Aug 11, 2010
I often get notes from readers about cameras and lenses. Most of the questions are because they are looking to buy — or because they want to know what lens I used when taking a specific photo. I thought I would take a couple of minutes to share my favorites.
Cameras and Lenses — I love my Canon cameras, BUT…I love them because of the awesome prime lenses. Nikon cameras might be better right now, but I couldn’t stand to part with my gorgeous Canon lenses:
- The lens I use most often is the 50: 1.2. The detail is incredible. Yes, it’s pricey, and for the casual photographer, it probably won’t get much consideration.
- A fabulous wide angle lens, the 35 1.4 is again pricey, but you still have time to talk to Santa. It’s awesome for landscapes, large family photos and more.
- If you’re looking for a macro lens, the 100 2.8L is perfect for small details, and even long shots. This is on my camera about 30% of the time.
One more thing…
I read a post on a photography blog (sorry, I can’t remember which one), about what to buy if you’re looking for a good point and shoot camera. The Panasonic DMC-LX3 was the camera listed as “best”, has a price tag of under $400 bucks, and it’s rocking a Leica 24mm lens. (Whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro, you should know Leica.) I’m thinking about grabbing one of these myself so I still have a good camera that will take awesome (even wide angle) photos without lugging around a 5 lb camera and lens all the time.
And of course, no post is complete without a photo — and Libby & Gracie wanted to pop in and say “hi” since they’ve not made an appearance here in a very long time.
Aug 10, 2010
Every single time I look at this photo, it makes me laugh. It’s not a snicker exactly, or a simple tee-hee. It’s more like a quick flash of something sorta’ like a giggle. It’s Colette’s expression. Like…what she might say if she could talk. (For example, “ARG! Who put this garter on my head?”)
It’s funny when I hear others say, “She’s getting so big!” Are you kidding me? She’s still tiny y’all.
Ok, so today, Amber announced that Colette has outgrown her newborn outfits. She’s gaining weight and exceeding doctor’s expectations, but she’s still less than 8 pounds. She’s healthy and she’s beautiful. But Ben was 11lbs 4 1/2 oz at birth. THAT is big.
I can remember the first time I saw him in the nursery at the hospital. He was born at the same time as triplets, and of course he was positioned right next to these three teensy tiny babies. This dude walked up to check out all the newborns, pointed at Ben and exclaimed, “Look at that one over there! He’s big enough to eat steak!” (Smartass.)
One more favorite that doesn’t make me laugh, but makes my heart warm (taken in the hospital a few days after birth).
Aug 9, 2010
I rarely post more than once a day — but holy cow! If you currently live in or near the Ville, you should probably take note of this…
Check out the forecast too while you’re here. It looks like it’s supposed to be even WARMER tomorrow and Wednesday. I’m only posting this because Libby and Gracie demanded that I make this a big public service announcement. Their request is that if you have pets that don’t spend the day on the couch or in bed — as in live OUTSIDE — you make certain they have ample shade and plenty of water. Especially the dogs. Cats they don’t care so much about.
Aug 9, 2010
Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
— Theodore Roosevelt
I would be lying if I said that I look forward to the first work day of the week. Having said that, I do know I work hard, what I do is absolutely worth doing, and I am appreciative of the chance to do it. I’m not sure ole’ Theodore was right in that it’s the best prize that life offers, but it is pretty darned cool.
Aug 8, 2010
I had dinner with the family today at the Olive Garden. I’ve always enjoyed going there because it’s reasonably priced, the service is good, the atmosphere relaxed, and the food is decent. Not that long ago, four people could eat (without drinking wine) for about $75 bucks including tip. The first thing the waitress asked today (as she was throwing the coasters like frisbees across the table) is if I would like to look at the ‘new menu’.
I should’ve said, “No thanks. I would like to look at the old one though.”
I always get Chicken Alfredo at the Olive Garden. I used to have a choice between a 1/2 order or a full order. Not any more! I still ordered my favorite, but the portion was a cross between the 2 old sizes, and was priced more than the ‘old’ full order.
But it’s not all about the price. Otherwise, we would’ve been eating dinner at Taco Bell or McDonalds. Still, if I’m going to spend more than $100 bucks for 4 people to eat a meal, I do expect to have my plate placed in front of me — not a hot platter shoved into my hands. I expect drinks filled when empty, and I expect flipping eating utensils to use on desert BEFORE the ice-cream is melted (the 4 of us shared one dessert).
I can’t keep from thinking that for $50 bucks more, we could’ve eaten at The Cheesecake Factory. There, we each take a dessert home AND share one in the restaurant — and we would’ve had a much better total experience and vastly superior service.
Every single time I look at this photo, it makes me laugh. It’s not a snicker exactly, or a simple tee-hee. It’s more like a quick flash of something sorta’ like a giggle. It’s Colette’s expression. Like…what she might say if she could talk. (For example, “ARG! Who put this garter on my head?”) 
I always get Chicken Alfredo at the Olive Garden. I used to have a choice between a 1/2 order or a full order. Not any more! I still ordered my favorite, but the portion was a cross between the 2 old sizes, and was priced more than the ‘old’ full order.