the pentax spotmatic
Wednesday, August 20, 2008Labels: kodachrome
To end my birthday weekend, Josh and I decided to go to a huge flea market on Sunday morning. We skipped church and headed out there after getting some coffee. We aren't really serious shoppers when it comes to antiques. I just like to look at the stuff. So we meandered through the huge outdoors section and finally started on the inside. We weren't even halfway through the first row and I hear Josh say, "Oh no". I turn to look at the booth he had spotted. Two tables FULL of old cameras. (We kind of have a thing for old cameras.) We headed over there and slowly picked through the cameras.
The guy selling this stuff started chatting camera stuff with us. After hearing that we knew what we were talking about he said, "You know... I have this old Pentax camera. It's not out but if you guys would be interested in it, I would sell you all the gear too". He dug out a rubbermaid container from under the table and opened it up. Again my husband said, "Oh no".
The camera itself was in great condition but so was most of the gear that included four lenses (one of which was a fisheye), filters, cable releases, two flashes... We decided we should keep walking so we could think about it some more. The funny thing is that recently I've been wanting to try my hand at film but only on an older camera. We called Jess and had her check Ebay for us to make sure we weren't getting hosed.
Finally after making a pro/con list, we headed back to the booth and bought the whole box. There were two old Kodaks in with and the guy said he would throw those in (they were selling for $20-30 a piece). I wrote out the $150 check and Josh picked up the container. We headed back out to our car with Josh practically giggling the whole way out from excitement.
We are trying to burn through the first roll of film so we can get it developed this weekend. It's a whole new world. I'm just hoping we're actually getting something decent! Hopefully I will be posting some pictures soon taken with our new-old Pentax camera.
friday at the zoo
Monday, August 18, 2008Labels: kodachrome
Josh and I went to Brookfield Zoo on Friday and had such a good time. Poor Josh had never been to any zoo before! I just can't imagine not going as a kid. My parents used to take my brother and I. I have so many fond memories from the zoo, especially of my parents talking for the animals.
We especially loved the rhino and hippo. The cool thing about Brookfield is that you feel like you're pretty close to the animals. The monkey house is one of the best parts too. You walk at tree level so we were right across from most of the monkeys and gorillas.
We spent the day there and walked pretty much the entire zoo. I did surprisingly well walking that much although I started to tank out at the end. It was a lot of fun to come out cameras a-blazin'. Trying to get interesting zoo pictures was fun in itself. (We weren't even the biggest camera nerds there.) We definitely want to go back when it's a little cooler. (We didn't get to see any of the bears which was a bummer.) I woke up Saturday morning and thought "I want to go back to the zoo!".
since i'm not taking very many pictures right now
Thursday, June 19, 2008Here are a few of my favorites from Flickr... Labels: kodachrome
summer camp for cameras
Wednesday, May 28, 2008After work today I have to do something very difficult... I have to drive almost an hour and drop off both of my cameras to a camera shop and then LEAVE them there. On Monday while shooting I realized the D200 had some crud on the lens. I took the lens off to clean it but soon realized the crud was inside the camera. It was time to get my camera cleaned anyway but with three weddings coming up I didn't really want to part with it for any amount of time. Labels: kodachrome
Josh and I figured that since the D200 is getting cleaned, so should the D50. Wait, what? No dSLR to shoot with for two to three days??? I start to hyperventilate a bit. I kind of feel like I'm taking my kids to camp for a couple days. I think "Can I be away from them for that long?" or "What if something happens to them?".
What will I do if my peonies bloom while the cameras are away? I'm hoping they'll be quick about the cleaning and we can get them back before the weekend. And hopefully "my kids" will have a good time at camp.
shopping for knight light
Tuesday, May 20, 2008The thing about having your own business just on the side is that you don't really want to make a lot of money, unless you're prepared to pay a bunch of taxes. It kind of works out for me because that means I can buy camera equipment and write it off. "I'm just keeping my expenses up." Since I'm shooting six weddings this year, I realized I was either going to have to save money to pay the government or just spend all of that money on Knight Light stuff. Hmm...which should I choose? Labels: kodachrome, retail therapy
Although I'm not going to try and spend everything I make this year, I do want to use that income to get some Knight Light expenses out of the way. Some big things that I'm considering: a laptop, a Nikon D3 (drool)... We've also decided we need some items that are smaller expenses so last night Josh and I did a little online shopping for Knight Light.
We have been talking about getting a second camera bag since we first got the D200. Since Josh is my lovely assistant he ends up carrying everything. Poor guy. I thought it would be wise to let him pick a bag he thinks will work best for us. So we purchased "The Sinking Barge" by Crumpler. And yes, I do believe it is as big as a barge. But it's what he wanted.
