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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Prettier Pictures for 2012



Clearer images and better photos make for a better blog. I finally got myself a new DSLR camera yesterday and after taking a few sample shots this morning, I am so excited about what it will mean for my blog.  I love pretty pictures, and so many times will look at images long before I read the text, don't you?
 So I will be practicing with my new camera and trying to get better at photography.  Taking pictures is going to be a lot more fun with this camera, I can already tell.  The images are clearer and the difference was huge from the first image I shot.  And I am still on the auto mode of my new DSLR.
 Look how sharp this picture is!
 Before I take these ornaments off of my chandelier, they were a good practice subject too.
Here I focused on the beads of the lampshade fringe~the background fades to a blur. 
I'll be busy learning as much as I can~
With my new Canon Rebel T2i (above pic taken with my iPhone).  I got it at Costco, and it came with two lenses, a camera card, battery pack and charger and a camera bag. These pics were taken without the tripod, so I am sure with the tripod they will be even sharper!  This camera has an image stabilizer to help with camera shake when you do take pics without the tripod.   Costco is offering a $150 instant rebate until the end of the year, so if you are on the fence, you might take the plunge. I am not associated with Costco in any way, just spreading the word if any of you are considering upgrading from a point and shoot to a new DSLR camera.  
You can guess what I will be doing all day long.....


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25 comments:

  1. ValDecember 28, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    I have the same camera...you are going to love it!!

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  2. AnonymousDecember 28, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    ooooh Amy crystal clear!
    Have fun!
    x

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  3. SLRDecember 28, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    Yippee! I just got a DSLR recently and love the results so far. I bought a canon as well. On Pinterest, I have found some great resources for learning about DSLR's. If you are interested, the link to my Pinterest is http://pinterest.com/sremiker . The resources are under my photography board. Have fun playing!!

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  4. Amy ChalmersDecember 28, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Thanks Val and Stacey!! Truly feels like a big step ahead awaits!

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  5. Gloria FoxDecember 28, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    I got a new Canon DSLR too! I'm having fun playing with it and my blog will be better with the better pics! Yay for new cameras!

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  6. UnknownDecember 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    I've always enjoyed your photos and you are right, I do look at them first when traveling around blog land and the photos of a blog determine if I'll revisit it. Buying a DSLR was one of the best creative investments I have ever made. I recommend also investing in a lighting set up. Our eyes are so amazing, they see much more than a camera can including light. You can find a good, two light set up for not too much money on amazon.

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  7. KellyDecember 28, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Woo hoo! Good for you. So glad that you got a new toy for your blog and well your whole life! I love how good your pictures are already! I would be snapping away at anything I could too. Looking forward to pretty pics on your blog this year. I bet you'll be adding more than ever now!

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  8. Courtney ~ French Country CottageDecember 28, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Yep- I love my Canon :) I am a Rebel too!! Enjoy it Amy!!!

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  9. The enchanted homeDecember 28, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    You go girl! I can see the difference already I own a Nikon and love it (still trying to figure it out though, haha) ENJOY!!

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  10. Blondie's JournalDecember 28, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    I, too, have been thinking of getting a new camera...I hang on to the one I have because it fits in my purse so well and goes everywhere with me! But that is a poor excuse if I want to take great pictures. Already I see the difference in yours. Have fun with it!

    XO,
    Jane

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  11. Rosemary@villabarnesDecember 28, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Nice shots Amy. Yes, photos really do make a blog. Have fun playing with your new camera. I've had my eye on a Canon as well.

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  12. JocelyneDecember 28, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Yes I can see the difference ! A good camera makes all the difference and nice, sharp pictures makes all the difference for a blog. You have such a beautiful home, it deserves the best possible pictures. Are you considering buying different lenses ? There are so many, with lots of different uses. I'm thinking of buying a Pentax K5 in the near future and I just can't wait ! Have fun with your new camera !

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  13. CindyDecember 28, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    Ohhhhh, nice pics Amy. I'll be curious to hear if it is easy to work the camera or not. I'm always a little intimidated by fancy camera stuff. Looks like you already have the hang of it though. Love that first photo, your chandy looks gorgeous with the backdrop of your mantel pieces! Need to post that one on Pinterest!

    Cindy

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  14. jessicaDecember 28, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Thanks for the tips!! Ha! Last night I was perusing cameras...I would love to get an upgraded model for a 'new years' present :)

    Plus the hubby works for Costco!! Maybe he could bring it home??? lol wish!

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  15. ClaudiaDecember 28, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    That's the one I want! No funds right now, unfortunately. But I'm dreaming of one, for sure. I have a Canon now, but its a bridge camera - the top of the Power Shot line - and it's been great. I'm ready to move on now.

    xo
    Claudia

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  16. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsDecember 28, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    I got my new DSLR camera last year {I think it was last year} for Christmas and I was so happy. My point and shoot was so bad for me because I am a shaky person to beging with! You will just love this, Amy! I am no pro when it comes to pictures but I have been able to get some pretty good shots; something I never would have managed with the old point and shoot.

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  17. Sissie's Shabby CottageDecember 28, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Hi Amy,
    Oh, you lucky girl you! I have wanted this camera for a long time but it will have to wait. I love your photos and you are going to have lots of fun learing what all it can do.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  18. Kristie at The Decorologist.comDecember 28, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    just got a new tripod - much heavier and steadier than my old cheap one. i took a few lessons from a photographer a while back to help me better photograph interiors. his 2 biggest pieces of advice to me: get off "auto" and get a really good tripod!

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  19. Shabby chic SandyDecember 28, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    You'll love this camera. The pictures you have already taken are beautiful. I have an older version of it. I never use a tri-pod because I hate fooling with it--but I guess I should start!

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  20. Linda MerrillDecember 28, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Congrats on your beautiful new camera Amy! And Happy New Year!

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  21. Stacy CUrranDecember 28, 2011 at 11:07 PM

    What a difference! The first photos are amazing...can't wait to see what you do when you learn how to use it, I never get around to learning and shoot everything on auto....I suspect you'll be better
    Stacy

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  22. Kerry RupeDecember 28, 2011 at 11:25 PM

    Congrats! That's something I really need to get. I'm sure it will make a huge difference but either way your pictures are beautiful - love your decor, so inspiring!

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  23. AnonymousDecember 29, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    Amy, I love the blue flower drops you added ! The pictures with the new camera really are so clear- i know you will be an artist with that camera by the end of the week ! Hahaha

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  24. Linda LeybleDecember 29, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    Hi Amy! I guess this was the season for getting DSLR cameras. My husband knew that I wanted one very badly to photograph my work and for pictures on my blogs...so he bought me a Nikon D-3100. I have just started to play with it - took a few photos for my blog and they are much better than my old point and shoot. I still have to be brave enough to get away from auto - and venture into fstop land. And I have to learn to shut off the flash...but in the remaining days of 2011, I am going to "read the manual!" My husband also bought me a rather large book about the camera as well. It's big - but I will delve into it. Already did - I learned how to format the memory card. I never had to do that before.

    I don't know if you use it - but Photoshop Elements is a great thing to have. Also Picasa and Picnik are great photo editing sites. And evernote is great for storing all your ideas and photo links.

    Your pictures look great - love your tree and your chandelier!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    Linda

    PS - If you haven't looked into it - Holly Becker from decor8 has an online blogging class called Blogging Your Way. I took it last year and while I haven't implemented everything she taught...I am in the process of doing her suggestions bit by bit. I highly recommend the class. She's brilliant.

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  25. designchicDecember 29, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    So happy for you...great camera and wonderful images!! Love your chandelier with the Christmas balls ~

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