;)
Sunday
May172009
Something Old, Something New
Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 4:26AM
So my husband got me this fancy-pants camera for Mother's Day, because I quite literally ran my last one to the ground. The kids' god-grandmother and god-grandfather sent it to 3of3 for her 1st birthday present. Little did they know they'd be throwing her entire party a few weeks later, because god knows I know how to thank someone for a ridiculously kind gesture...by dropping myself and my three children at their doorstep and being all, "Throw us a party, yo!"
Which they did, and it was perfect in every way. And even though I totally suck, and I have no clue why they tolerate me, they do and for that reason I am the luckiest human alive. I should really start playing the lottery.
Anyway, they sent me the World's Best Point and Shoot, and I have been truly, madly, deeply in love with it. But dragging a poor, helpless camera with you every single place you ever go takes a toll on it, and for the better part of a year, I've only been able to shoot pictures at a 52 1/2 degree angle, which has made for some really awesome pictures but has grown the slightest bit, well, annoying as all fuck. And then about a month ago, it went to sleep and never woke up the next day. I'm not entirely sure it's dead yet; in fact, I think it may feel happy and be up for a nice walk, but until I can find a decent camera shop, I'm shit out of luck.
Was shit out of luck.
Daddy came through big time with a DSLR and gave it to me before Mother's Day so I could hide behind it while his mother was here take really nice pictures of his mom's visit. This *almost* makes up for him putting three whole people in me that had to come out through, well, that.
I haven't used a manual camera since I was the photographer for my high school senior year book, which was just enough years ago that my underwear from then is officially out of style. I'd always used one before, though. My parents were kind of snobs about a few things, cameras being one of them. We didn't always have dinner, but we had a Marantz amp and a '68 Fretless Wonder and really bomb-ass cameras. In fact, my father still has and uses all three of those things. And about 15 Beta desks. He's a pack-rat and Betas are totally superior decks; shut up.
So I've got this new totally awesome camera and I can barely remember how to use the version of it that took film, let alone figure out digital excellence. But I'm determined. Someone sent me a subscription to American Photography and The Donor is insisting I take classes on how to use it to get me the fuck out of this house once in a while so it's sheer brilliance won't be squandered.
Meanwhile, I'm having fun toying with it. Which means it's a boy. I'm okay with that. So far, I've guessed my way into a few pretty decent pictures. (titles show up if you hover)
Which they did, and it was perfect in every way. And even though I totally suck, and I have no clue why they tolerate me, they do and for that reason I am the luckiest human alive. I should really start playing the lottery.
Anyway, they sent me the World's Best Point and Shoot, and I have been truly, madly, deeply in love with it. But dragging a poor, helpless camera with you every single place you ever go takes a toll on it, and for the better part of a year, I've only been able to shoot pictures at a 52 1/2 degree angle, which has made for some really awesome pictures but has grown the slightest bit, well, annoying as all fuck. And then about a month ago, it went to sleep and never woke up the next day. I'm not entirely sure it's dead yet; in fact, I think it may feel happy and be up for a nice walk, but until I can find a decent camera shop, I'm shit out of luck.
Was shit out of luck.
Daddy came through big time with a DSLR and gave it to me before Mother's Day so I could hide behind it while his mother was here take really nice pictures of his mom's visit. This *almost* makes up for him putting three whole people in me that had to come out through, well, that.
I haven't used a manual camera since I was the photographer for my high school senior year book, which was just enough years ago that my underwear from then is officially out of style. I'd always used one before, though. My parents were kind of snobs about a few things, cameras being one of them. We didn't always have dinner, but we had a Marantz amp and a '68 Fretless Wonder and really bomb-ass cameras. In fact, my father still has and uses all three of those things. And about 15 Beta desks. He's a pack-rat and Betas are totally superior decks; shut up.
So I've got this new totally awesome camera and I can barely remember how to use the version of it that took film, let alone figure out digital excellence. But I'm determined. Someone sent me a subscription to American Photography and The Donor is insisting I take classes on how to use it to get me the fuck out of this house once in a while so it's sheer brilliance won't be squandered.
Meanwhile, I'm having fun toying with it. Which means it's a boy. I'm okay with that. So far, I've guessed my way into a few pretty decent pictures. (titles show up if you hover)
I'm no Mishelle Lane, just yet, but look out woman....I'm on a mission.
See all of Sarcastic Mom's Weekly Winners here.
Reader Comments (40)
These are great. Love 'walking on sunshine' the lighting in this shot is wonderful.
Congrats on the fabulous Mom's Day swag
You've done really well with that new camera!
Can't wait until I get my new one, I kind of drowned it last week!
Hey Mr. Lady! Why do they call it "the fretless wonder" when it obviously has frets? Nice pictures.......................Peace, Mike.
