huga

2/52 Very similar to 1/52, but how could I resist?

Poppy is super cute, Roova. VSCO is an app that I use for editing on my phone :) It's got the usual range of filters, but you can also adjust exposure, contrast, fill shadows, sharpen, add grain and a bunch of other stuff. She was 11 in November :)

This was an out take from last week. Lola has deteriorated physically a lot over the last few months, she's on medication daily now and can't tackle stairs anymore. Just over this last week though, she has gone downhill mentally too and will do weird stuff, like jumping in the pool - when previously she has avoided it at all costs. She isn't a great swimmer, so needs to be rescued. I've made the decision to retire her from posed photos, but will still grab one of her just being herself every now and then. This is one of those times. She still loves pottering around after the kids when they're playing. 1/52

I think I'll join, if that's still ok? I do photo a day every January anyway, so have images. It's been a couple of years since I've done a 52 weeks though. I think my theme will just be Stuff That Matters - family, friends, the dogs. The goal is to stretch myself a little bit further with my personal work, because in turn that helps out with my professional work. The catch is, the busier I am with work, the less likely I am to take photos in my down time. My favourite images of my kids are always taken in January because I make the effort. I'd like to document them more throughout the year.

Snook is right :) I have a very dark house. Even with my professional gear and knowledge of how to use it, there will be some grain in images shot inside here. Everything has it's limitations. If you train yourself to look for the light, your photography will improve so much. So window light inside (not behind your subject), which is almost universally flattering or if you're shooting outside with fast moving creatures - lots of light will enable the camera to use a faster shutter speed, therefore freezing action. Doesn't matter whether you're using high end gear or a phone.

Aww, I have a soft spot for the rotts - especially Zeph! Sid says thanks for the love!

Mine is just the 1.8. I've borrowed a 1.4 and seriously could not see a difference.

I have both - Snook is right, 85mm will mostly be too long for indoors (sometimes the 50mm is too). That's pay off with primes though - gorgeous lenses, but you can't zoom in or out. The 50mm is a brilliant all rounder and I also used it exclusively for years. My dad inherited mine when I bought the 35mm, I use it and the 85mm for weddings now.

^ As above. Just get out there and shoot! The 50mm is a fabulous little lens and is so far beyond the 18-55 that I think you'll love it! Sometimes I found it a touch long for shooting indoors on a DX camera, but it is a great all rounder (although not ideal for action coming front on). The Sigma 35mm Art is my current favourite and has been for the last 12 months, but I am portraits/weddings, so it is ideal for me. http://www.camerapro.com.au/sigma-35mm-f1-4-dg-hsm-lens-for-canon-eos-australian-stock.html/

I have a D700 and a D800, but I shoot weddings, not action. All my lenses are primes, my favourite is the Sigma 35mm Art. I would suggest hiring if you can, that way you'd get a really decent idea before you commit. I will say that going from DX to FX blew my mind. My D800 is lighter than my D700, the difference is noticeable. But everything hurts after 12 hours of shooting anyway.

I'm a member of the French Bulldog Club of Qld.

Thank you all :) Her gift is retirement from the spotlight. She can live out whatever time she has left in peace, eating the good eats and sleeping in a comfy bed.

I don't usually do birthday posts for my dogs, but after being at the vet with her last week - I thought this one deserved some celebrating. Happy Birthday, old girl.

We're starting to go through this now. Had spine and hip xrays last week, which aren't great. Tramadol to give if I think she's in pain. She's still eating normally and gets excited about food though and I always told myself when she starts to lose interest in food that it's probably her time. She can't do stairs anymore either. I really feel for you, it's heartbreaking and so tough knowing when is the right time.

Awwww, how beautiful. I think they get it too. Sid has the most special relationship with my youngest son, who has a severe speech delay. Not much is said, but Sid can't hear him anyway. He just plods along behind him, bringing him his toys and sitting with him in makeshift cubby houses. It's a calm, quiet understanding reserved just for Ed.

I have both and would have always had both. I was watching Sid with my youngest son on the weekend, they have such a bond it almost made me wonder if Sid's life would be less enjoyable if he didn't have Ed. Which is silly, but it's just so lovely to see them hang out together.

This guy modelling last weekend :D

He was BAER tested as a pup because he's white and his hearing was fine. He lost it after a very deep middle ear infection.

Sid is deaf. I had my suspicions and did a few basic tests - rattling his food bowl was one of them. One day when he was asleep I banged two pots together and there was no reaction. He stopped coming when he was called and I noticed Lola would jump on him if she wanted him to get up when I called them to come in :laugh: Are the other dogs treating him differently? It's not a big deal really, I forget with Sid and still chat away to him. I just have to watch when we're out that other dogs don't approach him from behind. He startles a bit with us occasionally, but a good way to wake them is to roll a ball towards them or a soft toy. He very intently watches everyones faces for direction.

I don't think you can really rely on them to slow down and be sensible in the heat. Sure, he will migrate from sun to shade when he's sleeping and gets too hot, but if something was holding his attention and keeping him active, he'd continue to do so in the heat. Yes they fart. I'm not sure anything makes much of a difference. Mine has always been on a raw diet. Mine will walk for as long as I do. We average about 6kms, which takes an hour. We don't go when it's hot, because if it's hot for me, it's obviously hot for him. He does have his Endurance Title, so has run 20kms in under 2.5 hours. So much of the above depends on the dog, its structure and breeding. Sid is obviously more athletic than most and breathes really well.

Still use mine however many years later :D Only for when I just need the one body and a lens or two. For weddings I cart around more gear and have a ginormous Hold Fast Roamographer for that.

Yay for Pudding!

Lola is pretty much a teenager and is totally saying 'Photo? Do I have to? GODDDD.'

Daisy is looking... mature. Makes me realise how long we've been on DOL and 'known' everyones dogs.

LOL she's locked in a cage in my dungeon. With no noms. or comforts Did you see the video I put up of her on Facey yesterday? Beagle still has the moves! I did see. A beagle never forgets.