My New Lens!!

I finally did it. I saved and bought an L-series Canon Lens!

And it came today!

Oh my, what a difference! Even after trying it out for just 20 minutes or so today, I am wondering how I ever lived without it...although it is very heavy! So after "years" of getting by on a third-party zoom lens, I made the (big) step up. I'm a bit excited after looking through the pictures I took today, so I thought I'd share a couple.

I love the bokeh.
I love how "life-like" the images feel.
I love how fast the lens focuses (and it was so quiet)! Now maybe I'll catch those wiggly little ones a bit better!

But even more than all of that, I love the little girl that let me take some pictures of her while she danced around outside and played with her brother's Batman ball.

flash and a reflector

I finally purchased a flash for my camera few months ago and I just barely got the guts to actually use it. I feel like it is one more overwhelming thing for me to master. I really still don't know much about using it, but here is one shot of me just trying it out with a reflector. You can see how thrilled Bennett was to being my model. Whether I end up mastering the use of it or not, at least I can now take snapshots when there is no natural light to be had.

This picture was taken in my dark bedroom at night. I think it turned out OK. Still lots more to learn! By the way, stay tuned for some new previews, finally. I actually have some shoots coming up in the next few weeks. Please e-mail me if you are interested in having your photos done. Now is a great time to book sessions for the spring!

{Some Favs from a Recent BBQ}

Here are some of my favorite photos from a recent BBQ we had at my parents...

......

~Aspen and Olivia~

Isn't Aspen such a beautiful dog? And Olivia is so darling. She looks so much like her daddy (my brother)!

~Two of the people I love the most!~

These pictures make me want to go and squeeze and kiss both of them!

~Mmmm! Cherries~

I thought I'd try my hand at a subject other than people. Don't these make your mouth water? I love summer cherries! I saw my parents' tree yesterday and it is now bare...The cherries just don't last long enough!

{Russell's Other True Love}

His Guitar. Need I say more.