Camera Comparison & Shop Goodies

by | Feb 3, 2014 | Favorite Finds, Photography | 28 comments

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Okay, I love winter and snow, but I’m done with it this year.  I’ve had enough and I’m ready for spring.  I’m sure I’m not alone in that sentiment.  We had another snow day today and more ice and snow in the forecast!  All was going pretty well today until I had a Skype call with my retailers who were in a training class in Las Vegas.  My boys decided that was the perfect time to play tug-of-war with a broom.  I got the giggles over the awkwardness of wrestling a broom away from them on camera, so it was tough to give them a “mommy’s serious” face to make them behave.  I confiscated the broom and as I was putting it in the other room, my boys entertained the retailers with potty humor.  Yeah, that was awesome.  Very professional.  Welcome to my world.

Between the Hess truck battles and games of Stack the States, I got about twenty new items listed in the online shop.  And you ladies are amazing.  I would list something and refresh the page and it was already sold.  If you missed out, don’t worry, I will be listing more!  Here are some of the things that sold today…

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As I said, most things are sold out, but I did list Miss Mustard Seed tees and my new MMSMP tees in the shop as well as autographed copies of my book and those are still in stock, if you’re interested.

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I did keep a few pieces I bought last week for myself, including this little ironstone piece…

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…and a little silver-handled brush.

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But, I’m selling more than I kept, so more will be listed soon.

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As I’ve been pulling up pictures I took a few months ago to use for various posts, I have noticed a big difference in my pictures since I got my Nikon d800.  I had been shooting with a d7000 for a few years.  Here’s a picture I took of my bedroom a couple of days ago…

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…and one I took with my d7000 shortly after we finished our bedroom.

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It’s the same space, obviously.  Same lighting.  Same software used to edit it (Lightroom).  But with the d800, the white balance is so much better and the picture is sharper and more vibrant.

So, I thought I would share that for those who are considering an upgrade…

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    28 Comments

    1. kristin

      And I suppose I should not even mention how your kids will have a longer year, ha? We have 4 extra days built in to our year already so we are good for 1 more day in our district. I am hoping for a snow day Wednesday (?) as the snow won’t hit until later on Tuesday.Only 1-3″ expected but here in MO that can be enough. And strange–I always imagined PA as a “snow” state that could handle the snow. Amazing the difference in the camera! Your bedroom is really so gorgeous. It may be my favorite room. I am finishing up mine. Waiting on the upholstered Carlisle in brownstone ticking fabric from PB. They had made it slipcovered (ugh!) but refunded me all of the shipping and surcharge for two items ($232)! Luckily I caught the mess up well before delivery when they called to deliver the desk. Slipcovering a parsons chair for the desk in one of the Decor Steals fabrics. Can’t wait to paint a table in MMSMP (Boxwood), add boxwood, artwork, and sew up some large buffalo check euros in Acorn. Yummy!!! Isn’t it fun?!

    2. Yuko @ northfield gate

      We are anticipating a snow day on Wednesday here in upstate NY too, and I’m hoping that won’t happen. Having two little boys stuck in the house, bored is a lot of work for mommy. Thank you for sharing the camera info. I currently use Cannon, but I might switch over to Nikon in the future. Any camera information like this is very much appreciated!

    3. Paula Lusk

      So sorry you all in the northeast are having such bad weather. It seems that the weather affects our moods and energy.
      I was really surprised at the difference in the color and clarity between your old and new cameras. Good buy.
      Oh, I meant to leave a message about your tutorial you put up last week. Very professional looking. Blessings Paula

    4. KC

      Any suggestions as to be informed sooner when you list items in your shop to have a slim chance of purchasing an item? Sign up for email? Much appreciated!

      • Anna @ A Good Home

        Try following her on Instagram. She’s been posting there right after listing things, so I’ve been able to catch the shop when only a couple things are sold out, rather than everything!

    5. Talitha

      We’ve had some snow days in Georgia, the kids were soooo excited! And Mommy is soooo glad the snow is gone again! Was nice to have some ‘home-time’ though. Thanks to your inspiring blog and book I’m now learning to sew!!! Who would have thought?!! Learning all kind of interesting things, such as; you can sew curtains in a straight line, but the floor might not be straight :-). Hope you can make the most out of your snow days too!!
      Thank you for your jute rug update yesterday. The shedding has been a small nuisance, but o yes, our jute rug has soul. The word in our house (the one my husband has finally accepted) is ‘character’. So shedding or not, our jute rug has character and is a keeper!!!

    6. Anna @ A Good Home

      Holy cow! That comparison between your photos is staggering! What a difference.

      I think I may treat myself to something from your shop for my bday in March. Keep on listing, mmmmkay? 😉

    7. Teresa

      I hear you… I am sick of winter too. Even here in central VA we’ve had enough. I am eagerly awaiting Spring and hoping that little fuzzy critter “Phil the Groundhog” is wrong for once.

    8. Cindy

      Wow! That is an AMAZING difference in photos!

      CIndy

    9. BrocanteuseRose

      Wow what an amazing difference!

      My V-day gift this year is going to be a camera. So far I use my iphone for all my pictures (shame) so I am really looking into what everyone is using and what works the best. Thanks for sharing!

