A Fresh Start

So you may have noticed that I removed all of my photos except for the cute little photo of Ned you see below. I'm considering this a fresh start with my camera. I've learned a lot since I got my new SLR about proper exposure techniques etc and after looking back at some of my previous photos, I just don't feel happy with them. Mind you, I'll probably make some available as I go through them more thoroughly and re-post the ones that I'm proud of but I'm not sure when I'll have time to do. Starting in 2014, I have many goals for myself regarding photography so I only want to post my best & favorite photos that I take. I really like the above photos because of the color & detail involved. Also, do you know how hard it is to find a dried up rose?! I couldn't let that pass me by! So anyway, I'm considering my new posts a fresh start for my photography. Be on the lookout for major changes in my blog/photography portfolio in 2014. I have many plans! Also, any tips on how to keep your photos very large (seen above) while still being able to view the entire vertical image on my blog without having to scroll down to see the whole thing? I can't seem to figure this out but I love the idea of the big photos that I have right now. (HTML question).

Ned

I really couldn't help but post this even though I didn't take it. John took this photo and I'm so in love with it. This is my cat Ned doing what he does best...laying around. My favorite part of this photo (besides my little man, of course!) is the bokeh in the background one of my favorite parts about my new lens. I thought I'd incorporate a little bit of my personal life in this post :) Great job on the photo too by the way John!

Start of 2014

I began 2014 the way I intend to spend it all year, with a camera in my hand.

Bald Eagle

I was ecstatic when I saw these eagles flying around today considering I've only ever seen them high, high up in the sky circling the air. So amazing. 

On a side note, Happy New Year everyone :)! 

I definitely have many photography goals for 2014 and I couldn't be more excited. As always, thanks for following along.

Thunder Bay Beauty

Sometimes, I just really love Thunder Bay.

Unafraid

I'm finding it extremely difficult to take photos in the winter!
As much as I wish Spring would just arrive already, I take winter as a photography challenge and am hoping to grow with my camera when it comes to my technical skills.

I also read a LOT today about proper exposure on your camera and how to tell if a photo is over or under exposed. I can't believe I just learned that today.. so crazy what having an SLR will teach you.

New SLR!!!

You guys... I finally got an SLR!
So there I was, Christmas morning opening up my gifts, when I open up a Nikon D7000!!! It was so unexpected that I shed a tear or two. After all, I really wasn't expecting to invest in one of these bad boys until the Spring. John really surprised me and I couldn't be more grateful. It really is a thoughtful gift more than anything especially since he spent so much time researching what would be best for me.

I got 2 lenses today too during the amazing Boxing Day deals! So right now, I have a 50mm 1.8d & a 70-300mm VR and I'm so pumped up about each of them.

John came with me today to take some photos and I am definitely still learning how to use my camera in general but we managed to get some beautiful photos. I particularly love the shot above and it's completely unedited.

I can't wait to continue using this amazing camera and seeing what types of creative projects I can come up with. Practice, Practice, Practice!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!!