Three and a half years ago, I recieved a mobile phone as a gift. I'd never owned one before, being the gadget phobe that I am. As soon as I unwrapped it, the novelty of making phone calls on the go didn't interest me half as much as another of it's handsome features - being able to take digital photo's and uploading them to the computer. Oh the possibilites!
I had recently discovered a new place, blogland! And being equipped with digital photo taking equipment meant I could settle into a little home in this new wonderful place and start a blog. I didn't take me more than a couple of months to realise I needed to keep up with the joneses and get a more schmancy camera. I picked out a small point and shoot ( a Canon IXUS8015 ) and carried on snapping and blogging for the next three years.
But finally, I have decided that it might be time to get all professional and bring out the big guns, so I have succumbed to life behind a new lens - the Nikon D7000.
I'll be honest. This camera scares the life out of me, so many buttons with weird images on them. But even the camera doesn't scare me half as much as the manual. I like to open it up of an evening and pretend I'm reading but really I'm thinking 'I haven't a clue what any of this stuff means'.
So, while I work that bit out and pretend I am a proper photographer, you will just have to put up with my efforts to use it so far. I feel safe in Scene mode - Hi - which floods the darkest corners of my home with light, like this.
A bit more quality and sadly a lot more reality (is my house really this dusty?)
You might even get to see corners of this house previously too dark and far too blurry to see the light of day.
If anyone needs me, I'll be here, pretending I know what I'm doing.
Surely better than what I can do with a camera. I put it on auto and let the camera do the thinking for me.
Posted by: Marcia K | 09/20/2012 at 12:36 PM
I can only just use my point and shoot so I definitely wouldn't understand the instruction book - good luck!!
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | 09/20/2012 at 12:48 PM
I felt the same way when I bought my D5000. I bought this book: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D7000-Snapshots-Great-Shots/dp/0321766547/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348141970&sr=8-1&keywords=from+snapshots+to+great+shots+d7000 (except for my camera) and was really happy with it. I pretty much learned everything about my camera from it. I never did get through the manual.
Posted by: Dani | 09/20/2012 at 12:54 PM
Great photos and a very good self portrait even if you are just pretending!
Posted by: MaryAnn | 09/20/2012 at 01:33 PM
Yay! Always fun getting new gadgets! Honestly, I rarely find the need to move out of the auto modes, mostly since our craft projects don't move around on us while we're trying to take photos! They do a darn good job! :)
Posted by: Jeni | 09/20/2012 at 01:49 PM
I am the same way. I recently purchased a Nikkon D3100 digital camera. I have been using my little point and shoot for several years. So now like you said, this is going with the big guns. New learning curve!! I mostly wanted it to shoot outdoors and for when we travel. Time will tell!!
Posted by: Jocelyn | 09/20/2012 at 02:50 PM
How fun! You will love your new toy and before long you be be snapping shots just like the pros :)
Posted by: Kathleen OGrady | 09/20/2012 at 05:13 PM
How fun! You will love it! I recommend the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. I received it for Christmas, read it, and have had my camera on manual ever since! Enjoy.
Posted by: Jennie (Clover & Violet) | 09/20/2012 at 05:27 PM
I have my camara (Casio Exilim EX-H10) almost 3 years now ... and recently discovered that there's a option for food shots ... what does this tell you? And yes, I did read the manual ... once;-) Have fun with your new gadget! Hildy
Posted by: Hildy | 09/20/2012 at 05:32 PM
Sweet photos!! I am looking forward to getting a better camera soon! xo Heather
Posted by: vintage grey | 09/20/2012 at 05:41 PM
"Never too old to learn" is the phrase that pops to my mind.....easy to say if it's someone else!! My little "point and shoot" is sufficient at the moment. Much better results since I have learned to turn the "flash" OFF!!! After downloading I can 'tweak' the pic (if needed) in Photoshop. Been working pretty ok for my blog pics and other photos!
Posted by: Doreen | 09/20/2012 at 08:23 PM
Wow you've really jumped in with a 'proper camera' funny thing is if I use my bridge or a point and shoot I do exactly that. If I pick up my DSLR I start fiddling with the manual controls. It's easier than it looks to get the basics.
Posted by: Jan | 09/20/2012 at 09:03 PM
Nothing too fancy for the likes of me. Just point and shoot on auto. I still don't have a mobile phone, scares me to death (I do have phone phobia). You have a beautiful camera and yes, reality does suck. The dust will settle again so just ignore it. It protects the furniture.
Posted by: Julie | 09/20/2012 at 10:13 PM
Cheese ;) xxx
Posted by: Flying Blind | 09/20/2012 at 10:32 PM
I got a new Canon D600 recently - I figured I'm only going to make my wedding dress once, so I want to be able to record it properly! But you're not the only one who's pretty intimidated by all those additional controls!
Posted by: Jessica | 09/20/2012 at 10:52 PM
I've had my D80 for at least 6 years and I've just now started to take it off the auto feature. It is going to take some time.....just have fun with it!
Posted by: Jennifer H. | 09/20/2012 at 11:55 PM
lol, you've been on holiday...that's why the house is dusty. ;p
Posted by: ina | 09/21/2012 at 06:15 AM
Your things would look beautiful whatever quality the camera! Is your book available yet? I see some people have theirs.
Posted by: maypole | 09/21/2012 at 09:16 AM
They say practice makes perfect - so have some fun with your new toy and who cares about the dust. Didn't even notice 'til you said!
Posted by: Meredithe | 09/23/2012 at 01:29 PM