The difference a year makes

Don't worry, this isn't some sappy post about how awesome my kid has become over the past year (that would be waaaay awesome, duh). Instead, it's a braggy post about how I've almost learned how to use my camera. Friday will mark my one year manualiversary, one year since I started shooting in manual mode.

I remember the first outing in "m" well - the Peanut and I joined my friend Alison and her daughter to explore the butterfly house at Brookside Gardens. And guess where we spent the morning before Hurricane Irene? Brookside! So, I actually have some pretty good examples of before and after. Let's marvel in my own photographic metamorphosis, shall we?

2010


Blandest. Butterfly. Ever.


Except this one.


Whoa there, little buddy. I was actually *thrilled* with this shot at the time. I had never gotten such clear, noticeable catchlights.


Baby in a log! Blown shirt is overpowered by extreme cuteness! This is still one of my favorite Peanut photos.

2011




Oh hey, focus. That's a neat trick.


Bonus flower shot. My gift to you.


Undecided on the vintage edit. Completely decided on keeping the kid.


And I still struggle to get catchlights, but at least I've learned a thing or two about composition.