My Name is Kris and I Blah-g

Fall is always a magical time of year for me. I love the colors and the smells. The crisp air in the mornings and warmth in the afternoons are just a reminder of how nature can have it all at times. In some ways I wish that there were only two seasons – Spring and Fall. They seem to be the shortest and perhaps that is why I appreciate them most. Once they’re here, they’re gone. This fall, I am sad to say, I am NOT that excited about because it means winter is not too far behind! We had a pretty wet spring. It seemed as if winter would never end and when Spring technically got here, it wasn’t warm. It felt like summer barely got here and then we were thinking of back to school. Thankfully, we have had quite a few events to welcome in the new season – namely the birth of two new babies! Babies are wonderful! And these two are no exception! I could probably spend hours photographing them, trying to get that perfect picture. But I’ll settle for the couple I got here. In addition to these awesome babies, we have had some great fall color to enjoy. I’ve started a Fall Picture gallery. In it are a few pictures I’ve taken so far. Okay so technically, the ones with me in it I did NOT take. Dad did..but I did the fancy schmancy stuff in photoshop. And thanks to my wireless camera remote, I managed to take the family group shot. So, here they are. As more are taken, I’ll share them here. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

I would love to have the skill of a great photographer. I am just not sure I have the patience to sit in a class although I fear that one would do me some good. I’d rather just get out there and take pictures. I am fortunate. I have a really really great camera and it makes up for what I lack in know-how. I will say though that if I can compose a shot well and get in focus, I can do wonders with it in Photoshop and having done so, I realize that many of today’s photographers probably do just that. I suppose if I were to look at their raw, untouched photos, I would find many an unspectacular image as what I see in most of mine. However, I am going to keep at this. I don’t think it will ever be a money maker for me but I think I can surely come up with some shots worthy of hanging on my wall.

Thanks to a couple who bailed the day of closing on the purchase of my house and their forfeited deposit money, I am now the proud owner of a 24mm Nikkor lens for my Nikon D90. You’d think that with all the equipment that I have collected in the past 6 months, that I am a serious photographer that knows what she’s doing. I admit that I am an amateur photographer but one that loves to take pictures and has managed to get a few good shots with this snazzy set up that I have now. I think I am all set now for the cruise in a couple weeks. This newest lens is for all of the landscapes that I hope to take during the trip. I took Dad along to help me choose the lens and he promised that this investment would be a good one. He says that this one will be used the most. I look forward to trying it out and I’ll get a good opportunity to see what it can do this weekend when we go fishing. I’m looking forward to seeing what this baby can do!

This past weekend we ventured to Zion National Park for a little R&R. Dad’s birthday was on Friday. He had been feverishly practicing for the Draper Temple Dedication for the past 4 months. The dedication was on Friday as well and he was like a gasket ready to burst. The pressure he put himself under to perform perfectly really was getting to him so we all decided that once the dedication was said and done, we’d kidnap him and escape to southern Utah where the sun was shining and where Dad could finally get a little relaxation. All it did was prove that we wanted to take a longer road trip. Upon learning less than 48 hours after we left home that we’d have to go back, Michaela was pretty disappointed. The scenery got Mom and Dad eager for trips to Bryce and the Grand Canyon. I’d be all over that if it weren’t for the fact that I feel guilty leaving my dogs here. They take the separation poorly. Anyway, the trip was lightning fast and the sights were wonderful. The warmth was there to greet us although we were on the leading edge of a cold front and it provided some high cloud cover that didn’t bode well for the picture taking we were trying to accomplish. But I got a few shots in and luckily, one or two my be keepers. I have started a photo gallery which is viewable on this blog from the navigation at the top of the page. I’m putting some of the better pictures up on this page. I’d be interested in hearing what anyone thinks about them. So, comment away!

I bought myself a Nikon D90 digital camera in December as a present to myself for my birthday and Christmas. Actually, my mother contributed to this gift so I not only gifted myself but Mom did, too! I viewed it as an investment because this was a pretty big purchase. I haven’t had much opportunity to use it to take meaningful photographs yet. But I had a chance to try it out at my nieces wedding last month. In the coming weeks and months I will have great opportunities to see what this camera can do. Next week Michaela and I head off to Disney World and I am hoping for ample picture taking moments while we are there. There are many trips in the future and before long, I hope to have a gallery on this site to display some of the fruits of my labors. We’ll see how it goes!!