first shots with the 100mm lens

I recently got an unexpected opportunity to borrow a 100mm macro lens for free for an unspecified period of time. Some of you know that a 100mm is one of my wish list lens. For those who are curious, I'm borrowing the older (and less expensive) version. While there are so many neat possibilities for a macro lens, the biggest reason that I want one at this point is because I'm not satisfied with what either of my current lens can do in terms of product photography. The question is whether or not the 100mm is a better solution and if so, whether or not I can justify the price.

It will take a lot more than a couple days to answer that question, but I wanted to share some of my first shots with the lens. I'll continue to share input on this topic over the next couple months.

I recently got a wholesale order of earring wire that should hold me for the next couple years.

Of course I also had to cut some new earring cards to go with said earring wire and all of the new earrings that I have in the works.

I have been restocking celestial designs the past month. Right now you can purchase bracelets and earrings in four color palettes: blue, purple, purple / pink, and black / silver.

This lovely piece will finally be in the shop very shortly.

 I will take the 100mm on excursions this summer to do more extensive outdoor shooting, but I did a little outdoor shooting with it in my yard over the weekend.

 

Of course I had to try out the new lens with my kitties. These next two shots are of Apollo who is the only one of the three who will sit still long enough for me to focus manually on his face.

While I was taking the outdoor shots, the next door neighbor white kitty was watching me.

If you have a macro lens, please feel free to share your input on it in the comments!

seeking camera advice

The time is coming....

I've held out with using a point and shoot camera for a long time now.  I've always believed that when you get started with any kind of photography, there is no reason to run right out and buy a high end camera.  I still believe this.  However, during this past year, I feel like I have completely maxed out what I can do with my point and shoot and that my photography is stagnating.  I'm just not sure what else I can learn about point and shoot photography with the camera that I have that will significantly improve my shooting.  I could invest in a higher end point and shoot, but if I'm going to upgrade, I feel like I should go all the way and finally jump into this venture with both feet.

With that being said, I am still in the very early stages of research of DSLR cameras and accessories.  I'm looking for tips for both camera bodies and equipment.  Here are my thoughts thus far.

• Camera body: Almost everyone I know who does similar shooting to me (lots of photos for blogs, product photography for an online shop, article photography, and/or some recreational/family shooting) has some type of Canon Rebel.  I have been very pleased with my Canon PowerShot and am inclined to stick with Canon.  If you own a Canon Rebel, I'm interested in: 1) your opinion of it and 2) whether you think it would be a good fit for me.  If you don't but own another body that you think would be a good fit, let me know.  I'm not too concerned about specific models at this point, as I most likely won't be making a purchase for another 6 months and there will be new ones available at that point.
• Lens(es): I'm sure it's not a surprise that my biggest focus with photography is macro photography.  I've heard mixed reviews about the body/lens packages that some web sites and stores offer and would like opinions on that.  Share any and all information that you have about your favorite lenses, particularly those that you use for macro shooting.
• Camera bag: I know that a lot of women photographers love Jo Totes and Cheeky Lime.  I really don't want anything that large.  Period.  If you have something smaller that you love, do share. Something in a cool color and/or handmade is nice, but a classic black Canon bag is just fine, too.
• Camera strap: I understand the importance of having a comfortable strap and don't mind spending a little more to get a high quality, comfortable strap.  Do you have one that you really like?  I'm all ears.
• Memory card:  You can laugh at me, but I'm currently using a single 4GB memory card.  Honestly it has been plenty of space for everything that I do on a weekly basis.  Now that Jake is almost done with intern year and will be getting his life back this summer, we will be taking more trips again, and it would be nice to have some more memory space.  We have some reward dollars at Best Buy right now so I may decide to upgrade my card within the next month.  I've heard varying opinions about different brands and sizes and am not sure if there's any truth there is to it, particularly for those of us who are not professional photographers.
• Photoshop: I seriously have no idea what my hang up is with Photoshop is because I obviously am pretty fearless when it comes to learning new things on the computer.  Even the basic Photoshop terminology overwhelms me so I've just avoided it until this point.  I feel like part of making this photography jump includes finally buying and learning Photoshop.  Do you have any favorite beginner Photoshop books and/or web sites?  I know that there are tons of tutorial sites out there that will be helpful, but for now I'm looking for something that teaches the basics really well.

Is there anything obvious that I'm missing here?  Don't be afraid to let me know.  Thanks in advance for your feedback on this topic!

feature, reworked item, new camera

Thank you to Theresa from Theresa's Treasures for featuring my summer stripes peyote cuff in her Favorites for Friday post yesterday! It means a lot to me to get featured anyway, and Theresa's blog is one of my favorite blogs to drop by regularly. :)

I reworked another existing design this week. I also finally started my Indian Summer EBW Challenge piece. Hopefully I will be able to finish that this weekend and start my green leafy bracelet order as well.

I ended up getting a Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS this week. Thank you much to everyone who gave me advice about digital cameras! I would not have been able to make a decision without it and all of the people who gave this camera good reviews on the Amazon and Best Buy sites. I haven't taken any pictures of jewelry with it yet. I did take some pictures of my students at school yesterday and was very pleased with the results. I'll post more feedback about the camera as I get to know it better.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!