photography frustrations

A few weeks before we went away I had to take our Canon 300D Digital SLR to get the sensor cleaned as there were marks showing up in our photos, I got home after taking it to be cleaned took a few pics and noticed that their were still marks - Hummmph! I called them up straight away and they told me to take it back and they would clean it again for me at no additional charge. This seemed to work! Hoorah!

So while holidaying in NZ we had some issues with things getting on the lens or sensor (to be honest I am not really sure how it all works and where the dust ends up?!?) thus marks were showing up on our photos. Grrrrrrr. As were taking a lot of scenery shots the marks really stand out.

So I called Canon today and they said that this happens, (we have had our camera 18 months and some friends have the same camera and have never had to have it cleaned) – this is our third time. We are careful when changing the lenses (which we don’t do very often) and keep the camera stored in a camera bag,

Anyhoo, the man at Canon told me that it would be a good idea to get a ‘Bulb Blower’, so it looks like I will. I was wondering if there are any other budding or pro photographers out there who might have some advice about what to get to clean the inside and about how to minimize this happening. It is really frustrating to see things all over your pretty photos - I am hoping photo shop might help fix up the little marks but I would rather know how to clean the camera or prevent this happening so I don't have to spend time photo shopping our pics!

I have only recently started getting into photography but I am really hoping to maybe do a course of some kind very soon and start taking it more seriously so I would love any top tips!

Nixter = a little bit disappointed about her camera and photo's!

did ya miss me?

Yes folks - she is back. Back and a little bit tired - how's that you might ask, she just got back from 2 weeks of holidays?!?!?!?

I really am rested but yesterday was a massive drive and then we had the flight home. We left my friend's parents house in New Plymouth early and then had a 6 hour drive to Auckland, did a quick drive by (not shooting - think more a quick look around) of Auckland and then it was off to the airport. We got home last night at 9pm ish which was 11pm NZ time - so we were a bit like zombies. BUT today I am feeling better just a bit tired from yesterday but all in all, all is well.

NZ has to be one of the most beautiful and diverse countries I have been too, it was breathtaking. God has created an amazingly beautiful world for us to enjoy... I have so much to say but I don't know where to start, I have pictures and I also have some video - not great quality video as it is from my phone, I took about an hours worth of video so I will try and get that edited then up and running on my computer to give you all an idea of our what we did on our trip and a bit of a look at how stunning NZ is..

I hope all you are all well, I will try and get caught up on my blog reading this week, it might take me a while but I will get there.

Will sort some pictures out tonight and hopefully get them up soon. Look forward to reading about what you have been up too these last few weeks!

tomorrow, tomorrow, i love ya tomorrow..

... you're only a day awayyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Yes that is a Annie song and yes I do need a holiday!!!

Only one more sleep until we fly to NZ and I still can't believe it. We have a few things to do today, including packing! Then we are off..

It such a relief for both of us to be off work for two weeks and we have time to relax and chill out..

This will probably be my last post until we get back so please pray for us as we fly and also as we drive - we will be doing a lot of driving during our trips and prayers would be appreciated!!

Ta Ta For Now!!!! I look forward to sharing all about our trip when we get back!

milkshakes and banana bread

I met up with Kym, Ruth, two of Ruth's gorgeous boys and the lovely baby 'E' today for milkshakes and banana bread = YUM! Here are a few pics I took...

hi, my name is nixter........

....... and I am addicted to Australian Idol...

I wonder what my 12 steps would be if I were considering* giving up?!?!?!


*I'm not considering giving up, in fact I am more considering who can tape it for me when I am on my holidays?!?!? What a dilemma!

my fav australian idol so far

pictures of the lunar eclipse

Here are some pictures we took tonight of the lunar eclipse - it was really cool ;) Won't be happening again until Dec 2011, but I guess that isn't too far away!