New gear...

... I have to admit that I am a total gadget freak and gearhead. That said I am the first to admit that these things don't make as much difference to our pics as we hope they will. If you can't frame or compose a picture, or have any clue what effect light has on an image then the world's most expensive camera is little more than a lump of moving parts and fancy glass.

However... I have started to find my limitations with my current Canon EOS 1000D. Don't get me wrong it is an awesome machine for a beginner. I have taken some fantastic shots with it and I can't think of a better way to be introduced to the world of DSLR photography. However my skill and needs have progressed and thinking about the next steps I need something a little quicker, certainly a little more robust and with slightly better image quality.

I had two real options based on my budget. The EOS 550d and the EOS 50d. The 550 was my first real choice because of all of the bells and whistles. However being realistic I will take very little footage (and we have a Flip for that...) and what I really want is a better camera.

So it has transpired that after a lot of soul searching and questions, some doubtless frustration of a few salespeople and some gratuitous gadget groping I have plumped for the Canon EOS50d with a 17-85 F4/5.6. I know from my gut feeling that I have made the right decision and first impressions are that it is an awesome piece of kit! As with everything I prefer to be using kit that is slightly better than me rather than trying to squeeze out extra performance from something slightly under par.

This is Canon's base model 'prosumer' model and more than enough for my needs. Sadly, Monday morning brings the inevitable requirements of the office but I am sure we will have plenty of adventures together. Watch this rather exciting space...

Cheesy/Artist...

...? I am giving serious consideration to using one of my pieces as a gift to a close family member and it has got me in a bit of a quandary. Do I take myself that seriously as an 'artist' that people will want to be given a piece of my work. I 'commissioned ' it myself and it is a one off. I will 'retire' the picture after giving it so it will always remain unique. As it happens (I feel) it is one of the best pictures I have taken yet but all the same... Is there a point at which you decide that your work has such presence or commercial value or artistic quality that you deem it suitable for external scrutiny. I guess all artists/creatives go through this period - not just photographers.

I am fortunate (from a pride point of view) that the recipient will probably be grateful and quite touched by the gesture. I am unfortunate in the sense that it will probably not garner the level of critical scrutiny that will deem it a valuable exercise in terms of feedback. I am making arrangements for it to be professionally printed on archive quality paper and then professionally framed.

Will I be happy with the end result? I am sure I will find imperfections, things I could have done differently. Will the recipient enjoy it? I sincerely hope so but it is a big ask to expect them to like something so personal and heaping even more expectation on them to display it with pride on the dining room wall or wherever it will end up.

Or am I thinking too deeply about it and is it just a nice thing to do by creating something personal and unique as a gift. Hmmmn...

Searching...

That is what the early stages of this transition feel like. I am resigned to a gradual change in my calling but whilst this happens I can't help but search... For ways to supplement my work, to improve it. Practising, learning, developing and looking through the noise to try and understand what it is I really want to do.

Searching through the endless options of equipment and styles. Searching for the aesthetic in the most mundane everyday things. Working within my current limitations is so often frustrating yet I also understand that it helps me prepare for when my options aren't so limited.

I have never been the most patient person but for once in my life I know that I am in the long game. It is not going to happen overnight but it is coming. Watch this space...