Oh Snap!

Its no secret I love photography.  I've always had an interest in it, but my desire to document every day memories was thrown into overdrive the moment I had my daughter.  In fact, three days after she was born we decided we needed a new camera to document her life.  Her first outing was to the camera department at Best Buy!  :)

Had I known then, what I know now...I would have sucked it up and bought an entry level DSLR.  We didn't know what we were doing, had no idea the difference between cameras at all.  So we plunked down a pretty penny for the top of the line Canon point & shoot.  Never mind we could have bought an entry level DSLR for the same price.  Oh well...live and learn! 

Two years later I bought my first DSLR...a shiny new Canon Rebel XSi.  From the day I started researching that camera, I knew it wasn't really the camera I wanted.  I thought I would at least get it, learn it and then upgrade eventually. 

Two years after that I sold it and bought a used Canon 40D.  Though I still was not in love with that camera, I knew it offered more and it was an upgrade.  Just not really the upgrade I wanted.

A year later...I bought a used Canon 5d mark I (some people call it the 5d Classic).  Finally, I am 100% content and happy with my camera.  I love it!  I really do!  I should have just found one three years previous!  Again, live and learn!  :)  Its a full frame, and although its considered "old technology" its plenty for me.  I can't justify anything fancier until (and if) I make money off my photography.  So for now, I am tickled pink with it!

Lens on the other hand...well lets just say I have a wish list!

Anyway, I have had a lot of opportunities to grow in my photography lately and I am loving it.  Over the weekend I decided to set up a small studio in my basement so that I can continue to experiment and learn.  In the winter, my camera tends to sit on the shelf far more than it should...but not this year!  Now I have a place to shoot in my house!  Luckily I have an easy subject to shoot too!

Anyway, for the backdrop I was inspired by this post by Dandelions on the Wall. 

I added a curtain from Target, some remnant vinyl flooring and some rubber millwork base.  I still need to add some lighting.

Even with a cheap set up and next to no lighting, I got a pretty decent photo!

 

We were inspired by some photographs on Pinterest to get this shot - and I love how it turned out!

 

 

count your blessings

When a special person walks out of your life and you have nobody to blame but yourself...well its a hard pill to swallow.  Take time to acknowledge those special people in your life.  Remember how important they are to you.  Don't take them for granted.  If you can't imagine your life without that special friend, then don't take it for granted that they will always be there.  Be careful and thoughtfull of all your words and actions with everybody you care about.  Don't assume unconditional love and friendship will always be there no matter how you treat a person.

Its a sad, lonely feeling to know you single handedly destroyed a special relationship.