Saturday, April 4, 2009

Photography

I went to Kalamazoo this morning.  First I went to the camera shop there to see if I could get my telephoto lens repaired.  It's not broken as far as function, it still works perfect but the rim that the lens cap snaps onto broke.  Jordan won't admit it but I think she dropped it.  Anyway they wanted $110 to fix it and if that wasn't a shocker enough they said it would have to be sent away for 8 weeks!  8 Weeks!!!!!!  I couldn't possibly live without my telephoto lens for 8 weeks.  It's spring time, the birds are arriving, things are turning green and starting to bloom, Jordan's tract meets are starting, etc, etc.....  I'd go into withdraws without my lens for 8 weeks.  Needless to say I left without leaving my lens and determined to find some other way to fix it.  But something exciting did come out of my visit to the camera shop.   
While I was there I decided to look at other cameras and lens (no I didn't buy a new camera) just to see what prices were.  The salesman wanted to see my camera and struck up a conversation with me.  For some reason he said "You don't use automatic settings on your camera, do you?"  I didn't answer right away because I knew I was going to look like a fool.  Yes, I admitted I do.  He wasn't rude but his response was..... "You know you have a fantastic SLR camera and you use it as a point and shoot, you really should learn how to use the settings for some amazing photography".    
He's absolutely right and I've known that for a long time.  Although, I love my camera and the photos it takes I know I am only a wanna be photographer and when I look at some nature/photography blogs of real photographers I am blown away.  So..... I signed up for a digital SLR camera/photography class.  I am so excited.  I've wanted to do this forever.  My class begins the beginning of May.  I'm going to learn white balance, focus modes, RAW vs JPEG, shooting modes, ISO, depth of field, exposure..... and lots of other stuff.  I've had my camera for almost 2 years now... it's about time, wouldn't you say?    
Then on the way home I stopped at the Kalamazoo Nature Center and spent a few hours walking the trails.  That's were all the photos came from in this post.  That place is awesome.  After two hours of walking the trails I still had only seen a fraction of the grounds.    
And another exciting thing.... I signed up for a bird photography class at the nature center.  How cool is that!!!!  The instructors have the most amazing photography.  Their business is called "Glances at Nature".  Check out their website and their photography.  I can hardly wait.  I'm on my way to becoming a better photographer..... I hope.   

7 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Wow---congrats, Jessica... Soon you'll know more and more about your camera and how to use it better. AND---a Bird Photography Class also???? WOW---I'm impressed. You'll be a real professional before long!!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

I think your pictures are great now. I can't wait to see what you do after those classes! WOW!

Sorry the repair would be so much. That's a bummer.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Sounds like an exciting time ahead.Looking forward to all those spectacular pictures to come.Today's photos are lovely.
Blessings,Ruth

Pigeon said...

I would absoutely love to take a photography class like that. It's beem on my to do list for a long time. Will you blog about some of what you learn? I am excited for you!

Minerva said...

Good for you! I look forward to seeing what you've learned. But I do agree with Dee. You're pictures already are nice.

Josh Haas said...

Very nice stuff Jessica! I am one of the teachers for the class you signed up for in May at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. I appreciate your comments about our imagery and can't wait to meet you. You have some very nice stuff already and I'm sure you will continue to improve! Thanks for putting our url on your blog. gotta love SEO!

Laura said...

That's awesome, I would love to take a class one of these days, too.