Honing My Photographic Skills (or lack thereof)

Have I mentioned before that I lived abroad?

It was years ago, in the beginning of our marriage. My husband was transfered to England for work. It allowed us to do a lot of traveling. We visited nine countries in Europe and Asia within a year.

My pictures from those trips, I'm ashamed to say, probably total about 40. Most were taken by my husband, who feels a snapshot is not worth its salt if it doesn't have a smiling person in it.

Looking back, I could kick myself at the missed photographic opportunities. But, at that point in my life, photography just didn't really appeal to me. I was always forgetting the camera or forgetting to get the film developed. Not to mention, film developing is expensive and, with photographic skills like mine, I could only be guaranteed one or two good shots out of a roll of 36.

But then two random events came together and changed my perspective. First, I had a baby. A subject to photograph! Someone who would look adorable, no matter what kind of picture I snapped. Then, there was the advent of the digital camera, which meant I could take as many pictures as I wanted and only develop the best of them.

So for my birthday six years ago, I got my first point and shoot digital camera. Since then, I've taken hundreds, probably thousands, of pictures. It's been a good little camera, my Canon Powershot. But recently, I discovered that I've reached a point where I need a better camera. One with faster shutter speed (don't I sound like an expert all of a sudden?).

This year for my birthday, I got a Canon Rebel Digital SLR.

It is fancy.

I'm sure if I hit just the right buttons, it would prepare a delicious dinner for me.

Or it would self destruct.

One or the other.

So, I keep the dial safely on the "auto" setting.

But, I do need to get out there and practice with it.

Lori over at Just Pure Lovely is encouraging everyone to pick up their cameras and do just that. Lori's pictures are amazing. This week, she's offering up a few photography tips for us beginners, starting with "take a lot of pictures." The more pictures we snap, the more likely we are to capture that perfect moment on film. On Friday, Lori will post a Mr. Linky so everyone can show off the best photos they took this week.

I'm going to play along. You know, give it a shot.

Or several hundred.

Whatever the case may be.