Papa Paparazzi

I was 7 when I got my first real camera; a 110. We had just moved to Vancouver and a family friend let me use her camera for the day. When she saw how much I loved it and how much care I took with it, she decided to let me have it.

I treasured it and used it for several years before I finally traded up to the Kodak Disc.
I thought the Disc camera was the latest in technology; I still remember the TV commercials: I’m gonna get you with the Kodak Disc, Sure as shooting, I’m not gonna miss. Not when it’s easy, as easy as this… I’m gonna get you with the Kodak Disc!

Fast forward 20 (ish) years and several 35mm cameras and I’m now the proud owner of a Digital SLR camera. It’s a Canon XS that I bought in January 2009 in an after Christmas sale. It’s not super-high end, but it’s also not too shabby.

I was really excited when I got it and quickly used it to take thousands, (seriously; the beauty of digital), of pictures. The majority of these have been of my nephews, because they’re the cutest subjects available. I’ve taken a few really good shots, which would be great if I’d only taken a few dozen to begin with. But because I’d taken thousands, (told you I was serious), there were bound to be a few that turned out ok. It was just the law of averages; eventually some had to turn out well.

I wanted to take some lessons to learn all about the bells and whistles of my camera, but because my resources were limited, I had to put the lessons on hold.

Last Christmas, I got a fantastic gift; the photo lessons I wanted! It took me a while to find the schedule that I wanted to enroll in, but last Tuesday was my first class!

I’m not a pro yet, but even after one class I feel like I’ve gotten better. I took these pictures over the weekend. I figured I would post them here and then continue to post my progress. I don’t plan on making a career out of photography; it’s just a hobby I really like and hope to continue on with.

The first 4 are from the Pillow Fight Flash Mob at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Saturday.

The final 5 are from Easter Sunday with my nephews, (and my parents’ new dog, Cruz).

Enjoy, and please feel free to offer any advice.