We also ordered fun camera straps for our camera. Abbey sent me an email with an Etsy shop that sold camera straps about a month ago. I had bookmarked half a dozen shops that made straps I liked. It probably took us a good 45 minutes to select our camera straps. C'mon...it's a big decision!
After doing the shopping, I plugged the expenses into my trusty spreadsheet. Josh looked at me and said, "Seriously, when did Knight Light start making money!?". Ha...I have no idea. Guess I better do some more shopping.
opportunities
Monday, January 14, 2008Labels: kodachrome
Josh and I were driving home on Saturday in the most amazing warm sunset. I had purposely brought my camera with me because I've been in the mood to shoot. I didn't take it out once all day. So driving home, I see this area of trees and the sun was setting through them. I thought "I should pull over and take a picture of that". But I didn't...I kept on driving. For the next few miles, I kept kicking myself for missing that photo opportunity.
Then I see this old barn I pass all the time soaked in the warm light. I knew I had to stop to take a picture of it. But I didn't, I drove right by. I'm not really sure why I couldn't stop. So I said to Josh that I should have stopped for a picture back there and he said that I should go back. I turned the car around, drove back a mile and took a few pictures.
The pictures weren't anything really special but I was so glad that I didn't miss that sunset. How many times have I driven past something, missed something because I was too much in a hurry or chicken or cold or hungry or insert excuse here... I really want to try to not miss those moments any more.
goal = problem?
Wednesday, January 09, 2008One of my goals for this year is to get more prints of pictures I take. "Back in the day" when shooting on film, there was no question about it...you got prints of every picture you took. Since getting my first digital camera, the amount of prints I get has taken a nose dive. Labels: kodachrome
I miss having the actual prints to look through so I made a goal for the new year. I decided that I would try to regularly order prints. Now my problem is that I have no idea what I'd do with them. In college (back in the day), when I would get pictures developed I usually scrapbooked them. The extras just went into a storage box.
I would like to be able to just stick the prints in an album and go on my merry way. The problem is that I think I need some sort of system. Do I get a large album for the whole year and put pictures in it in order? But then what happens when I take a picture of my niece or nephew? I have specific albums just for them that I started when they were born. I want to continue those but I wouldn't want to leave any picture of them out of the yearly album. So then would I put a copy in both? That would be so confusing. Maybe I should only do a separate album for them until they were a year old.
ARGH. I need help with this! With thousands of pictures, I don't really know what to do with them all.
perfect mystery
Tuesday, January 08, 2008Labels: kodachrome
This picture almost got deleted on camera. I had snapped it with my little Nikon S5 but realized after that my ISO was set high. I changed it and took the picture again. (The clouds were really cool.) For some reason I decided not to delete the pic right then. When I uploaded the pictures to my computer I almost deleted it again but changed my mind.
It's something different for me but after I played around with it, I decided I liked it. Yes, the sky is completely blown out. But there's something about it that keeps me looking at it. Sometimes the mystery of a picture is just as exciting as a technically perfect one...
photography randomness
Friday, January 04, 2008"The problem with photography is that it's such an accessible art form. People don't understand the fine line between recreation and art." Josh said that last night. I think that's why I sometimes can get down on myself about photography. Anyone with a nice camera thinks they are a professional photographer now. When really it's not about the camera or equipment you have... I truly believe that you can have a crappy little camera but have natural talent, and still make it as a photographer. Labels: kodachrome, randomness
Yesterday was day three of not doing a 365 picture. All evening I had to keep reminding myself that I didn't have to take a picture. Around 10:00pm I couldn't stand it anymore and had to snap a picture. Hmm... I may be doing another year of 365. While I'm still deciding, there are a few of my friends doing the project! Yay for Eunice, Sondra, and Jess. Way to go, girls. You can do it! I really think that doing a 365 project is such a great thing. The easiest way to improve your picture taking ability? Take more pictures. This project forces that!
Random Links:
Twelve Essential Photographic Rules
Flickr Leech - because paging sucks
hello 2008
Monday, December 31, 2007Labels: kodachrome
I had planned on capping off the year with a post about 2007, a review of sorts. I decided last night that instead I would just look forward. I'm really looking forward to 2008. I feel like it's going to be a good year for Josh and I. Today is my last day for the 365 series. I have taken a picture every day of the year, minus one day I forgot.
I hope everyone has a very Happy New Year!
wellies and bailey's
Wednesday, December 12, 2007Labels: kodachrome
Over the summer I took this picture of my wellies. In September I was contacted by a lady in London through flickr interested in using my picture. Honestly I thought it was a scam so I ignored the flickr mail. A couple weeks after that I got an email from the same lady. She worked for a marketing company that did promotional pieces for their clients. They happened to be working on a piece for Bailey's Irish Cream. After a little research I realized that the request was legit!
