Evening

I bought a new compact camera. I hope I like this one better than my last one, which, after only 1 1/2 years decided to act up. The light meter caused my photos to be over-exposed. So I am experimenting, trying out different settings. So far I am pleased. It is easier to set in manual (an issue I had with my  (not so) old camera.



Here is another night shot - not bad for no flash and from across the street with a zoom. The new camera is a Sony. The plusses include a viewfinder, small size, easier controls. I was also able to purchase a battery charger so I don't always have to charge the battery while it is in the camera. Now that I am taking a photo a day, I like having a camera with me (not just my phone). Although I get decent photos with my phone, there are times I get frustrated with the limited control as well as the lack of a viewfinder in bright light. This photo a day challenge can be expensive!

Another Photographer

Another Photographer, originally uploaded by susanvg.

It's always nice to get together with another photographer, to talk about the challenges of daily (or almost) photographs. Today work let Shelley's and my path cross. We talked a little technique, a little inspiration a little shop talk and a little just friendship.

My New Tripod

My New Tripod, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Ah - photography is an addiction. After years of using a point and shoot camera, I bought myself a DSLR with two lenses. That only created more "needs". Here's my new tripod - a gorilla tripod. I saw someone using one on the trip I was on this summer. It can stand anywhere and even wrap around things to stabilize the camera. And then there is that macro lens that would be nice to have...
And with each new purchase lots more to learn.

Pond - Parc des Rapides

Pond - Parc des Rapides, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Experimenting with my camera was frustrating but a learning experience. I think we need to put ourselves in the position of "newbie" from time to time to experience the frustrations, the walls (most of which we create ourselves) and the joy of progress, however small. So on my continuing journey as lifelong learner, I've thrown myself into this morass - a murky pond where I need to stop and reflect on my learning, confront the wildlife (apertures, shutter speeds, lenses...) and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Jan 20/10: Abstract

Jan 20/10: Abstract, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The daily shoot today was to photograph your camera so I decided to play with reflections. We have two panes of glass; Montreal gets cold, so the reflection was more distorted - a bit cubist. I boosted the exposure and saturation.

What story does the camera tell? So often our memories are variations on the truth. We each boost the moments that were important to us so that over time two people's memories of the same event are very different. As we photograph, the camera freezes certain memories. And sometimes the photograph becomes the memory with new stories created each time we revisit the photograph. Photographs can surprise us; we may have focused on one thing, but in viewing the picture see something else. A photograph can bring clarity; it can reveal; it can distort; it can be manipulated. Much like this photograph.