EYE OF TOBIA PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG

Documenting, sharing and musing about photography (and life with small children)

That would be me. It is taking me forever to get through my photos from Costa Rica.
Below is my rather disappointing photo of the 3 toed mama sloth with baby in Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo. Disappointing because of the fact that I was shooting with a rather dark lens. And well, the rain forest is rather dark to begin with so my detail is quite lacking.

This was the only shot I managed where one could still make out the baby clinging to her mamas belly. But I kind of like it none the less. And it worked much better in black and white. There are more to come. I swear. If I could only get these 5 fingers working faster and my 2 babies dis-attached from my body. Although cuddly kids are never anything to complain about.

Griffin will find the way. Previous to his above mission to illuminate the livingroom, I found him with his red toy tub upside down on the dining room chair…so as to better be able to reach the lollipop I put up on top of the fridge for later.
For a few weeks I had been cursing the beautiful step stool we had been given by our friends. It managed to give our children access to a world previously 1 inch less unattainable to them. This toy tub adds 6 inches. All previously safe objects on counter tops and dressers are quivering with fear.
At least my children are independent, problem solvers. Sigh.
Below was him last summer figuring out how to get in and out of our neighbors cat door. I would expect NASA to start recruiting soon. If they need someone to build a tower of household items to reach Mars for exploration, they may have their man. Can’t get much worse than many of their previous missions.

Adjusting to the real world again after my trip to Costa Rica is going to be tough. I had the most lovely 4 days away with the best of accommodations, short excursions, food, coffee and most importantly, the company. I had the chance to travel with my old friend (yes, T, I just called you old) and my newest baby, my 7d. It was almost as difficult packing for my camera as it is packing for a trip with my kids. Both our saintly husbands stayed home with our (non-camera) children.

The little bit of the country we managed to see was spectacular. The people were incredibly welcoming and patient with our Spanish. And it was all just so GREEN. I will likely have tons more photos to share later, but I wanted to post a couple before the day creeps away from me.

Already, I can’t wait to go back.

I get asked this question a lot. What are the best little cameras? I have to admit that I have hardly a clue. When it comes to camera purchases for myself, I lean towards the purchace of big, black cameras that have the word Canon on the front. They are the ones that feel like family in my hands. HOWEVER. I have learned over the years that great photos have far less to do with the camera model than with the model of person behind it. The most important upgrade you can make on photography will almost always be upgrading your own knowledge base. A 80$ evening class will almost definately do you far better than a 80$ peice of equipment.
That being said, I found this NYT 300$ camera round up video of new consumer cameras by the New York Times last week. I hope it might help if you are in the market for a new camera.
Here is a Comparison Chart

One thing I would like to mention is that hardly anyone actually uses those gimiky features. Lean towards a good zoom and faster response time. The faster your camera responds to you when you hit the shutter button, the happier people will look on the other side of the lens and the less frustrated you will be with the photos.
Other than that just keep taking photos and try to slow down so you learn from the process!