Graduation Day

[SharLamb]

A while back I expressed interest in getting a DSLR, and many of you were kind enough to share your thoughts. After a lot of research, I thought I had decided on what I wanted. But in the meantime a couple of major expenses came up, so I didn't pursue this issue. You can imagine my surprise and thrill when DH came into the house with "my" camera. I decided on the Canon Rebel xsi, and it has already found its way into my heart.

I thought the transition would make the perfect subject for the Title Page for this years album, so I have posted it here (http://www.elementsvillage.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=9724&c=4).

There was not enough room in the gallery to post credits, so here goes:
Memories: Marcee Duggar
Overlay calendar: Joanne Brisebois
Remember today and Smile: Kate Pertiet
Photos and Adventure: Trish Jones
Bracket: Ashalee Walis' Falling in Love kit for Scrapper's Guide
Font: 1942 Report
BG paper: my own

Tomorrow I'm going back to the camera store for UV filters, lens cap "lanyards," extra battery and memory card. Those are the things I consider absolutely necessary. And I think I may take a look at tripods too.

Thank you all so much for your encouragement.
Shar

[Auntie Social]

Congratulations! And enjoy every second of your new DSLR. I am green with envy and can't wait to see more of the wonderful pictures you are going to take!

[dmrdm]

Congrat! Now you'll have to go vacationing again.

Keep your eye open for camera bags while you're buying assessories! That was a difficult decision for me awhile back. Originally wanted a backback type...but then went with a Tamrac Sling. Went that route because it felt more like a shoulder bag (purse) to me and I didn't have to remove it from my back and only needed to open it and pop out another lense or whatever I needed. Has a nice side pocket for cards, batteries and whatever. I have 3 lenses and everything fits in there perfectly. I haven't carried a wallet for a few years now because I like bike ride a lot and carry my camera around - so I bought one of those water proof plastic deals...it's probably around a 6 x 5 size and place my money and credit cards in there.

Have fun learning all the functions on your camera. Congrat again! You're going to love it!

[TonyK]

Shar, Sounds like you are excited and you should be. Learning the DSLR is like anything else, use it and use it and soon you'll become familar with it. Nice thing about learning with digital is you can experiment and see the results without waiting to develop film, like the old days.We'll be waiting to see your work !
Tony

[mrod]

I'm sure you'll love it! If your first few shots don't look like you want, don't get discouraged. I took some pretty lousy pictures the first few times out with mine till I got the hang of things!

I'm still getting the hang of things. That's what I like about photography--there's always something new to learn, try, experiment with...

Have fun!

Mike

[SharLamb]

I actually love what I'm taking, but it is because, I'm sure, I'm staying in the automatic modes for now. I experimented by taking a shot in fully automatic and then again in landscape-auto, and I could see a difference....bluer sky, richer colors in landscape. But after my February travels are over (I'm going to MA and SF back to back!), I plan to take a hands-on class at the nearby Tech College.

Don't you LOVE the way it sounds when it clicks???? :D

Shar

[mljrbg]

Congrats Shar. Enjoy your new photo equipment and of course your trips!!

[Edmund]

Congrats are in order Shar. Enjoy your new "TOY". Now lets see you'll now want a new wide, short, medium, and long lens zooms and prime styles, filters, flash, camera bag, camera backpack, tripod, Ball head, light stands, backdrops, better images means better printer and scanner a dedicated studio for all your camera gear and the upgrade to the best MAC platform & 24" wide screen monitor, color profiling hard ware for both the monitor and printer and CS-4, LR-2 and the list goes on and on. Oh I almost forgot a second monitor so you can see the before and after in LIVE mode. It will become an addiction and then last but not least they have a 12 step program to help you make a conscious decision ie right decision of what you will need vs what you think you want. Believe me I know I have been struggling with this paradox for 50 years.
But I Love It,:D,
Enjoy,
Eddie

PS: I used to work with the Navy at Ault Field, Oak Harbor, Wa. On Whidbey Island back in the mid 60's. I always called Western Washington Gods Country.

[SharLamb]

Well, Eddie, I have two monitors (& don't know how anyone copes with just one!!!), and the rest is on my wish list. All my life I have been addicted to Bottomless Moneypit Hobbies!

We've been having cold, dark, nasty weather for several weeks, accented with unprecedented snow and killer flooding. You obviously weren't here during a winter like this has been. =:O

Shar

[Edmund]

Shar I told my wife about your post and she reminded me that in 1967 in Oak Harbor it snowed and she quickly called me up at work so I could go home at lunch time and buy the kiddies boots to play in. By the time I got home bought the boots the snow was melted so later after work we went to Anacortes then East to I-5 I believe and the kids went down the hills by the highway. Brings back some good memories.
Eddie