Mommy goggles please:

My child the animal.

2008-01-31T16:58:00.001-08:00

When I went to walk Chance, Aiden let himself in to Chance's home. He shut the door himself, and I found him in there when I came back inside. He fought me to stay in there, and cried when I took him out. For being such a "good boy" I made sure to give him a "treat" for good behavior! *bow wow*

103.8

2008-01-30T17:01:00.000-08:00

Just got home from the ER with Aiden. They second day of his new daycare and already they had to call, and said he had a 103.8 fever. I called the dr. but they weren't taking any more appointments, so I took him to the ER for our monthly double ear infection. They sent us on our way with an antibiotic and a suppository to lower his fever, as usual.

I can't wait for him to get his tubes in. But in the mean time, he got an adorable peach shirt at the hospital because he puked all over me when they tried to get him to take Tylenol by mouth.

Is it over yet?

2008-01-29T16:13:00.001-08:00

Winter that is...

I am missing the warm weather and beautiful flowers in our neighborhood. I got my camera in October and this was a picture of a flower in our neighborhood that I took during my first use with it. I didn't get much outside enjoyment with my camera before the dreaded winter came in.

I am very proud of this picture, and now I am just waiting anxiously for this weather to be over so that I can work on my landscape skills, and not wear a jacket!! This picture is one of my favs!

Valentine Card

2008-01-28T17:34:00.000-08:00

I designed this at 5:45am this morning and I'm pretty pleased with it. I am thinking I might start diving into the "template" business as well as designing invites and announcements. I really enjoy laying out a card and matching it with brushes and fonts.

I especially love the feeling I get when I know I've just created a very cute masterpiece! With the help of some great photography, and an adorable little boy, I created this and I can't wait to send it out!

Fun with pp'ing!

2008-01-27T17:07:00.000-08:00

Here is my first attempts at photoshopping. I have not been the best at this in the past, but I love the way pictures look with a little tweaking!

I want to practice this as much as I can because pp'ing goes with photography hand and hand. Let's face it, a good picture is wonderful thing-but can always be enhanced! I can't wait to make a Valentine's card to send out, seeing as I slacked on the Christmas cards!

Valentine's Preview..

2008-01-26T18:31:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the shots I took today at Cara's house. I had the pleasure of meeting Cara and her lovely family. She has an amazing home, and an even better studio setup. I am truly jealous. They are the most friendly people I have ever met.

It is so nice to have a friend that has the same passion for photography that I do. We could talk about it for hours, and we did. =)

She was awesome at what she does, and I can't wait to play with her again soon!!

Mr. Businessman.

2008-01-25T15:43:00.001-08:00

Even on Friday nights he is on the phone talking business.

So not in the mood to be a "subject," but cute as hell anyway. =)

Introducing

2008-01-24T17:44:00.001-08:00

Mr. Chance Devlin.

I know you had a brief introduction the other night but here is a pic of his little face! He is normally running around like a mad man so I had to catch him unexpectedly when he was eating. Isn't he adorable? It is virtually impossible to get a good picture of him because he is mostly black and his features DISAPPEAR in pictures. But, he's adorable nonetheless.

Man versus beast.

2008-01-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

Aiden had a very rough day today. I got a call at 2:30pm that Aiden fell at school and needed to be picked up because his tooth went through his lip. I rushed through the 30 minute drive with a vengeance thinking my little boy's tooth was surely going to fall out and that he was going to have a disfigured face for a while (shallow, I know). So, when I got there I was pleasantly surprised that there was only a minor cut on his lip. He seems to be behaving normally-I am relieved.

Tonight was a typical evening in the Devlin home. You could hear whining and arguing between the puppy and Aiden as usual. There seems to be an ongoing battle for toys between the two, you would think they were siblings. Aiden is very laid back. He doesn't usually like the high strung personality of our 3 month old maltipoo "Chance" but lately they have been playing well together. Until tonight, they both HAD to play with this stinkin' ball. The ball IS the dogs. But, Aiden had his eyes on it and the dog thought they were playing tug of war.

