Friday, January 28, 2011

But I Still Love Technology, Just Not As Much As You, You See

FBFF 1.28.11

It’s Friend Friday

1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video camera, tripod, etc...)

Pretty basic really! I recently upgraded to my very own laptop, a Toshiba Satellite, and I LOVE IT. I use a cheap tripod from Target, it was like $20 bucks, in combination with a Gorilla Pod. I use the Gorilla Pod to attach the camera to the tripod, which may seem a little weird. But the little adapter thing that you put on your camera? You can only have one on there at any given time, and it strips the inside to replace it over and over (at least if you are me). If I use the Gorilla Pod one, then I can use both tripods. So it just works for me. I use a Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD (Can you tell I copied that description from Amazon?). I choose it because it’s sort of a halfway point between fancy pants DLSR and a point and shoot. Plus it has a setting that allows me to take 10 shots each time I use the self timer. so I get 30 shots in about the time it would take me to get, say 13 on another camera. I also like that it takes regular AA batteries. That means I bought a charger and 4 pack of rechargeable, which I use most of the time, but just in case I ever run the batteries all down with no time to recharge, I’ve got a super easy fix. With the Rebel it was two batteries and once they were done, so was I


2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system,photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)

I’m a straight up Blogger girl. I have considered (am considering, I guess) my own domain, but haven’t taken the leap just yet! I tend to write my posts in either a Google Doc or a Word Doc before I post them to catch spelling errors (works most of the time. But not all!). I use flickr for photo storage because I have been using it for YEARS, way before I started blogging and I am so used to it. Plus I feel like it allows me much more control over picture sizes. For photo editing I go back and forth between Picsa and Microsoft Photo Editor. I prefer the Microsoft Photo editor. The devil you know!

3. What is your process for taking pictures?

I use a tripod (well, technically the two tripods!). When Nathan was unemployed he took my pictures with our Rebel, and I loved that. It was fast and easy and he was good at it. But I’m back to the tripod now! If for some CRAZY reason I am up early enough, I take pics in my backyard before work. If not I take them on a 15 minute break. I basically run down to my car and grab the tripod, find somewhere really close by, snap a few pics (I tend to do 3-4 rounds of 10 shots ) and then run back in. I edit on my lunch break or at home. I basically catch as catch can, you know? I do what I have time for when I have time for it.

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?

I am more concerned with lighting. I’d like to get my time management skills to a place where I have time during daylight hours to scout and shoot in cool places, cause I do think those are more fun, but I’m not there yet, and that’s OK.

5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?

Lights! So I could get good, quality, indoor photos. I’ve never managed that...yet. <3

14 comments:

EvaNadine said...

ooh, lights. thats a good answer!
thats my main reason why i havent posted lately -- TOO cold for outside, and nowhere worthy inside! i thought it was because i couldnt find a decent backdrop, but you just made me realize, its really just the lack of any sort of decent lighting. oh well. i guess im gonna start posting craptastic pictures, just until it gets warm enough to trek back outside. better crappy pictures than none at all, right?

Chalkdust and Boots said...

I loved hearing your answers for this and I have to say that that picture of you is ADORBS! The combo of long earring(s?), hairstyle, glasses, and your pretty face is just amazing. Have I mentioned that I LOVE the new glasses on you?

Rebecca said...

That's a great picture of you.

Liz said...

Since a tripod is what I need - I appreciated hearing your thoughts/recommendations. And I LOVED that you said it's "okay" that you're not there yet re: photo spots. Feel the same way.

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Maybe you could give us all tripod lessons! you do a great job with your photography!

Rad said...

Thanks for your tips. I've been eying a camera like this for a while (my old point and shoot is on its last legs). Might I also add that you look luminous and amazing in this picture?

The Suburb Experiment said...

I need a tripod. And I prefer Microsoft photo editor too. Sometimes I'll edit in Photobucket if I want to get all fancy-like.

I've never had a successful indoor photo either. I thought it was my point-and-shoot camera's fault but you're right - it's the lighting.

Louise said...

Thank you for the Napoleon reference you rock.

Do me a favor and watch "Gentlemen Broncos." Highlarious.

Collette Osuna said...

I think lights would be an awesome investment....Id love to take indoor pics too....LOVE how you writer the post in another document....really great idea:)

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Rachel said...

Interesting responses! Thanks for all the info, I think there's a lot of good ideas. :D

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

I would LOVE to have lighting! I have a DLSR and don't even know how to use the extra flash & bounce thing that I had to have. One of these days I will figure it out!

P.S. Your makeup looks really pretty! =)

KT said...

So many of you guys are talking about the gorillapod - I need to look into this! And I am jealous of everyone who can take 10 shots each time. I need to get that setting on my next camera. - Katy

Brickhouse said...

Not to be TOTALLY off-topic... but where did you get those earrings??? They're fabulous!

Elissa said...

I'm so glad you posted the type of camera you use. Because your pics always look so clear and focused and amazing. I immediately ran to Amazon, read the reviews and put it on my wish list. So when I win my enormous Powerball jackpot, I'll know exactly what to get.

Haha, just kidding. It just might be waiting in my mailbox sometime this week. If I'm lucky.