Finding beauty

Since I’ve been sick and stuck indoors for what seems like forever, I’ve been spending some time doing some housekeeping over at my Flickr account. It’s slow going, but eventually, I’ll get everything there organized properly. Really, I will. You can take my word for it because, well, it’s my Flickr account and not my pantry. If it were the latter, you might have to wait longer. Or at least until I run out of food to photograph.

 
See? It always comes back to photography.

 
But first, an update. As you all know (yes, all five or six of you who read my blog), I’ve been shooting with my beloved Canon Powershot S5. Canon has since replaced it with newer models, but the S5 will always be special to me. It’s the camera with which I explored the world of macro photography, and the camera that’s stood by me as I experimented with all sorts of homemade photo devices, like my string-pod and my styrofoam cup ring flash diffuser.

 
Well, now my S5 has a big brother. Back in September, I happened to be the astounded recipient of a Canon 5D, along with 3 lenses that, in my opinion, pretty much set me up for life. And while I still dearly love my S5, I had already felt for a long time that it was time to step up. That this sweet system came into my possession was simply too good to be true, and every time I pick up the 5D, I still can’t believe my good fortune.

 
One immediate benefit that’s been quite significant is that I no longer spend as much time using Photoshop. Most of the photos I’ve taken with the 5D (like the flan recipe, and the bar) have pretty much been straight from the camera. I use Lightroom more than Photoshop now, and I love spending less time post processing, because it means more time for other things.

 
That said, I know that a number of you visit here for point-and-shoot tips, and I want to assure you that you’ll still be getting those. In a way. After all, what I try to offer isn’t really camera-specific. Never has been. I’m a firm believer in mastering the basics and understanding concepts, because then you can apply that to whatever situation you’re in and whatever equipment happens to be in your hand at the moment. And I’ll be writing a lot about the basics. Besides, that may be all that I know, anyway.

 
So, as a nod to the basics, and a tribute to my S5, and as a reward for getting through about 5% of my Flickr photostream, I want to bring you a few of my favorites, all taken with my Canon S5. Let no one tell you that a point-and-shoot can’t take gorgeous (at least, I think so) shots. Whether it’s macro:

 
dandelion

 
Or supercalifragi-telephoto:

 
almost full moon

 
Whether it’s frisky bugs:

 
blue batik bug

 
Or statuesque ladies:

 
the lady

 
By day:

 
enchanted backyard 2

 
Or night:

 
Capitol

 
What really matters is finding what’s beautiful in your eyes, and knowing how to use whatever you have to capture it.

 
If you want to see more of these shots, I’ve started putting them in their own set in my Flickr page. Just click on the mosaic below to view the page. I’ll be adding to it as my organizing progresses, and I’ll even add a set for my pre-Canon S5 shots, for the photos taken with an even older Canon Powershot A40 and the often-ignored still capture mode of an old canon DC10 videocam. Oh yeah. I’m bringing retro back big time.

 
S5 mosaic

 
 
And now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some coughing to do.

 
 

17 thoughts on “Finding beauty”

    1. It’s so liberating to break them Photoshop apron strings. :) Not that I’d give it altogether, since there are some things that I just can’t do in Lightroom. But I’m definitely spending less time post processing shots.

  1. I will try again.

    I watched a slideshow of your folder. I have seen most of these before, but viewing them as a portfolio was a completely different experience.

    You are a rare talent my friend, and an inspiration unmatched. Thank you.

    1. Shucks. You are too nice. I’m blushing now, and it’s not because of my last coughing fit.

      You are an inspiration as well, I have seen how far you’ve progressed with your photography, and it continues to push me to do better myself.

  2. What a great post, Hut! Very cool. I’ll look forward to continuing to see your beautiful work.

    PS. Ever hear from Shrewbie-Doobie-Doo anymore? Seems like she fell off the face of the earth.

  3. I am so happy for you, but I must confess a little sad for me…you are one of the few S3/5 users who seriously inspire me – and now you have upgraded! OK – so I’m looking to upgrade too soon, but not to anything like the 5D. I’ll keep following though … :D

    1. Thanks, Caroline. Don’t worry, I still intend to talk a lot about the S5 because, well, I still use it. I especially love its macro work, and if I had to get a lens for the 5D that could match what my S5 can capture when it comes to shooting the moon, I’d probably have to sell my car. :)

  4. What can I say…..your work inspires me…keep it up.
    Can you give me the exact settings you used on your S5 for the MACRO shots of the bug? I plan to use it during my underwater dives. Thanks.

  5. I can’t wait to look through your Flickr photos – I love your work! I first started following because I also have the S5, but now I’ve been using a Rebel T1i, but I still love my S5. Thanks for all your inspiration

  6. Hi doll!
    I am soo glad that I am not the only one that believes that a point and shoot can do just as great a job as a DSLR or any other camera. I have a Canon S5 also and it does wonders. I believe its all about knowing how to adjust your settings and work with what you’ve got. I have a few extras like an external flash and several filters which definitely give me some edge. I do need to take a step up and really master my camera and the gear. Eventually when I get that all down I’ll probably move up into a DSLR. Although for now I am doing just fine and as great!

    You really are an inspiration and someone I admire for her enthusiasm for “point and shoots.” hehe.

  7. Oh My Gosh!…I love you!…My sister just e-mailed me and told me to stop by and see you..she said you use a point and shoot and get good shoots1..I do too! Well at least I think i do..but don’t look at the last two weeks..they are not fab..but if you brose you might find a few!..Love you shots..Amazingly BEAUTIFUL!…You give me hope since I do not see a new camera in my near or distant future..boo-hoo!…

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