Any person who knows how packed my schedule already is could very well conclude that I am crazy for launching another blog — a photography blog, this time. But don’t label me that just yet.  I actually consider this as a reward for myself. To finally be able to do what I love to do and actually get better at it. 

LearningPhotography.info 

I have always wanted to learn photography. Attended class one time but have never really gotten serious about it. I don’t exactly have a lot of extra time in my hands. But I figured launching my very own Project 365 as I welcome 2010 will be such a neat idea to force myself to be more than just a mediocre photography hobbyist. The inspiration actually came as I was doing some random online tasks, looking through auto insurance quote and getting impressed at how companies make use of such sassy photos and use them to market their products.
 

My Nikki is just an entry level DSLR all right.  But I have seen Ken Rockwell make use of probably the cheapest DSLR in the world to make great shots.  If I’d be 1/4 as good as Ken Rockwell, then I’m good.    The photos above are a collection of the 23 shots of my project 365.  The idea is to take one shot a day. 23 days in and I should say I actually forced myself to use more than just the Program setting, even just a bit. And that is really something! I have had Nikki since June 2009 and I have not dared veer away from that “P” setting, until LearningPhotography.info. I’ve tried the Aperture priority and even the Manual setting. I still get crazy over using the Manual setting, though.  But I look forward to the day that I will breeze through getting the perfect setting on manual like it is a no brainer.  That will be the day!

Canon Philippines rocked the house as they welcomed the brand new month with a party for media people, held at Merk’s Bar in Makati.  I’m sure no other digital brand party could top this one! Canon Philippine’s well loved President and CEO Mr. Ramon Arteficio gave away a host of SLRs, digital cameras, video recorders, printers, et al.  Canon is one generous company! No wonder people are loyal to this brand.

We’ve had our already phased out PowerShot A620 for almost 5 years now and we cannot complain. It is pretty fierce, I should say. It accidentally drowned in the pool of Astoria Hotel and it went right back to life a week after. Although I do not exactly recommend you guys to dip your digicam underwater. But this one’s coming from a user’s personal experience. One brand I would so love to replace our current digital cam is the next best thing to your DSLR – -The PowerShot G11.

After having tested it for myself during the Canon Future Event last September 9, 2009, I just knew PowerShot G11 was the  ”it” camera for me. Here’s why:

Powershot G11, the latest addition to the PowerShot G-series, comprises of a 10.0-megapixel high-sensitivity CCD sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor for greatly reduced noise and expanded dynamic range. This allows users to capture exquisite photos with minimal noise and optimal exposure even in scenes with little light or high contrast in brightness levels, both difficult shooting environments for conventional digital cameras.

It is also capable of macro shots as close as 1cm. Servo AF/AE ensures subjects are in focus and optimally exposed, with ISO going up to 3200. New Low Light with ISO of 12800 and Quick Shot modes have been added for greater convenience.

Like the globally successful G10, PowerShot G11 features a wide-angle 28 mm optical zoom lens, diverse manual recording functions, RAW image recording capability, and compatibility with EOS Speedlite and DPP software. The PowerShot G11 also incorporates new advents such as the much demanded 2.8-inch Vari-angle LCD screen, which allows photographers to snap pictures from a much greater range of positions.

We had our family sunday celebration at church today (SBC-Makati) and this is our family’s shot.

Our son, Jed took his third unit test last Thursday and passed with flying colors– concluding our first quarter of this school year. He is now able to follow through the stories, instructions and all, his fine motor skills have improved significantly, too. We will officially start with the second quarter this coming Tuesday. Monday, being a non-working holiday.

“close your eyes” (this is what we always have him do to get him ready for the surprise)

It has been a while since we got him a real surprise.  This time he totally did not see it coming.  We got him a more durable RC.  All his previous ones are now broken and dysfunctional.  He so loves cars and there is nothing that will overwhelm him more than this. So we figured to get him something that he really wants, this time a more durable one.  It helped too that it was 50% off from the time we last saw it.

“no peeking!”

what glee!

presenting his new favorite toy!

getting started

Toy cars are hands down, Jed’s favorite. Next is playing in bounce houses. Just last Monday, he wanted to play in one in the mall we went to but there were just too many kids inside already.  Maybe next time when we chance upon one again.

We’re just so happy to see him breezing through his first year in school.  We love homeschooling and we see that he also does. I have so many things on queue to share and hope I will be able to do that soon.

After a while that the hubby and I were extra busy with church and ministry, today, we were finally able to spend some quality time with our son. Jeff is showing our son here some juggling exercises.

We have been observing our son, Jed and noticed that he keeps using his left foot more than his right whenever he kicks the ball. He writes using his right hand. Now I’m wondering if a toddler his age should still be ambidextrous. He just turned 4 a couple of months ago. Makes me think as well that maybe the reason he is having a hard time keeping the colors inside the line is because he is really left handed (?). This is something that I should research on very soon.

my boys’ striking poses

working up his kick

my tired boy

Another tired stance of his. My queue that he’s had enough for the day.

ready to leave the sports park

Our son took this shot. He is so fond of wearing my camera over his neck whenever I allow him. And whenever he can get away with it, he will click the flash button. Otherwise, we just have him use the Program setting. He just loves the flash of Nikki (my camera) popping up, which explains the overexposed areas in the picture.

