Random Thoughts Tuesday

There are so many thoughts swirling through my head at the moment, most of which if posted would stir up huge controversies. So I guess the post today will center around this: Why can't we all just love each other?

I am a flawed person. Not one inch of me is perfect. I daily strive to learn and to grow as a person, as a mom, a friend, a wife, a photographer, a writer. I expect people to love and accept me for who I am, even the flaws. I try my very hardest to do the same with them. It always irritates me when the acceptance is not there, however. The moment someone finds out about some of my more personal issues, those I generally tend to share with friends, I am dropped. Are you not flawed also? Do you not have pitfalls? Stumbling blocks? Imperfections? Then why do you expect everyone else to be perfect?

A good conundrum for the day. 

February Photo Contest

Everyone who knows me, knows I love showing off my favorite shots! So here's my favorite from the month of February of my favorite little boy!

Isn't he just the most precious thing ever? Head over to Click it up a Notch to enter and see all the beautiful photos from February!

Tuesday's Random Thoughts

I want to teach photography. I want to be a mentor to those just starting out in this field, and even those that have been in for a while. You learn so much just through helping others. If it weren't for the blogs I post every Wednesday featuring a new photography tip, I wouldn't know half of what I do. This goes much deeper than just a hobby. It's become my life.

Photography Basics: Megapixels

Last week I talked about buying a camera and the different things you should look for when considering what type of camera to get. One of the things that I said not to be too concerned with when purchasing a camera where the megapixels of the camera. If you went through and looked at different cameras, you may have noticed that cameras all have different number megapixels. These numbers refer to the degree of resolution a photo take by the camera has. If your camera boasts a 14.6 mp rating, you may only get 13.9 of those. The rest of the pixels will be taken up by data.

Every image your camera takes is made up of pixels. A megapixel is equivalent to one million tiny pixels. 14.6 mp's mean that there are close to 14 million pixels that make up your image. This is a good thing. Think of pixels this way. On old Gameboy and Nintendo games, Mario looked like this:

Image

You can very clearly see in this picture each pixel that makes up Mario. This is called a pixelated image. The picture of Mario below is very different, as you can easily see.

Image

This picture of Mario is made up of many more pixels than the previous one. The result is a clearer image, one much better for printing than the other. Make sense?

So how does this relate to cameras? As stated before, each camera has a number related to pixels, whether it's 5 mp on your phone or the newest Nikon, which boasts an impressive 36 megapixels. Megapixels are one of the factors that control the size a picture can be printed. The table below represents how big a print can be made from some of the smaller mp's, as well as the resolution size.

Max Print Size	Minimum MP	Resolution
4 x 6″	2 megapixels	1600 x 1200
5 x 7″	3 megapixels	2048 x 1536
8 x1 0″	5 megapixels	2560 x 1920
11 x 14″	6 megapixels	2816 x 2112
16 x 20″	8 megapixels	3264 x 2468
16 x 24″	12 megapixels	4200×2800

Megapixels are important when considering what camera to buy. As a pro photographer, I have be able to print photos that can cover a wall (you never know what a customer will order!), so higher megapixel ratings are very important to me. You are the deciding factor in what will work for you.

I hope this brief intro into the world of megapixels was of some help! If you have an idea for what you would like to see in a Photography Basics post, comment below and let me know about it!

What Do I Love?

Epiphanie bags is holding an awesome giveaway. To enter, post a picture of something you love and link it back to them. Something that takes your breath away or brings you inspiration. I think everyone knows what does that for me: my amazing family. So here is my entry:

What do you love?

Pinterest Fridays

Hooray for another Pinterest Friday! I saw this idea a few months back and thought it'd be cute to try. It adds interest to an otherwise eyesore on the wall. We moved into our new apartment two weeks ago, and, sure enough, this was a major eyesore on the wall. So I grabbed a frame and put it around the air conditioner control. Here is what it looks like in our house:

We like it. The wall is plain, so it adds color and interest to something that would otherwise have been very boring. What do you all think?

Photography Basics

So each week I'm going to do a post on a new facet of photography, whether it's specifically camera related, composition, whatever. Each week will be a compilation of things I've learned since I began my own photographic journey. As always, I'm interested in what you think! Leave comments below with things you'd like to see covered in this series or with your own tips and tricks!

 This week's post starts with the very beginning: buying a camera!

Firstly, know your cameras and the differences between them! Technology has given us so many options when it comes to cameras. The two traditional cameras are point and shoots (pocket cameras) and DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera). Recently, though, there's been a new development in the form of a hybrid camera, a DSLR packed into the frame of a point and shoot that allows for interchangeable lenses. An example would be this Sony A-Nex camera.

Before you buy any type of new camera or equipment, you have to know what you want that camera for. Big DSLR cameras are flashy and *can* produce high quality images, but if you're only looking for something to use at special events, then why pay the money? Lugging around the camera body plus lenses, tripod, and diffusers around an amusement park can be more hassle than what it's truly worth. On the other hand, a DSLR would be handy if you're looking at getting into the photography business anytime soon.  A low grade DSLR is a great learning tool for mastering basics before investing in a better camera.

Having a camera budget is incredibly important, especially if you are wanting to buy a more expensive DSLR. One thing to consider is how much you're wanting to spend on accessories. The DSLR and hybrids both have an interchangeable lens system, which means lots of options and lots of extra equipment. The point and shoots have a fixed lens, which makes it ideal for situations where you can't carry a lot of equipment or need to shoot something quickly. Point and shoots range from $25 to over $200. DSLR's can range from $500 (body only) to over $2000. The hybrid cameras range from $500 to $900. If you're planning on getting a costlier camera, make sure it comes with a renewable extended warranty to cover any and all bumps, scratches, and breaks! Also look into getting insurance to cover the camera in case it is stolen or lost, or broken beyond repair.

As for brand, well, I definitely prefer Sony products over just about anything else, although I know many who will swear by a Nikon or a Canon. That preference is completely up to you, however.

That is all for this post! If you think I've forgotten anything or have any comments or questions to add, feel free to post below in the comments field!