Every year, I pick a new skill to try. Some work out better than other. Five years ago, I started crocheting, which led me back to knitting. Today, I have two stashes in which I can be buried. Six years ago, it was Italian. I can barely say howdeedo and can't even find some of my CD's to re-start.
This year, I wanted to improve my photographic skills. I replaced my dodgy old camera with the new Nikon Coolpix d360. I dithered between getting a digital SLR and a regular digital camera and opted for cheap(er) and portable. It's an awesome little camera, with a lot of options for customisation beyond its point and shoot capabilities.
Thing is, I've forgotten how to use a camera properly. I learnt with my Dad's fancy SLR about 20 years ago, but since getting a point and shoot in the mid-90's, haven't given it much thought. So I got "Digital Photography" by Jim Miotke. It's in simple enough language that I'm not getting bored and it has exercises to improve your skills. (It's for both point and shoots and digital SLR's).
Tonight, I made a mini light box. I've been sitting on this information for about a year and finally got motivated to make one. It's incredibly simple and fast.
The effects are amazing:
I made mine much smaller than suggested for the minimum sizes and I need some more side lights. If you do try to make it, leave a good 2" on the edges you cut. It leaves the box more stable and easier to tape the tissue paper.
I have a lot of new aspirations for this year, but this is the new skill set I'm building. One of my aspirations is to spend less empty time on the computer, so I'm planning to make my computer time more productive, ergo re-starting the blog.
Happy New Year!
