My New Best Friends

Who are my new best friends? 

They are not people.  It isn't a dog, puppy, kitty or anything else cute, squishy or adorable. 

Remember, my life is small & revolves around border collies, sheep, kids and my camera. 

Meet my 1st new best friend.  Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens has an excellent focal length range that includes the longest focal length found in a Canon zoom lens - 400mm. This long focal length and focal length range combine with very good image and build quality to make the 100-400 one of the most popular serious wildlife and sports lenses Canon sells.

To say that the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens is a member of the Canon L Series quickly says a lot about this lens. Weighing 3 lb (1,380g) and measuring 3.6" x 7.4" (92.0 x 189.0) (DxL retracted), the 100-400 is solidly built and feels like it.

If I am going to do this whole photography business thing, I better do it up right.

Meet my other newest friend - my new back up camera...

  

Canon EOS 50D

My primary camera is still the love of my life, the EOS 7D.  At times I do need to give my precious a break, and Heaven forbid I BREAK it and it needs to be repaired.  Thus I have my back up camera.  I am so happy I could spit roses & sunshine.  

Now I need a new computer to handle the volume of editing I will be doing.    I already have an external storage device to store all my pictures on.  Just need to the processing power for Photoshop and what not.  Suggestions? 

Finally...Last call for free photos before I start charging.    I need to expand my portfolio for my website.  I need other dog breeds, horses, and even people!  Kids especially!  Please email me if you would like some pictures shot.  I will ask you travel to me in Orting, WA.  Thanks! 

Mutterings of a Camera Obsessed Fool

I am in love...

....with my camera

I apologize in advance - all pictures in this post are EXTRA LARGE!  Because...I felt like being EXTRA LARGE today.  Actually I am EXTRA LARGE every day because I went off my damn diet again and have shunned Curves...*sigh* Oh well...I digress. 

It is a sad state of affairs.  No one is immune - they are all being photographed.

Who could have passed up that shot?  If I didn't take that picture...I would have well and truly died.

Vicki & Bonnie

That reminds me...Vicki's pup Bug is a year old today.   Do you remember Bug?  Read about the first time Bug and Brynn met here 'Puppy Fest Post'.   Bug and Brynn have grown up together.

I have no idea how I got this picture of Bug, but I think it is rather cool.

Happy Birthday Bug!

 

I am a slave to this camera...my arm hurts from lugging it around with me. I think I am getting carpal camera syndrome.    Doodle agrees.

So does Blitz....

Blitz is so tired of the camera - he left me on on the side of the river and went to play with non camera people...with tennis balls, don'tcha know.

"Its okay Camera Face....I still love you."

Ranger doesn't love me, he loves the ball

The ball loves him too.

We all know Beth loves the ball.  WOOHOOO!  Perfect catch!

Brynn had a run of bad luck when the ball bounced off her head.  Bummer, Fail.

Happy dogs...I love happy dogs.  I am so happy I have this camera....

I even learned what Bokeh is!  Look Doodle Bokeh!

I am partial to this profile picture of Beth, she displays her long graceful neck and freakishly long tongue... the bokeh is lovely too. 

Bokeh is gorgeous.  Don't ask me to explain how I am getting this....because I have no frigging idea.

What is Bokeh?  In photography, bokeh is the blur, or aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image.  However you get it...I like it.

Ranger says "Okay Camera Face, enough of the Bokeh crap....lets talk about my tongue.  Whatcha think 'bout dat huh?  I have cauliflower tongue!"  

"Mom, I need to tell you something.....Ranger is an idiot."

Did you know that Bonnie can blow raspberries?  I have proof. 

"OMG Camera Face...save me!  Ranger is going to eat me!"

And this is the reason why I am going to die a happy woman.  My life is complete...for I have taken my favorite picture of all time.  Errrr....Well, until I take another one...

Since my camera is permanently attached to my face...I hope I will get another shot like this soon.

Happiness is simple...just visit your local camera store...and for $3,000.000 you too can be assimilated.

Welcome to the collective.

Photography Mutterings

NOTE: Due to one nasty person  - I feel the need to put in a quick note. This 'pond' is not part of the river. It was frozen solid and only 6- 18 inches deep. There was no chance of the dogs falling through or being lost under the ice. Also, the ice was covered by a thin layer of sand that offered quite a bit of traction. Additionally if you look carefully at the pictures you can see that we were GENTLY tossing the ball - which did not cause them to run break neck after it - we also stuck to the end where there were small round rocks sticking up - giving them more traction. After reading some of the kind emails from people nicely sharing with me thoughts on the dangers this may impose - looking back on it I wish I had not taken the risk with my dogs ligaments, tendons etc - I truly did not think they could be hurt. While the pictures are fun - but this is not something I would do again in the future.


