I’ve thought about how to start this post, but I couldn’t come up with anything witty or spectacular. Just know I had a lovely night. My day started crummy and I found myself crying in a closet at some point, but it ended high. So high.
We stayed in. Home. I don’t see why most people don’t desire that on a night like this. Welcoming the new year with the folks you love the most. I suppose that place isn’t “home” for everyone. I understand.
We started our evening with pizza and some other snacks. After, we made our way to the backyard for sparklers and swing rides on our new set. When it was dark, I brought out one of my Christmas gifts–the sb-600 speedlight
Now, I’m usually a purist when it comes to light. For two whole years, I scoffed at every photo I took with my on-board flash. I would always seek out good light or compose my photos around what was available. With this new flash, though…boy, I can photograph anything! I’m no longer dependent on the sun and that both intimidates and excites me. I have so, so, so much to learn. I am itching to get it off the top of my camera, but for now, there it sits.
Being outside, I didn’t have a ceiling to bounce the light off, so I brought my boys a little closer to the garage and used its back wall. They hammed it up.
I really liked the way these came out. Who knew my dark backyard would make such a neat little studio?
I’m sure you’re wondering where my littlest is. He wanted nothing to do with my photos. Nada! He even told me to stop talking. He speaks in sentences, now. He didn’t start calling me mama til he turned 2 and now he’s 2.5 and tells me to stop talking. Yeah. Anyway, he only made an appearance to steal his bike from under his daddy.
We snacked throughout the evening (Andrew), had cherry empanadas (me), played video games (Nathan), and drank bubbly drinks (Jason). At 11, Nathan and I watched the ball drop in Times Square and I kissed him goodnight. When my midnight came, Jason and I were watching some old TV shows (like, 2009 old!;), so we paused, had a kiss, then resumed. It is 1:30 and I left J to watch some revision3 episodes downstairs (yay internet tv on the big screen! we’re he’s a nerd) and I am blogging.
Hello, 2011. I hope we can become great friends.
You’re incredible. I’ve had my speedlight for over a year now & still know nothing about it.
I need to start practicing more. Ugh.
doooo it! it would drive me nuts to have an accessory I didn’t drain of its potential. that sounds bad, but it’s really good.
I love these photos!! Now I may have to ask my hubby for a speedlight for my birthday, these are amazing! Sorry you started off with such a crappy night, that doesn’t make for a good New Year! We stayed in, played the PS3 with the Move system attached to it (it’s like Wii on steriods) and played until we couldn’t any longer. We only made it to 11:30 though, we knew the New Year would be there in the morning! I hope 2011 brings you happiness and success in everything you do! ♥
xoxo~Meg
oh! my night was great. It was my morning that sucked. A mellow evening made up for it, though. :)
I let the boys do the video gaming around here. I just watch and occasionally laugh at the things they say when something doesn’t go right.
Happy new year, Meg!!
Sounds like my new years. Hanging out with just my hubby seems like the funnest thing to me.
yeah! it’s really nice.
Loooove these pictures. I saw them on your flickr, and stared in awe.
(I use a lightscoop, and I’m slowly accepting the idea that taking pictures inside at night is OKAY to do, haha)
yeah! it’s really tough to get into that mindset. I’m used to only taking photos between dawn and dusk.
Happy new year! Sounds like you had a great night. Congrats on your flash – your pictures look fantastic! When I got mine, I found the articles on this blog really helpful: http://neilvn.com/tangents/. Have fun!
Happy new year!
Thanks for the tip, I’ll bookmark the site!