Amateur Photography - my newest hobby

     At the end of August, volleyball season got underway; Cassie's sophomore year on varsity.   Last year, a senior parent would often taken pictures of the girls during games and would share them out on Facebook.   This year, it was up to me to capture her memories of the season.

     At the pre-season scrimmage, with my Sony Cybershot in my hand, I was extremely disappointed (and frustrated) in the images taken.  My camera simply could not handle the low-light setting of a gymnasium in combination with the shutter-speeds needed for the action of the sport.

     After a week of obsessive research, both online and in-person with our local newspaper's photographer (it's so nice knowing the right people at the right time!), I ordered an entry-level camera: Nikon D3300.  While waiting for the camera to arrive, I read the owner's manual cover-to-cover via an online PDF.  A plethora of online photography tutorials and videos were read and watched, all to prepare me for that amazing moment the camera could finally be in my hands!

And... long story short... since then, I've continually improved my amateur photography skills.

     

Wandering around Ashland, WI in early October, practicing my continuous-auto-focus skills.

On October 10, I was honored to be an Honor Flight Guardian for my step-dad's Never Forgotten Honor Flight.  It goes without saying that many MANY pictures were taken on the day;  this image of a veteran's canes leaning on the Vietnam memorial is one of my favorites.

Before/After:  Two senior volleyball BFFs - honing in on my b/w editing skills and softening skin tones for females at the same time.

About 3 miles from my house is Tozer Springs -- a beautiful opportunity to play, play, play!

Above:  Tozer Springs, October 2, 2016
Below:  Tozer Springs, November 27, 2016

... and another location at Tozer Springs from earlier this morning

The youth hunt for Wisconsin was a success for Cassie -- her first buck!  And NATURALLY, mama was excited to grab her camera to document the wonderful memory!

Max (my brother's pup), looking longingly at a piece of ham that my brother was teasing him with at Thanksgiving.  

I have three lenses currently in my bag:
  - AF-S NIKKOR 35mm 1:1.8
  - AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 (kit lens)
  - AF TAMRON 70-200mm 1:2.8
However, while at the dollar store a couple of weeks ago, I noticed a $5.00 set of a fisheye and a macro lens for a smartphone.  Purchased... and played with!...

Although the subject matter isn't all that inspiring or intriguing, attempting to capture a macro photo of a FLY is no easy feat!!!!   (iPhone5)

This morning's frost had me eager to play with the macro lens some more.  (iPhone 5)

Eventually, I'd love to add a "real" macro lens to my Nikon camera bag.

With word getting around that I've taken up photography as a new hobby, those two senior girls from the Volleyball team hit me up to take a pre-season basketball team photo for a banner they want to display on the gymnasium wall.  NO PRESSURE, right?!?!?!?

My nephew wasn't planning on having Seniors pictures taken, however with a little prompting from family and friends, he changed his mind.  I was fortunate enough to be asked to shoot for him, adding to my amatuer portfolio.

So, that's what I've been up to!

And yes, I continue to have oodles of quilting and crocheting and soap-making projects underway.  Thank goodness gardening season is complete!

Thanks for visiting and viewing.