    10. Tina Stone

      I hear ya about the winter weather! So ready for spring. But, I usually use the winter months to work on inside projects. So far, because of your inspiration, I have painted my den, installed baseboard and trim, milk painted an antique desk, hung my collection of ironstone, and recovered two chairs using your tutorials!! I love spring, but I am also loving the progress I have made inside my home. Thanks for kicking my backside and keeping me motivated!

    11. Tina

      So would you recommend your new camera for amateur or do you think it’s too complicated . If so what would you recommend for the beginner who wants the best pictures they can get with limited skills?

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        No, I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner. It’s not that it’s hard to use, but it’s a big investment. I think something like a refurbished D50 or D7000 would be much better to start with and then you can upgrade when you feel you’ve outgrown that gear.

    12. Tina

      How exciting how fast you shop sells out, I know you are too modest to see it but you are a celebrity of sorts. 🙂 do you think your stuff would sell if you just listed it anonymously? I don’t know but once you posted about your favorite decor books and I went to Amazon and a book that was 2.99 the day before was now going for 80.00. Lol I don’t mean this in a negative way I just mean you should be proud that so many value your taste and opinion so highly. 🙂 good job!

    13. Dee Lansing

      I do so understand a frustrating day. I wonder if you will allow me a request for help? I am trying to advance our shop a level to be able to ship to customers. Our tables are very heavy. About 80 pounds as they have iron bases. I called fedex and ups no joy. Cant track on grayhound. Any suggestions ladies?….

      Thanks so much for letting me vent and ask for help

      Dee

    14. Maryse d'Argence

      Très joli décoration, j’aime bien les plats en guise de tête de lit, c’est original.
      Je te souhaite une douce soirée
      Amitiés de France

    15. Tina

      Thanks for the camera advice, I know you know your stuff, you photos have always been nice but your recent photos have been beautiful art quality ! I am sure you have blogged about it but are you completely self taught or did you take any classes or maybe a mentor ? I am just in awe of your photography. Is there anything you aren’t good at ? 🙂

    16. Carla

      Snow day today in the greater Kansas City area. We already have probably 3 or 4 inches. Prediction is up to 10. I am so over this winter. But it is a powdery snow and I went out to do a first pass shoveling and you can push it off with a broom right now.

    17. Sharon H

      i have a suggestion about the shop selling out so quickly.

      What if you were to set a date when x-amount of things would be available and let everyone know to expect it. Then after midnight…like 1201….it would be fair game for all. Or at 0600 the morning of…..easy enough to do.

      Just a thought.

    18. Kristi

      Hey Marion,
      I was thinking of listing one of my prints in the wall art catagory of the mustard seed pages but I’m not sure how to do it? You know, I could just wait for my tech wizard husband to get home from work, but I’m so impatient and I thought I’d try and impress him with listing it on my own. Thanks! 😉 z

    19. Lorraine Nolte

      Hi Marion,
      I was wondering if you were going to sell the daily bread plate? I hope that all is well.

    20. Lee

      The difference in those shots is amazing, I bought the D7100 as I couldn’t afford the one you have bought, I hope I didn’t make a mistake, I guess if I really get into it I can upgrade one day but for now I have to make good. I think I need a course to help me though as I am struggling at times to get the shots I want. I will look into the editing programme you use.

      I love the tassle brush you have hanging up its gorgeous, so is the ironware dish and lovely lid.

      Lee

    21. Jelena

      That’s what I get for spending a long shift at work! I missed you listing items in your shop again. Oh well… Maybe I’ll be home one of these days to pounce as soon as you list.

    22. Sherill

      Just got your book today…LOVE it:)

    23. Kathy d

      Wow what a difference! Thanks for showing us. I am ready for some warmer weather also, just a few days would help. Love your stuff as always!

    24. Gloria Kimball

      Did I miss the clock with the bell on the top?

      True confessions. I have become “that girl”. You know, the one that keeps MMS logged in and checks the shop on breaks and at lunch! LOL

      Thanks so much for the online shop. Love it when you go shopping and come back with treasures. I have learned a lot from the listing. , Getting a better sense of what I love. Those tureens with legs. sigh…… and what is it about a grain sack? the texture? Simplicity? Love them.

      Purchased my first grain sack last year at Market Days. I came home and made pillows before the day’s end. Think I am ready for more linens to try my hand at a bolster.

      Heading up to PA for a birthday celebration this weekend. Maybe there will be time for a spin through a few shops.

      Thanks for the journey. We are learning, inspired and loving our homes.

    25. Linda

      Well, that pesky Poxy Phil…our very own name for him this year said 6 more weeks just days ago! Thankfully the girls were back in school today. Like your changes and boldness. My project for these days is not nearly as creative. It is to work on blog building, a good activity since I was perfectly content to sit at home in the heat. May the snow melt sooner!

    26. Jan Mcguirk

      I finally have before and after photos of a first time refinishing job I did on my parents French Provencial bed room set.
      I would love to share the before and after of the 6 drawer dresser. Is that too much? 🙂
      Jan McGuirk
      Siloam Springs, Ar

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