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50mm

I’ve become a bit of a lens junkie over the past year.  It all started when my old Nikon lens (that came with the film SLR I bought about eight years ago) wasn’t working with my new D7000 Nikon.  It worked, but it took forever to get it to focus, so it was finally time for an upgrade.  Since then, I’ve bought four new lenses and just added one more…a 50 mm.  (If your curious about my camera and other lenses, you can read about them HERE.)  It’s not the one I really wanted, but this one is $130 and the one I really wanted was almost $700, so I decided I would get this one for now and upgrade later.

One reason I wanted this lens is because the aperture can open to 1.8, which is big.  That means the camera lets in more light, which is nice for interior photography where lighting is an issue.  I can also get a super shallow depth of field, which means I can compose a picture so that only one specific thing is in focus.

 

 

 

 

I love how everything “falls away” expect what I’m focusing on.   It’s just another tool in my bag that I can use as I work on becoming a better photographer.  I still have so far to go, but I can see how my pictures now are better than where they were even just a few months ago.

On a decorating note, the last three photos were taken in one of the corner cabinets in my dining room.  I used to make sure everything was arranged perfectly and symmerical, but in recent years, I’ve grown fond of a more haphazard look.  I use a lot of the stuff in there for photo shoots, so I just stick things back in where ever they fit and it seems to work.  It may be against your type A nature, but you should give it a try with your hutch, open cabinets, curios, etc.  Loosen things up a bit and see how you like it.

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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August 13th, 2026 at 1pm EST

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Paint a Pet Portrait You’ll Love

Learn to paint pet portraits in oils with confidence, even if you’re a beginner. In this new course, Marian will guide you step by step through creating expressive animal portraits filled with color, personality, and your own artistic touch. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the course opens.

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