This is how it all played out.

Please don't mind the runny eye or ketchup stained face. I rushed to my blog instead of worrying about it! Hey, priorities! =) You can see the cut on his left cheek if you look in this one.

This is my favorite of the set. He is growling like the puppy. It is neck and neck!!
And Chance takes the lead, Aiden is becoming weak...
I WANNNNNNIT! (cue Rocky theme song)
A last stitch effort...
And Chance runs away with the ball..TOTAL MELTDOWN!
I giggled my whole way through this post. I love my little boy, I feel so lame for even documenting the brawl but I think it's funny. Gotta love the determination of a two year old!

(Don't think I didn't grab the ball from the dog and give it Aiden him as soon as I put my camera down. Hey, what are mom's for?)

Leaky Faucet

2008-01-22T16:59:00.001-08:00

Using a slow shutter speed to get some pix of the dripping water.

I'm pretty pleased with the results. Focus was pretty easy on these. I just used continuous mode to get the right "drops."

Lesson

2008-01-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

Taking pix of TJ to show him the difference between pinholes and catchlights. It was dark in the room so the second picture isn't the best example. =)

Direct flash:
Reflected off of tv:
He hates to be in pictures, but I think he's a great, sexy subject! =)

Lesson 1, Assignments 1 and 2

2008-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

So, here is my first attempt at the lesson 1, assignments. The first assignment was to "get close" to something abstract so that the subject was nearly unrecognizable, and to use composition techniques that were discussed.

The second assignment was to capture a subject from multiple angles, while still maintaining composition techniques that were discussed.
I enjoyed working on these assignments, and look forward to moving on!

Mastering the histogram.

2008-01-19T15:11:00.001-08:00

Today in my photography class we went over the histogram. I have been looking forward to this lesson for a while because I know it is very important when determining if a picture is correctly exposed. I learned how to read a histogram, and correct any exposure issues.

Here are some test shots I took of some rocks outside of the Abbot House where our class is held.

This first shot was taken at ISO: 100, ss 1/80, f 10. The histogram was leaning towards the left and was clipped so...I decreased my shutter speed. ISO: 100, ss 1/50, f10. As you can see this is better but still a little underexposed. The rocks in the back right corner are to dark. With this picture, the histogram still leaned to the left so I adjusted my shutter speed one final time.

Here is my final product. ISO: 100, ss 1/30, f10. This picture produced a perfect histogram and I can see the results. The picture shows perfect exposure. Now, focus...that's another story.

By Jobe, I think she's got it! I love learning something new on a daily basis. This is getting to be so much fun!!

First REAL event.

2008-01-18T19:33:00.001-08:00

So tonight I attended my first "event" to photograph. I went with Berkan to a corporate party with a lot of very friendly individuals that, by the end of the night were sick of my camera. I am finally feeling like I am learning enough to take great pictures. It was a wonderful experience to be able to ask Berkan exactly what I needed to obtain a great shot. I used my 18-135mm with EF (and new Stofen) for most of the night. I did use my 50mm 1.8 to shoot a few dessert shots, which ended up being my favorite shots of the night (go figure). I mean, people are great and all....but dessert shots are what people really care about! haha

This first one has GREAT BOKEH! It is really my favorite, mainly because of the clarity and ROT. I am going to use it for my lesson 1 assignment!

BW Conversion/Edit

2008-01-17T16:38:00.001-08:00

Just a little play with the lovey pic. I think I may frame this one. I love his face!! This is my first attempt at a bw conversion.

Banket lovin'

2008-01-16T17:11:00.001-08:00

Before Aiden was born my mom bought him a "lovey" that is a blanket with a silk underside and a bear attached to it. Ever since he was very little, he has been in love. He calls it his "banket." He usually likes to rub the silk on his face, or cover his face with it as he is going to sleep. He CANNOT go to sleep without it, by any means! I keep meaning to go to JC Penny's to get another one for when this one shreds apart and dies. In the mean time, he carries it around with him everywhere, but it does not leave the house. He is only allowed to take it out of the house when he gets his eye surgeries. He does have a "substitute banket" for school but it is not even close to being as soft or snuggly as this one! If he is in a "cuddly mood" and I make him leave it home, he screams "BANKKKET!!" repeatedly until he forgets about it. Hey, the boy loves his lovey...