I have been having a blast going through all the pictures I shot this weekend.  One thing about having a camera that shoots 8 frames per second - you get a HUGE amount of pictures. .

Then when you forget to change your camera settings and accidentally leave it the settings on the highest quality of RAW + Jpeg (two files per shot) guess what happenes to your computer when you down load them?

Yep, you guessed it....the computer was very unhappy.  Slow, slow, slow editing. 

Helen (remember my camera's name) has been kind to me and tolerated my tinkering and screwing around with her well.  She has the coolest button in the menu that I have utilized several times.  "REMOVE ALL CAMERA SETTINGS".  This is a good thing - because I can go back to the beginning and undo what I did - especially helpful when you don't know what the h*ll you did.

I am learning about aperature, shutter speeds, ISO and how they all work together to create pictures.  I have had some lucky shots, but most are spectacularly awful shots.  But hey, at least I am learning what NOT to do.  Post processing does not offer much hope either.  The software I have cannot adjust exposure - so I am making do.  The only edits I do are adjusting the color saturation, sharpness and cropping.  I can't wait to get started in my photoshop class.  

Here is a series that made me giggle & taught me something...

I  learned a lesson about shutter speed (exposure).  The higher it is set, the darker the pictures.  Even if you crank up the ISO - it cannot compensate for the shutter closing so fast.  These pictures were shot using

Exposure: 1/8000, Aperature f/5.0, focal length 70mm, ISO 6400.

Oops

The ice was in the shade and the dogs were moving fast.  So in my uneducated brain I thought I needed to crank up the shutter speed to catch the action, and jack up the ISO so they would be lighter.  I figured out much later in the day that I could lower the shutter speed significantly 1/1250 (lets in more light), and lower the ISO (less noise) and get much nicer shots.

*bangs head on desk*

What would you have used?  I would LOVE to hear any suggestions - because I am a dolt with an camera that is way over her head - I need help.  Think of Helen, spare her the misery.  Spare my children the exposure to the swear words and screams of agony as I see how many shots I toasted. 

Here Ranger is in the sunlight, which is lighting up his eyes, but overexposing his white fur. The shutter speed was fast enough to catch the ball and his movement, my focus was in the wrong place, on the ice, rather than the dog. 

Now he has slid into the shade.  But it still makes me smile - because he is apparently having fun.

Now I am not so unhappy about the focus being on the ice - it captured the reflection.  You can also see how slippery it was.

What kind of a evil demented person throws a tennis ball on very slippery ice for dogs to catch?

*waves hand*     ME!  *insert evil maniacal laughter here*

I love the reflection of his behind, but wish I could have gotten it all in the frame. 

My favorite, even though there are so many things wrong with this shot.  The reflection is cool.

Happy dog, check out her nails gripping the ice.  I didn't have to clip their nails this weekend.  The ice nicely wore them down.

I started playing with the settings and managed to get this shot.  Bonnie is back lit so I was surprised I got it.

Another one I liked

I need to get gutsy and take their collars off one day so I can get shots without their tags hanging down.

Why didn't Bonnie's tongue get stuck on the ice?

Another back lit happy dog shot

I love my camera.  I love my dogs.  Loving my teenagers is a daily struggle.  Two out of three ain't bad.

Today I am going to spend my afternoon trying to rescue the pictures I shot of the juvenile bald eagles playing together as they flew over our heads.  Say prayers please.  Thank you.

When I am feeling down I can just look at this picture

My New Camera

I did it.  After reading every review in the world.  Going to camera stores to hold them, covet them (drooling was not permitted) and fiddle around with them I decided on a camera.

Meet Helen.  (Yes, my camera has a name - anything that costs this much needs a name. My husband refers to it as F*^&ing Expensive Helen, but Helen none the less).  Helen represents my forgotten birthday present, and Christmas presents for the next 8 years. 

From the Canon website

Canon EOS 7D - A Whole New Class of EOS.

With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera.

Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo II AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation. The EOS 7D's Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting. The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles. Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities - not just with stills but also with video - are beyond amazement.

I purhcased the 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM  lens too to accompany  the 28-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens. And of course a 16 gb card, camera back pack, filters, extended warranty blah blah blah...

Last night when we got it home I started to freak out a little (okay, A LOT).  Freaking out over the price, the size, my astonishing lack of skill and knowledge.

