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Dear SLR experts and advocates,
Please forgive me as I am new to the amazing world of photography. I may post pictures taken in less than optimal aperture settings, and images that are pixelated or over exposed, yet I am determined to learn the ways. Most importantly, I vow to never use my camera in auto mode.
~ Sincerely, brittanyMakes
My BF has been very supportive of my blog obsession. He already knew that any photos I took from my point and shoot camera would always be sub-par and deprived of light. To be truly honest, I think he was just tired of me complaining. Our 2 year anniversary came up just in time, and after a little research (and hinting on my part), he gave me the best present ever: a Nikon D3100! This camera has been quoted the most powerful entry level DSLR, for beginners like me. This camera is affordable and easy to use, and Costco sells it for a killer deal. The Costco bundle include an SD card, a 18-55mm lens and a 55-200mm zoom lens, PLUS a stylish camera bag. Costco is the best.
Here's my camera, sigh.
I wonder if Nikon will ever deviate from its classic look? Sony has stepped out of the box with their new SLR/point-&-shoot hybrid camera, the Sony Nex3/Nex5, which I also played around with a bit before deciding on the Nikon. The Sony is much smaller and lighter than the classic SLR body, it's sleek and very elegant, but it's also new to the market and I decided not to be an early adopter this go 'round. I also prefer the navigation/manual buttons on the outside of the camera, which make it easier to change settings, versus buried inside the camera as a digital menu, which is one of the most annoying attributes of Sony's. See the external buttons?
Here are some photos I'm proud to have taken with this camera, some of which you've seen on previous posts… and others, well, I just want to share.
A close up on white grapes, a vineyard at Jacuzzi Winery
My BF's nephew, oh my he's such a cutie. This pic was taken in the front entryway of the house, door open to an overcast day in Monterey, CA.
Delicious and vibrant lemons and pink lady apples captured in the manila rope basket I made…
And our doggies, of course, exhausted after a long day's play. Trixie, our English Bulldog in the back, and Rocco, our Frenchie.
I owe everyone a decent post about my pups. They are so fun, and would certainly entertain.
I found an excellent photography blog, The Pioneer Woman, also listed on my blogs I love page. She offers photography tips, assignments, and informative explanations of camera settings and techniques that beginners like me can easily follow. Right now my favorite is her What the Heck is an Aperture series, because that's what I said when I first heard the term 'aperture'. She also offers Photoshop tutorials, which I desperately need.
I'm very excited to be where I'm at today. Not only am I learning about the incredible blogosphere and operating a blog of my own, I'm learning a variety of new skills, like photography! So, if you're already a professional photographer, take it easy on the amateur in me! I certainly welcome all suggestions, tips and critiques, so email me if you have any.