Anyway, I gave them permission to use my picture for a year and was paid a whopping £120 (which figures out to be $244.64). I received my check the other day and the marketing piece. I have to admit that it was very exciting! Of course I had no idea what a pain it would be to cash a check that was written in pounds. It's going to cost me money and take up to six weeks. Too bad I didn't get some complimentary Bailey's to make that wait easier. Oh well, now I can say my work was published, right?
Here is a larger version of the two sides that used my picture. The letter and the folder containing all of the information.
sure you can use my camera
Thursday, November 29, 2007Labels: family matters, kodachrome
My sister-in-law, Jenna, snapped this picture. She wanted to take a picture with my camera so I said she could take one of me and my nephew, Tristan. Just as she was getting ready to take the picture Tristan made a little noise and then looked right at me. It cracks me up.
Jenna has seemed semi-interested in my camera lately. I'm really hoping she wants to learn more but I'm not pushing it. I'm just waiting for her to come to me. I had to bite my tongue last night because I was getting ready to explain the settings I was using. Shoot, I don't want to scare her off before she really gets into it!
random snap
Tuesday, November 13, 2007Labels: kodachrome
Sometimes during a shoot I snap a picture like this that for some reason I really like. I don't know what it is about this one but I just keep going back to it. It's not technically fantastic, the lighting is kind of weird...but there's something. Maybe the way that her left foot is in the air, or her arm is up almost to keep her balance... Maybe it is the weird lighting and shadows...
It's usually the candid random snaps that I usually appreciate the most. It has frozen this little girl at three years old. It's pictures like this that keep me wanting more.
watercolor photograph
Tuesday, November 06, 2007Labels: kodachrome
"I have often thought that if photography were difficult in the true sense of the term - meaning that the creation of a simple photograph would entail as much time and effort as the production of a good watercolor or etching -- there would be a vast improvement in total output. The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster." -Ansel Adams
where is fall?
Thursday, October 04, 2007Labels: kodachrome
Weather.com just told me that it's a high of 88 degrees today. It is October right? I have so many cool scarves going to waste in the closet. It has been getting chilly in the evenings though. Josh heated up some apple cider last night and added some cinnamon. I wish I could have taken a picture of how it smelled because it was delicious. I definitely feel like that's the challenge of photography sometimes to capture something so that you can remember how it smelled. Or like when I took pictures of the windmills the other day...I wanted to remember exactly how they sounded and what the whoosh of wind felt like. I really, really like learning how to capture different emotions and senses with a picture.
the dangers of photography
Wednesday, September 26, 2007Labels: all you need is love, kodachrome
During Saturday's shoot, I jumped a fence, fell down a ditch, and got covered in dust. My model was such a trooper. I was like, "Can you stand on that piece of wood there that is coming loose, balance so you don't have to step on any nails and then lean forward?" She would say, "Okay!".
We jumped a fence to go next to some barns and farm equipment. There were some cows fenced in this area but luckily no bulls. All I kept thinking is "Please don't let a bull come around this barn, please don't let a bull come around this barn".
Towards the end of the shoot I decided we should take some pictures in a little wooded area next to a corn field. I started to walk through some tall grass only to realize the ditch was a whole lot deeper than I thought. I definitely slid and landed on my butt.
Josh responded as any great assistant should. "Kimberly! Is the camera okay? Did you hurt the camera??".
processing system
Thursday, September 13, 2007Labels: knight light, kodachrome
While processing Saturday's photo session, I finally feel like I have a system of my own. It starts with uploading all of the pictures to my computer, of course. I start processing the RAW files usually immediately because I'm so excited. I click through every picture and process any that I think I may want as a final. For example, I shot 162 pictures at the last session. I processed 72 of those. Once I'm happy with that, I go back through and delete any that I know I don't want to include. Maybe something that looks slightly out of focus or the smile looks too forced... Here is when I usually take a break. I realized that working on the pictures nonstop isn't good for me. I always see things I want to change by taking breaks (even 30 minute ones I get a fresh eye). When I come back to the pictures I go through and do some photoshopping. Some don't need any, a few maybe need something cloned out, eyes might need brightening, extra contrast added... I was down to 61 pictures at this point. Break time again! This break usually needs to be at least a day. This time it lasted a few days and I finished up last night. I went through each picture again and changed a few to black and white or sepia. I deleted a couple that were similar. I finished with 55 pictures and a Senior collage I've been doing for each.
It feels good to have a system to working on these sessions. With eight whoops, make that nine sessions coming up in the next month and a half, I need to be streamlined.
our first diptych
Friday, August 10, 2007Labels: all you need is love, kodachrome
Josh and I are one of those annoying couples that can finish each other's sentence. We often suggest the same thing at the same time. I rarely have to really explain myself anymore because Josh usually just knows what I'm trying to say.
