My camera.

Okay. Too many of you have emailed me or left comments in the past few months asking me what kind of camera I use. Well, here it is...a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1. It's quite a camera- and definitely more than I know how to handle, but I love it. I am also still learning how to use it. I do not consider myself an expert or even good at photography. I just take a lot of pictures, and sometimes I get lucky and get a few good shots in the process. =)
So.
About my camera.
It's big and has a lot of features and a cool 'zoom out' lens. It will cost you around $799 to purchase, and I would never spend that kind of money on a camera. I didn't even spend that much on my bed or couch! {wink} But I love it and am telling you the truth- I got it 'for free'. Yep. Chip and I use a Sony card for charges and when you get a certain number of points accumulated you can use them toward rewards. This was my reward.
As I said, I don't even know how to really use most of the features that this camera has on it, but I still like it and enjoy trying to figure it out. The best advice I have heard about learning how to best use your camera is to read the manual. But I am the kind of person who likes to learn by trial and error. I mget lots of blurry pics and sometimes I get frustrated that I don't know how to take a good picture of fast-moving action or low-light situations.
That's where the photo-editing comes into play. My pictures end up looking more vibrant and clear because I almost always play with them and resize them in my hp Photosmart Premiere program. {Or you can play in Adobe Photoshop or even at picnik.com...lots of places to edit photos online if you look for them.}
I also have to say that my photos have changed in look since I started scrapbooking. I am more aware of how I frame a picture, how close up I crop it before I even snap the photo, and I also enjoy trying to take pictures more casual and at fun angles. It's something I hope to keep getting better at.
I also will be better about linking you to photography sites or online classes that I would recommend. I do appreciate your comments and questions- they make me feel like I'm learning at least a little bit as I go along. I also have to say that its so helpful to just take a lot of pictures and see what works for you- try different angles, different settings, different editing and also look at other peoples' work and learn from them.
I wouldn't necessarily go out and buy an expensive camera. I've heard it said that you should learn to take better pictures with your current camera and then when you've mastered that one, you better know what you are looking for in the next camera.
I hope to get some good pictures of our activites and family fun tomorrow for the Fourth of July. Be assured, I will post them here when/if that happens. =)
Have a safe and happy holiday!