David Bailey, I am not

But I'm having a go!

Due to a fabulous stroke of fortune I have been able to invest in a new camera. A proper one, with separate lenses and everything. Like grown-up photographers who don't take photos but shoot them, use. After much research and fiddling about in various camera shops (thank you, patient shop assistants) I plumped for the Nikon D3000 DSLR. And I've been snapping away (oh yes, I shoot and snap now) ever since.

I can instantly see how much better the quality of photos I'm taking with the DSLR is and, strangely, it makes me want to try harder to take better photos. Just the sturdiness of the thing helps – I managed to capture this piccie of my gorgeous dog by plonking the camera on a tissue box on the floor under my chair and hitting the button. My old point and shoot would have fallen over without me gripping on tightly.

While testing out the different settings I also managed (I say managed because it all feels a bit fluky at the mo, not like I really know what I'm doing. That will change. Or not.) to take a rather nice close-up of this bulb. I've got a bit of a thing for blurry backgrounds (or foregrounds, see next pic) too.

Sadly, the fancy pants camera came with a nasty-looking strap (the camera says Nikon, I don't feel the need to advertise them any more by wearing their name across the back of my neck too), which I had to cover up straight away with some cheerful fabric.

And finally, here's some camera loveliness.

1. toys r us., 2. Kitschy Digitals Embroidery Patterns!, 3. Polaroid 1000 Land Camera and Polatronic 1 Flash, 4. Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera., 5. Lights, camera, stitch, 6. 1937 Serious Compact Camera

So, that's how I've been spending my time since swearing off all new clothing purchases for the next 12 months.

On the subject of my NoNCY challenge, the first of which should really be to find a better title and acronym for it, thank you so much to everyone who's sent me messages of support and encouragement, and offers of sewing help! And to those of you who don't think I can do it, I love a bit of reverse psychology…

Comments

[Kirsty]

Hurrah! So glad you went for it and are having fun trying it out. The pictures look fantastic (I'm a sucker for depth of field, too!) and I love your covered strap. That stripy fabric is perfect...

If you're a fan of the blurriness, btw, have you looked up/played around with bokeh? Google it, or search on Flickr if not. Think you will like the effect.

NoNCY is hilarious - maybe not ideal in some ways, but somehow all the more likeable for that. It's definitely memorable, too, which has to be a good thing. :)

And lastly - gorgeous new blog banner, lady! Very pretty, totally perfect for you and (hurrah!) most spring-like, too.

x

[Clair]

I have a Nikon and it's been through the wars, but is so sturdy that it's still working perfectly. Love it. Let me know if you want any pointers - not that I'm an expert or anything!

[SarahLP]

Well your first efforts look fabulous to me!! Your doggie makes such a sweet subject.. those darling puppy-dog eyes :o)