A BOOKWORM + A 50MM LENS
People….I finally got a 50MM lens! It’s been a long time coming, but since I didn’t get it for Christmas…I bought it as a New Years gift to myself! And let me tell you, the guy wasn’t joking when he said it was a good one. I’ve always loved the look of photos with a really shallow depth of field (or a blurry background as I used to always refer to it as), but I could never achieve what I wanted with my kit lens. My photography knowledge is still far from advanced, but it’s been a goal over the last couple of months to improve. I have a lot of wonderful photography friends who have been kind enough to lend me their skills over the years….but it’s time I got down to business and really learned the tricks of the trade myself so I don’t have to always rely on someone else for quality pics. I got the 50MM a few days ago and took it out for a spin for the first time yesterday. Rylee is quite the little bookworm lately, so I wanted to capture her in her element. I hope she always loves books as much as she does now.
Needless to say, I was thrilled with how the lens changed the dynamic of my photos! I still don’t get why it’s so cheap, but I’m not complaining! The only thing that took some getting used to was not having a zoom. I left my aperture at 1.8 for all of these, with small changes in my shutter speed and ISO depending on the direction I was shooting. I hardly even had to edit them. I feel like this is the lens i’ve been waiting for all my life! haha. Such a steal for just above 100 bucks! I think this guy is here to stay.
p.s. – yes, it’s forever spring here in San Diego…

















January 4th, 2013 at 5:33 am
So cute ?
January 4th, 2013 at 5:44 am
Wow, the black and white ones are really amazing…love them!
January 4th, 2013 at 8:44 am
that’s so exciting! it really does make a big diff in the depth of field, and it makes pictures look alot more striking and professional. awesome self-gift!
January 4th, 2013 at 11:23 am
the photos are amazing! and yes the 50mm is so lovely isn’t it? its my favorite lense, I use it even when I probably shouldn’t use it and I can’t help but love the outcome every time. Happy New Year!
January 4th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
You’re a natural photographer! I’m glad you found a complimentary lens. I’ve been thinking about getting the lens and I think it’s official. I better start saving up!
January 4th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Beautiful photos! Can I ask you wear you got rylee’s dress and headband from? So cute, i want them for my daughter.
January 4th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
*where
January 4th, 2013 at 1:05 pm
Thanks Kiley….the dress is by Mini Bodin from Nordstrom’s
January 4th, 2013 at 1:05 pm
*Mini Boden ….and I made the headband myself
January 4th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Lovely photos! I sure do miss San Diego weather!!
January 4th, 2013 at 3:41 pm
Kelli lovely pictures, I have to ask, what type of camara do you have? I want one
January 4th, 2013 at 4:59 pm
Beautiful pics Kelli! That lens really does add more dimension to your photos. We got one for our engagement, and it is definitely our preferred. Rylee’s hair is looking longer. Adorable! xxx
January 4th, 2013 at 8:15 pm
I have a Cannon Rebel T1i
January 4th, 2013 at 8:46 pm
your new lens captures the delightful rylee wonderfully!
January 5th, 2013 at 8:55 am
So beautiful, perhaps this is the lens I should get next! Your daughter is beautiful, and I now need to move to San Diego. Perfect weather all year round!
January 6th, 2013 at 2:00 am
Thanks Kate! You should! For just $100 it’s an investment well worth it! xo
January 6th, 2013 at 2:11 am
Thanks kelli! I love all your pictures
January 6th, 2013 at 8:22 pm
These images are BEAUTIFUL Kelli! Such a great job with the new lens!
I have a Nikon and looking to upgrade the model, but the same lens is like double the price! What a steal that magnificent lens is! And I LOVE the grainy B&W photos! So timeless!
January 6th, 2013 at 11:33 pm
Wow these pictures are wonderful, her dress is adorable!
That lens is amazing! they look like they should be in a magazine
January 7th, 2013 at 2:25 am
Thanks Vivian! Your so kind! You’re baby bump is looking FABULOUS btw!
xo
January 7th, 2013 at 9:20 am
omg she’s sooo cute!
<3
January 7th, 2013 at 5:27 pm
her little dress is the cutest thing ive ever seen!
January 8th, 2013 at 6:24 pm
I have the same lens and can never ever manage to get the blur effect!! Do you mind letting me know how you get it that way?
January 8th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Marlen – Shoot in Manual mode (M). Make sure your f stop / aperture is at 1.8 (the lowest it can go). And adjust your shutter speed and ISO according to the light. Then set your focus and whatever is not in your focus should be blurred.
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