Friday, September 2, 2011

Foto Friday - A $50 savings bond causes excitement!

I have been saving for what seems like forever for a new lens. There are actually two that I would
really LoVe to have - 105mm f/2.8 macro and the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR - both are faster glass and both
are quite expensive!!

Over the last several years I have been tucking away my birthday and Christmas money in hopes of saving up for a new lens. But after 80,000 clicks I have been noticing some things that made me feel it was time to upgrade to a newer camera. And in 5 years a lot of new technology has come out in the way of digital cameras. But, I was still only a little more than half way there . . . until . . . I had a light bulb moment and remembered that I had a $50 E Series savings bond that my grandparents had given to me when I was a year old. I have held on to it for so long because there wasn't anything that I felt was worthy until now. Well, much to my surprise it's worth a lot more than $50 now, and was the key to my new purchase!!

A new Nikon D7000!
An upgrade from my Nikon D80, the D7000 offers the second highest resolution of any Nikon DSLR. And although it is still considered a mid-level entry DSLR it rivals the semi-pro D300S. It has a magnesuim body usually reserved for the higher end cameras that allows for more durability in harsh weather. The AF and metering system is new (39-point AF system with 3D tracking) and I went from 3 fps (frames per second) to 6fps! It even allows for mirror lock-up to prevent vibration, which I didn't even know was a possibility. Okay, I think I just lost a few of you . . . .
(I'm kinda excited) so on to what you are here for - some pictures!


My savings bond - I know that my grandparents would have absolutely approved of this purchase!! In fact if you knew my grandpa, he might have had a tear or two.


I was also able to get a 40mm f/2.8 macro lens (for a fraction of the 105mm), the only problem is you have to be inches away from your subject unlike the 105 mm. It will be great for still life, flowers, even jewelry.

But that's okay, I'm not afraid of bees and I have had a lot of practice stalking things (just ask my neighbors).

Linking this with favorite photo contest at Through a Photographers Eyes,
fabulous friday at Mcdougal photography,
foto friday at La-La's Home daycare.



Let me tell you though, trying to track a bee that close is quite tricky!! And yes, occasionaly they did
the get a little annoyed.





 The shutter speed was just a bit too slow on this one, but there is still something about it I like.








I was really amazed at how close the dragonflies let me get
 - remember I'm only inches away at this point. It's going to be a little frustrating but I'm having fun trying.




Sorry, couldn't help but pop a little spider in here. 



He's only about a 1/4" long . . . .




And this little guy, just watching my every move  . . .
 

Another green anole - as long as I move verrrrry slowwwwwly I can usually get a few shots off.



Should have stopped down the lens on this one so more would have been in focus.


Now butterflies with only a 40 mm lens are tricky, but I should have tried the 3D tracking - next time.




I love macro - I'm a detail person - it's fun, exciting, interesting, definately addictive and requires
a great deal of patience.  I mean just think, there are a million little worlds going on all around us, before us, that we just don't see. And maybe that's what I love the most about photography - it helps people to see.

But as much as a picture is worth a thousand words and a photograph doesn't lie - it doesn't always tell
the truth either. The photographer shows you what he wants you to see and sometimes many truths
simply go unnoticed because we don't see them or because they are not revealed to us.

Have a great weekend!
Love, Kim
XO

Linking up with the hollie rogue for photo friday

Photobucket
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19 comments:

Ellen said...

Kim! I'm so glad you got the macro lens - finally!! As for me, I'm ordering tubes in the next couple days, because so far, I just do a little macro, but I have a macro on my wish list. I wonder though if you'll end up using the 105 macro more frequently, so as to stay farther from the critters. Love the pic of the dragonfly from the front. the focus is awesome! Have fun!!!

Lori said...

Those are all great shots. And yes it must be bee week, lol! Your bee shots are fantastic! That lizard is really stretching his legs in those photos isn't he?

Thanks for sharing again this week on Foto Friday,
Lori

Seeing Each Day said...

It was so interesting to read this post because only this week I've really REALLY wanted to look into getting a macro lens. That's so lovely that you were able to use an investment from your grandparents. Your shots are fantastic. Especially like the dragonfly shot and the last one.

PS said...

I wonder if a crab will every cooperate with you on macro.

Karin M. said...

Wow...so lovely...beautiful shots ..
LG: Karin

deb duty said...

This is such a great post. I'm so happy for you to get a new camera! Your photos are just stunning. I love every one, but my favorites are the first ones of the bee. And oh my gosh I can't believe how sharp that dragonfly is!! If you want to check out a photographer that has your camera check out Karen Russell's blog. I'm not sure if links work, but she's at http://karenrussell.typepad.com/. She quit using her nikon d700 because she likes the d7000 so much. By the way, I have the canon version of the 100mm macro and I love it. I had the 70-200 for one day, but I just couldn't handle the weight so I sent it back for the 200mm prime lens.

Kathryn Dyche said...

Woooooo hoooooo, I'm so happy for you. You must be beside yourself right now. I remember being all giddy with excitement over my new camera back in February and the macro lens really opens up a whole new world. Great shots but I especially love the second dragonfly shot and the lizard ones. Someone's going to be having lots of fun. :0)

deb duty said...

I don't know if you are on pinterest, but I just wanted to let you know that I pinned your dragonfly photo. It really is incredible!!

Anonymous said...

Wow. These are gorgeous!!! Congrats on the new camera. That is what I have. :)

Marvett Smith said...

Superb images! Congrats on your new camera. I recently upgraded myself, and it's so fun to work with a new camera and continue learning. Can't wait to see more from you.

Pieni Lintu said...

I love these!!!

Rosie@leavesnbloom said...

Those are all so good with such a lovely bokeh aswell. I'm getting a new macro lens soon aswell as macro is a favourite of mine. So far I've always been up so close to the bees taking macros but now I want the canon 100mm lens so that I don't annoy them so much and maybe I won't frighten the butterflies.

Congratulations on the new camera too - what a great investment.

Leovi said...

Wonderful, delicious with those colors and textures, I love them all. Excellent macro with delightful details, very sharp, to get drunk with beauty and color. I never tire of watching them.

Rosemary Aubut said...

I am so happy for you! What a wonderful and wise purchase. Have a blast with your new instrument of capture. Can't wit to see more of your photos. Love what you have done here!

CallieMarie said...

Absolutely gorgeous shots!!

andi {the hollie rogue} said...

AMAZING--i know i say it every week, but i'm just so in awe. i try to pick my favorite and then each one is my favorite! thanks for teaching me something new every week and congrats on the new lenses!

Unknown said...

Congrats on top 5 at Fabulous Friday. You bee shot has amazing detail. Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

How Wonderful Kim!! I am so excited for you!! Your shots are amazing--I really want a Macro lens...especially now:) I may have to go with the 105mm because I am afraid of bees!

Honey from the Bee said...

As always I'm amazed at your artistry!
Love the bee photos, of course. Knowing how quickly them move from flower to flower - you got some awesome shots.

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