So, tonight when we got home and he was relaxing on the couch, I caught him snuggling with it and just happened to have my camera nearby.

Enjoy my mommy goggle capture! I actually took a minute to pp it a little. I am not very good at pp'ing pix yet. But here was my workflow: adjustment to curves, bump up in hue/saturation, adjustment to contrast, and a USM. =) How's my first attempt at posting a pic NOT sooc?! =)

Abuse and Neglect.

2008-01-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

Let me start out by saying, I am not a slob. I used to be. But not anymore, not since being pregnant and having Aiden. Actually, I turned into a super-freak-OCD cleaning- machine!! But, recently life has prevented me from tending to my house and things that typically were done on a daily basis. I guess you could say I'm spending every free second I have doing something else. *ahem* Photography. Not to mention: the holidays, making a trip to Maryland to get the new TV, kid parties, going out, Weight Watchers, photography class, trying to do the lessons, having a few invite orders...AHH!

Needless to say, my house is stressing me out. I am literally counting the days until this weekend when I can attack this bad boy. So, I am going to be very brave and display the evidence for all of the world to see. I really wish I was a SAHM again so I could deal with these issues full-time instead of working full-time and having to deal with them too! TJ always says we can get a maid but that just doesn't seem practical.

TJ insists I'm crazy, and that "the house is clean! I don't see what you're freaking about" so-since I know he is a fan of the blog and checks it daily, here are few images to bring to your attention...

Dining Room:
Notice the clothes all over the place and other random items that need to be put away!!

The worst room in the house, our bedroom!
Notice again, clothing EVERYWHERE! I put some things on the bed thinking I would be forced to deal with it tonight. Now, I'm here and NOT GOING TO DEAL with it today. I'm just to tired and this blog came first! haha (Hey, at least the bed is made)

And we come to main problem, the laundry hasn't been done in two weekends because we have been so busy. Plus, we have no laundry soap!! Nice touch huh?
On to the bathrooms! Nice counter top huh? Gotta love the fact that TJ bought himself a beard trimmer and when he shaves-whiskers go EVERYWHERE! Gotta love it!

And that brings us to the toilet. Brace yourself...I think there are creatures living in there! I purposely didn't do a closeup just so nobody would lose their lunch!

If you're still looking, I have no idea why you are. LOL Maybe to scoff at me and use me as an example to your spouse as to how bad a wife can really let things go! Well, photography has been my number one priority these days-and it shows!

I need to overcome this beast this weekend! Then again, I also need to complete my Lesson 1 photographyassignments on Yada. Wait and see which task comes first!!

Daddy& Aiden cuddle time.

2008-01-14T16:46:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more precious than watching Aiden and TJ cuddle after a hard day at work. I really enjoy sharing in the moments they have together. It always amazes me what a special bond the three of us share. TJ always knows just what to do to get him to laugh hysterically. Mostly, TJ does great impressions of Elmo, Blue (Blues Clues) and the donkey from Shrek. These are the moments I usually take mental pictures of, but today I wanted to capture it on my blog. Aiden is always so content leaning on TJ watching his show. He loves his daddy so much, and you can always see it on his face!

Self Portrait.

2008-01-13T16:03:00.000-08:00

The artist emerges. haha Actually, there is nothing I really hate more than having my picture taken. I guess because in the past few years I haven't really seen any pictures of myself that I thought were good, except from my wedding. So, it is difficult for me to actually take a picture of myself. But, I got my hair cut and wanted to share the new "do."

