new toy...new love...

I have been wanting a new, better lens for my camera for awhile now. I've loved my first lens, and I think I do a great job with it. It was the stock lens that came with my camera, a simple 18-55 mm, f/4-5.6. But I wanted a "long lens" that would give me some zoom power, so that I didn't have to get right up into people's faces...so that I could capture things from a distance UP CLOSE.

Scott recently told me he wanted band photos done. They're reserving the Koger Center with stage lighting, etc, and he wants good band shots...some from the balcony. I told him it would be almost impossible to get decent shots with my standard lens, especially from the balcony. He told me I could get my new lens!!! And so, I did...immediately. I wanted to be sure I could get used to it before taking the band photos.

I got it on Friday afternoon, and started playing with it. So far, it's been a LOT of fun to have. Still have to get used to the fact that I don't need to get quite so close to people to capture them...but it's nice because now people don't know that I'm shooting...more natural, more candid. And I've had fun with nature too. With the 18-55mm lens, I couldn't photograph bugs and birds, or other critters, very well because they would startle as soon as they heard me. But now I can be farther away and still get great images.

*************** EDIT - EDIT - EDIT ************************
It was brought to my attention by the fabulous Saintseester that I did not divulge what lens I actually got! I purchased a Canon 55-250mm, f/4-5.6, IS (that's Image Stabilizer if you're wondering). Thanks for asking so I could fix this!!
So, without further ado, here are some pictures I've shot recently.


The bunny in my back yard, munching on the grass....


Hannah filling a water balloon - she didn't know I was taking her picture!


a flower from my neighbor's yard...


Scotty, unaware


The water balloon just as it exploded!


Moon rising....


The pretty bluebird...


makes me even more blue...

And NOW....presenting....Dragonobics (Dragonfly aerobics!)



And, begin - tail DOWN...



And UP! That's not UP enough...c'mon....


There! NICE form!


DOWN...and...rest.