I am so happy. I am happy for three reasons this week.
1. My mom came for a visit from Oklahoma. It was a wonderful visit AND she is coming back next month when my brother and his wife come for a visit.
2. My daughter’s high school play is over. Well, we are so proud of her, and adored seeing her in the play, but she was tied up for long hours every day, even on the weekends, so now she is free (and so am I.)
3. My birthday gift has arrived. Yes I had a birthday in January. My daughter does not understand why I don’t tell everyone about my birthday. It is difficult to explain to a sixteen-year-old that becoming a year older at my age is not exactly exciting. But that is beside the point. The point is that my new camera arrived and I am lovin’ it!!
I got a Canon 5D Mark II. Back in the dark ages when I had a photography business, I used a medium format film camera, a Mamiya. Medium format refers to the negative size. 645 negatives are 64.5 mm wide versus 35 mm negatives that are 35 mm wide. That larger size means that the enlargements are crisp and sharp even up to very large sizes. I got out of the photography business just as it was becoming digital.
So I just couldn’t at that time justify spending the large sums of money required to buy a new digital professional camera then. So I have been using a Canon Rebel for several years now. It’s a wonderful camera, but I wanted those crisp, crisp photos again.
Any way, long story short, I just got the Canon 5D Mark II last week, and it does an amazing job. I am loving it, but even if you don’t have an expensive camera, you can still take great photos. That’s a topic I want to cover later. Some of you say you use your phone to take pictures, and I would have otherwise never known because the photos are so good. Many of you already have great tutorials on photography so I have really hesitated going there, since the info is so excellent, but that is a topic on my back burner.
One of the strengths of this camera is its ability to shoot in low light without a lot of digital noise (translates – grainy.)
I’m also just now adding the watermark. I know, I know, I’m way behind the curve here.
So now onto my little greenhouse. I picked up these minature portraits at a consignment shop recently, and the minature pineapple mold is from Williams Sonama.
I love this little bottle and you can even see the bubbles in the glass.
Below is a small floral frog from my MIL. Can you see all of the crisp detail from the new camera?
The praying hands on marble are inherited.
All of those things go in the little greenhouse. I actually bought the greenhouse for a song one year after Christmas, since it was filled with Christmas-themed florals. I opened it up and removed the Christmas stuff, and now I have fun filling it with all kinds of goodies.
I love my iron bunny that sits in the tray with the house.
And now for a few announcements.
With GFC going away for non-blogger blogs and possibly even for blogger sites, I am trying to follow everyone by Linky Follower. Please become a Linky follower of the ranch, so that we can stay connected. I will follow back of course!! You can find the Linky Follower box in my sidebar and just to make it REAL easy for you, I put it in the post too, just so you can’t miss it.
And please sign up for the Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway
going on now.
Shared here
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THE FARMHOUSE PORCH says
February 9, 2012 at 04:01I love that adorable greenhouse! I’d have so much fun with that thing…
Your camera is amazing! You’re right, the details are so crisp.
: D Linsey
Bliss says
February 9, 2012 at 04:05I’m giggling just a bit…. I remember thinking maybe digital cameras were just a passing thing!
~Bliss~
Revi says
February 9, 2012 at 04:25What amazing photos! And you know how to actually USE It properly! THAT is impressive! I’m thankful to have my little 6.0 mp Sony cybershot, but I really feel the limitations! Well, that and my need for more light, more time for staging, and, well, everything! Happy birthday girl! You know what they say, “Life begins at 40” and in some ways, I agree. In that case, we’re still kids! 🙂
Looking forward to more of your great crisp photos!
-Revi
Debra @ Common Ground says
February 9, 2012 at 06:15Happy late birthday, Anita! your camera is wonderful, and wow, you’re a pro, to boot!! beautiful little greenhouse, and I spy some black tole trays that I’m lovin’…another of my weaknesses! xoxo
Rebecca says
February 9, 2012 at 11:20Happy birthday – congratulations on your new camera (all the technical language leaves me, a hopeless amateur, rather dazed)!
Your greenhouse arrangement is the sweetest! Reminds me to get out a few of my flower frogs and put them to use again 🙂
Coastal Cottage Dreams says
February 9, 2012 at 12:10Anita:
Congratulations on your new camera, photos are lovely! Sounds like you have had a busy week with your family. Also Happy Belated Birthday!
Lori says
February 9, 2012 at 12:13Great camera, I love my new one too. I want that greenhouse! Now, I am blogger and you are blogger and i have you on my google reader. So I will still be following you correct? Who will I lose, wordpress people?
Charm Bracelet Diva says
February 9, 2012 at 13:20Love the greenhouse, bunny and flower frog. I have the same one, I used to collect them. Wish I had a clue how to use my DSLR (I’ve read the manual many times!) I will follow you on Linky. Does this mean that your posts will come to me by e-mail?
The Southern Housewife says
February 9, 2012 at 16:49Lucky, lucky girl! I covet a Mark! 🙂 I have the 7D and I’m still trying to figure it out. Yay for Canon girls!
delightfuleclecticabode.com says
February 9, 2012 at 17:21Congrats on your new camera! You photos are gorgeous. I’m sure you will figure your camera out in no time! I bought a Canon 60D and still haven’t bothered to learn how to use the manual. It’s on my “to do” list in the next few weeks. I also bought a field guide for my particular model. It’s difficult when shopping for cameras what type to get and the reviews can be very confusing.
