New toy~**

Photography has become my newest obsession. I have to blame it all on my little girl because my obsession commands me to capture every moment ever since the day she was born. In the past, I could care less about photography as I was not interested in learning how to take "decent" pictures. It was more like getting the job done, getting it over with. I guess motherhood happens to bring an artist in me because all of sudden I want to be a better photographer. It was very strange to say at least. From the person who never cared about arts becomes so passionate about photography. I feel like I want to capture more than a person, an object or a place. I want to capture "the moment", "memory", "life" and "emotion". Have you ever come across a photo which tells a story. A photo which is worth a million word? That is the type of photos I am going for.

(camera image from Nikon USA)

So here I am with my new toy which my husband and I purchased two weeks ago - our very first DSLR camera - Nikon D3100. Thanks to my husband, he spent a day doing a reserach and he did an excellent job. Our old camera (Sony Cybershot) which is 5 years old has been a really good camera but a slow shutter/processor (or whatever) started to bug the crap out of me when I tried to take pictures of my active 22 month old. Most pictures came our blurred. I missed several good shots. with that camera.

I am absolutely in love with this new toy. It is super lightweight unlike most DSL which are notorious for being bulky and heavy. Its size is just a tad bit bigger and heavier than my old Sony Cybershot and fits in my hand nicely. I can even use one hand, how about that? At first I was not sure which one to get because I am new to the world of DSL. This camera is designed for both beginners and seasoned photograpthers. I was looking for a camera that will grow with me as my photography skill improves, this camera is just perfect and it takes excellent pictures. The best part, shutter speed is excellent. I will never want to go back to my old camera. The price point is not bad in my opinion if you get a camera alone. We bought a package deal which comes with an extra len, a memory card and a bag. We also purchased a 3 year protection plan. The total came down to 1,100 something plus tax. Below are photos taken with this camera, I am not a pro at this point but wish to step up and take more professional pictures some days :)

My husband couldn't believe his eyes that I was willing to spend $1,000+ in a heart beat that day. Usually, I don't like spending money (I love saving and seeing it grows). I find that my spending habit can be so unpredictable at times. This is me..a woman who is always reluctant to buy expensive clothes but is willing to spend big on camera. This is me a woman who use a 50 cent coupon at grocery store and feel good that she saves some money (lol) but once spent $4,000 on a mattress. What kind of woman am I?!?!?