I have been “window shopping” for a nice camera for a while now. Last year, the price of the one I wanted was…well, way too much for my budget. So, I just kept dreaming. Then, a miracle occurred! The camera I’d been eyeing dropped in price by almost half! I saved up every penny I could, and, with a some help from my  tall, dark and handsome husband, I was able to purchase my Nikon D3100 DSLR camera on my fifteenth anniversary! It’s my first ever DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera. I know absolutely nothing about photography. From what I’ve been reading, it can be tricky – balancing aperture and shutter speed, ISO, diopter, exposure – and so much more that it hurts my brain to think about it.

I tried taking pictures inside my home right after I bought it, but that was a disaster. However, I was delighted to see some decent results with my outdoor shots. These photos are not perfect by any means, and I know that. But, I’m just so excited to have begun the process of understanding my DSLR, that I just had to share my first feeble efforts with you!

I read that using a large aperture would bring my subject into focus while the background was blurry, which is the look I wanted. I was so happy when that’s the effect I got in this photo of Laci! I know, it’s a bit washed out and perhaps not perfectly focused, but, you can see her and the background is…wait for it… blurry! 

I did edit this photo a bit. It was too dark for my taste, so I used Picasa to brighten it up a smidge. I just loved how the sun’s rays are so dynamic in this picture of our church. I used a small aperture for this one, which was supposed to bring everything into focus, which it did! I know, it’s not perfect, but to be my first time, I’m pleased. 

I played around with Laci for these photos -she’s showing her many faces: sad, happy, angry and surprised. Again, a bit washed out. I could have edited it to even it out, but I decided to leave it as-is, so I could remember what my first pictures looked like. I hope to compare them later on and find that I’ve improved my skills. 

I hope. (crossing fingers and wishing upon a star) 

I’m just so thrilled to have a new hobby! Raising five children, homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, reading, blogging and writing just wasn’t enough to fill my time. 

Adios,