Honestly…I never

thought I would get so into photography. Though I must admit, I’m embarrassed to even call it photography, because I am, by no means, a photographer. I’m just learning how to perfect my craft. But honestly, I am so utterly desperate and excited to take pictures of everything in my life.

I love those rare moments in life when everything feels good and seems like its in place. And you want to capture it and, well, for the longest time, I didn’t know how. And I’m still learning. Sure, I had a camera. But it didn’t mean much to me. I was always so sure I would screw it up anyways.

So now, I find myself perusing sites for a new digital camera and for tricks of the trade. I’m still learning (as I saw on my 4th roll of prints) how to use the Holga (I am still screwing up, but I am happy all the same).

I took a photography course my Sophomore year of college…it was required. And I was so intimidated. I hate that I get scared of something so simple so easily. But I suppose the better part is that I’ve fallen into this passion on my own. It took some time, but it was a natural love. I cannot wait to learn more and, eventually, express this in photos I'll be proud of.

On the same note:

Initially, I loved this. I’m looking for a digital camera with a good optical zoom and at least 10 MP. I won’t get it until Christmas time (unless there is a money miracle), but this leaves me enough time to scope out the market. Because I did some research, and even though I was starting to get stingy about Canon or Nikon…

This Kodak came along with a better price tag and, seemingly, more features.  I’m not sure what to do, but the more I read up, the more I’ll understand and (fingers crossed), the easier it will be for me to pick out the perfect camera for me. Since I know I will have it for as long as it doesn’t fail me, I want to be able to do as much as possible with it.

Any help is appreciated!

{To take the edge off of my rambling, a photo I took and edited}

Weekend Recap

It was a pleasant weekend, despite the fact that I worked 2 out of the 3 nights. I crammed 5 discs of the second season of Gossip Girl in there (I still have 2 more discs to go and I cannot wait!).

Yesterday, a bunch of us went to the Laurel Drive-In. I had a good time. I haven’t been in years. Two action flicks, some cheap grub, and a late night made for a good time.

As for today, I did a day shift and met with a friend from work for a small bite and drink at Rodano’s, a pizza place in the square in Wilkes-Barre. The weather was wonderfully warm and when I left, the sun was going down and everything looked nice. Driving around made me sad that I won’t be returning to the area for another year of school. So weird…

Nothing But the Truth

Below is a list of things that truly, honestly, and wholeheartedly suck.

• Wanting something you can’t have
• Pretending everything is okay when it isn’t
• Feeling pressure to do things, rather than support
• Realizing you have been wrong about something the whole time (especially when everyone else was right)
• Watching things get worse and feeling unable to change it (especially when the people around you are not having a hard time)
• Anticipating the worst
• Hating anything or anyone for reasons that are beyond your control
• Losing control of your life and/or a situation
• The feeling of your heart shattering into microscopic pieces
• Being ashamed of the truth, whatever it is

I wrote this post, not to seem angst-y and depressed, but to put a list of things out there that I feel everyone goes through and, when they do, they feel alone. I might not have the solution to these problems (otherwise I wouldn’t know that they suck in the first place), but I think that knowing you share common ground, that you aren’t the only one dealing with pain…well, that can help in some way.

I did.

A week or so ago, I complained that I wouldn’t be able to see a couple of films recently released because they didn’t come to my hometown. Well, I got to see 500 Days of Summer last Friday. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I read on someone’s blog that they expected to love it and they didn’t. You’ll have that, of course. But I can’t help but think that the only reason why is because it isn’t your typical Romantic Comedy where everyone is happy in the end and it all makes sense and all the problems are solved. It’s real. And I appreciated that, so very very much.

I was going through old posts and came across this, which I blogged a few days before I complained. And I am so glad I remembered because it reminded me of what might be my favorite part of the film. It is sad…it is heart-wrenching…I couldn’t even watch it again when I found it on YouTube. But…here’s a small taste of it. Please watch it. And please go see the movie if you can. And drop the expectations…as they often lead to…well…you know.

Rain or Shine

My sister has been begging me to go to Heisler’s for some food and mini-golf fun. Honestly, I’ve been wanting to go. But the weather is always so fickle these days and it’s a bit of a drive over there.

Anyways, I dragged two of my guy pals along and we had a lot of fun. There are two courses, but we only did one (it’s 3 dollars before 3 PM until Aug. 28th…very good). The food is also cheap and tasty. Milkshakes are recommended!

{You can see the impending storm clouds. It drizzled when we got there, stopped as soon as we got on the course, and started up again when we got our food after, luckily.}

On the way their, we spotted Odd Fellows Cemetery and the name really intrigued me. As we discussed over some food, cemeteries (at least around here) are usually named after a person, the town, or a church. So, on the way back, we stopped and took some shots (hopefully the Holgas come out as well). I’m really trying to take more photos that I’m proud of…and, of course, of the weird things I find along the way in my life.

  On the way home, I took some random photos as well.
{Only the essentials, of course}
 

I love the Combine option in PhotoScape. But then, I am just so happy to finally have a photo editing program I’m proud of.

Some More Holgas

Scanned the others in.

There are some good ones but I am not as proud as the last batch. Hopefully my next roll will be good. And I think I’ve come to the conclusion that I prefer 6x6 cm over 6X4.5.

 

{This one above is my favorite}

I love the mystery of the Holga, regardless of whether or not the photos automatically become my favorite. 

On the Telly

I don’t follow TV shows regularly (I wait for DVD, Hulu, or a huge marathon of back-to-back episodes because I hate waiting for a whole week), but I find myself excited for noon everyday thanks to It’s On With Alexa Chung. Alexa Chung is a 25 year old former model and TV personality from England who came over to make a funny, fresh, daytime talk show that appeals to a younger age set than, say, The View. The show is funny and the interviews are interesting. It might not be the smartest show, but I get to watch celebrities talk in a less uptight way then usual.

It's On with Alexa Chung - MTV Shows

Daniel Radcliffe’s interview was one of my favorites, but the site holds plenty more and you might be surprised to see some of your favorite people on the show.