Photogs

Ever since Bella was born, we have spent more money on pictures than we would probably like to admit. Since the time she was born, we've basically had monthly photo sessions at a local studio. We also take pictures of her all the time using our point and shoot camera and our iPhones. Needless to say, we have a ton of pictures of Bella but I always longed for more. 


Several friends of ours own fancy cameras, like the Canon T2i and the Nikon D5000, so we know what's out there and have been doing research for several months. So, after much deliberation, research and asking random strangers about their cameras... we are now the proud owners of a Nikon D5100 DSLR camera and it is awesome! I've taken a few pictures around the house, using the different lenses and the quality is amazing! 


We did sooooo much research and asked sooooo many people about which DSLR camera they used. We spoke with professional photographers, strangers at Busch Gardens and our friends and family. It was a 50/50 toss up between Canon and Nikon. At the price range we were looking at, the Canon and Nikon models were neck and neck. For us, Nikon out performed Canon in shutter speed, battery life and price. An opportunity presented itself at Best Buy and we were able to buy the camera, a 55-300 mm lens and a bag with a 3-year protection plan for less than we originally anticipated. We also purchased several other accessories, like U/V lens covers and a memory card. We're also within 2-weeks of black Friday, so if the camera happens to go lower, then Best Buy will honor the lower price. At the end of the day, we got a great deal and we're very happy with our purchase. This, along with a new TV for our bedroom will be our gifts for each other. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to us!


We are total amateurs, but we are ready and willing to learn. We'd even like to take a basic photography class together and make this a hobby. Yes, Ian is going to participate in this new endeavor with me. We've never really taken up a hobby together, so this is a first for us. Now we just have to get the hang of it before baby #2 arrives... in April. I know there's a lot to learn and a lot of practice involved, but it'll be easy to practice with the world's cutest child living in our house! 


I'm new to this fancy camera business, so it will be a work in progress. So bear with me, as I will be taking pictures and hopefully uploading them to our blog. Over time the quality and quantity should increase... if I have any bit of talent. Hopefully Ian will be behind the lens more often and I'll actually be in front of the lens (which is a rarity). Wish us luck!


After our shopping excursion this morning, we managed to clean out and organize the bedroom that will be home to baby #2. This bedroom has accumulated EVERYTHING that we didn't know what to do with since Bella was born. My goal was to get rid of as much stuff as possible and we really did some damage. We have a TON of stuff to donate, we have a TON of stuff to give to friends/family and very little left to organize. Thank goodness we accomplished this goal because our deadline was quickly approaching. The room and closet are empty and ready to be painted when my dad arrives in less than 2-weeks. But all of our hard work did a number on my back and I am so sore. A hot bath and some sleep are definitely on my agenda tonight! 


And with that being said... it's time to relax and enjoy a quiet evening at home. Happy Friday, Happy Veteran's Day and Happy 11/11/11!


Love always,
Ian, Kim, Bella & Baby #2