I have always loved photography, I’ve had a camera for as long as I can remember and have boxes filled with pictures from the past. I have always dreamed of actually doing something more with my love for taking pictures yet having a great camera has always been my downfall. Sure, I received a wonderful digital camera several years ago for Christmas and I used that to capture pictures to send to my husband during his deployment, I captured priceless moments of my niece growing up and enjoyed capturing wonderful moments in time. When I had Abby I knew I needed a better camera, more advanced and something that stood a chance of helping me keep up with her. Hubby surprised me with a newer point and shoot camera for Christmas the year Abby was born and I loved it. But as much as I loved that camera, it simply could not keep up with her as she started crawling and walking and of course now running full speed ahead. I often find myself disappointed with the pictures of her, most missing the adorable face she made for a split second due to the camera having to focus or worst, most of the pictures being blurry and kinda grainy. Try as I might, my simple camera could not keep up with me anymore. I wanted to take beautiful pictures of my daughter, capture precious moments in time and fill my home with pictures of these special moments. I knew there was no way we could afford to get a the camera of my dreams nor even a good camera like what I dreamed of so I challenged myself. I found ways to save money, from pennies in hubby’s pockets as I did his laundry or the cash I made selling items at yard sales (or in online sales). I saved any little bit I could and was doing quite well…until we once again hit a financial burden. My money jar was emptied and I simply told myself I would try again. My family comes first, my daughter’s needs always more important than anything else.
Well, after several months, my goal was finally reached. I managed to save up a decent (but small) camera fund and I was ready to find a camera. I knew when I started looking I couldn’t get my dream camera but that’s okay. I wanted a DSLR and since I’ve never had one before I figured I could get a great camera to learn with, practice and really get good at taking pictures and continue to save. Eventually I will work my way to my dream camera! I took my time looking and even considered a few used cameras I came across. Fellow military spouses, friends, people I somewhat knew, there was no way I would buy a used camera from some random stranger on ebay or anything. I of course recruited my dad’s help and he decided to speak with one of his friends that knew more about the newer cameras (my dad was a photographer back before he got married and had all of us so while he knows cameras he isn’t familiar with the new stuff). Turns out, one of his lodge brothers is a photographer and was considering selling his second camera. He had just upgraded and really didn’t need the second camera anymore. His asking price was below my budget (yay!) and after much research I knew this would be an excellent camera to learn with. Plus, since he’s my dad’s lodge brother I felt better getting a used camera from him than just someone I barely knew. With cameras, you have to be so careful when buying used. With the price well under my budget, I was able to get a great camera (that I honestly couldn’t have afforded any other way) plus still have a small camera budget for extra lens or other tools I might need.
Here is my new camera!
To say I’m excited is beyond an understatement 🙂 I am like a little kid on Christmas morning, I am so happy and of course have already played with my camera. I can’t wait to really learn what I’m doing and see what kind of pictures I can take. Here are a few from me just playing around this evening, no editing because I just don’t have the time right now.
You will do great Robyn! And you have an adorable test subject 😉