2008... ugh?

I've had a "2008 is crummy" cloud looming over my head for pretty much the whole year. (For once, I'm not exaggerating... the crumminess actually began on January 2nd).

I've had 2009 on the horizon, though, since the spring ;) c'mon, I'm naturally optimistic...

Earlier today, I was in the kitchen at work, carefully adding just the right amount of cream to my coffee when I made a comment to one of my coworkers about how much I am looking forward to 2009. I told him that 2008 was crummy. "But you graduated...." yeah, good point, that was pretty cool... "And you got your camera!" Just thinking about my camera made me smile and, I am a bit surprised, it kind of changed my outlook on my life this past year.

When I was younger and faced with frustrating moments, I would let off steam by playing my flute. I have a copy of an arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon for a flute trio that has some melodic sections that were sweet to listen to, fun to play and would set my mind at ease. My outlet has changed; now I have photography as a way to take my mind off things and just get lost in creativity. Its different with a DSLR than with a point and shoot... the pictures might turn out alright on the point & shoot (especially with a three-year old, 4mp, little Canon A520, eh?), but the thought process is different. I wonder how am I going to set this up? What can I do to make this shot interesting? Is there another angle that I'm not seeing? Is my hand steady or am I gonna need to grab my tripod? Where is the light? Ok, now how can I maximize my depth of field? These are the questions that I ask myself as I set up each shot.

I realized that I did not have these skills a year ago. I didn't have my camera, I didn't have my handy, lightweight tripod, I didn't know that you can rotate a circular polarizer to get different effects, or if cokin was even a real word.

So, as I bid a hearty farewell to 2008, I wanted to also extend my gratitude to two of my friends. In their own ways, they have been great teachers, even as they are just figuring stuff out themselves.

I am thankful for Cole's perspective on the scientific side of photography... my brain functions well on the artistic side, but he has helped me get a better idea of the Hows and Whys of what we are doing. Plus, he introduced me to my bff, the 50mm ;) I am also thankful that he is willing to roam parks in the wee hours of the morning in order to get a sunrise shot.

And Del, my fellow bandito and photographic partner in crime, I don't even know where to start. Without you I would still be content with my little A520. Over the past year, you've given me countless pointers, explained technical points over and over with patience, encouraged me up mountains, and helped me find the right gear. Your photos are amazing and, no matter what, I AM still your biggest fan.

Hey, this blog is another good thing that emerged from 2008! Thank you, too, my dear friends and family that have ooo'd and aaah'd at my pictures. I truly, truly, truly appreciate your encouragement.

... now then.... is it 2009 yet? ;)