Class of 2012!

Today was my last first day of high school. It was a bittersweet moment. 

I've learned a lot in high school and will never forget the friendships I developed there, but I can't wait for college. I already have my Common App essay done. I'm looking at a wide range of schools, but hopefully I can get into my top choices and do something great while I'm there. 

But anyway, the first day of school was fine. Nothing too interesting happened. I wore a burgundy one shoulder dress and black wedges, even though it was raining all day. I wish my hair could have lasted as well as my outfit did, haha. 

My schedule looks pretty challenging, but equally as interesting. Here it is: 

1. AP Biology
2. AP Statistics 
3. Anatomy & Physiology 
4. AP English Literature 
5. Health/Physical Education
6. AP Psychology
7. Precalculus 
8. Film Analysis and Exploration

Wish me luck!  

Photography Lessons

I love photography. I always have and I always will. 

But a recent class I took led by Tod Merica (whose website is here) made my appreciation for taking photos rise to a new level. He essentially condensed a three week course into about two and a half hours, and that alone is reason enough to respect the guy.

Anyway, I learned some very simple things about cameras that I never considered before. For example, it never occurred to me to take my small point and shoot camera out of automatic mode. Even the most inexpensive cameras have a plethora of settings that you can play around with to give your photos different effects. 

I learned a lot of other stuff as well, but I can't relay all that information here (it isn't technically mine). I would, however,  recommend that any amateur photographer interested in learning more about the field take some sort of class on it. If it's a good one, you'll learn tons of valuable information and, obviously, improve your photography skills. 

My mother is looking into buying me my first DSLR camera now. I hear that the Canon Rebel series is good for beginners. 

Hopefully, one day, I'll be the proud owner of one of these!