A dream

April 30, 2009

I’ve been dreaming of an SLR camera for a very long time.  Hearing the luscious ‘shlunk’ of other people’s cameras.  Reading amazon reviews.  Asking photographers what they use.  Imagining the delight of a camera that could suck in lots of natural light and produce that yummy, yummy depth of field. Most likely a Canon, I decided, partly because of my success with my point and shoot Canon, and partly because of the wonderful reviews that Canons tend to get. But after daydreaming awhile, I’d always come back to earth reminding myself that such a camera is a luxury and not an essential.

The other evening my husband looked at me thoughtfully and said, “I want you to buy your camera.”

The vision of that lovely Canon EOS 40D floated to my brain.   I could almost feel the weight of it in my hands. I sighed wistfully and reminded John of the expense.

John shook his head.  “I think we should do it. I want you to have it.”

And suddenly I found myself poring over Amazon reviews and emailing photographer friends and imagining the heft and click of a beautiful machine in my hands.  When one photographer told me he had been contemplating selling that exact camera– 6 months old and used only half a dozen times (just a backup camera for him, he said)– it seemed too good to be true.

Last evening he delivered the lovely thing to my house.

It’s mine.

I’ve been happily clicking ever since.  One of these days I’m going to have to wade through the manual, since I don’t have the foggiest idea what I’m doing.   But here are some of my first pictures.  I am amazed at how much light this camera can take in.   I love the soft unfocused backgrounds.  And the feeling (justified or not) that a truly awesome shot might be just a shutter click away.

I am one spoiled girl.

(Remember, you can click on each picture individually to see larger versions)

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22 Responses to “ A dream ”

  1. MrsDoF on April 30, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    You already got an awesome shot — your sweet husband
    and then you added in the people in your family.

    Have Fun!

  2. Rachael on April 30, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    Great photos Mary! What an adoring look from your hubby ;-) . I’m sure he does want to spoil you after all the hard work you put in raising your family.
    Blessings,
    Rachael.

  3. edj on April 30, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    Hmm…my husband has a DSLR and I hate that “shlunk” sound. But you enjoy yourself :) Congrats!

  4. Brenda in SE Washington on April 30, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    Oh, congratulations! Aren’t generous husbands a gift from God? I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to see all the beautiful shots you get!

    I’m sure you’re aware of The Pioneer Woman’s website. She has tons of great photography tips and is much more fun to read than a manual. =)

    Enjoy your gift!

  5. Shell on April 30, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    I got my first SLR a month ago…and I am totally with you on this! It’s heavenly! Congratulations :D Can’t wait to see some more photos!

  6. Tanya @ texastanya.net on April 30, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    Oh! So happy for you! I received my first digital SLR a couple of years ago and LOVED it. (Still do.)
    I just enrolled in a photography class at the local university and I am learning so much. I strongly encourage you to look through the manual to figure out all the bells and whistles – or take a class. The amazing shots your getting now will be even better. :)

  7. Ali BG on April 30, 2009 at 4:18 pm

    Congrats on your new camera… and what gorgeous, gorgeous pics!

  8. fidget on April 30, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    oh I have terrible camera envy! You got some wonderful shots

  9. ET @ Titus2:3-5 on April 30, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    Georgeous photos, Mary! But, I am horribly embarrassed to admit that I have no idea what SLR means??? Sigh. I think I’ll have to stick to my Kodak point and shoot.

  10. Myrnie on April 30, 2009 at 8:55 pm

    What a fantastic gift! (And what a gorgeous family :)

  11. Amy Ivey on April 30, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    Congrats on the new camera. Thanks for sharing your pics. What a beautiful family!!! I’m still LOVING your book and have told several friends about it who have a huge heart for orphans and growin’ their families. THANK YOU!!! Sweet blessings, Amy in OR

  12. jeannie on April 30, 2009 at 9:01 pm

    1. You are not spoiled.
    2. AWESOME! And you got it, pre-owned? Lucky, lucky you.

    It’s a great camera, Mary. Please to enjoy!

  13. Hillary on May 1, 2009 at 2:05 am

    Congratulations! I think it’s totally worth it, the photos you’re going to take with it are priceless.

  14. Nancy on May 1, 2009 at 6:25 am

    You lucky girl. A camera is something I dream of too. It’s 2nd on my list; first is a new dishwasher. Um, much more practical and necessary.

  15. Sandwich in Wi on May 1, 2009 at 7:02 am

    Congrats, you lucky girl! My sweet hubby bought me a new washer yesterday. Not really the luxury you got, though. :)

    Your pics are great and your family is beautiful. My favorite shot is your son with the knife! That’s hilarious!

    Blessings,
    Sandwich

  16. KB on May 1, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Wow, you have a really great eye. I guess a book is forthcoming???

  17. Lee Ann on May 1, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    Oh I’m so happy for you! One of the best cameras! You’re going to love the speed. Those little kids are so hard to capture. Keep your little camera though. Sometimes I find it inconvenient to carry around a large camera. Again…so excited for you!

  18. Jen on May 1, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    what a beautiful beautiful family!

  19. Carrie on May 1, 2009 at 7:07 pm

    Hi, Mary…I got my first SLR camera for Christmas and I have not looked back for even .186 of a second. You will never go back! Capture your gifts with your new gift! :)

  20. jcn on May 1, 2009 at 10:12 pm

    love these!!

  21. Melisssa Eimers on May 2, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    I love my SLR too!! Mine is a Nikon but the quality is just such a huge jump, isn’t it!?

    A website I have found that I enjoy is:

    http://www.merakohblog.com/category/tips-for-moms/

    I like the easy to follow instructions and ideas. Happy Clicking!

  22. boysmum2 on May 3, 2009 at 11:20 pm

    WOW, you are such a lucky lady this week.
    The pictures are so cool. Great light and beautiful subjects.

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