One thing that we always are very different on is photography. I think that's why we work so well together when we shoot a wedding. He gets what I don't and vice versa. I always find it interesting to see how he'll shoot certain things because they're usually in a way that I would never think of.
I started thinking about diptychs last week. I had the idea for Josh and I to decide on a theme and then shoot a picture for a joint diptych. I mentioned it to Josh the other night and he was all for it.
We settled on the first theme of "wonder". We both shot our pictures and didn't see each other's until we were done processing. I put the two together and there you have it. It's amazing how we can be so in sync with most everything but have such different points of views when it comes to photography.
Josh explained his picture that the light in the dark is like the ultimate wondering. You wonder what's out there, what is in the dark... Of course, mine isn't quite as abstract! I always wonder what's going to come in the mail.
cloud junkie
Friday, July 13, 2007Yesterday evening I went outside to take a picture of my new shoes that Josh got me for our anniversary. The clouds were amazing so I snapped this one too. Labels: kodachrome
After doing some processing of the picture I just took I decided to go back out and try for another shoe picture that I had in my mind. I walked outside to a light mist and a rainbow!
Later in the evening I took Bebo out and looked to the West. Holy cow, the sunset was intense. So of course I ran back inside for the camera.
The sky was most definitely cooperating with me last night!
the d200 rules
Wednesday, July 11, 2007Labels: knight light, kodachrome
Friday was an exciting day for Josh and I. That was the day that our new Nikon D200 arrived. We've been wanting to buy this camera for a good 7 months now. Finally after a couple months of serious budgeting we decided to go for it. Technically it's not paid for as we opted to make payments on it. Also technically we didn't buy it, Knight Light did. Let's face it, Josh and Kimberly Knight could not afford this camera!
It's pretty exciting for Josh and I to have two camera now. I don't have to worry about borrowing a second camera when I shoot a wedding! Plus it's just nice to have so we don't have to fight over the D50. Now we fight over the D200 but at least one of us gets a consolation prize.
addition to the collection
Thursday, July 05, 2007Labels: kodachrome
Josh and I went to a pretty decent sized flea market yesterday and found this gem. A Polaroid 340 which was built somewhere between 1969 and 1971. It was only $2.50. It came with the original case, flash gun, extra flash bulbs and owner's manual! We had seen an old Polaroid earlier but it was eight bucks and not nearly as good condition. Glad we waited for this one. Josh researched it yesterday and it seems we can still get film that will work with it. I hope that it still works, that would be awesome. If not though it is still a great addition to our collection.
rest is not idleness
Friday, June 15, 2007Labels: bebo, kodachrome
"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time." -John Lubbock
364 pictures
Tuesday, May 22, 2007Labels: kodachrome
I'm still going strong with taking a picture of the day. Some days are easier than others but I've been determined. I have only missed ONE day. Somehow I just forgot to do it that day.
I now have 137 photos in my 365 set. I love just looking at the thumbnails to see all that I've done this year. I'm so excited that I decided to do this and that I've kept it up this far!
the corn is growing
Thursday, May 17, 2007Labels: kodachrome
polaroid
Friday, April 27, 2007Labels: kodachrome
My very first camera was a Polaroid. I can remember taking pictures of my room and brother after getting it that Christmas. I mentioned it the other day at my parents and they said that they still had it! So I bought polaroid film and starting snapping. I love the instant gratification thing. Plus it's so cool that I can still use my first camera.
Josh says that the next time we do a photoshoot we should pull out the Holga and the polaroid and say, "Alright! We're ready!".
etsy is pretty much the coolest thing
Thursday, April 19, 2007Labels: kodachrome, retail therapy
Back in January I found someone on Etsy that makes custom camera bags. Kathryn of Zakiyaa was so great to work with. I wasn't really crazy about the fabric choices so I asked about using some of my own. She said "No problem". I mailed her this awesome courdoroy fabric I had found forever ago. She received it just last week and I got the finished bag yesterday.
Isn't it the cutest? I love that I can carry my D50 around without hauling out the Crumpler. Seriously, check out her shop. Lovely items.
aggie
Wednesday, April 04, 2007Labels: kodachrome, the one with friends
I met up with Jess yesterday for supper and she brought me this little camera. It's my first antique camera to start my collection. It's a Agfa Isoflash-Rapid C, which was manufactured around 1966 in Germany. Of course I didn't know all of that just by looking at it. Josh googled it for me. The really crazy cool thing about it is that there is used film in it. We are so going to try and get it developed. Oh and Josh named it Aggie.
