My New Camera Lens Kicks A$$!

Mom, remember when I graduated from college? The gift I wanted more than anything was a super nice photo album (which you had engraved for me) and a fancy camera (which you consulted people about and purchased-- thank you!). Ever since then I have been reading and learning and practicing taking great pictures. I have, however, never had a professional grade camera... but I do now!!!!!

I'm so excited!! I'm gonna start taking pictures... like for money... as a hobby on weekends. I need LOTS of practice though! So I got my fancy camera and then consulted friends of mine who are great photographers (thanks Nikki, Heather and Brad!) for more tips. Nikki forced me into buying a new lens. A better lens. Forced me. ;) It arrived today. HOLY CRAP IT'S AWESOME!!!! I can't wait till Max gets home so I can start taking pics of him with it. (for the record, he is SUPER annoyed with my picture taking)

I also purchased some great editing software for the Mac to help me make photos just right. I love it. I have SO much to learn but I have been playing with it in the process. Here are some before edits and after edits I took recently (NOT with the new great Nikki-forced lens but with the lens the fancy camera came with)...

before...

after...

before...

after...

Awesome right? I've already had a few people tell me "nice camera" when looking at my pictures and according to my super-talented friend Nikki, that is the highest compliment a photographer can get! :) Should I brag and tell them "it's not the camera; I've got skillz"? ;)

Anyway, after I have a few practice sessions with my friends I'll be starting my own little business, somehow. It'll be inexpensive and fun for clients... and great for me! I can't wait!