Yesterday I decided to get my hair cut after 8 1/2 months. Yah, I was due. The hairdresser always asks the initial "So, when was the last time you had your hair cut?" question and it was quite embarrassing to have to explain that I just don't make any time for myself and usually my hair is neglected. I rarely wear it down because it is so thick and heavy. She was young and hip (wow, I sound old) and said that she would really "take the weight off" which should have been a warning sign. It is very "stylish" but I am not usually "that girl." So it is going to take some getting used to. TJ really likes it, so that is what is helping me! He says "wow, you are so trendy lately with your glasses, new outfits, photography thing, and now hair!" It was so cute of him to reassure me. He always does his best to tell me how pretty he thinks I am when I am unsure of myself.

It is really layered, light, and wispy. I am getting used to it now but on the ride home I was a little scared of my reflection in the rear view mirror. It should hopefully be long enough to wear back, in the mean time-it looks adorable until I wash it!

The Lone Leaf.

2008-01-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

Ok this may seem like a silly post, but I've been looking at this leaf for weeks and the lawn men haven't discovered it yet. On the walkway to my house there are nothing but bare trees and bushes. For some reason this ONE little orange and yellow leaf has fallen from the trees, has made it through all of the leaf sweeps. It is tucked every so perfectly under this dead bush and remains there day after day. I actually noticed it before Christmas because it sticks out like a sore thumb. I decided to take a picture of it because it deserves some recognition for its plight to remain strong through the crappy weather! It is so bright and pretty. Such a great reminder of how cold and stark the neighborhood is right now.

I can't wait until spring when the pretty colors emerge and I can go outside to photograph the new flowers! Until now, I enjoy seeing how long this pretty little leaf will remain under the bush in hiding!

Nakey HINEY TIME!

2008-01-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

I am a total sucker for a naked baby butt. I know, I know, Aiden is probably on the brink of NOT being a baby anymore, but really...I love the cottage cheese ridden dimples of his hiney when he sits! I also love to watch him run down the hall and his little cheeks shake...he's got his daddy's butt! So cute!

So, I loved when he got out of the bath and I found him in front of the bookshelf. He just took it among himself to take a seat and read away. He loves "torrry's" (aka stories). This pic of him smiling is a little OOF but I love his face, and I think it's cute anyway. Can we say, MOMMY GOGGLES?!!

(Please excuse the gift bags in the background-the kid has so much already, I'm scared to unpack anything else!!)

It's Thursday night....

2008-01-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

What does that mean? GAME NIGHT!! Woop Woop!

On Thursday it is known through all the lands that it's "guy's game night." TJ will arrive home promptly with his 6 pack of Bud, quickly do his homework like a good little boy, and scoff down his dinner. Why you ask? So that he can meet his friends on Xbox 360 live so they can all play war games and act manly. He plays with my friend's husband, and his brother. If he's not on by around 6:30p.m. his phone starts ringing, wondering where he is.

I know not to ask much of him, or expect anything of him on Thursdays. It's his time. Hey, I can give up one night a week I suppose. Besides, who doesn't love a man in a sexy headset?!! Thursday's just wouldn't be the same if I didn't hear things like "aww man, I'm out of 'nades" or "I'm over here, I'm over here...you got my back man?" Even Aiden will sometimes pick up the remote and say "aww man, s***" We try hard not to laugh.

Gotta love how the beer is tucked away, just so. =)

My artist.

2008-01-09T16:10:00.000-08:00

I have come to realize that Aiden has inherited our creative genes. TJ and I are both really creative, so it is only natural for Aiden to be also. Ever since Aiden was an infant, he loved music. Since he started preschool, he has come to appreciate art. His teacher says that she has to do projects with him last because he refuses to give up his crayons or paint brushes.

For Christmas, my boss got Aiden a keyboard with a microphone. He immediately started playing with the keys and speaking into the mic. I told him to say "woah woah" so that is usually what he says and it's quite funny!

I just wanted to capture my little pop star in the making! American Idol here we come (because we all know it will probably be on season 23 by the time he is 16!) haha

Seeing things differently.