Speaking of Jess and cameras, Jess got a Nikon D40 after careful counsel from the Knight's. She's snapping away like crazy and my little protege is even testing out the waters using Aperture Priority. [tear] I'm so proud. Check out her photostream on flickr.
helga the holga
Thursday, March 15, 2007Labels: kodachrome
I've been wanting a Holga ever since I learned of them on Flickr. Last Friday afternoon a box arrived from B & H Photo. Josh simply handed it to me and said, "It's for you." For a second I almost had a heart attack because I thought maybe he had bought a D200. But I opened it up to find a Holga and some 120 film.
It took a while to figure things out...I mean, I can't even remember the last time I loaded film in a camera! Now I just have to find a place that will process 120 film. Hopefully within the next couple weeks I'll be able to post some picture from my Holga.
the beast
Wednesday, March 14, 2007Labels: kodachrome
Josh and I borrowed a Nikon D70 for last weekend's wedding. Our friend need the D70 back so in it's place he loaned us his Nikon D2X for this weekend's wedding. He had joked that the D2X was a beast but holy cow... The camera body alone is over 2 pounds, then you add the flash bracket, battery, lens, and flash. Yikes. There is no way that I could shoot with that all day, my little hands wouldn't be able to handle it.
I will say that the camera itself is amazing. It is so darn quick too that you just want to shoot 30 pictures at once just because you can. Using these nice cameras for two weeks is going to make it difficult to not just go out and buy a D200. I do know that if we were seriously thinking about buying a D2X that I would have to start lifting some serious weights.
photography overload
Thursday, March 08, 2007I am quite possibly headed into photography overload. This week all I've done is think, talk and read about photography, more specifically wedding photography. Labels: kodachrome
Here are some links I've found along the way:
That's My Monkey - They provide tips, tutorials and tools for digital photographers. I really got a lot out of this article from them: Lighting for Weddings and Location Portraiture.
What the Duck - An edgy, very funny comic about a photographer who happens to be a duck.
The Image is Found - AMAZING photographers from California. I want to be them...or at least follow them around and carry their bags. [their blog]
And this doesn't have anything to do with photography but it is from a wedding reception. I think it's freakin' awesome. I emailed it to my brother and his fiance as a suggestion for their first dance. [link]
I'll be back on Monday. I'm taking tomorrow off to help set up for my sister-in-law's wedding and then Saturday is the big day. Wish me luck!
feeding my addiction
Wednesday, March 07, 2007Yesterday evening Josh and I stopped by our photographer friend's house to pick up his Nikon D70. (He is loaning us the D70 for the wedding this weekend.) The minute I got home I was playing with it. Besides the camera, our friend loaned us a super wide angle lens...and I'm in love. After just five minutes of shooting the apartment, I told Josh that I was going to need a new camera after this. He responded, "I know". Labels: kodachrome
So I have it picked out: the Nikon D200 with wide angle lens. I just need to come up with $1,679. I'm determined now though...and that makes a big difference.
365, still going strong
Friday, February 09, 2007Labels: kodachrome
Did you know that today is the 40th day of the year? I wouldn't have really noticed either except that I've been keeping track of my photo a day flickr set. I have somehow managed to take a picture everyday of the year so far! Some are crap, some I surprisingly really like (like yesterdays, above)...but at least I'm out there taking lots of pictures.
what's mine is yours
Friday, January 12, 2007Josh is very adamant about the fact that the D50 is OUR camera, not just mine. I have a little problem where I refer to it as my camera. Josh will usually just look at me and I know to correct myself. Labels: kodachrome
The other night I was talking excitedly about a lady I found on Etsy who makes small custom camera bags. I had been looking for just such a thing so I could easily carry just the D50 around with me ALL THE TIME.
I said to Josh, "Yeah, now my daily picture will be even easier because I can have my camera with me all the time." Josh gave me the look which I definitely recognized.
Instead of correcting myself I said, "Hey, how about when I get a new camera, you can have the D50 and it'll be all yours".
Josh didn't really appreciate this comment but I thought I was being VERY generous.
Not really a resolution...
Thursday, January 04, 2007Labels: about me, kodachrome
...more of a determination to take more pictures. The more pictures I take the more comfortable I get with my camera. I've been addicted to flickr lately. I also figured out that I can email pictures from my camera phone to flickr. It's about time I got with the program.
I didn't want to say anything because I don't want to jinx it, but I decided to take a picture a day. I tried this once before but my puppy munched on my little camera. Now that I have the D50 I really think I can do this. We'll see how it goes!
something to pour over
Monday, November 13, 2006Labels: knight light, kodachrome, nerd alert
This weekend I picked out a book at Borders called "The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers". I've started pouring over it already and I'm so excited to learn some new things. I have my page markers out so I can bookmark things I want to remember. I have a feeling I will be bookmarking a lot.
