April 2008 – My Journey Continues

For the friends and family who keep up with this web page, and others who read for whatever reason, it may come as no surprise that I am taking on a new hobby. Yeah, like I needed another hobby eh?

But first; let me bring you up to date:

My skills with the MAC computer and Adobe software continue to improve, develop and grow. I’ve been able to cut down the time per page on the magazine greatly! I still only use it during press week because I remain comfortable with the PC for general purpose computing and website development.

April 2008 Click for table of contents

SOKY Happenings: This is going great! We picked up The City of Bowling Green as a sponsor as well as several others. I have been asked to consider another significant sponsor which if we can work things out, will be something we will be very proud of. We will likely be taking the magazine up to 60 or 68 pages in May and adding a number of new sections. We are also looking at expanding a few current sections that seem to be popular. April has another winning cover and three new sections. Pick one up when you’re out and about.

Family: David III and Jenn have moved to TX and finally received their belongings. David is doing well in school and they are getting settled in. I think there is a little home-sickness but nothing that can’t be overcome. Jesse is settling into his new digs as well. Carrie and I still work all of the time but will be taking a little “micro-vacation” this weekend. We rented a cabin at Barren River State Resort Park and we plan to do a lot of nothing! Ahhhhhh.

Fitness and Martial Arts: Haven’t been going! This is really frustrating because I have no excuse! I simply need to get up and go, but I don’t. Oh sure, I have dozens of “reasons” not to go because of the work load, but the bottom line is I am not going. I have plans to start running at a local park to try to get myself back in the habit. But plans are far from action and I must be about the doing, not the planning.

Okay, the new hobby!

PowerShot SD200

Actually, it’s not new per se, but I am going to spend some more time on it. Photography! I am investing in another, more capable camera. I am driven by the need for better photos for the magazine as well as a desire for higher quality images. The Canon PowerShot S3 IS I purchased last year was a great step up from the Canon PowerShot SD200, but it still lacks some quality and control I desire.

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

My biggest issue with the S3 is it seems a little moody! I want to get more creative and use ambient light and when I do, images come out blurry and grainy. I really want a camera that I can use in a public setting without a flash and get high quality images for publishing and printing.

My last blog on the subject was way back in November of 2006 (http://blog.davidfrancis.org/2006/11/dave-shutterbug.asp). I’ve read it again and I guess it is safe to say that I am going to be making the transition from “Shutterbug” to amateur photographer. I am looking forward to a better camera, but will also consider an affordable class if I can find one.

The camera I have my sights on is the Canon EOS Rebel XSi. This is a brand new (yet to be released) camera from Canon with so many advanced features I don’t understand them all. The main thing to me is the quality of photo as well as the image stabilizing features. Also, the large 12.2 megapixel images will be easy to “crop zoom” with software which is something I do to hide my inability as a photographer. (grin)

I've wanted an EOS Rebel way back when digital was a glimmer in the eye of pro photographers and I used to carry around dozens of rolls of film when on assignment in public affairs. When the digital versions came out, they were thousands of dollars and way out of reach for me. They are still expensive, but this new one is less than $1000 and has many of the features of Canon cameras costing 5 times as much.

Canon EOS Rebel XSi

Here is What Canon Says: For stunning photography with point-and-shoot ease, look no further than Canon's EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi's refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC Memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience. Source: www.usa.canon.com

The major drawback to this camera is the fact it isn't being released until April 27th. This is frustrating because I need it before then for a special section of the magazine as well as a very special event we've been invited to that will require great photo's for the May issue of the magazine. I will limp along with my S3 and be patient for this great camera.

I also plan to talk with the fine folks at Shutterbug as well as Kenny Coots our photographer for the magazine. I may even join his amateur photo club to be able to learn and network with them.

The cost? From what I can tell, I'll be spending about $800 for the camera and lens. I will likely buy another lens once I learn about them a little as well as a strobe and good photo bag that will hold the stuff plus my other cameras. I'm excited about this! As much as I enjoy taking snapshots, I'm looking forward to taking real photographs.