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.