Wednesday, November 10, 2010

women of wonder: my 4th mission - rediscover your happiness.

I figured out a while ago, that one of the tricks to taking great pictures is to take a lot of pictures.  One of them is bound to be a gem.
Also, knowing how to crop your photos and tweak the contrasts doesn't hurt either (iPhoto you rock my world).  I learned that lesson from my friend Jennifer, who told me she crops the heck out of her photos and avoids using a flash when possible.  
My Woman of Wonder mission this week was:

Picture Perfect
Get back in touch with the things that make you truly happy and capture these picture perfect moments in photographs.

That's a pretty good mission, but I feel like to really capture these "picture perfect moments" I need to take my skills to the next level and learn how to use a real camera instead of the point and shoot camera I'm currently using.  I've been saving up for a DSLR camera for the past year, and I decided to bite the bullet and get it.  Really, this mission is going to be a two part deal.  This first part is me getting my camera (yahoo!).  The next part will take place in a few weeks when I learn how to use this fancy contraption.  




I purchased my new camera (a Nikon d3000) at Henry's - a top notch photography store where I live.  They specialize in all things cameras, so I felt more comfortable buying it there instead of a big box type store.  I know if I ever have a problem the folks at Henry's will actually be able to help me and the fact that they offer photography courses for beginners is also something that I think is important.  This video is of me getting my camera.  Please try to ignore the sales guy talking super loud in the background of the video.  We tried to move away from him, but I swear his voice got louder the further away we got (true story).  Also - thanks to Rob and Alisha - you guys rock!

In addition to getting a new camera, I picked up the book Expressive Photography.  I had the opportunity to hear one of the book's authors Kate Inglis speak at Blissdom Canada a few weeks ago, and I found her take on photography fascinating.  I highly recommend you pick up a copy - it will make you want to become a better photographer. 

This really is mission 4-a, seeing as I need to take some time to monkey around with my new camera to figure out how to make it work for me.  I will post part 4-b after I complete the Nikon Part 1 course at Henry's later this month.  Stay tuned!

Check out WonderBra.ca to see what the other Women of Wonder are up to!

3 comments:

  1. Ohh.... I love the new camera! I use a Nikon D90 at work and I've been lucky enough to be allowed to take it home to play. I too am saving up to buy my own DSLR. Such a good investment! I see the photos I take of the kids with the Nikon and they are just outstanding. Because I can click, click, click I am able to take so many more photos of a particular moment, which almost guarantees a gem. Not that my little Canon doesn't do a decent job but the DSLR rocks. Can't wait to see more pics of those cute kids!!+

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  2. Ooooh, I'm writhing with jealousy! Okay, I'm just chuffed you got to get the camera of my dreams and I get to live vicariously through you for the next year while I save up for the Nikon!

    Enjoy, Wonder Woman! And share some of your wonderful photos!

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  3. Fun! I just got a Canon T2 this year and still don't know how to use it, but even just using manual mode makes for some amazing photos. I'm hoping to take a class at the community college in January.

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