Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!

My friends Cathy and Amanda are beginning photographers, too. It's great to have others in the same place -- and to hear about lessons they learn and tips they discover. For the last few months, I've been very disappointed with my indoor pictures. They are better, but still just not quite right. So last week my interest was piqued when Cathy e-mailed Amanda and me about a lens that she was going to get for her Canon. According to Cathy, it is supposed to be a low-light lens that is great for portraits, etc. and is very reasonable priced. She said that Nikon probably had a similar lens. Immediately I thought that this would be a great way to improve my indoor pics. Luckily, Amanda acts as Gary's spy and notified Gary of a potential gift opportunity (DISCLAIMER: Gary denies that anyone is his spy, so I'm just making an educated guess about the whole spy thing). So, for Valentine's Day, I got a new lens -- a Nikon 35mm/f1.8. I opened it right up and started taking pictures.

The first thing I'm learning is that I'm going to have to be very careful when focusing -- when the lens is opened up it has a very shallow depth of field, which means that I have to be very sure that I'm focusing properly (which is not so easy with moving kids). But, I am very, very pleased that I was able to take these pics inside without a flash, and just opening up the shutters on ONE window (more so for catchlight than for light):





Henry is not wearing a shirt because like a true male he has learned that his sleeve is also napkin. He had just helped his Daddy finish up a bowl of oatmeal, and managed to end up with a sleeve covered with oatmeal, so the shirt came off. I do have one picture of Henry in a shirt though, when Henry figured out that the lens was not his Valentine's Day present, probably because I wouldn't let him play with it:



But everyone was happy when the babies got to open up their Valentine's Day cards from Auntie Ann. They were all very excited about them!!







I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day!!

6 comments:

Amanda said...

First, I deny the spy thing, too. Second, holy cow about these pictures!! I am sold on the lens for sure!!! They are really really great. Did you use your flash?

Cathy said...

Heather, these pictures are AWESOME!!! The three close-ups at the beginning are just beautiful. I am SO glad you like this lens! Your pictures and your reviews settles it for me - I'm ordering one today (I might need to sign Amanda up myself). Looks like a fun Valentine's Day!!

Heather said...

Amanda -- every picture was taken without a flash. The first 4 were taken with my back to an open window just to get some catchlight, but it took perfectly exposed pictures without the window even being open.

Cathy -- you won't regret it!! Seriously awesome lens! Thanks for letting me know about it.

Karise (Lucky Triplet Mama!) said...

Hi Heather! I have been a follower of your blog and your husband's blog for some time. I've always enjoyed the updates and the beautiful photos that you share of your adorable trio! I'm a fellow triplet mom and feel compelled to tell you that you have inspired me... I'm actually thinking of taking a photography class now! Great job on the recent pics and congrats on the pending arrival of baby #4!

Heather said...

Hi, Karise!!! Yay! I'm so glad you're inspired. I will admit that I have not enjoyed the learning process at all, but I do truly enjoy the results. I'm going to be taking another class next month, and sadly enough I dread it, but know that it will help greatly. I'm going to have to keep an eye out for some new pics from you!

ABIGAIL said...

Your blog name is so clever--how did you come up with it? I really like your pictures. They are so cute, even the crying ones!

My name is Abigail Pogrebin; I'm an identical twin and former 60 Minutes producer who just published a book about twins called "One and the Same." I think any parent of twins will find much to chew on and maybe some guidance as to how to dodge pitfalls of doubleness. I'd love to speak to you about the possibility of a book review and/or author Q&A. My email is apogrebin@gmail.com, website:www.abigailpogrebin.com.