I Love My Lens!

The purchase of new equipment is exciting! And a little bit scary. It is difficult to justify the hundreds, or sometimes thousands of dollars spent on a lens that fits in the palm of your hand. Especially if it is unclear whether or not it will be worth the expense!

Several months ago I purchased a Nikon Nikkor 50mm f1.4 lens. Now this may mean nothing to you. But don't feel bad. Although I knew Nikon was one of - if not the best lens maker in the world, and I understood the significance of the numbers imprinted on the barrel, I was totally in the dark as to the true implications of this purchase.

I teach basic digital photography. And during class time it is stressed that a clean lens is as important as the mega pixels (after all, taking a picture with a higher mega pixel camera and a dirty lens is only a great picture of dirt!). What has become clear to me since my little $200 arrival is that the speed and quality of the glass is equally critical to taking clear, crisp photographs. And again, while you may not understand the terms, you can certainly see the quality this addition to my camera bag brings to a picture.

Here are several photographs from my new Spring Collection:

Flood Waters

Growing up on a channel of water, swiftly carrying salt water from the ocean into the Bras d'Or Lakes has instilled great respect for both the beauty and danger of water. It is truly amazing how powerful this force of nature can be. The flooding of the Saint John River is, or almost is, the worst seen in 35 years. And while great sympathy is given to those who are foolish enough to build their dreams on the flood plains, taking their chances year after year, it is an opportunity for photography that cannot be ignored by those of us who wait for the unique things in life. There is an undescribable thrill at trying to be creative while wading through a sea of both professional and hobby photographers.

My eight year old son and I shared some wonderful moments together (both with cameras in hand) last evening as we walked for hours through downtown Fredericton, New Brunswick. It was past 10:00 on a school night before we tiredly made our way back home. Along with the opportunity to spend "You and me - Me and you" time together, we were able to learn about respecting the water we both enjoy so much. I also learned that my youngest child shares a true passion for my art!

Meeting By Chance

Have you ever met a stranger strictly by chance and wondered why such a brief encounter leaves you feeling invested in their future? Several years ago I stopped at a small local greenhouse. Amidst the flowers, veggies, toys, children, and huge dog; I met a stranger, yet someone who seemed so very familiar. I can't say we outwardly had anything in common. Different upbringings, different backgrounds, different paths to follow, but in her I recognized a kindred spirit. A fighter. Someone who would make her way through life overcoming obstacles in her own way and in her own time. I knew that success would come her way because she may have said she wasn't sure it would, but I could see she didn't believe for a second it wouldn't!

Shelly (Dunphy) Estey is about to realize her dream... her own measure of success. On Saturday, May 3rd, the grand opening of a much larger Nashwaak Nursery will mark the beginning of the future for her self-owned nursery business. Stop by 41 Irishtown Road, Stanley. As you walk through the beautiful, lush varieties of flowers, vegetables and herbs... look... really look ...at the planning, hard work and love Shelly put into this venture. This is the same dedication and care she puts into her children, her new marriage, her plans for the future, and her friends. This being the true measure of Shelly's success.

Never forget to take the time to smell the flowers along the way!

Congratulations Shelly.

My Day Today

I love children. I especially love "spunky" children which is a good thing considering I have one! Today I encountered one of the most "spunky" children ever. A two year old boy, beautiful blue eyes, great smile... too bad you won't see his photograph. He did NOT sit (or stand, or lay) long enough to get a shot. But was he CUTE! You bet he was. We'll try again another day soon. And I'll be ready for him next time. I'll think of something...



All children are beautiful but every now and then one stands out as being exceptionally so. That describes the sister of the afore mentioned busy child. A four year old beauty with, in my opinion, striking looks. A photographers' dream is to find subjects who are unique. Today was a dream day.

Spring Has Arrived?

It has been a long gruelling winter in New Brunswick, Canada this year! And winter is one of my favorite seasons. It is past mid April and the snow is still deep enough in some places to sink past your knees. My least favorite... mud season.. is yet to come. However, waiting patiently has not been one of my strong points. Ever. And I can no longer wait to get outside to find any sign that spring may have finally arrived. Amazingly, spring does not seem daunted by the snow banks that remain!

A Real Cutie

I recently had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful little boy to mark his 6 month milestone. And while it is policy to NEVER post names or personal information about the children I photograph on the internet, these photos are just too cute not to share!

** NEW** Baby and We portrait options are now available

to capture all your babies milestones from pre-birth to one year.

Life is Like a Photography Magazine

I used to subscribe to several very informative photography magazines and while I learned a lot about photography, I found it nearly impossible to resist the feelings of WANT. Every new piece of technology became a "have to have". It wasn't possible that I had taken many beautiful images for years without it! I'm sure many of you can relate to that keeping up with the Jone's mentality as I am quite convinced this does not only apply to my chosen field. How is it that my 50mm f/1.8 must now be a 1.4? The CS2 version of Photoshop is no longer acceptable for editing? My website NEEDS to contain flash elements in order to make me a better photographer? (And every reputable photographer is blogging!)

As I sit and wish for the Nikon D300 ... sigh... I try to remember the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment I felt while holding the perfectly respectful Nikon D70s for the first time. I wonder who out there really knows the difference anyway. After all, you either love your photos or you don't. There has to be an element of skill involved.... doesn't there?

Let's be clear, IMO, a certain amount of technology is mandatory. A point and shoot, no matter how advanced, is not capable of performing in many situations as well as a professional digital SLR. A variety of "fast" lenses and off camera flash is a must for weddings and most studio work. A tripod is indispensible in low light conditions. Here there is no reasonable argument. But (I ask myself) is the D300 a need? Or more likely a want? Will I be satisfied? Most likely not for long. Is a certain amount of wanting a necessary by -product of improving one's skill? Well, that's the story I'm sticking to! Does this phenomena exist in my life only in the area of my art? Of course not. That's why I have not renewed or subscribed to one magazine in the past 2 years. I think now I may have to give up the internet...