Sunday, October 30, 2011

Secrets of a Rebel


I enjoy writing, always have.  Even in school, I preferred essays over math quizzes any day.  I've always used the written word as a way to express my thoughts, feelings, frustrations, triumphs and disappointments. Is it a coincidence that journey and journal are nearly identical words?  Nope. Take one. Keep the other.

I have found over the years that there are a few things which are crucial to remember if I want my writing to be received and appreciated by others. The most important of these is:



THE SECRET OF GOOD WRITING
IS TO SAY AN OLD THING IN A NEW WAY

When I started my Etsy shops, along with the social networking entities and respective blog that accompanied those shops, I also learned something critically important about the products I was selling.  This rule also holds true when taking portraits of family members, editing photos for others, or just taking snapshots for fun.

THE SECRET OF GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
IS TO SHOW SOMETHING FAMILIAR
IN A NEW WAY

No, I’m not a professional photographer and I certainly do not claim to be one.  I’m just sharing something that works for me.  If I had the time, I would re-take every product photo in my entire Etsy shop (another fantastic tip for those of you looking to “spice up” your listings).

The one thing that has afforded me the best photos, which in turn saves me boatloads of time, was purchasing a good, solid camera.  Of course, I looked at DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that were in the $1000 range, but I could honestly not justify spending that much money for my needs.  I did purchase a Canon EOS Rebel XS on Black Friday last year. It came with all the basics, image stabilization built into the lens, and great learning tools came along with it. I actually learned the most from taking it out and just using it.  Within the last year, I purchased a zoom lens and – VOILA! – took some photos that I couldn’t believe.  How could I not have heard about this equipment sooner?  I could be marketing myself as a genius!  (Please laugh, that WAS a joke!)
 
I’d like to share with you an example of a photo I took about a month ago:





I can assure you, with my previous camera, this detail and color would never have been achieved.  I actually blew this photo up and had it printed on 11x14 canvas.  Isn’t he cute?

Here’s your chance at a wonderful opportunity…

Two weeks ago I upgraded my Canon to the EOS Rebel T3 because I have 3 grandchildren and the new camera has video.  That means my “old” (still brand new) Canon EOS Rebel XS is on the market!  If you are seriously interested, I will accept PayPal for your payment and ship the camera bundle to you with insurance included.  I would be happy to send additional pictures as well.  Here are the details of what’s included:

● Canon EOS Rebel XS body. To capture an image of every memorable moment, there's nothing better than Canon's EOS Rebel XS. With powerful features including a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, Canon's DIGIC III processor, fast shooting and more, it's a digital powerhouse. Added to that are simple, easy-to-use controls, a compact design, a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, a high-quality Canon lens, a battery pack, and all the other necessary accessories.

● Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (with Image Stabilization)

The Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-S IS Lens is a standard zoom lens that features the smaller size image circle, exclusively designed for EOS Digital Rebel and other cameras using the "APS-C" size sensor. The focal length is equivalent to approx. 28-90mm in 35mm format. This makes it ideal as a basic everyday lens.

This lens features Canon's optical Image Stabilizer technology, which provides up to 3-4 stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. This ensures clear, crisp images, even in dim light.

Specifications:
- Uses optics designed to take full advantage of the small image circle and short back focus in EF-S lenses.
- Optimized lens coatings minimize flare and ghosting which are prone to occur with digital cameras.
- Compact and ultra-lightweight with impressive close-focusing ability of 9.8" (25 cm).
- Includes 1 Aspherical lens element.
- Circular aperture diaphragm produces a more attractive appearance to out-of-focus background areas in photos shot using the widest apertures.

● Wide neck strap

● Battery Charger LC-E5

● Battery Pack LP-E5

● Interface Cable IFC-130U

● Full Size Tripod 50-inch Plus Deluxe Case

The 50-Inch Photo and Video tripod features a special carrying handle as well as a professional foam grip. It has self-leveling rubber leg tips as well as built-in bubble levels. It has a 3-way pan head and 3 section legs. It includes a deluxe carrying case and has a 10 year limited warranty.

Specifications:
- Extends to 50-Inch.
- Non-slip foam for an easy grip.
- 3-way pan head.
- Mid level bracing system.
- Bubble level.

● Deluxe Soft Medium Camera and Video Bag

The Zeikos Medium Sized Deluxe Video and Camera bag is the perfect complement to hold all of your equipment. It features a shock proof nylon material and is water resistant. It has 1 removable divider, compartments with 1 webbed pocket, removable shoulder strap and a handle grip. It has a limited warranty.

Specifications:
- Shock-Proof Material.
- Classic Fashion Design.
- Waterproof.
- Dividers for a Custom Fit.
- Shoulder Strap.
- Size:10 1/2"X 6 1/2"X 7"

● Deluxe Screen Protectors (Clear)

Deluxe screen protectors are perfect for digital camera screens, cell phone screens and game player screens. Screen protectors are included with a squeegee to smooth them out and remove air bubbles. They can be cut down to size to fit any screen from 1" to 5".

Key Features:
- Universal Screen Guard.
- The Greatest Guarder For LCD Screen
- Compatible PC & MAC
- 3PC 3 x 5" Deluxe Screen Guard Protector
- 1 Squeegee card

● Lens Cap Holder

The perfect way to keep track of your lens caps. A small button tapes onto the front of your lens cap and the elastic loop goes around the barrel of your lens so that your lens cap always remains attached, hanging from the lens. Never lose a lens cap again!

Key Features:
- Elastic Loop Warps Around Lens Barrel
- For SLR Cameras With Interchangeable Lenses And Video Cameras
- Prevents Loss Of Lens Caps

● All original warranty guides and software including:
Canon Digital Learning Center CD
Instructional Manual CD
Solution Disk
Step Up Photography CD

● 2GB SD memory card to get you started with your photography TODAY!





Total package price only $380 plus S&H

Go ahead and check websites, your local newspapers, Amazon and ebay.  You’re not going to find this kind of deal for less.  If you’re interested, contact me through the CONTACT ME link at the top of this blog.  I’d sure love for your photos to become exactly what you want!