I enrolled in a photography class at our local community college - but it doesn't start until January 20.  The young (very handsome) man I purchased it from had NOTHING to do with my decision - or the fact he teaches photography at another local college - and promised he would set my camera up for me and give me some quick lessons on how to use it until I can get into my class.  The fact that I was drooling, stuttering and acting like a silly teenager the entire time this stunningly handsome man was talking to me had nothing to do with my decision to purchase the 7D over the 50D.  

When I take my camera back to the store on Wednesday for my 'lesson' I will take a picture of him...then you will understand ...I promise.   Think young Tom Selleck crossed with a taller George Clooney.  *sigh*  Do you feel my pain? 

I understand why men are swayed by beautiful women.  A handsome man holding a camera - did me in.  I am weak and pathetic.  Does this make me a cougar?  What is a cougar anyway?  Do cougars have cameras?

But this guy is still my hunk of luv.  (I feel the need to post this picture again - it shows how just how sweet he is).  Look at those rugged hands, conveying such sweetness and affection, contrasting against the fur.  I fall in love with him every time I see this picture - until he does something to irritate me - my memory is short.  *sigh*

Even after I scream profanities at him he still loves me (although he does avoid me for a bit).  He loves kids and dogs.  Who could ask for more?

 The fact that he comes home every night - amazes me every day.  And he buys me cameras...f*^&ing expensive cameras.  I think I will keep him.

Camera Suggestions?

If you are a photographer....can I pick your brain?

I need help...well... beyond the obvious mental health concerns, I was hoping to get some much needed input for a new camera. 

My current camera is a Canon Powershot A650 IS

This has been a very nice camera to start with.  It shoots nice pictures (when the operator is paying attention to what she is doing) and a good quality video.  But I am looking to upgrade.  I am enrolling in a photography class at our local college next quarter and want a good camera to use for that class and to continue with my new favorite hobby.

It has taken pictures like this...

This one makes me smile

I dont have photo editing software, beyond what came with my camera (Lexmark).  I can crop, adjust the color saturation, contrast, brightness...etc.  Just the basics.

But if you look at my pictures, you will see that only the stills (or semi still) pictures are decent (in focus - sorta).  Because when I am taking pictures I am watching the stupid little red box that tells me what is in focus or not.   

 In this picture the red box was on the log.  When you are trying to snap pictures of dogs, especially border collies that move at a high rate of speed, that stupid red box becomes cumbersome and annoying.  (Ranger is also back lit, which makes this shot difficult for me). 

I am going to try this one again in the afternoon so the sun will be in front of him rather than behind him.

Isn't he just the goofiest dog in the world?   I need a better camera just so I can appropriately document Ranger for all posterity.  Your world would be richer, the world could be at peace. 

 The red box limits the Rangerfication of the world.  In this shot, I got the red box on Ranger, not the river, grass or leaves.  So Ranger is in focus - sorta. 

Bonnie has such nice clean teeth.  Raw meaty bones are awesome.  Got the box in the right spot.  I like it when that happens. 

My action shots suck.  I am sure most of this has to do with the lighting and my preset settings that I use on my camera.  I was stunned I actually got this shot...but it would be cool if Brynn were in focus, instead of Ranger.

In case you are wondering...she caught the Frisbee. 

Typically my action shots are fuzzy and blurry.

 Truthfully I have no idea what I  need in a camera.  I have fiendishly devoured a multitude of websites dedicated to photography basics, i.e. Pioneer Woman Photography.  I have tried to read other websites telling me I need this or that about cameras & varying opinions (e.g. nikon vs canon).  I have talked to people....I am still  dazed, confused...befuddled.  

What I know is this...

• I want to take action shots and or stills of my dogs in various situations.  Photographing my children  is not a high priority.  They are seared into my memory forever (trauma has a way of doing that).  But the occasional picture of a human would be nice too - I guess. 
  
• In taking action shots or stills I want my camera to be able to take pictures quickly.  With my current camera I have to wait 18 - 30 seconds between each shot.  
  
• I want to be able to take close up pictures (my current camera sucks at this) I guess this is the lens?
  
• I want to have a decent amount of pixels - so I can have some fun with editing and larger pictures - or does this even matter?
  
• It would be nice to have video capability (but not necessary - I can use my other camera for that)
  
• Lens options (ideally what I need will come in a package).  
• Relatively idiot proof (cuz I am an idiot) so some good pre-settings.  
• Manual settings for use in the photography course
  
• Desire package (camera and lens) under $1,000.00 in price

The camera I am eyeballing is the Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i

 Is this a good choice? 

Or do I choose Nikon?  Why Nikon?  Why Canon?   Why do my panties bunch up under my jeans? 

So many questions, so little time.

Thanks for all the advice and/or suggestions you can offer.