I think I got my first camera when I was about 10 or 11. A point and shoot 35mm film camera that I bought from the local supermarket with my savings. It was bright red. I can’t remember how long I ‘played’ with it or what happened to any of the film. Not even sure they would have got developed.

In about 2003 I got my first digital camera. It was great for taking photos of my friends and family. It captured my last years in Cape Town and I brought it to England with me when I moved over at 21. On a holiday to Cornwall it got sand in the lens and stopped working. I quickly replaced it with another point and shoot.

In 2007 I got my first DSLR. A Nikon D40x. I was lazy and didn’t take it off manual for years. My friend finally pushed me and I loved it. How had I not progressed to this stage already? Oh the wasted photos.

2011, I upgraded my camera to a semi-pro Nikon D7000 and decided to invest in “glass” instead. Last Friday I bought a lovely new lens (a 24-70mm f2.8) which is expensive but I’ve already taken it out for a couple test runs and love it. The photos I shared on Sunday used the new lens for the first time.  Since then I have also taken pictures of a friend’s baby and a music gig at The Gallery Cafe.

Taking pictures makes me happy.  I love also seeing how I learn and progress as a photographer.  Even looking back at my old blog and some of the pictures on there compared to here.

Live music also makes me happy.  The Gallery Cafe has been hosting a Garden Series with live music in their lovely garden.  Next Wednesday is the last evening of this series and if you can I think you should go.  Mid-week music makes a lot of things better.  Plus it felt a bit like a mini-festival in the garden. I’m editing some photos this weekend and will share.

Cocktails.  Another source of happiness.  If you are looking for something to do of an evening the Bond Exhibition at the Barbican is still on for another two weeks.  We went last night and although I realise now few bond movies I have watched I still really enjoyed it.  Also really enjoyed a martini.  The Mr was brave and went for a classic which was rather dry.  We decided Bond doesn’t have much taste in cocktails.  I went for the grapefruit and pepper one which was pretty awesome.

Have a lovely weekend!

[photo of the burned pier at Brighton.  One of the first outings taken with my D40x]