This lovely box came on Friday. It's true, I stare at it often. Josh was able to get the educational discount which allowed us to afford the Adobe Creative Suite 2. The only problem is that we don't have a computer to run it. My trusty 'ol computer is reaching it's final days and doesn't have the memory to even think about running the Creative Suite. It's sad really to just have the box there on my computer desk. The box patiently waits...it's too bad I'm not quite as patient.
little bug
Saturday, October 28, 2006Labels: family matters, kodachrome
Aunt Kimmie got to babysit Kate today. It was so great. Three whole hours just her and me... Of course I had the camera! I uploaded a few to flickr. She had lots to "talk" about and lots of smiles for me. I just can't get enough of her.
more Kate
Tuesday, September 26, 2006Labels: family matters, kodachrome
I got to see my favorite niece on Sunday. She's already 8 weeks old, which blows my mind. They really do grow up fast. We laid her on a blanket and she just smiled and cooed. I love that she's smiling now. Every time I see her she's going to be doing new stuff! Can't wait for her to say "Kimmie".
My sister-in-law, Missy, is going back to work on Thursday. She's getting very nervous about it which I don't blame her at all. I can't imagine leaving my little baby with someone else to watch. I've always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I just hope that when that day comes it will work out. I'd be a wreck going back to work.
pet peeve
Thursday, September 07, 2006I have this photography pet peeve. Why are people so against using the flash on their cameras? I see it so often on blogs that people apologize for a crappy picture taken in low light because they "didn't want to use the flash". So what's so bad about the flash? I mean, it's really just about using it in the right way. I would rather have a picture that turned out than a crappy one. It drives me crazy. Just learn how to use your flash, Internet! Labels: kodachrome
more kate
Tuesday, August 29, 2006Labels: family matters, kodachrome
Josh and I went to see our little niece, Kate, last night. It's amazing how much she has grown in just a month. I know that each time we see her it will be like that. She was awake pretty much the whole time which is very cool. Of course when she did fall asleep we had to faux-hawk her hair...
weekend rehashed
Monday, August 14, 2006On Saturday Josh and I headed up to the bank to talk to the home loan guy. We really just needed to figure out what we're up against. I left the meeting feeling very encouraged, like we're actually on the right track. The bank guy was very impressed with our credit scores. He showed us some different options on buying a house. After the meeting Josh and I walked out and were already on the same page. We've decided to stay in the apartment for at least another year so that we can save up a down payment on a house. I'm going to pay off my car hopefully by the end of year and then save, save, save.... I'm excited to fill like we have a P.O.A. (plan of attack). Unless a house comes up that we can't pass up before we have a down payment saved, we'll be going with that option. Labels: craftiness, kodachrome
Saturday was pretty much a blur after the meeting... I cleaned like crazy. Ran over to see some friends that were in town. My brother got home for the weekend. My good friend, Erin, stopped by. Ate supper at my parents. Went to a little party for the friends that were in town and then hung out with my brother.
I also made a scarf this weekend. Erin brought me a birthday present of fall-colored yarn! I was so excited that I couldn't wait to start it. It is so yummy, I can't wait until fall to wear it.
This picture also showcases the lens I got from my parents! They decided not to wait until Wednesday to give me my birthday present so instead I got it yesterday. The 50 mm lens I was desperate for!! It's AMAZING. I cannot wait to test it out some more (especially on Kate!).
curious quirk
Tuesday, July 25, 2006Labels: kodachrome
I think that I have always been a curious person. I always have wanted to learn how things work, learn more about someone, investigate... I can still remember when we got our first computer. I spent days clicking on EVERYTHING just so I could figure out how it worked. I still do that today whenever I get my hands on a new electronic device. I'm one of those weird people that actually read manuals. Yikes!
Maybe this is why I love blogs so much. It's a way for me to peek into other's lives without looking nosy. It's like people-watching at the mall but instead of making up stories for everyone that walked past, it's learning about their lives from them. I think people are fascinating and I love to really get to know them.
I was reading this article called Characteristic of a Great Photographer - Curiosity. Huh. Maybe this is why I love photography so much. Good photographers, ones who really get it, are just really curious people. To me this is encouraging, like maybe something that could be looked at as a quirk, could actually be a quality.
s5 vs. d50
Wednesday, July 19, 2006Labels: kodachrome
I've been using the S5 now for a week and I finally think I'm getting used to it. Honestly I feel like I forgot how to use a point and shoot camera. Friday night at the wedding I was so frustrated with the S5. It just would not get a good picture, mainly because of lighting. Of course wedding receptions are one of the most difficult light situations. I wasn't impressed.
