my new love

These really came about while we were in Hong Kong.  There is a 13 hour time difference, if I remember right, and while I was getting ready in the morning we would listen to FOX evening news, from the night before.  We were staying at a Marriott and there was a speaker in the bathroom from the TV.

Now I listen to CNN while I get ready.  I thoroughly love listening to the GOP race, news around the world, and even some extreme stories.  I must be getting old since I prefer to listen to the news than the radio.

My other new love is my camera.  While in Hong Kong we bought a DSLR with a lens (which was recommended to us.  We really didn't know what we were looking for).   I've always loved taking pictures.  Since going digital many years ago I probably take 3-4 times more pictures.  (My family can get frustrated with me).

A few days before Christmas I got an email about a DSLR workshop at a discounted price.  I bought it and now I can't wait until February to take the class.  Although, I only shoot in automatic.  I really didn't know what the camera can do.  I've recently found this amazing blog, 31 days to a better photo. I think I found it through pinterest. I'm loving pinterest but that's another post.  :)

The first thing she suggests is reading your manual.  I've learned so much!  Go figure!!  Between my manual and her blog I've learned how to adjust the exposure, reduce the shutter speed to take a picture indoors without using a flash, found out that I can shoot in black and white,

or sepia.  I can also use a tint, green, purple, or blue.  I've also learned what those numbers mean on my lens. ;)

The reason for this desire for better pictures is from taking pictures at the boys basketball games.  I know I need a faster shutter speed but my pictures tend to be a little blurry.  I've also learned that I need good lighting at a faster shutter speed.  School gyms don't have very good light.  I recently looked at my pictures from last year and realized that my pictures today are better.  That gives me some comfort.

I'm trying to understand all the terms, ISO, aperture (still struggling), white balance, shutter speed, depth of field... and how they all work together.  For now I'll keep shooting and adjusting. Luckily with it being digital it's doesn't cost to take lots of pictures.  :)