Happy Easter-Birthday-Anniversary to Me!

I’ve always been really interested in photography but never knew anything about it.  I’ve tried looking some info up online but there is something about my brain that causes it to switch off when I get too much information at once.  I needed personal instruction and I never knew anyone here in NL who could give me that, or at least point me in the right direction.

That was the main reason why I never bought a digital SLR camera, because I was worried that I’d get it, feel overwhelmed and then not bother using it.  So in the meantime I just toted my point and shoot with me everywhere and tried to get the best pics I could with the limited knowledge I had.

Recently I made a new friend who lives about five minutes away from me who shares a number of interests with me, including photography!   We went out a few times on photo taking adventures and it wasn’t long before I grew impatient with my point and shoot (even though it’s a VERY good 10 megapixel camera) because no matter how good it was it wasn’t something I could truly learn on (for example, I was not able to set the aperture myself, etc).

After a lot of careful consideration, research and accepting that this would pretty much be an early (enter the next 4-5 gift giving occasions) present, we went out and bought me a new DSLR!

(Some of the photos are of the A350 but they are basically the same)

I spent a lot of time researching the different cameras in my price range and in the end my choice came down to the Canon EOS 1000D (Digital Rebel) or the Sony Alpha 300 (the camera my friend happened to own).  They both fell comfortably within our budget with an extra lens, both had really great reviews, and they each had their pros and cons.   The Canon was popular because it’s a good camera but also because Canon is a very popular brand with a bit of a cult following.  The Sony, while not as popular had just as good or better reviews as well as the vari-angle LCD screen and someone who knew it inside out that could give me a head start on learning how to use it.  So that is what I got, and I’m loving it.

My best friend’s son Noah.  I already have many many photos of him!

I’ve started looking at some digital photography tutorials online, as well as various downloaded (pirated.. oops!) videos on photography and Photoshop.  I’m learning a lot and having such a great time with it.   It’s a great camera from what I can tell.  It’s user friendly, feels sturdy and I’ve already used the live view function a number of times with the tilt screen.  I’m really not one for crawling around on my belly or standing on top of things to take photos so being able to see what I am getting from all angles really works for me.

Trompenburg Tuinen & Aboretum

I also got an amazingly cool bag to carry around it in, made by Crumpler.   I needed something safe to carry the camera around in that didn’t scream “HEY COME STEAL MY EXPENSIVE NEW CAMERA”, which is what mostly any camera bag says here in Rotterdam.   The great thing about the Crumpler bags is that they don’t look like camera bags, and I like that.

Mine is called the Muffin Top 7500 and it’s awesome.   It has room for my camera, my extra lense and any other crap I want to carry around with me (wallet, phone, Tictacs, you know… the usual).  It’s not cheap but neither was my camera so I want to make sure it’s protected.  It also comes with a 30 year warranty, which helps a lot when rationalizing the price.

My photo-friend belongs to a photography club based in Den Haag that she seems to really enjoy.  She’s asked that I join and attend the meetings and events with her so I figured what the hell.   What better way to learn and meet people with similar interests!  Best thing is, everyone is English… so we can all discuss photography freely without stopping for translations or easier ways to explain things.   I just hope they are cool with me being a complete newbie and are able to keep it simple on occasion… and be gentle with their critiques.

So yeah, happy every gift-giving holiday for the rest of the year to me!!