New Camera!

Two friday's ago my camera broke- as I was trying to take birthday celebration pictures.  I don't know what happened, but it did.

The old camera that I had was a Cannon point and shoot.  My mom had got it for me a few years ago, and I loved the hell out of it...lately I've been really craving a more quality camera.  I took it as a sign when my camera broke, I had some extra birthday money, so I bought myself a treat.

I don't consider myself to be the most tech savvy individual, but I'm certainly not a dunce.  It was a bit confusing to sift through all the reviews, specs, and prices to figure out my needs.

I ended up going with a Consumer Reports pick for an SLR like camera.

I got the Panasonic Lumix FZ40 - an SLR like camera- I can add lenses, but I don't need to.  For example; Maco shots (close ups of nature and objects FYI).  There are great presets for the newbies but with the flexibility to shoot manually.  BONUS: It also comes with the capability of recording 210 minutes of HD video and stereo sound. 

My poor (ok-enough-with-the-camera-babe) fiance- if he thought I was an annoying shutter bug then, wait until I start snapping now.

Here are some shots from around the way... I am no photographer, but I am one who enjoys taking pictures.

We are looking to go to Millbrook Vineyards this weekend and do an engagement shoot (and wine tasting).  Fingers crossed we will nail the shot for our vintage styled invite postcards as mentioned before.

The last shoot I tried to keep classic(y) with my chiffon navy skirt, white button collared down tank, and a tan blazer.  I'm not sure if it was the grey day, but I feel  I looked a little blah.  I think I need some more pop.  I will have to play around with outfits.  Steve looks great in anything he wears, or doesn't.

postcard invites

As mentioned here, we had unsuccessfully taken engagement photos (granted we took them by ourselves because of fiance's unwillingness to "pose" he hates posed.)  So this weekend we are going to venture back to the Millbrook Vineyard for (another) wine tasting and some pictures, in that order (bring on the wisps to rid ourselves of wine mouth - and photoshop).

We have set a date for our engagement party September 24th 2011 at the Alpine Pavilion by the boat basin in Alpine, NJ.  It's a charming 1920's stone pavilion over looking the Hudson River complete with "beach" and a NYC view.  It should be a nice time of year, cooler, just as the leaves are changing, reminiscent of the fall hike that the now fiance and I took on date number one.

After we get the picture (my fiance kindly reminds me daily it only takes one - with more aspects than just pictures) we (I) am going to make a postcard in Illustrator and send 'em on out asap.  I was playing around at the airport waiting to fly to N.C., but I have to keep it a secret until it's sent out, sorry.  But I promise to update with the finished product.

The front is easy (sort of) after getting the right shot.  I'm thinking of applying a few layers of vintage in photoshop to match the back see bottom for front inspirations.

I am drawing inspiration from vintage postcards- here are just a handful out of the ones I looked at. 
Comment on which is your favorite back?  I don't know how we're going to pick!  I'm thinking a little here and there and we'll eventually get it.

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 Here are some vintage styled fronts I like (see captions).



1. I like the coloration of this picture, I don't want a full black and white or sepia.



2. I love photoshop tutorials.  That will be in upcoming posts however.

p.s. today is my birthday, twenty-three.