2008-01-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

So I was starting to think maybe my life is a little "uneventful." Because I have so many pictures of only Aiden. But, he is the best model and since I'm interested in child photography it makes sense to me. Besides, there is no cuter child than your own.

Anyway, today I was thinking of what I would write my blog about. How I could try and capture something a little different. Today was an abnormally warm day in New Jersey. It was around 50 degrees, and was the first day this winter I came home at 5:00 and it wasn't pitch black dark outside. Ever since I have had my camera it is dark when I get off of work so I don't get to go outside to shoot anything. So, as I was walking up to my door I noticed a BEAUTIFUL SKY!

This blog is starting to make me see things a little different. I am beginning to see things as "photograph worthy" that I maybe would not have noticed before, simply because I need to post something daily. I had to run inside and grab my camera, throw that baby on ISO 1600 and walk around until I could get a decent composition without streetlights in my way!

In the first shot I love the bare trees too, and the silhouette of the rooftop.

These two were taken only a few moments apart. I love sunsets.

Cars.

2008-01-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

So, as many of you know from personal experience-little boy's love their cars. Well, mine is no different. Aiden's favorite pass time is playing with his hot wheels, and matchbox cars. He likes to line them up, roll them around, put them in a pile, put them in a bucket and remove them the bucket-most of the time with his tongue out. He could play with the cars for hours, and usually does when we get home from work. So, I wanted to capture those moments we see from him on a daily basis.

Some of the shots were taken directly after dinner and he still has some ketchup on his face. It's not a red color cast. haha

He says "hea" like he has a New York accent when he gives us his cars. But, once we take the car from him he tries to take it back and if we say "NO" he automatically REALLY wants to play with that SPECIFIC car. If we choose to tease him, the Irish temper comes out!

This brings us to TJ's favorite pass time-teasing Aiden. Aiden isn't quite as used to it as you would think. He falls for it every time! Here he is, becoming increasingly agitated.
And, now in a full-blown tantrum. Notice, the red face! (Why must daddy's always tease their little boys?)

Until Mommy can step in and rescue! Peace is restored in the home!

And a beautiful close up (with a catchlight) to end the photographing for the evening! I haven't tried a 100% zoom on his eye, but I think the focus is pretty spot on!

Something different.

2008-01-06T17:19:00.001-08:00

So, I noticed 98% of my blog so far is of Aiden. So, I wanted to change it up a little bit. I went outside when I put him down and got some shots of the traffic on the main street in front of my house. They would be a lot crisper if I had a tripod, but they are kinda nifty and something different from my norm. ISO 1600, ss and f varied.

Ok, problem already.

2008-01-05T05:17:00.001-08:00

I'm leaving in a few hours to go to Maryland. But, before then I have my photography Advanced 1 class at 11. So, I won't be able to post later. And, my camera is dead because I left it connected to the computer last night. =(

So, I'm posting. This picture just wasn't taken today. (hey, at least I'm honest) haha

This is my favorite picture from Aiden's birthday party last weekend. I don't have many pictures of Aiden and my mom. It is not a great shot composition wise, but I like it because my mom looks beautiful. (Lighting was horrible at Chuck E. Cheese too)

Two.

2008-01-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

Today is Aiden's Birthday. I can hardly believe the time has gone by so quickly. All day today I keep thinking, "two years ago today I was ___." It seems like just yesterday I was shaking rattles at him and watching the newness in his eyes. Now I am seeing him experience things for the first time, and speak sentences. I realize how much I need to cherish these moments, because before I know it my little baby will soon be in kindergarten, and even worse--a teenager who doesn't need or want me around! Ok, so I'm getting ahead of myself.

Today, I wanted to cherish the toddler in him. So, I opened the "Cullllllers" (colors) he's been itching to play with in the tub. Tracey's tubby pics of Ben inspired me to try once again with my EF in the bathroom. But, my eggshell tub does not produce the same great white shots! Be prepared though, PIC OVERLOAD!

These are all SOOC because I am lazy right now and don't feel like doing a darn thing to them. haha

I love this one because the water droplet is tact sharp, and his little tongue is out like it always is when he is DEEP IN THOUGHT.

