Introducing My New Baby

I bet you didn't even know I was expecting, did you?

For three and a half years I've hoped for his arrival.  I've ached with loss and stared at other people's "babies" with envy.  I can't put into words what it's like to have pieces of your life stripped away.  To not know if you will ever regain a fraction of your old self or your old life back again.

My new arrival has already brought me such joy.  I've been wanting to introduce you to him. 

This camera is a big challenge for me.  The 7D is definitely not light weight.  I'm still figuring out the best way to manage it with my bum arm.  I use a neck strap.  I use my left arm for holding the brunt of the weight.  My right hand is pretty much only used to click the actual shot.  It's not easy and I can only take one or two photos before needing to rest or readjust my methods.  

I won't lie ... even taking baby steps, I'm putting myself in pain.

It is SO worth it.

Photography is something I've lost ... something I'm fighting very hard to reclaim.  It brings me so much happiness.

I'm improvising.  I'm making adjustments and developing my own special techniques to compensate where I need to.  

I went with a Canon because I've always had Canons in the past.  I went with an EOS because I've shot with them for over 20 years.  I have several Canon lenses from my pre-accident days.  (If Canon would like to donate a few of the lenses on my wish list, I would be more than happy to kiss their ass on 24 for all eternity!)

This camera is so much smarter than I am.  It will take me quite awhile to learn even a portion of what it's capable of.  

Did I mention I love it?  The clarity, the sharpness ... are astounding to me.  When I upload photos onto 24 they lose a little of their sharpness in the process.  Nonetheless, I couldn't wait to share with you a few of my very first photos taken with my new baby.

You saw the sunrise photo I posted on Saturday?

Here's my Chocolate Lab (in sepia).  This was the first photo I took with my new camera.

 

I never tire of taking photos of "my" mountains also.  How could I?  Every time I look at them they look different depending on how the light hits them.  The color of the mountains alone changes hour by hour throughout the day.  The shadows, the clouds, the very presence of the mountains changes continually. 

  What I see now ... and I am only beginning to become accustom to this camera, is amazing detail and sharpness in the photos I take.  The mountain shots were taken from my patio looking across to the other side of my canyon.

Sometimes the mountains look purple, sometimes blue, sometimes green, or brown depending on the time of day and the lighting..

Always, they are beautiful.

All these photos were taken with the 28-135 lens the camera came with.  I took all the mountain pictures in an effort to become familiar with the camera and develop my own, improvised, method for holding it with my bum arm.

Once I felt a little more comfortable with my new baby, I changed the lens out for a 10-22 wide angle and headed down to Laguna Beach.  (I used a polarizing filter also for those of you who are photography freaks out there!)

The cacti by the beach were blooming. 

They were beautiful in their own prickly sort of way.  (Look how blue the sky looks with the polarizing filter on!)

I love using a wide angle.  It gives such an awesome perspective when used creatively.

 

I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with my new toy!  Also, have I mentioned what a major triumph it is for me to be using a real camera again?  I'm thrilled!

© Twenty Four At Heart

Comments

[stoneskin]

The last time I tried to take a photo with my baby she just screamed, she didn't like being pressed against my eye.

[Michelle]

Congratulations.

I can see already you're going to have fun with your baby.

[Beth]

I have a Canon baby, too! Congratulations on your new edition. I love the pictures you've taken. I don't have a wide angle lens... and I really want one! Could you talk with Santa for me?

[Deidre]

I am thrilled for you! This is so awesome 24! What beautiful shots. Those mountains are lovely. And I particularly enjoy the one of the puppy - but I am sure you saw that coming.

[Joanne]

hey what about improvising with one of those thingies harmonica players hang around their neck?? go to the music store and try it, it might help. or not!!

[di]

How wonderful for you, Suzanne, to be able to take 'real' photos again. Whenever possible us a tripod, like in your backyard. Then you can pick the whole thing up with the good arm and move it from place to place. PLUS, I've found that a tripod makes for a clearer photo sometimes.

Thanks for sharing today... I was wondering what kind of camera the UPS man had brought you. He's such a cutie in his brown shorts isn't he? lol

DI
(I use a canon Rebel XSI and love it as well. Have to say that your mountains are almost as beautiful as mine... not quite, but almost... LOL)

[Jan]

I'm having a blast with the whole photography thing too, so may I just say AWESOME pics! I love the one with the stairs and the sun setting. *Note to self: get wide angle lens next*

Awesome photos from an awesome woman. Oh, yeah.

[Maureen@IslandRoar]

Yay! I'm so happy for you. You'll find a way that works for you with practice. What gorgeous shots, great detail. That wide angle shot on the stairs is awesome!
I've had a couple Canons and I love 'em.
Don't rush it; be careful of your arm.
And have FUN!

[Kristan]

Oh wow! Those last 3 shots are my faves!! Amazing. I'm glad you're both treating yourself and working your bum arm. And I'm glad we reader get the benefits of your beautiful photography, hehe. :)

[Kelly]

Wow - just wow! The sunrise, and the STAIRS are my two faves. CONGRATULATIONS! Don't overdo it at first. Give your arm time to adjust!

[Julie @ Angry Julie Monday]

Awww pretty!!!!! I need to get some new lenses...I will forgive you for getting a Canon as I'm a Nikon girl. We need to go do some photoshoots together on the beach, get some skyline...ok maybe that's just my excuse to have lunch.

[Michelle Pixie]

You are one talented lady! Your pix are phenomenal!! I could sit and stare at that last one forever. You inspire me!

[Alan]

Awesome pics! Have fun with the new toy!!!

[Grace]

Glad you were able to get the camera you've been yearning for. I'm sure you'll be taking tons of photos at the beach. Can't wait to see what you end up shooting.

[Dee]

I'm hoping my next baby is a Canon as well! I'm ready to move up from my Powershot.

[ballerinatoes]

the pictures of the mountains are awesome...but more pic's of the dogs please. ;) the one of your chocolate lab is very cool. Can't help it, I'm an animal lover.

[jenny]

Talent! Your photos are wonderful! Love the shot of your dog!

http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/

[Jenn in Tenn]

Yaaaaaay for you! I am so excited on your new arrival! You know, the pics on your site are always my desktop background here at work...can't wait for some new ones with that fancy new baby! Congrats!

[Vixen]

Such amazing shots straight out of the box, imagine what you'll be able to accomplish as you learn more of what it can do. Also I am so green with camera envy right now!

[Sandra]

Yay for you!!! The cacti photo was amazing.

We have an EOS but it's really the hubbies. I know how heavy they are so I'm so thrilled for you that you've found a way to accomplish your dream.

[Karl]

All beautiful photos, Suzanne. Very cool. Glad you're enjoying your new baby. :)

[Fragrant Liar]

Wow! Your new baby has a BIG, um, lens. Yeah, that's it.

Nice pics!

[Mad Woman]

Love it! And those pics are awesome.

I've wanted a new camera for a long time..but I'm kind of partial to the Nikons. Keep those pics coming!

[Tara Bradford]

You're off to a good start! Congrats! So glad you took the leap and are doing something you love!

[Cate]

Enjoy! I have a Canon 50D - only owned it since last Christmas, and still need a learner license!