What I needed to do was keep my expectations a little more realistic. The "Little Guy", the S5, was not a Nikon D50 with zoom lens and external flash. It was not going to take amazing pictures with great lighting everytime. Instead I needed to remind myself the benefits of having a small camera. I actually just keep it in my purse so I always have a camera with me!
Since I realized those things I have been a lot more happy with the Little Guy. And it makes me appreciate the D50 even more.
new addition to our family
Thursday, July 13, 2006Josh and I are adding a . . . camera to our family. We have been wanting to get a small camera for quite awhile. Sometimes the D50 just isn't convenient to lug around. Josh decided to be sneaky and order me the Nikon S5 for my birthday (which isn't for a month). Unfortunately yesterday he left his email open on the computer when he left for work. There was an email from BH Photo confirming his order. I was upset because 1) now I know what I got and 2) we don't really have the extra cash for it. I decided to tell Josh that I knew. We had a discussion about the camera when he got home from work. I was determined that we would just send it back but Josh had other ideas. Basically he made the decision to keep the S5 and just get me something different for my birthday. His parents gave us some cash for our anniversary with strict orders to use it for something fun so it's going towards this cute little camera. Labels: kodachrome
I got an email from Josh this morning with this picture attached. I can't help but be excited. I guess when you're responsible all the time about money it's nice to do something a little frivolous. Plus I'm a camera junkie...no seriously, I think I need help.
fireworks
Tuesday, July 04, 2006Labels: kodachrome
Happy 4th of July!
Josh and I enjoyed a couple flea markets, a parade, lots of sun, grilled hamburgers with my folks, and of course fireworks. (Some pictures on Flickr.) I tried my hand at shooting fireworks this year and was fairly pleased with the results. There are a few on Flickr. Hope everyone had a great 4th!
lens junkie
Tuesday, June 06, 2006This picture was added to the Nikon Stunning Gallery last week. How cool is that? Labels: kodachrome
Also, I thought that I was set on camera lenses for awhile. I mean, I know I want a macro lens sometime but I didn't need it anytime soon. I am now desperate for this lens. For you camera nerds...the f stop goes to 1.8! Can you imagine the depth of field??? What's even better is that it's one of the best lenses for a cheap price. It's all I can do to not click "Add to Cart".
WILL WORK FOR CAMERA EQUIPMENT
photography links
Tuesday, May 23, 2006How to cut mat [link] - I think this is going to be my newest project. Labels: kodachrome
Nikon Stunning Gallery [link] - Go Nikon!
Digital Photogaphy School Blog [link]
Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest [link] - something to aspire to...
the weekend is finally here
Friday, May 19, 2006My new website seems to be going over pretty well. My mom is passing the site around to her friends from work so who knows what might come of it. I started to panic a little yesterday because I still have to figure out tax stuff and how that all works. I'm hoping to talk to the local attorney soon. Maybe he can give me some free advice... If this business thing takes off, I want to be sure I'm getting a good start! Labels: knight light, kodachrome, the one with friends
I'm so glad that it's Friday. I hope to spend a lot of time adjusting Jess & Tommy's wedding pictures this weekend. They're going to be back from their honeymoon this weekend and I know anxious to see the shots we got. Other than that I really don't have anything scheduled for the weekend which is a first in quite awhile.
Have a great weekend.
when good cameras go bad
Wednesday, May 03, 2006Labels: kodachrome
I decided to track down my old memory cards from my Canon Powershot to give to Jess since the D50 uses a different kind. I was surprised to find some pictures from before the wedding last summer! Also, a couple pictures of Josh and I flying to Maine. This was the last picture on the card. The first picture of us in Maine taken by our cab driver. Would have been a great picture if the camera hadn't decided to bite the dust!
Speaking of pictures...Josh got his photography portfolio back yesterday. The professor gushed over how much he enjoyed it and the composition... He says "I liked your wife's portrait. However, I would have liked to seen you use Photoshop's retouching to get rid of that spot on her nose." Hey jerk, that "spot" on the end of my nose is a freckle! Besides, I tried to get rid of it when I was 12 and couldn't. Josh said he would tell his professor that maybe he should use Photoshop's retouching to get rid of his bald head.
camera stuff
Thursday, April 27, 2006Josh and I finally decided to order the external flash for our D50. It came yesterday along with our new 1 gig memory card. I'll admit it...I'm a little in love with my camera. I kind of wanted to just curl up with it when I went to bed. The external flash is incredible. Seriously what a difference it makes. It's just in time for Jess's wedding weekend and then our friends getting married in July. I also am going to get an opportunity to shoot some pictures of a friend's baby when he visits from Texas in August. His little guy will be just six months then which I think is perfect! I can't wait. Labels: kodachrome
Josh took Digital Photography this semester so his final was to turn in a portfolio. It had to include a night shot, portrait, action shot...all of those. I think it turned out really well and I'm pretty proud of him. You can see his portfolio here.