Love his expression here. He is so excited to see his new crayons!

I like this one because you can see how scared he is that it is going to roll out of the tub in the background!

So focused!

So far so good.

2008-01-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

Day 3 of keeping up with my resolutions. I came home today in search of finding ways to create catchlights in the house other than using the window during daytime. So, I put on a show for Aiden and reflected the EF off of the tv. He was not as excited to participate as he was the other day, but he at least GLANCED at the camera for a moment for me to snap the shot!

I have a lot to learn with this EF. I have no idea what TTL(?) is and how to change the settings and what they even mean. That is my goal for next week! At least Saturday I have my photography Advanced 1 class! Yippee!

I also realize now that sometimes I snap the picture when it is not fully focused simply because I WANT THE SHOT. I get a lot of these. I need to learn how to correct the problem. I think that is why I get so many "soft" faces of him. These two are ok. The first is spot on with exposure and clarity. The second is a little soft (and has a little blue cast). They are all SOOC.

Picture 3: This picture would have been SO GREAT if I had just waited to make sure it was in focus. It is just so rare that he actually looks at me AND smiles, I get ahead of myself. =( Oh, and he wasn't crying-he has a clogged tear duct. Poor baby has had it probed twice and needs a third operation.

This evening's plan...

2008-01-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

Well, my illness worsened over night. I had to take a NyQuil tab at 3am because I couldn't breathe or sleep. So, I went to work today because I had to (after having a week off you CAN'T call in even if you're at death's gates). So, I suffered all day and dreamed of my bed. I am home now and feel like pumping myself full of meds. But, I had to make sure to get in my post for today. Afterall, we can't slip on the SECOND day!

So, here are my plans for this evening! ZZZZzzzzzzz

Sick.

2008-01-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

Today TJ, Aiden and I all feel crappy. But, as part of my New Year's Resolution I had to get up and work on getting my catchlights!

So, after laying in bed for half of the day and being served breakfast at 2pm I decided to pull myself together and bug my kid with the camera!

He has been dying to play with his Aquadoodle all day so I let him go at it. I opened the window shade in the living room and played with my new 50!

Once he sees the camera he usually runs the other way and won't even look at me until the camera is safely back in the bag. But today because I was standing on chairs above him, he was a bit enthused.

So, here is my first capture of catchlights. His eyes look so beautiful. These are both SOOC with a slight USM for web.

I wish I had shifted down a little so you could see his arms holding the pen. But, I got what I wanted initially which was to show off his beautiful blue eyes without the pinlights from the flash. Settings were: ISO 100, SS 200, f 1.8 (EF fired)

This one is a little soft in the face too, but the idea was there. I love his expression, but wish I had gotten his whole body in the frame. Same settings as above.

I still can't believe how red his hair looks in some shots! The Irish is coming out!!

Can I commit?

2007-12-31T16:13:00.001-08:00

Well, last year I read about a 365 blog-but getting a Nikon D80 was only a thought and a prayer. In October, my husband surprised me with it and I am slowly learning that it is more difficult than a snap of a shutter to get a great quality picture. So, I think I would benefit greatly from a blog like this.

This year, I am committing to myself. Let it be:

1. Finishing my commitment to Weight Watchers and losing the rest of my baby weight (my son is turning two on Friday) I am half way there, only 20 more pounds to go!

2. Forgetting about the people in my life that don't care to be there. Giving less effort to relationships that are one sided.

and finally...

3. Finding more time for myself, and what matters to me most. My family, and my photography skills.

I hope that I can keep up with a daily post, I will do my best. I look forward to seeing the development in my pictures.

So, here is a picture of what matters to me most:
My little boy is turning two! I can't believe it. This is my first attempt at "catching" catchlights. It's kind of obvious seeing as he is IN THE WINDOW. haha The face is a little soft but I'm working on it. I bounced the flash out the window. My goal for the week is to learn to obtain catchlights in various settings!