Great shots. I love Walking on Sunshine. Enjoy the new camera.
I'm guessing the tasteful nudes will be in the next set you post?
Guess who will be nominated in the photography category NEXT time BLoggies comes around? YOU, that's who.
My dad totally swore by Beta. We had it as soon as it was available. I really want one of these cameras, but am totally scared of them too.
Have fun exploring the new camera..it is frustrating and yet so rewarding all at the same time!! Great shots Shannon.. :)
Oooooh, NICE!
What a great gift! It looks like it's definitely paying off too. The pics look great!
I'd say you're figuring it out pretty well!!
Oh daddy done good there.
You with a hotrod camera, in a 360 degree photogenic enviRONment. < Clever huh?
A small peeny-weeny bit of advice. You know me, I’m smart right (Say yes) Well I got a camera some time back and thought, hey this piece of S—t, regrets all around. Then I read the directions several years later. I’m all, hey, I didn’t know this camera could tha-at. It's a guy thing – never read the directions. And the Little Woman wasn;t any help because from the beginning was all, “Hey, I ain’t touching that thing.” (Universal statement in this house)
For real good practical tips, see Dr. Cason (dot) org. I used her pics in a recent keynote speech I gave on Arts in Education.
Those are beautiful shots! I love the party collage and the flowers are fantastic!
What kind of camera did you get?
I too got a camera for mothers day. Although I purchased it for myself, and it is my first digital of my own.
It is a pretty simple point and shoot but with some bells and whistles I am not used to.
I too am playing.
Love the shots! especially with your girl walking the steps and the 'man in the woods'.
Cant wait to see more.
So, uh...*cough*. You thought I was SERIOUS about that? Looks like I'm on the hook now, doesn't it?
I think the very first article you should read is "Why Everyone Takes Closeups Of Flowers and Why You Shouldn't"
HAHA! Kidding. Great pics.
My husband bought me an awesome DSLR a couple of years ago and the few times I actually took it off manual, I totally screwed it up. (And I took an entire semester of photography...) However, last night we took the kids to see Thomas Live on Stage (yes, I'm still in desperate need of a stiff drink...) but I screwed up ALL of the pictures b/c I had to mess w/ the settings since the flash was off. I've now VOWED to read the damn book this week...VOWED.
Until something shiny distracts me...
Congrats on the new camera! Great shots!
Beautiful shots! I guess you're liking your new camera. :D
http://www.daisysmiles4you.net/elucidation/2009/05/17/weekly-winners-510-516/" rel="nofollow">Weekly Winners 5/10 - 5/16
Oh these are beautiful! Loved em all...look out Mishelle LOL!
congrats on a fabulous mother's day present.
I'm going to enjoy watching your skills grow week by week ;) I hope this means we'll be seeing a lot more photos here.
Stunning gift!
The dappled sunshine makes your shots so artistic. And to think you coaxed these out of a new camera...amazing!
till you get into your class and all that, do two things. Always shoot in the largest format possible - some of the most amazing shots are cropped to create something brilliant.
2nd - shoot on Aperture Priority mode - it'll make yr camera do some of the work for you and you can get some cool DOF stuff going on.
you prolly already know all this. if you do, ya can tell me to piss off... if you don't hope i helped. :D
I love that series of pictures (the collage) at the top of your post! I'd love to know how you did that...
Oh dude. I feel ya. (And no, not the usual secshual way).
I feel naked without mine lately.
My CAMERA.
It's so much more fun than the old one.
I've had a DSLR for a year and a half and I still haven't bothered to read the manual. At least "Auto" mode takes darn good shots!
(Though, my Winners this week were with my point-and-shoot)
Anyway ... excellent photos!
That hat in 3of3's baby shots is too much cuteness.
I also got a DSLR for Mother's Day. I hope Nikon is pleased with their most recent marketing campaign, clearly it worked. Fortunately, my camera came with classes. Otherwise I would be permanently shooting on auto, the tulip or the kid in the sport cap.
CHECK YOU OUT.
Oh, I NEED one.
Those are some damn good photos.
'Walking on Sunshine' is my favorite...the title is PERFECT.
I got a new fancy pants camera for Mother's Day too...and I am learning. Slowly. You needed to know that, right?
Shit howdy, woman, you have talent!
YOU done GOOD !
hahahaha!! "put three whole people in me."
congrats on your new baby :D
Cannot wait to see more of your photos! And yes, don't we all wish we could be M.Lane!
Purty pictures!
p.s. Are God-Grandparents a real thing? Cuz my kids could totally be milking that!
Can I just say that I am jealous, I need a new camera.
Your pictures are beautiful already! I am ever so slowly learning my Nikon D60, but it's a slow slow slog. Classes might be just what I need.
I love these photos! Especially that first one. Also? I'm drooling over your shiny new camera.