Thursday, December 31, 2009

Instrument of Choice


(Taken with a Canon SD 600 during finals week. Studying on the beach was a bright idea!)

A few more days until I leave for my volunteer trip to South America. I have been thinking about which camera to take. So many options these days, and there are benefits to digital and manual.

I could take the Canon SD 600. It's reliable, compact, and has good resolution. 6.0 megapixels.

I would like to take the Nikon D40. It's a handy-dandy digital SLR with the basic features. 6.1 megapixels. I haven't used it that much so this would be a great chance for me to practice.

Nikon manual slr is also a great option. My dad bought one a few decades ago, and I enjoyed using it when I took my photography class. It's fun to play with aperture and lens.

And then there is the ultimate instrument of choice: a disposable camera. I love how easy they are to use, and the results I get from the photo lab is always a fun surprise.

Decisions, decisions... I am tempted to get a Holga camera. Ever since my photography teacher explained how light gets into the film and creates amazing photos, I have been keeping an eye on the Holga. But I should get more usage out of the cameras I have before I embark on another purchase.

What would you suggest? Nikon, Canon, or Funsaver?

Monday, December 28, 2009

Siem Reap, Cambodia

I had a wonderful opportunity to volunteer abroad in Siem Reap, Cambodia with a NGO. The first time I went with Alternative Breaks in May 2008. It definitely opened my eyes to the world outside my hometown. I met warm-hearted Khmer locals, and I enjoyed sharing our different cultures. Siem Reap is developing fast, and the Khmer work hard to provide for their family. But they also take the time to relax and share laughs with their friends and family.

Below are photos from my trip back to Siem Reap in May 2009.







Friday, December 25, 2009

Happy Holidays


Merry Christmas! A bamboo Christmas tree adorned with hand-decorated ornaments.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Silencio

Good morning. I started this photography blog to share my thoughts. I hope you find the photos uplifting and inspiring. I will share photos that I have taken as well as photos from other artists that leave an imprint in my memory.

Here are some photos that I took on a five-day silent retreat.



I have remained silent about several issues. But through reflection, God gave me a voice. My spiritual director was able to guide me, and the whole community was able to help me as well.





I was amazed at how time quickly flew by as I walked around and took notice of the small details.







At the retreat in Malibu, there were little pieces of tile scattered throughout the walkways. I found them to be ambiguous yet beautiful.







On the last day, the sprinklers came on, which created a clarifying and pure atmosphere. So I took a picture of the reflection created from the water.



This experience has allowed me encounter God's unconditional love. I used to think I had to earn His love, but now I know that it is given to each and every one of us. Amazing.