My first year with the Rebel XS

Last August I purchased my Canon Rebel XS. It's the bottom of the line and I went that way because I thought it would be easier to justify going from a XS to a 50D or 60D than going from a T1i to a 50D or 60D. Not to mention $500 is a lot of money to begin with. So after a year I have the same camera body and kit lens with the 50mm f/1.8 lens. I would like my next purchase to be the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. I think I'm going to follow a bit of advice and upgrade my glass before my camera body.

To be completely honest the majority of my photography time this past year has been all about getting organized. If you know me, that shouldn't be a surprise. I feel like I have a good backup system and while I am still learning LR3, I am comfortable with the program. I've worked out things with my blogs and I think I have my work flow established. So, after a year, I feel comfortable taking a photo, editing it, backing it up to my external and SmugMug, then watermarking to show all of you on this blog.

The first month or so I did try Av and Tv along with Manual. Now I shoot in Manual only. I'm getting better at knowing what settings (speed, ISO, aperture) I need under different conditions, especially around the house.

This next year I want to really focus on the photography. I feel like I know a lot but haven't had the chance to really apply that understanding. Bottom line, I need to take more pictures!

My focus is soft more than not. First, I need to test my lenses. Then I want to try focus-recompose (I toggle all the time) and back button focusing. Besides focus I also want to work on getting better exposure and white balance in camera. And if not in camera, how to use LR3 to make the correct adjustments. I'm also interested in learning how to create black and white conversions.

I have pulled together some of my favorite photos of this past year. Thanks for looking!

August 2010 (I took almost 900 pictures this first month)

These two were taken the first day.





This on really inspired me and encouraged me to keep learning and trying.





I was proud of the eyes here.


Picnik edit


September 2010

OMG - I was so proud of this photo


October 2010









December 2010

My new 50mm


LOVE!


January 2011

Pine cone macro using 50mm held backwards to camera body.






February 2011



March 2011





April 2011





May 2011







July 2011