The Lifelong Learner :: Do what you can, with what you have, where you are -Roosevelt ::

I have a new hobby. It’s an expensive one. It takes time — long time if you want to perfect it.

Digital photography is my new hobby.

I’m already fairly deep into it. I bought my first camera, Canon Xsi, a few years ago. But I wasn’t doing much with it… taking pictures and viewing them in Picasa. Nothing else. Pictures were good, but I didn’t really understand what the features on the camera mean.

But then, somehow, I came across a few books on digital photography. I think it was while browsing at a B&N. by Bryan Peterson was one of them. It turns out he’s one of the best writers on the subject. Then I discovered Scott Kelby, another guru. I read more.

So I started a deep dive. I first read . Then I read , another very good book, though a bit more advanced and dry.

I got myself hooked.

I started getting the hang of it…

I no longer only shoot with the auto or semi-auto mode. I know what the Rule of Thirds or Golden Rule means. I know what each of the triangle pieces mean (ISO, shutter speed, and aperture). I know how to get a deep or shallow depth of field.

But I’ve only scratched the surface.

My learning goes on. And I have to learn a whole lot more!

It’s exciting! I love it.

Just the other day, I was photographing my son on a bike in front of our house and I noticed that his face was over-exposed (white). It turns out the camera was focusing on a wrong spot, so I switched to manual focus, problem fixed.

I’m making progress!

I also upgraded my equipment. I gave away the Xsi and bought Canon 5D Mark II. It’s an advanced camera and a great improvement. Bit pricey, but I think it’s worth it (one other I considered was 60D). 

Taking pictures is one thing. Editing is another — I’m still green there. But it’s something that I or any photographer has to do. So I bought Photoshop Elements 10 and I’m currently learning how to use it effectively (not that hard, actually). That’s another skill set that I need.

Have time, money and patience? Get into digital photography like me. I recommend it. It’s worth it!