We bit the bullet and bought a new camera a couple weeks ago: a Nikon D90. Yes, I know that there is talk that they are getting ready to replace this one now…but from what I have read, the main areas for improvement on the D90 involve the video, and I rarely use video to begin with. There is something much more romantic about a photograph, if you ask me.

Anyway, I knew that I wanted a new camera before heading to Florida in December, and I knew that I wanted time for us both to figure out how to use the darn thing before we had the daunting task of capturing our wedding/honeymoon adventures. We bought a package that came with a bag and another lens, and all pieces arrived last Friday. We decided to go to Olbrich Gardens the next day to get some practice in.



Since it has his time to get to learn the camera too, I allowed myself to be the occasional subject. Nick was tickled that I was actually a good sport with pictures this time instead of giving him dirty looks whenever he so much as thought about getting me in a picture. Just for the record, I'd rather be behind the camera! It was good though…he practiced taking pictures of humans while I focused my attention on prettier things:



It was the last weekend of their Blooming Butterflies exhibit. I have used Kodak cameras pretty much all of my adult life, so I was having a bit of a time figuring out where certain settings were on a different brand. You can see the rest of the pictures here if you like...they're definitely a bit rough and could use some work with curves, but hey—they're not bad for being a "getting to know your camera" thing!

I have missed taking pictures since I started school, but my eyes are just so tired after work and course reading. About three months to go and I am a free woman and can go nuts as a shutterbug. There is at least one more lens that I would like for the camera (a nice macro lens). I also want a flash, but I am not decided on which one yet. Then there are several other little accessories that have prices that don't come with such weighty price tags.

Usually when we make a big purchase, there is always that period of buyer's remorse. I love this camera. No remorse from me! Nick went out and bought a handful of accessories for it the other day, including a nondescript, smaller camera bag for traveling. I am happy that he is excited too—we should have done this a long time ago. Now bring on the wedding!