Silly Asian: The Joy of Discovery

I really want to be a decent photographer, so I'm always looking for tips and inspiration. I browsed the Internet and learned a bit about the effect(s) of neutral density filters, so I set out to get one for Bo's camera (Olympus Evolt E-500) from Sunny Schick today.

The weather was dreadful on the way to the nice little (and I stress the this term) photo shop downtown, as there was drifting snow reminiscent of the blizzard we had two months ago. It was winter then, snow was allowed. I'll spare you the rest of my complaints. Anyway, I arrived at Sunny Schick and I squeezed my way over to their filter section. I thought I'd found one, but it was in a rectangular form and I wanted an actual circle filter. I searched, then one of the employees searched, and we couldn't find one for the lens size (58mm). There were a lot and it seemed that none of them were in my size. This was disappointing, but I persisted and looked more carefully. It wasn't at all distinguishable, so that's why it was so hard to find amongst the others, but I found it in the end, and $20.99 plus tax later, I was shooting photos of anything and everything in sight. I have yet to meet with a water fountain or other streaming water source since the purchase, so I will have to wait to test the "soft" effect later.

I did, however, shoot some photos of the dogs playing in the yard while Joe was putting things away after work. They were halfway decent, but I'm still having trouble with the focus. Is it just this camera or is it just me? I'm getting better, but it seems the camera should be more focus-friendly. Ha.

I just like this one for the expression on Vada's face

"Mmm...glass!"

...probably wondered why I kept calling his name

Stalking the neighbor's dog

Joe fell asleep, so I had to find something to do during this time (which can last for hours). I decided to get out the tripod and start playing around with the long exposures. Oh, and Einey's not dead, of course--this is just how she sleeps. I promise.