Shooting Christmas Lights...

I have never really much luck shooting Christmas lights, but I was pretty happy with this one.  It wasn't as much luck as it was just not getting the look that I wanted.  So this year I went to Pinterest and really researched what I wanted to shoot. 

With a 50mm lens @ 200 ISO, F-Stop at 1.8, and 1/13 - (Don't forget a tri-pod) this is what I got.  Much better than previous attempts, but I spent some time playing around with the settings. 

Not quite married yet, and won't be until 2016.

Food Photography has peaked my interest...

For about 5 bucks I picked up several pieces of tile from Lowe's and used that as a backdrop.  My egg wasn't cooked nearly as good and didn't taste as good either, but it was my first attempt.  (Don't judge)  I din't use any flash, but only natural light, my tripod, and a small reflector. Aside from the fact that this was about the only food that I had in house, I really would like to keep working at this. 

10 Things I want for Christmas....

I usually go through the process of giving gift ideas every year, and as I get older it becomes more uneventful.  Being older I tend to want to give more than to revive.  So I threw a quick list of 10 things to get some one who may have a photographic interest. 

• Memory Cards - I never really have enough. 
• Jump drives - Mine are all usually full. 
• Small point and shoot camera - I almost always carry one with me everywhere. (My choice is Canon)
• As overrated as they are Selfie sticks are always handy.  ( I have one and I was hesitant about buying one until I used it). 
• Small tripod - I have four
•  Give cards - I prefer B & H Photo, Snapfish, or Shutterfly. 
• Photo Albums - For those that still print. (I do)
• Collapsible reflectors. 
• A personalized camera strap shouldn't go overlooked - Phatstraps has some cool ones. 
• And lastly if you have the wealthy relative a DSLR, or a nice new lens. (Trust me, they will want to pick it out). 

These are just a few on the lower price end, but very useful nonetheless.   

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!