Botanical Happiness
You likey?.....pretty, huh? I've got a set to give away so leave a comment here today and I'll have Shannon draw names out of a hat tonight. I'll announce the winner tomorrow! Christina Renee is back with new goodies in the store, so be sure to check them out!
Debra asked me yesterday about what camera and lens I used to shoot those spring flowers in my yard. I have a Canon 30D and a few different lenses....50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8, 28-135mm wide angle zoom, 100mm 2.5 macro, and a Lensbaby. My next one will probably be the Sigma 10-20mm wide angle. If money were no object (har har har), I'd also have this and this and this. For the flower photos, I had my 28-135 on my camera and just went with it, although if I wouldn't have been lazy, I would have used the 50mm. I also have a Canon Speedlight flash which I am reluctantly learning to use with surprisingly good results. Let there be light! Finally, I have my "baby camera" which is a Canon SD1000 Elph point-and-shoot and it takes outrageous pics for what it is. I love it that it fits in my pocket and the color is always fantastic. It's my "purse-camera" and I love it for the beach, the ballpark, theme parks, etc. and any place where I don't feel like dragging the big heavy SLR. Besides, I would just DIE if I dropped my 30D into the sand. That's a sickening thought.
Still coughing like crazy here. I was feeling much better on Saturday during the day, then took a turn for the worse again on Saturday night. Frustrating. I feel like such a slug because I'm exhausted from coughing and I can't sleep at night. My whole body is sore andmMy taste buds are really off too. Nothing tastes good. I tried to sip a bit of wine earlier today and it tasted like soap. Ewwww. That was not a good choice.
In my grand state of couch-potatoness this weekend, I watched Into the Wild. It's the true story of Christopher McCandless, who upon college graduation, gave away all of his possessions and trekked all the way to Alaska to live in the wild. I had heard the story before, and I've read Jon Krakauer's books in the past, so I knew I'd like the movie. I thought it was great. Beautiful screenplay and direction by Sean Penn in collaboration with McCandless's sister. The photography was equally beautiful. I loved the movie. I can't imagine what it must have been like to him to truly live free for those two years, with no obligations, but yet so lonely as well. It was a movie that really made me think, and I'm going to be checking the book out of the library this week. We're off to the "Wild Wild West" later this week, so it'll be some good airplane reading!
I'm off to take some more Sudafed (why did they have to change it? Another case of punish the masses for the mideeds of a few....aargh!) and get to the office!
Ack! I hope you stop coughing soon!! We have that movie also, but haven't watched it yet...maybe this coming weekend! Have a great day!
Posted by: Eve | March 31, 2008 at 06:50 AM
I only have the basic lens that came with my Canon Rebel (I am reading 18 - 55mm on the side of the lens) - what would you recommend as the next lens to buy (I know nothing about focal lengths/stops etc!)
Posted by: JanMary, N Ireland | March 31, 2008 at 06:57 AM
Your photos are fabulous and thanks for all of the photography information.
My DH likes to rock climb and read the outdoors themed books. I'm not sure if he read this one, so I'll ask him to check it out.
Best of luck on returning to good health! Constant coughing is miserable. Also, I hope your trip is fantastic!
Posted by: Victoria | March 31, 2008 at 07:14 AM
beautiful giveaway and I hear ya on the Sudafed!
Lived on it for two weeks not long ago... all of us in the family. I was worried we were going to top out on our quota.
Posted by: TeresaP | March 31, 2008 at 07:29 AM
I have finally gotten over mine after 2 weeks! {ugh} seemed like forever. I have the Canon EOS 300D and I love it!!! If it got hurt in anyway....it would be a crime!!! Ok, have a great day...and see you tomorrow..... :)
Posted by: Ladybug Graphix | March 31, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Canon (30D) girl here too! I've had it since last summer, but am just now learning and seeing what it can really do - I'm having a blast lately with my photography! LOVE the kit you are giving away - I hope I win! Hope you are feeling better soon!
Posted by: AngFab | March 31, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Gorgeous new stuff from CRD!
Posted by: melrio | March 31, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Oh, I know that "bug" you have - it's awful, and the cough lasts for several weeks. I hope you're feeling better soon.
Your giveaway from CRD is gorgeous; I'd be thrilled to win it!
Posted by: Natalie | March 31, 2008 at 08:16 AM
beuty stuff of crd. you have nice photos on your blog
Posted by: sarahm172 | March 31, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Missed you at church this Sunday. Shannon dress was gorgeous. You really did a good job on that tween shopping!
Posted by: Jan C. | March 31, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I have heard of that movie, but never seen and I havn't heard the story so now im intrigued. The CRD stuff is beautiful!
Posted by: jess | March 31, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Sorry to hear that it's taking so long for you to kick that bug. Your flowers are gorgeous and so what I need. I have a few crocus up but that's it. Guess it pays to be an hour south sometimes, lol.
Feel better!
Posted by: Carjazi | March 31, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Sorry you're still sick! I just got my 30D on Wednesday, haven't had a chance to play outside yet, though. Feel better soon!
Posted by: Carla | March 31, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Beautiful. I would love to win. I liked reading about the camera equipment you have. Off to look at your flower photos.
Posted by: Laura | March 31, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Your pictures are gorgeous. I watched that movie and loved it too. I have not read the book but am on the waiting list at the library for it. I understand the real story is a little different than the movie. I am anxious to read it.
Pam
Posted by: Pam | March 31, 2008 at 09:36 AM
I am sobbing reading your blog, thinking of the camera body I so want...Canon digital...my canon slr died somehow and I miss my 50mm 1.8 lens so much...boo hooo hoooo!
Posted by: ckugrad | March 31, 2008 at 09:46 AM
oooh - pretty blog header! hope you feel better soon :)
Posted by: dana | March 31, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Well, I hope you are definitely feeling better by today! It took me a while to get the hang of my Speedlight too (especially since the manual is like it's written in Greek), but it definitely saves the day occasionally. I have the 5D which does really well in low light, though, so often I just settle for more noise and a little "artistic" motion blur and skip the speedlight.
Posted by: DawnMarch | March 31, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Your kit is beautiful. Also, thanks for the tip about the SD1000 Elph. I have the Canon Rebel XT and I would die if I dropped it in the sand too. But I haven't found a point and shoot that I like well enough to throw in my purse. Now I can go and buy a second camera. Thanks!
Posted by: Wendi | March 31, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Hello Barb
Your photos are wonderful. The flowerphotos are my favorite. Your blogheader has beautiful colors. Have a nice day. I hope you feeling better today
LG Mary
Posted by: Mary | March 31, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Beautiful CRD goodies! I hope you start feeling better soon!
Posted by: Kristy | March 31, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Your photos are fabulous. :) I hope you don't hang on to your cold too much longer!
Posted by: Mimi | March 31, 2008 at 11:08 AM
I love those flowers!! Gorgeous photos- I have a Canon Rebel XT but I still need to learn how to use it better. I only know the basics right now :) Feel better soon!
Posted by: Laura C. | March 31, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Oh so pretty! I'm wanting a Canon, but would definitely have to take a class to figure out all the bells and whistles!
Posted by: stacy | March 31, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Your spring flowers photos are awesome! I can't wait until I have the courage to move beyond point and shoot... and the time to learn how to use the lens and what not... thanks for sharing... great CRD product as well!
Posted by: Demetria | March 31, 2008 at 12:04 PM