I got a chance yesterday to take pictures in Small Town, America (Glasford, IL). They're mostly of the main street area. I played around with effects as well and liked how they turned out. Those are here.
I think we're pretty geeked out with camera equipment for awhile. I think the next purchase will be a macro lens but for now we're set...
Photography
Tuesday, January 10, 2006Labels: kodachrome
On Sunday Josh and I drove around in the country so I could take some pictures (see flickr). I found an awesome barn that was falling over. I was able to take a bunch of pictures. It's weird because sometimes I feel like I'm a decent photographer and then other days I think I'm terrible. Josh says that's good because then I will always be striving to be better.
Josh is taking digital photography this semester at school. I am so incredibly jealous. I was looking through his book last night and felt totally overwhelmed. How will I learn all that stuff without actually taking a class? I mean, I know that I will reap some benefits of Josh being in the class but I wish I were actually in the class. I did look up photography classes at the the local community college but of course, they're offered during the day. I guess for now I have to just keep taking lots of pictures and reading Josh's textbook!
Aperture and Exposure and ISO, oh my!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005The other night Josh and I went over to our friend Brad's (also our wedding photographer) and got a little mini lesson about photography. I have been reading SO MUCH on digital photography but for some reason I was having a hard time making the connection to real life. Hearing Brad explain everything REALLY helped. I felt myself connecting all that I've read. Now to apply all this. It's sort of scary because I don't want to screw up all my pictures! I'm determined though not to use the Auto setting. Labels: kodachrome
I took this picture of Josh yesterday, NOT on Auto. Woohoo! See how the background is blurred, yep...that's right I did that...ON PURPOSE! Onward and upward.
And completely random: Last night was yummy happy Christmas night. I watched Charlie Brown Christmas and wrapped all of the gifts we have so far. I love to wrap presents. So much fun.
Ah, Illinois weather...
Thursday, August 18, 2005Today over lunch...15 minutes after this picture, it was sunny. Labels: kodachrome
They say it's your birthday...
Tuesday, August 16, 2005Today is my 25th birthday. Josh got up and made me breakfast which was very sweet. My parents gave me my birthday present last night. A new lens for my D50. That is awesome! I had fun taking pictures last night. Of course, it only makes me want to learn how to really do it even more. I'm dying to take a photography class or something. Labels: about me, kodachrome
Josh actually has to work this evening until 7:30 so we might go into town and get some coffee when he gets off work. We'll see what happens. He's so excited to give me my birthday present. He's like a little kid! I'm anxious to see what he got me.
Did you know that Pac-Man just turned 25 this past May?
I feel like 25 is a big milestone but I don't really know why. Maybe it just means that I can have a quarter life crisis now (you know, like John Mayer).
Update: Josh had me open my birthday present from him over lunch. We are to see the musical Wicked in Chicago on Saturday! I am so thrilled. I cannot wait! I actually have never been to a show like this before which is suprising since I'm totally into that sort of thing. And we have 2nd row seats! Whoa. Can you tell by all my exclamation marks that I'm completely excited?
My D50
Thursday, July 28, 2005I just realized that I never wrote about my new camera. The first day of our honeymoon my little Canon Powershot bit the dust. It's just never been the same since Bebo tried to eat it for a snack. We had gone out to explore that first night and went into this little camera store. I bought one of those little kodak funsavers. Ugh. After like five minutes I wanted to throw it in the garbage. It's one thing to suddenly not have a digital camera after you're used to it but to not even have a zoom!!! Oh man. Labels: kodachrome
Anyway, at this camera place the guy had a Nikon D50. Josh and I had wanted to get a D70 for the longest time but just couldn't afford it. Recently Nikon came out with the D50 and Josh had decided that would be the best camera for us. We decided to not get new bedroom furniture and put that money towards a D50. We went back to First Exposure and the nicest guy helped us. I doubt he gets too many people in there buying much other than postcards and film. He gave us a memory card for free, a UV filter and the postcards I had picked out. It was funny because he kept saying, "What else can I give you guys?". We got back to the hotel room and were like two little kids on Christmas morning. We unpacked it and plugged in the charger to charge the battery. We decided we would stay up until it was done charging which I think was like three or four hours. Josh and I both ended up falling asleep with our clothes on, on top of the covers, lights on... Josh woke me up at 3:30am and we laughed at how silly we were to try and stay up to play with our new camera.
Photo Friday
Tuesday, January 04, 2005Labels: kodachrome
Sunset In May, 2004 - God Smiling Down On Us
Photo Friday
Gotta Love Photoshop
Monday, January 03, 2005Labels: kodachrome