The Palawan missions trip really got us pretty occupied the last couple of weeks and this was a long awaited bonding time for the three of us. I look forward to the time that our son could join us in the ministry. We should be able to go visit the ILs this coming Wednesday. Hoping to take advantage of the non-working holiday.

Contest Mechanics:

1. The contest is open to all photographers – professional and non-professional – residing in the Philippines, male or female, a Filipino citizen aged 18 and above.
2. The theme of the contest is, “Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response”. To qualify, the entries must capture the essence of breastfeeding, showcasing its importance and benefits especially in an emergency situation.
3. Entries must be exclusive to this contest only, and should not have been submitted as an entry in previous contests.
4. Entries must be printed in full color, size 8″x10″, unmounted – with or without boarders.
5. Entries must be submitted with a duly filled out registration form available at the Office of the Department of Pediatrics, UP- PGH , put in a short brown envelope together with original negative and data file. It must be submitted in person or via registered mail to:
   1. Department of Pediatrics
      University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital
      Taft Avenue, Manila
6. Participants can enter any number of entries, but can only win once. Photos must be taken using digital or conventional film camera, and must be exclusive to this contest.
7. Submission of entries is from July 15 to August 1. Mailed entries should be dated on or before 30 July 2009.
8. Prizes are:

1. • 1st prize: P5,000
   • 2nd prize: P3,000
   • 3rd prize: P2,000
2. Winners will be notified via registered mail.
3. Prizes may be claimed within sixty (60) days from receipt of notification from the Department of Pediatrics, UP-PGH.

Be forewarned however that upon joining the contest, you will be unconditionally consenting to the use of your winning entry by Department of Pediatrics, University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital for all advertising, advocacy and promotion activities, including but not limited to photo exhibit of all winning photographs, without liability on the part of and fee to be paid for by the contest organizers.

This is our son enjoying the sands of Boracay. It was really sweet to go back where the hubby and I honeymooned in 2001, now with this little tot in tow. Jed was fascinated with so much sand. Although we have been to other beaches before, none was prettier than Boracay. The sand was not as asbestos white, that would have been weird. Besides I wouldn’t wanna think of anything that has to do with mesothelioma during our fun times at the beach.  We tried making sand castles but we figured we needed more practice.

]]> http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2009/07/02/my-jed-on-the-beach/feed/ 0 http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2009/06/29/ws-jed%e2%80%99s-hungry-shots/ http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2009/06/29/ws-jed%e2%80%99s-hungry-shots/#comments Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:56:44 +0000 Jennie http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/?p=3424 A lot of people will agree with me when I say that the most endearing and appealing subject for photography are children. This is especially true when the child that you take pictures of is your own. Like this little guy, instance. As a hands on mom from birth, I have seen my son’s different [...]]]>

A lot of people will agree with me when I say that the most endearing and appealing subject for photography are children. This is especially true when the child that you take pictures of is your own. Like this little guy, instance.

As a hands on mom from birth, I have seen my son’s different expressions. But it was only yesterday that I found out that his face is most expressive when he eats (exactly like his father’s). It fascinates me how my husband eats. I would often tell him that he eats with his eyes. You would have to see for yourself to understand what I mean. Now, I will not be surprised if all eyes will be on my dear hubs during the next food event we go to. He is very forgiving, so I know he won’t take that against me.

My son eats exactly the way his papa does. It’s so fun to discover this after being with him all his life. You’d think he does not like what he eats in these shots. On the contrary, after he cleaned everything on his plate, he jumped to mine and finished everything that I was not meaning to eat anymore. I was full and I did not exactly like the garlic mushroom burger I had over at Chef d’ Angelo’s yesterday. This little guy has a big appetite. He literally eats more than I do.

I am so lovin’ my new baby, a Nikon D40. After deliberating what I needed (the nature of my job requires me a decent facility) and studying the specifications of netbooks, particularly which are Intel Atom and got my laptop checked by a technician- I was convinced that we will have more use for a DSLR than an Intel Atom netbook. Who knows, I might just venture into stock photo selling of sorts, in the future. Besides, we will not just make use of this in our internet marketing business but especially in the ministry.

As much as I would like this to be wordless, I have to explain why this photo for my current Wordless Wednesday entry. I remember a photo of my dear sister with that very same smile, taken when she was around the same age as my Jed. Now I’m off to rummage for it from our ancestral “baul.”

We really made sure we celebrated through the holidays.  Two days were to celebrate Papa’s 60th birthday and the rest were spent with our families: our own and church family.

some random photos from our simple family get together as we celebrated with papa as he turned 60.

