Great news for camera geeks (like me) around the world! Sony has descended from the celestial clouds of technology wonderland and bestowed upon the earth a lens fit for a smartphone!
This past Wednesday Apple Insider revealed Sony’s new Cyber-Shot QX10 and QX100 lenses with innovative WiFi and mounting features that will revolutionize the way people take pictures with their phones.
We nomads of the media industry value portability and convenience, and I sense that this lens will be the pebble that stirs the lake of traditional lugging-gear-around practices. Soon everyone will have a chance to get their hands on this cool little pod to aid in the pursuit of their art without the cost or clunkiness. That’s not to say that standard cameras will become obsolete, but everyday consumers now have a shot–literally–at sparring with the pros.
For a more in-depth review of the gadget with a charming British accent, check out CNET’s description here.
Thanks to TwistedSifter.com, I stumbled across these fabulous images taken in 2012 of places all across the globe, and even from outside of it.
The visual imagery (real or composed) of each photograph is so stunning, it’s hard to believe that there are many more pictures of equal caliber existing that did not make it to the list.
Photographers are such an inspiration to what can be perceived with the human eye, the lens of a camera, and a singular moment in time. I can only image what greatness technology will bring us in 2013.
For some, November means growing beards or spending hours preparing a grocery list for a Thanksgiving feast.
To me it meant a HUGE, CRAZY, AWESOME life change.
I realize how M.I.A. I’ve been, and I vow to start allotting more time to write. But please, allow me to explain:
At the beginning of November, after flying up for an interview in the midst of Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath, I was generously offered a job as an Assistant Editor at NBC in New York City. And I accepted!
The Rockefeller Rink! Image copyright Carla Ramirez
Then I went back home to Florida to gather my belongings and say my goodbyes to friends and family. Bittersweet indeed.
On November 14th, 2012 I boarded a one-way flight back to The Big Apple, and immediately became enamored by all the holiday bling around the city.
Radio City Music Hall. Image copyright Carla RamirezGiant Ornaments off of 6th Ave, behind 30 Rock. Image copyright Carla Ramirez
While adjusting to the bleak weather, balancing two jobs, and apartment hunting, I somehow managed to find time to explore. One of my absolute favorite sights in all of New York so far has been the autumn leaves in Central Park. I had spent so many years dreaming about being in the city for the holiday season, and the moment I saw those trees, a single, stubborn tear of joy escaped my eye and froze on the round of my cheek, forever imprinting the memory of that sight into my flesh. Tender, I know, but there are simply no words to describe how beautiful and peaceful it was to walk through.
Fall in Central Park. Image copyright Carla RamirezFall in Central Park con’t. Image copyright Carla Ramirez
After a successful, turkey-filled Thanksgiving away from home with my friends, Christmastime took off. I experienced my first Black Friday working in retail (phew, what a frenzy!), and witnessed the Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony in person. I had no idea just how serious tourists were about this tree.
Word of advice: if you wish to see the lighting, either get there EXTREMELY early or be prepared to lose a limb clambering through the crowd.
Holiday Tree Lighting Party at Anthropolgie! Image copyright Carla RamirezThe Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting. Image copyright Carla Ramirez
And with that, ladies and gentlemen, our tour of my landmark adventures throughout the month of November has come to an end.
To my readers- thank you for journeying with me, it’s truly a pleasure to be able to share my present-day bliss with you.
To Instagram- thank you for making my photos look mildly interesting.
Food is one of the greatest commodities of the world. Not only can a single bite provide you with nutrition, but it can also transport you into exotic cultural experiences and timeless traditions! Fascinating!
Okay, I’m no food expert, but I certainly know my way around a kitchen table, refrigerator, grocery store, restaurant menu, etc. So combine that enthusiasm for eating with my passion for photography and you have a dinner guest that won’t touch her meal until she exhausts every possible camera angle of her plate. And thanks to applications like Instagram, the world just begs me to share my culinary adventures.
Maybe it’s my obsession with Julia Child, or maybe it’s the fact that I pretend I’m on Food Network’s show Chopped every time I cook, but I know deep down that food and I have a real connection. Food tells a story. Food is my soulmate.
My advice: try to capture the best feature(s) of your tasty subject. For instance, with this photo I tried to highlight the many layers of my sandwich. If the picture makes you hungry, chances are your audience will be too.
And now, I invite you to feast your eyes upon National Geographic’s presentation for tips on photographing food like a pro.
