new camera, new experiences

i recently got back into photography and found that i enjoy it more than i expected. i say 'back into' because when i was a kid, i was obsessed with taking pictures. i didn't go anywhere without a camera in my hand. and spent all my allowance on developing film. i've got more snapshots of family and pets than i know what to do with. i still have the old minolta film camera my grandparents gave me when i was about 13.

craig got interested in photography last fall and when i showed an interest, too, he gave me a canon xsi. he's awesome! now that i've got a decent DSLR, i'm trying to be more creative with my photography... and not just take snapshots. we've been to various cemeteries, visited downtown on multiple occasions, and i've even tried my hand at sports photography.

having a camera at my side has been good for me. it's gotten us both out of the house more. having a hobby to share with my husband (and best friend) is priceless. we now visit places around our city that in the past we tended to neglect. and when we go away on vacation, planning a photo shoot comes naturally.

i'm amazed at how liberating and empowering photography has been for me. and it's all thanks to craig!

i like story

sometimes i'm anal about keeping my stuff looking new. craig makes fun of me because when i get a new horror magazine in the mail i can't stand for it to be bent, torn, folded, or damaged in any way. i am normally like that with my books, too, but while reading "story" by robert mckee, i'm constantly reaching for the highlighter. there is so much good stuff in this book that even with taking notes, i will need multiple reads to really put his teachings into practice.

i recently blogged about having a weird form of writer's block. i've got all these ideas and am having trouble taking the next step into developing a story. well, "story" may be just what i needed. in the book, mckee addresses the issue of writer's block and even suggests a good cure: research. in a round about way, reading "story" is like the research i didn't realize i needed.

mckee really digs deep when breaking down the elements that make up a story. it's philosophical and practical at the same time. it really makes you think. the examples he uses from popular movies, both old and new, really helps to paint the picture. i doubt i will ever put to use all of what he teaches, but it really is a good read. i highly recommend this book for all you writers. plus.... he quotes john carpenter! what's not to love?


p.s. thanks to andrew for turning me on to this great book!