The thing about learning to use a new camera (I rented a Canon 7D while all my Nikon gear is getting serviced) is that it forces you to shoot things you might not otherwise shoot.
And that's a good thing for a girl like me who doesn't shoot a whole lot of portrait-style shots of her kids.
But it's a bad thing for an 11 year old boy would would rather be up in his room playing Legos...
Have I mentioned how that mole on his left cheek makes me want to kiss his face off?
He started texting his brother while I was trying to figure out how to change some settings on the camera.
Thanks for always being my go-to-guy when I need a cooperative subject Coley - you're the best.
And just because I don't want to forget...Cole lost ten teeth since Halloween. In fact, I think he lost three in one day just a couple of weeks back. Too bad the Tooth Fairy doesn't visit un-believers.
It was a bad time to quit believing Coley.
And to answer a few questions:
1. You can clean the sensor on your camera yourself (to remove dirt and debris) but I always send it in to have it done professionally as I've heard one too many stories of people damaging their image sensor while trying to clean it themselves.
2. Some cameras allow you to adjust the focus on each of your lenses (if needed) in order to achieve the sharpest focus possible. This is usually referred to as 'micro-calibration' or 'autofocus fine-tuning', but other cameras require you to have it done professionally. I just figured since I was already having my sensors cleaned that I'd go ahead and have them adjust all my lenses as needed.
3. I recommend sending your gear into the manufacturer for this kind of stuff since they have techs who are trained specifically for your brand of gear. (So I sent my stuff in to Nikon.) Just make sure you insure the box you ship your gear in based on the NEW retail prices of the gear, just in case the box were lost/stolen.
4. I'll be sure to let you all know what I think of the Canon 7D after my two-week rental is up.
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...Reading your journaling this morning was exactly what I needed. Seems like you always manage to send it when I'm really needing to feel connected to you. I don't know how you mange to do that ever time, but you do. I love you.
What a handsome boy!! I love the photo where he is on the chair looking over his shoulder - brilliant!
Posted by: carole R | January 30, 2012 at 12:57 AM
What an awesome kid you have there ... gorgeous (ok strike that) handsome pictures of a handsome son! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Heather Casper | January 30, 2012 at 04:26 AM
The catch lights in his eyes.....oh my!
You are workin' that Canon girlie!
:)
Posted by: Kelly | January 30, 2012 at 05:33 AM
throwing digits is always a favorite boy shot of mine; usually i get a 'shaka'. and how unfortunate is it for those un-believers?? Ours had a discussion with friends over not believing in such personas. i'm not sure who i am more sad for; the un-believer in my house, or myself because he is growing up too fast.
be blessed,
t
Posted by: t emmons | January 30, 2012 at 05:41 AM
This post is a perfect example of "it is the photographer that makes the shot".....not the camera. Your posts are always wonderful, but just LOVE love, these shots focused on cute Coley! Wonderful.
Posted by: janel | January 30, 2012 at 06:12 AM
I give--where did you send your Nikon? My lenses look like I opened my camera and poured sand into them. COuld be the last 2 summers on the beach in Rhode Island, but, I would LOVE to know where to send them to be cleaned and serviced. Please tell!!
Posted by: Robin N | January 30, 2012 at 06:34 AM
Okay, you have to tell us where you got that chair! Coley is looking very grown-up these days! Good for you for getting him to sit still for a little while!
Posted by: Sandy | January 30, 2012 at 07:31 AM
Gorgeous, gorgeous Cole!
Posted by: jm | January 30, 2012 at 08:31 AM
he is such a cutie! And I love photos where you can see how much that kiddo loves his mom - it just shines out from his whole face.
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | January 30, 2012 at 08:55 AM
Love him, love that chair, and I just saw your face on the "I Am a Photographer" project from Clickin Moms and yelled out loud, "KAREN!" Awesome work!!
Posted by: Wendy | January 30, 2012 at 09:43 AM
That chair is awesome! And so is Cole for co-operating!
Posted by: Kelli | January 30, 2012 at 09:57 AM
as always beautiful photos; and i really love that chair (is it a one of a kind or can anyone buy one)
Posted by: Susan | January 30, 2012 at 11:37 AM
Great shots...Cole you are such an awesome kid!!!! Thanks for the info Karen!
Posted by: Tracy | January 30, 2012 at 12:15 PM
I love my 7D! I am still a Canon girl. . . . And the photos of Cole are great!
Posted by: Olivia | January 30, 2012 at 02:41 PM
Cole takes amazing pictures - I love 'em. He looks like he's very patient. He's getting quite grown up and very handsome!
Thank you for the info. on camera maintenance. Just opening my manual makes my eyes water, my heart rate go off the chart, I break out in hot flashes and I'm pretty sure the sky starts to fall when I touch that manual. I wonder if they have audio manuals for those of us that have to read each sentence 20 times and google every other word? Or I'm just a freak. yeah, I'm probably just a freak, lol.
Mr. Josh Downs seems like a very inspirational kinda guy who is always thinking down the road. Quite the prize you have there, Mrs. Downs.
Posted by: Lisa Valente | January 30, 2012 at 10:38 PM
So how's the 7d working for you? I've never shot with Nikon so have no frame of reference but do love my 5dmII and 7d. I'll be waiting to hear what you think of the 7d.
Posted by: Rae Clevett | January 30, 2012 at 11:22 PM
Love your "go to guy" - he's adorable and your photos are beautiful as always.
Posted by: Jacqui | January 30, 2012 at 11:59 PM
Karen, I'd be curious to know which lenses you rented with the 70D. I'm assuming a 50mm, of course, but wondered if you picked out a few more, too. Does it feel funny to be using a crop sensor again?
Posted by: Elizabeth C, | January 31, 2012 at 05:46 AM
You always manage to take fantastic photos no matter what camera--- LOVE the color of that chair Cole is in. WOW!
Posted by: colette | January 31, 2012 at 08:47 AM
Looks like you are fully functional!
Great pictures I am analyzing thier composition.......
; )
One happy student.
Posted by: Mel | January 31, 2012 at 08:58 AM
I love my Canon 7D. WAs cheaper than switching to Nikon. Looking forward to what you think. Took it to NYC recently with some fantastic shots, but then again my iphone took a few amazing shots too!!! lol. I just sent another box to josh and the boys. Got a nice thankyou note from him after xmas. Think of you often. Crazy life for all of us. Stick to it Girl!!!! I bought the car behind me at starbucks their coffee after reading your post!!!!
Posted by: Cindy Welch | February 02, 2012 at 05:18 PM
Ten teeth? Wow that's a huge number! What happened to those teeth? His teeth look okay on the upper part though. How often does he visit his dentist? He seems to be a bit mature for his age to not believe in the tooth fairy.
Posted by: Corina Turner | February 06, 2012 at 07:19 AM
Lost teeth are like a warning. I'm very sorry for that. I suggest you heed what to your eyes have seen. Have you brought him to the dentist? That would be the best thing to do in this case.
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