The little guy had his hair trimmed again. It’s his third time with the barber’s and it looks like he’s really used to it already. Except for the time that he kept on playing with the trimmed hairs that fall on the trimming cape and the hairs went flying to his eyes. He stopped right then when he felt the sting.  He has really warmed up to the barber’s procedure from the shaving to the trimming and the vacuuming. 

random photos from yesterday’s youth and baptism services (I forgot to take pictures of the communion and the morning services)

And what could be more appropriate but top the celebration with the communion and baptism service. Both of which symbolize the very essence of the season. Baptism and the Lord’s supper reminds us about the Savior’s death, burial and resurrection. The elements used during Communion, the unleavened bread and wine, represent Jesus’ broken body and His shed blood. The baptism by immersion shows perfectly the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It also is parallel to what happens to a believer when he accepts Christ as Lord and Savior as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17. The old life dies to sin, is buried and a new life in Christ begins.

credits to sweet Iris of  Pinayads.com 

It has been a while since I last joined the PhotoHunters.  Their theme for this week is warm.  For lack of finding  a better shot, I took a picture of the trusty stove top that cooks our food and heats left over ones.  We have long gotten rid of the nuke machine – to give way to a healthier lifestyle.  I’m not much of a photographer as the hubby is.  I want to learn all right, I just don’t have the diligence to.   Maybe when I got a hold of that dream D60. Happy photo hunting, everyone!

Jed is watching Madagascar 2 from the hubby’s mobile while munching on his favorite cream cheese sandwich for merienda  as he waited for us to leave church.  

Admittedly, a mobile cartoon movie can be very handy for parents who have toddlers. But as much as I allow this, I still  limit his watching time whether from mobile or the television.

My son and two of the kids who he played with yesterday in church.  On the left is Jennilyn, 7 years old and on the right is Laari, who is also 3 years old, like Jed.

My son gets extra energetic whenever playmates abound and I cannot blame him. Around the house, he only gets to be with adults.  Which could also be the reason why he is articulate, he also figure things out quite easily.  At three years old, it can already be difficult for us to get around him and play some silly tricks.  He will be onto you sooner than you want him to.   Which is also neat because I have no difficulty trying to teach him new things.  He is the ever eager boy yearning to learn new tricks.

Still his want for a rather permanent playmate is clear, at least through our observation.   He does not really speak it out and as much as we have some thoughts about it too,  there are also a apprehensions given the world’s current situation.  If we all come to think of it, this time isn’t really the best time to bring another soul to the world.  But then again, we can all but plan and hope but ultimately everything is in God’s hand.  May His will be done.  He knows best.

Meanwhile, there are play dates we can plan out or even neighboring kids who he can play with.  He also has us to spend time with.  Fact is,  he is a pretty confident boy.  So far no issues with self esteem, he easily makes friends with people of all ages, from kids to adults.  I even think he is kind of a people person. 

I don’t usually post my weekend snapshot until Monday, but this shot cannot wait till then.  We have been having a blast with this gang this holiday season.  Going places, hiking the highs and lows of Marikina, a couple of weeks back we all went to Pasay (except for Yvonne), we ate out, hang around  and just enjoyed the holidays together.

We actually were not too sure if we will still go on with the photo shoot yesterday because we were just too tired walking around the riverbanks to and fro that yummy chicken place.  We opted to just walk and go over bridges instead of having to drive to the place.  Save on gas and enjoy the cool breeze we don’t get to have so often this side of the earth.  It was fun, but I was exhausted!  I took the consensus of each one and all of them agreed to give the photo shoot a go.  We have had this coupon since last month and we just kept on putting it off.  The one time we agreed to have it done, we weren’t able to make it for some reason.  So there went our matching blue outfits.  But then again, it didn’t turn all that bad when we were more spontaneous. 

This was taken after the In Awe of a Great God concert that was held in Eastwood, Libis last night. Our worship team from our church in Makati was given the privilege to do the front act.  You can read more on the concert from Ted’s blog. He is the music director and the loving hubs of my sweet sister.

Taken a couple of days back when the hubby saw our son making silly faces while he was drinking his milk from the cup. He loves playing pretend (sad, happy, angry, et.al). This time he was experimenting with frowning while raising his right brow and then the left. It helps that I always have our camera within reach. I wasn’t even able to properly set the camera correctly, I just had to click away.

Our first photo ever as a brand new family via my former SEs700i camphone (May 2005). The little guy was just a few days old.

These succeeding ones are two of our latest family photos. I have not been photo hunting for a while and when the theme got posted this weekend, I knew I just had to do some rummaging. I swear I could have posted more, If I wasn’t a little slack in taking photographs lately.

I couldn’t resist this kind of smile the little guy does. It’s his silly face again. We would tease him that when he does this face, if he doesn’t look like he’s doing number two, he looks like a toddler male “Chichay.” I am so tempted to get a picture of him with this face made into one of those personalized funny t-shirts. I’m sure it’s gonna be fun wearing them!