Wow!  It has been almost five months since my last post to this blog.  I wish I could say it was because I have been super busy but the truth is more along the lines of losing my voice.  I have been busy taking pictures, keeping out of trouble at work ;), and getting some things done around the house.  It has just been hard to motivate myself to return to this page as an outlet.  I will try to do better going forward…

I finally moved away from my trusty point & shoot camera and purchased a DSLR.  I spent a long time researching which camera to purchase, changed my mind more than once and settled on the Nikon D5100.  I jumped in with both feet!  I opted not to get the standard 18-55mm kit lens and purchased a Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.0 macro lens as well as the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 lens.  I have been having a blast with all these new toys.

In late May I had a business trip to southern Georgia and added on a few days in Orlando to visit Disney World.  I had 4 days to explore with my new setup and had such a great time.  This was my first solo trip to WDW and although at times I missed having someone to share events with I loved being able to stop for pictures as soon as something caught my eye.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Meerkat along Pangani Forest trail in Animal Kingdom

Topiary display at Epcot’s entrance

Stormtrooper guards at the entrance to Hollywood Studios

A different view of the castle from the rose garden

I’ve also been trying to get out more around where I live to explore and learn more about the camera/lenses. This has been a little slower for me but I made good use of this over the weekend.  I was able to get up and out early both days.  On Saturday I walked of the Rayhill Memorial Trail in New Hartford, NY and came away with this early morning picture of the swamp.

Morning in the Swamp

On Sunday my plans were interrupted for 30 minutes when I had to stop into work but I ended up making the best of it by walking along the NY State Barge Canal between Oriskany and Whitesboro, NY.  I wish I had put on my longer lens because the amount of animals out that early was surprising.  I did manage to snag a few great pictures of the canal.

Morning on the Canal

The Old Fishin’ Hole

I won’t make any promises but the goal I set for myself is to be more active on this blog and share this great new hobby (obsession) of photography.