Friday, June 01, 2018

Mad Money

Most of the money I earn goes into the family till. We're both fond of eating, having lights that come on when we flip the switch, water when we turn to the spigot, and so on.

I do work on the side writing newspaper columns, taking pictures, doing websites, and other things to make my MadMoney. That's the money that goes into the hidden stash. I buy larger-ticket items with my MadMoney.

When I started working part-time at the paper, one of my duties is to take photographs. I had an old digital camera that was great back in the day, but it was acting wonky at inopportune times. I could check out a camera from the press room, but all the reporters use those cameras, and I wouldn't be able to keep one with me to use.

I'd been saving my MadMoney since the first of the year. I'd spend a little here and there, but for the most part, I let it grow.

I decided to spring for a new digital camera. Months of research and comparing models, features, and prices were exhausting. I'm partial to Canon because the first REAL camera I bought while I was in the Army in 1972 was a Canon FTb. That was a great camera. The next camera I purchased was a Canon F1. It was state of the art when I bought it in 74. I paid for it on the installment plan.

About 10 years ago, I bit the bullet and went digital. I bought a used Canon EOS 10D. I used it to shoot football, festivals, and other web-related work.

Then, the iPhones camera made incredible strides. I use my phone a great deal because it's always in my pocket. But when it comes to shooting pictures for the paper, it's not a fit.

Which brings me to this week. I dug up my MadMoney from under the sycamore tree (not really) and ordered a new Canon 80D. The UPS guy delivered it today. It's markable device. I spent the afternoon watching training videos and learning how it works. I'm excited.

I walked outside in a thunderstorm to shoot a picture of our butterfly bush with my new camera.

Stay tuned.


11 comments:

  1. Exciting times ahead. For you, and for us.

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  2. You have me at the edge of my seat....
    Lisa

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  3. I love my Canon EOS T1i. I'm not a great photographer and I still haven't learned how to take great photos. I remember how intimidated I felt when I started to use it. I feel pretty comfortable with it now but I just use it to capture moments.
    Enjoy your new camera.
    Have a great weekend.
    Hugs, Julia

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  4. I'm still using my phone camera more than my digital camera. It's nothing compared to yours, but does take better pictures. It's just not as handy. Right now I'm not even sure where it is I haven't used it in so long. You made great use of your mad money with your purchase. After all it might even be a tax deduction as I'm sure you'll be using it for your work in the days ahead. Have fun and enjoy!

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  5. I can remember when a doctor told me, "Do not buy an expensive stereo!" he was telling me I could not hear the finer points of music. He could have told me that about the camera, Once I bought a camera at the urging of shipmates who were Photomates. Some of my pictures were better than my Instamatic but I learned there is more to photography than the camera. Youmust also have patience and THE EYE, which you are blessed with, but not all of us.

    You may not know it yet, but Bonnie (Organic Discourse) passed away. She also could put some fantastic nature shots on her blog. ME? seldom (maybe never!) LOL

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  6. We bought a Panasonic-something about 5 years ago, took some awesome photos. then digital went wild, and we found our new Samsung cell took its own awesome photos. Will I dig up the Panasonic? Probably not. At this point, I would have to learn all over again.

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  7. Anonymous10:55 AM

    I think you could take great pictures with a pinhole camera!!

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  8. I am terrible at photography. I admire those who can take good pictures like you do.

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  9. I remember the first Big Purchase camera (Nikon) I made back in '77 … how devastated I was when my instructor basically told me I was no good. :) It's been sitting in my trunk for decades, but I'm loathe to get rid of it.

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  10. I love Canon cameras, I have several old camera bodies from my film days that for some reason I have a problem with ditching. I currently have a Canon 60D I bought used several years ago.
    Have always loved your photos, and the butterfly bush pic is lovely!

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  11. I really like your site and content so much,thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.

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    ReplyDelete

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