magic-spelldust

Hey guys. It's been a while since I posted a journal entry here. Probably like two years or so. My last entry was about my goals for the new year (2015). It's now 2017, and things are different.

Somehow, despite all of my struggles financially and emotionally and everything, I managed to save enough money to purchase... a new camera! I've had the Canon Rebel T3 for nearly six years. It's been a great partner in crime to me. I've treated it well and it's treated me well in return. I feel like I've done all I can with it, though. I'm trying to improve my skills and go for something that could potentially help make me some money -- something more serious.

I'd done a lot of research: image sample hunting, spec-comparisons, and review-reading... It all led me to the Canon EOS 6D. A great camera for a decent price. Probably the most appealing thing about besides its cost-effectiveness is that it's a full-frame sensor, something I have never used before. Something I'm very excited about. Because I've heard that once you go full-frame, it's nearly impossible to go back to a cropped sensor. The other great thing about the 6D that I'm looking forward to playing with is the built-in HDR mode. I know you can create HDR images using any camera, but for a beginner HDR-er like me, having the mode built in already will help me get into it more, I believe.

Originally, I thought I wanted to buy the Canon 5D Mark III, but after careful consideration and budgeting, I know I've made the right choice for me. I've placed the order; the 6D should be mine within the next few days.

So what's happening with my old camera? My older sister, a true photography amateur, is going to buy it from me. If I was rich, I'd just give it to her, but it's still in excellent working condition. There aren't even any scratches or wear on it; I'm very careful with my expensive toys, haha. I'll have both cameras until summer, though, so it will be interesting to be able to play with two very different ones.

I also took it upon myself to buy a new "walk around" lens. Since the camera is my latest extravagant purchase, I had to buy a cheap yet impressive lens. I already own the Canon 50mm f/1.8, so I did some more research and set my sights upon the Canon 40mm f/2.8! It's a pancake, and also a prime lens, with a nice aperture. So I should get some really nice crisp images. Expect my cats to be my first models, and perhaps the sky and snow to be my other models. Until I can find some real people to shoot.

I want to thank anyone who's been watching me for a while, specifically people who leave comments or add favorites frequently. It really means a lot and it shows me that maybe what I'm doing doesn't completely suck? Anyways, photography is my number one passion, along with photo-editing, and even if I do suck, I'm having fun and giving my life some sort of meaning in the process. It's basically keeping me alive lol.

While I don't think these objects are going to cure my anxiety or depression or make my life magically better in all regards, I do think it will add a touch of hope and magic to it. One of my main goals for this new year (well, we're a month and a half in, so it's not brand new, but you understand) is to take more photos. Even when I don't have much to photograph, I take to the sky at sunset (find me on Tumblr posting that stuff). It will be much easier to fulfill this goal with new equipment to experiment with. It will almost be like photographing everything for the first time again.

Anyways, sorry for babbling. I just wanted to update everyone, and... I'm really proud of me, and happy for myself, for finally being able to upgrade. It took a long time to get to this point and I'm excited.

Love and blessings,
Ann

Hey guys. I just wanted to apologize for the inactivity on my part lately. I haven't posted new art since October, and it's almost January.

As most of you know (if you read my descriptions a lot), most of my photos were taken at one particular cemetery. It was my favorite place to go to snap some magical nature shots, or even a peaceful, quiet place to practice my self-portraiture. But ever since my car was vandalized and my camera lenses were stolen there, I haven't been inclined to revisit what was once a safe haven for me. Therefore, I haven't been taking many new photos, so I don't have any new art to share with you.

Honestly, I don't feel safe in my neighborhood, and frankly, I'm getting very annoyed with the landlord and area in general. It's not worth it anymore. So in 2015, I'm hoping for these things to happen:

Move to a better neighborhood
Find new places to take photos
Gain inspiration and creativity
Earn a raise at work
Be less cynical
Find my purpose

Today is my last day of Premium Membership. (I'm not asking for donations, just stating some facts!) I am not going to buy a new one until I can regularly start posting new art again. This year, dA disappointed me in that they didn't offer a buy one, get one free membership. They only offered the give one, get one free, and honestly, I don't really want to spend any money that I don't have to spend right now because things are tight. I hope if you're middle class or above, you know how blessed you are.

Being that it's Christmas Eve, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope it's a good one.
Love and light to you all.