A lesson from G.

I'm about to teach everyone a little lesson that I just recently learned, so sit back, take some notes, and learn from G.... 

So, I got my new fancy-schmany camera, right? 

Right.

Did you know that once you get a new fancy-schmany camera, that you will immediately want new lenses? 

Oh yes, you will. Even though you pay a pretty penny for one of those fancy-schamny cameras, the kit lenses are just 'eh' quality. 

First of all, there's this whole "glass" issue. Apparently it's the glass that gives you a much sharper, clearer image, which of course, the good glass you need, does not come with the kit lens.  Then, there are the sport lenses that you need for further distances and action ...... Then there's the whole flash issue.....and I could go on. 

I'm serious, it's a Pandora's box. And once you open it, there's no going back.

And after lots of debate, I decided to use some of my Christmas money to invest in a zoom lens. With the kids in sports, and school programs and such, I wanted to have the ability to get closer shots of the kids. 

I of course, consulted Brittany, my own personal photographer-extraordinaire, and she warned me up front, "the zoom lens pictures aren't going to be great quality." So I did go into this purchase with my own little motto, maybe not the best quality, but the best fit for our family at this time.

After my purchase, I excitedly came home and put the new lens on, sort of talking myself through it all...

 Okay, I might not have the clearest pictures here, but hopefully I can get some close-ups I'm wanting, this is SO exciting! Yeah this is gonna be good!

Then I take my first picture.

Ummmmmm....

Oh, okay, and by not great quality, I'm guessing Brittany meant, like blurry?

'Well, wait a minute! I bet I know what it is! I bet I'm just too close to everything in here, I probably just need to go outside and try it! YEAH, that should do it!'

'Ummmm and by, NOT GREAT QUALITY,  maybe she meant everything would be washed out?'

'OH MY GOSH! This cant be right?! These are some of the WORST pictures I've ever seen!'

I promptly called Brittany and complained about just how bad the pictures were turning out..

"I mean, I know you said they might not be super-clear and all, but they look awful!!"

And thankfully photog-extraordinaire told me to get on over, so she could asses my catastrophic situation I had on my hands.


And just two shots in, she lets me know I do indeed have a bad lens, "oh no, something is very wrong here! You gotta return this!"  UGH. So much for my excited lens purchase.

I was feeling pretty bummed, and ready for some heads to roll, when suddenly Brittany noticed what I had done.

You see, G, may have not read the directions.

And G, may have had the lens set on manual.

Oops.

Apparently there is an automatic setting on lenses, and a manual setting. WHO KNEW!

And guess what happens when you put it on the CORRECT setting?

Your pictures actually look like they should.

It was a virtual roller coaster of emotions on that fateful lens day.

But in the end, thankfully, it was just my ignorance.

And thankfully, Brittany saved me from an embarrassing "I'm going to return this lens, and give them a piece of my mind" episode. 

Lesson?

Read the directions.