It's been a while

These are two of my favorite people...my parents.  What a great looking pair!  This was taken right in their backyard, with my standard kit lens.  Not my favorite lens.  In fact, it drives me nuts most of the time, but it's the only thing I've got right now, so I make it work. 
I just haven't posted something in a while because the weather has been horrible until recently and I have been horrible about picking up my camera amongst all of the sickness in our home.  I am also a hermit in the winter because I HATE being cold, so I avoid it at all costs.  I really should live in California or something, but alas...all the grandparents are here.  So, here we will stay.
I am anxious for the warmer weather and have already been asked to do some engagement photos (a first for me) for my cousin and some family photos for my Aunt and for my sister.  So, the warmer weather brings more opportunity to pick up the camera and get back into the swing of things.
My anti-flash tip for the day, get outside and stick your subject in some great shade.  It does wonders....even with a stinky, kit lens.

Turn Your Flash OFF

Here's a fun little tip:  The next time you have a birthday party, before the candles are blown out, turn off your flash and all the lights in the room and let the candles do the "talking" if you will. 
It creates a great glow and communicates more than just a standard photo....don't you think?

Great Link!

I still feel like a beginner photographer in so many ways.  Probably because I don't have the time or means to be as involved with photography as I would like to be someday.  For now, I'll just keep shooting when I can ( I definitely need to be better at this!) and keep learning from my many mistakes.

For you other "beginners" out there, here is a great link that I came across randomly:
http://allbowerpower.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/shoot-me/

I think I will break down and make myself spend money on a new lens.  I have had my eye on this one for a while, but I am wondering if I should start out with one of the lenses suggested in the link. The Canon 50 mm 1.8  (only $100), or the Canon 100mm 2.0 (a little more pricey).

Any input on what lens I should start out with on a small budget?

By the way, the following little squirts are what keep me so busy, but that is fine with me.  That should be priority #1, right?

Grrrr....

I took some photos tonight for some family members.  It was a big group.  I rented the lens that I always rent, I shot it in RAW, the ISO was set at 100, and I had it on one-shot focusing.  I just uploaded the photos to Lightroom 3.  THEY ARE GRAINY!!!!  WHY???  Grrrr....
They don't look fuzzy until I zoom in, but I know that they aren't crystal clear like I know they SHOULD be.  What did I do wrong?  And, what do I do now?
HELP!!!

'Tis the Season

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Family Photo

This is us.  I posted this on our private family blog, but didn't realize that I didn't post it here.  Woopsie daisy!  This is my sweet family of 4 that seems to be growing faster than I can keep up.  I didn't take this photo....obviously.  My Dad was kind enough to let me get it all set up and have him take a whack at it.  He did a great job!  We are loving life and can't believe that it is nearly Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday, by the way). 
ps.  We just found out that my little brother and his wife are expecting triplets!!  Any pointers on photographing triplets would be more than welcome.  I am already making plans to have them in front of the lens.  Fun Fun!