Can’t wait to see all the gorgeous photos you will come up with! I’m following along now!
~Sandy
White Whimsy says
February 9, 2012 at 20:11Love your blog. Your pictures are wonderful. I am now a linky follower. YAY!
carolpie says
February 9, 2012 at 21:17Lovely!
I have not heard of Linky before. I have seen so many who are doing the Google+ so thought that is what was happening. Who knew?
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
February 9, 2012 at 23:02Beautiful pictures Anita and pretty vignettes too! Just followed you on Linky!
W. Latane Barton says
February 10, 2012 at 00:26happy belated birthday. I say celebrate each day then you won’t have to celebrate your birthday.
Okey dokey… I must be in the dark ages. What’s with the linky thing? What are they getting rid of and what is coming up? Where have I been? I need to get updated.
Something Nice and Pretty says
February 10, 2012 at 00:44Happy birthday! Congrats on your new camera, it does take crisp pictures, I’m still learning with mine;( I joined your Linky Followers hope to see you at mine!
♥Rondell
Lisa says
February 10, 2012 at 01:34Happy Belated Birthday, Anita! Your new camera is taking some amazing pics. You’ve already got the hang of it.:) Your little greenhouse is so charming. I love all the pretties you put inside!
~Tablescapes By Diane~ says
February 10, 2012 at 03:02Hi lovely lady.
Your greehouse is so beautiful with all your Treasures.Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my Tablescape.I would like to thank you so much for your sweet comments on my Tablescape.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend coming up with your family. How did I miss your Birthday ??? Happy Birthday.
XXOO Diane
Laura says
February 10, 2012 at 03:26Hi Anita-
A belated Happy Birthday and yes, you MUST do a tutorial.
I have a Canon Rebel XSi.
Sometimes the photos work and sometimes they don’t.
I’m the problem- it is frustrating.
Did your Canon Rebel lenses transfer to your 5D?
And congratulations on your first Cowgirl Up party.
It was a great success!
Laura
White Spray Paint
❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ says
February 10, 2012 at 05:04First and foremost, happy belated birthday!!! Don’t shy away from your birthdays…each and every year is a blessing from God!! 😉
Woohoo…new camera! Very clear, precise photos.
And don’t get me started on your vignette…let’s just say I’m coveting…really coveting.
I wasn’t really sure about the GFC/blog/blogger thing but I just started reading a great tutorial on “At the Picket Fence” about Linky Follower. Very, very informative AND helpful.
Barbara says
February 10, 2012 at 14:29I just got a Canon Rebel T3i for my birthday back in November so I decided to take a photography class at my local community college. The other night the professor made reference to film cameras and half the class had no idea what he was talking about! Have fun with your new camera. Following you now on both GFC and Linky Followers. Have a great weekend!!!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
February 10, 2012 at 20:36I love your little greenhouse, Anita! I love how it is just big enough to use along with other items in a display. Love that bunny, too {I’m a bunny nut!}.
Visiting from Inspiration Friday! 🙂
On Crooked Creek says
February 10, 2012 at 21:08Anita,
Happy Birthday, dear friend!
Congratulations on your new camera! Your photograpy is gorgeous! Yes, I saw the bubbles in the glass and the detail on the flower frog! So~o~o glad your family is coming for a visit! Take lots of photos!!!Precious memories in the making!
Fondly,
Pat
Jen Lossing says
February 11, 2012 at 03:23I love your vignette in your green house! It’s wonderful. Your camera is pretty amazing too. I have been debating getting a new SLR! I also take pictures with my phone (its 8 megapixels) I don’t know of a SLR that has that many, however, I am unable to shoot in low light! I am getting more convinced I need a SLR!
Anne says
February 11, 2012 at 15:29Love that greenhouse.So many fun ways to display and you got it just right.Oh how I want a better camera.Eventually I will.I am linking from common ground.Love your blog.I signed up on linky follower.I hope you will follow me too.
Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says
February 12, 2012 at 01:10Hi Anita, your camera (and you) are taking some amazing photos. Belated wishes for your birthday. I have a brother and two nieces that live in Oklahoma. Love your little greenhouse, too.
Dayle says
February 12, 2012 at 21:29Happy, happy birthday, Anita! I’m not crazy about broadcasting mine either. 🙁 I know you will enjoy the camera.
What a charming greenhouse. Love what you’ve done with it.
Our Delightful Home says
February 14, 2012 at 12:48Happy Belated Birthday! I love the greenhouse, and I would love for you stop by and link up at my linky party via: http://ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Delightful
Ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
Ann says
February 14, 2012 at 23:35I am so partial to that great flower frog from your MIL. I collect flower frogs and believe you can never have enough. I use them all sorts of ways in my home decorating.
Claire says
February 15, 2012 at 00:52Love the greenhouse!! I’m your newest follower-stop by for a visit!!
Kristi says
February 19, 2012 at 06:06Love the greenhouse. And that camera will be super FUN! Thanks so much for linking this up with Mop It Up Mondays at i should be mopping the floor last week. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
{HUGS},
kristi
{Linky following now!}
Anonymous says
May 3, 2012 at 06:42Nice post, I love your blog!
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