For all the shutterbugs...

I just finished a course in perspective drawing, and I used my digital camera more in the past six weeks than I have all year. Since I completed most of my assignments on 18" x 24" paper and my scanner is only 9" x 12", I had to photograph my work, upload it to my computer, edit it in Photoshop and then turn it in. This usually involved a lot of cropping, desaturating, removing lens distortion, converting to grayscale, etc. There were times when my image needed to be sharpened, and even when I used the Unsharp Mask at the highest level possible, the image still didn't seem sharp enough for my taste. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that in the near future, I will need to upgrade my camera. Don't get me wrong - I love my Sony CyberShot. It's my second digital camera, and it takes great snapshots. However, it is an older model, and I will need to eventually step up my game in order to submit quality work online, especially if I decide to take a photography course. I have found that ShopWiki has a pretty comprehensive list of different types of cameras and links to online stores where you can purchase a camera: digital cameras, dSLR cameras, underwater cameras, and so on. They even have 35mm cameras. Like ShopWiki says, they're not dead yet. One of the things I like about the ShopWiki site is that there is a brief description of each camera type so that you have an idea of what is available. (There is even a list of cameras that are no longer manufactured.) In the list of camera brands, there is a link that you can click on to get a list of the different models, the stores where you can purchase the cameras and the price range. For example, if I decided to get another Sony CyberShot, I can read a description of each type and click on the type that interests me. Let's say I have a lot of extra cash on hand and I decide to spring for the DSC-H5. The site lists 19 stores with a price range of $199 to $889. I can read reviews of each store to see if the store is reliable before I make a purchase. Also, six of those stores are listed as approved by ShopWiki, so I could just shop from those instead of all 19. In addition to the CyberShot, I am also going to check out the Canon PowerShot, the Casio Exilim and the Canon EOS. When I'm ready to purchase a camera, I will probably head over to ShopWiki first so that I can compare prices and possibly purchase a camera from one of the listed stores. The site looks very promising and trustworthy, so I'll be bookmarking it for future reference.

Lora Severson Photography

If you have a thing for rustic old barns, beautiful flowers or martial arts, then Lora Severson Photography is the place to go. Lora's photography, is quite remarkable, and you can order any of her prints as is or already framed and matted, which is extra convenient. Lora also has a lot of gift items to choose from. For example, she has T-shirts, keychains and greeting cards with sunflowers on them. Also, for that person in your life who has finally earned his or her black belt, Lora has a great selection of martial arts gifts, things that you can't find at the local discount store. (Lora herself has a black belt in Taekwondo, which is impressive.) She also has stock photography, a blog and a bunch of other options, so please visit Lora Severson Photography and check out all she has to offer.

Bitten by the shutterbug

Since I bought my little digital camera this past summer, I've discovered something about myself: I LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY! I mean, I always liked pretty pictures, but I never thought I would enjoy taking them so much. I should have known, though. Throughout my life, I would look at a sunset or a tree or a flower and say to myself, "Wow, I wish I had a camera right now to capture this." I guess I never got into it before because I hated the thought of taking a picture and not being able to tell if it turned out right until I got the film developed. Now, since I get instant gratification with the digital camera, I can retake shots all I want, and I can upload and share my work right away.

sunrise at the park, # 4 by reasontolive
Get this custom print  at Zazzle

Bogue Chitto Creek by reasontolive
Get this custom print  at Zazzle

These are two of the pictures I have taken that I think turned out very well. I have many more in the Nature section of my Zazzle Web site, which includes my first calendar.

Dramatic Nature Calendar by reasontolive
Get this custom calendar  at Zazzle

I am hoping to one day have more equipment so I can take even better pictures. First on the list: a tripod. This blog entry brought to you by:

Lisa Overton Robinson

Lisa, a private art instructor, has bachelor's degrees in art and Spanish. In addition, she does Web design and photo restoration. She also hosts an art camp every summer and is a gallery director at Go Creative Arts and Athletics. Go here to see her portfolio.

1st Lite Fine Art Portraits

Dawn Rosenburg, a Mississippi artist, has an impressive portfolio of portraits and retouched photos. Her infant and scenic photos are my personal favorites. Go here to see Dawn's collection and contact her if you would like for her to take some photos.