#NikonMOMents

The MOMent that Lasted Weeks

July 12, 2015 By Lena

It’s good to be my boys.

Other than having a seriously awesome mom (yours truly), they seem to have birthday celebrations that span multiple weeks. This year, they had three parties! Honestly, their cups runneth over.

Now before you think they’re completely spoiled (they are, but not completely), there’s good reason they were afforded a few celebrations. First, Ryder had a chance to celebrate his seventh birthday at Walt Disney World, as we were there for the Social Media Moms Celebration. Of course, we couldn’t celebrate Ryder’s birthday at the most magical place on earth without including Reid, whose birthday is a mere 11 days later. So, they were both treated to a memorable birthday, Disney-style.

Upon returning home, they wanted separate parties with school friends, so we had a small shindig with a few neighbourhood buddies. And finally, my family was dying to celebrate with the boys, so we hosted a small barbecue a few weeks later.

Contractually, this is my last post for the Nikon MOMents program. Those who have been following along know that for the last year, I’ve been capturing my most special moments with family, friends and often, a good beach. However, even though this is my last “official” post, you’ll always see my Nikon MOMents, because it’s my go-to DSLR for ALL my blog posts. After all, how else could I capture delicious MOMents like this?
Looking back, I can absolutely see how my photography skills – including my eye for taking the right photograph – have improved with each successive occasion. From a summer retreat in Muskoka to Christmas dinner with my family, I’ve had the opportunity to capture high quality memories that were made possible while using the Nikon D3300, creating stunning 24.2-megapixel photos and 1080p Full HD videos with tack-sharp details, vibrant colors and softly blurred backgrounds. …

Holiday Memories, and Moments.

January 18, 2015 By Lena

One of the best things in life is when you can connect a moment to a memory. Like, the smell of coconuts and thoughts of your favourite beach vacation. Or, biting into the sweetest strawberry in the dead of winter, making you long for lazy summer days. The sounds of children giggling at the same jokes you laughed at as a child.

The moments and memories you bring together over and over again because it’s food for the soul.

Yesterday, I picked up my new glasses, which happened to be a Christmas gift from my husband (they cost him an arm and a leg, but I’m worth it). Do you love them as much as I do? It’s my first foray in handmade frames… and these happen to be handmade in Paris by Caroline Abram. Worth. every. penny. I wear glasses 90% of the time, so it’s nice to feel fabulous!
DSC_0359a As I put them on, I thought about this past holiday season, and how it always seems to fly by. Do you feel the same way? I feel like there is such a momentous build up lasting all of December (or, according to retail stores, 10 seconds after Remembrance Day ends) and then poof! December 25th happens, and it’s gone.

One of the best things about being a Nikon MOMents blogger is the reminder to capture those moments, which of course, helps to preserve the memories. And so yesterday, as I had a chance to enjoy my Christmas gift for the very first time, I once again thought about the holidays, and the food, family and love that made it special. Today, I’d love to share some of those moments with you. …

Azul Fives Hotel: Stolen MOMents

November 30, 2014 By Lena

A few months ago, I shared a fabulous little tidbit: I’m a Nikon MOMents Blogger! As such, I’ll be documenting my life (nothing new) and special occasions with my Nikon D3300 camera (very new – and exciting). Last month, I vacationed with my family in the Mayan Riviera, where we enjoyed seven blissful days in paradise.

So, beyond the obvious reasons for bringing along a DSLR camera – fabulous vacation photos, the ability to enlarge memories, crisp and clear scenic shots – why else should you release your inner shutterbug? Well, the Nikon 3300 makes it fun and easy to preserve those moments in the lifelike beauty they deserve: stunning 24.2-megapixel photos and 1080p Full HD videos with tack-sharp details, vibrant colors and softly blurred backgrounds.

(Plus, if you love sharing photos like I do, D3300 photos can appear instantly on your compatible smartphone or tablet for easy sharing with the optional WU-1a Wireless Adapter.)

But I suppose the real reason I am addicted to my Nikon for vacation photography is the ability to capture those stolen moments – the moments when the boys don’t know I’m about to take a photo; the opportunities to capture a sweet smile or a friendly snicker; the landscapes I want to preserve in my mind for years to come.

Today, I’ve love to share with you the stolen moments from my recent vacation.
Stolen MOMent #1430: Sunday Morning. Funny, it’s Sunday morning again – at roughly the same time this photo was taken – but my view today is decidedly different. Sigh. It would be heavenly to return to this balcony, to this view… if only to savour the moment a little longer. As the sun rises over the horizon, I can almost feel the humidity in the air, making my hair curl at the nape of my neck. …

Nikon MOMents: A is for Aperture

July 22, 2014 By Lena

A few weeks ago, I shared my fab news: I’m a Nikon MOMents Blogger! Over the next 12 months, I’ll be documenting my life (nothing new) with my Nikon D3300 camera (very new – and exciting). After taking in an informative training session last month, I felt ready to unleash my inner shutterbug.

Now if there’s one thing I learned from the Nikon D3300 training, it’s this: purchasing an expensive DSLR camera, and then proceeding to shoot in Auto, is likely one of the most costly mistakes you’ll ever make. It’s kind of like buying a car and not using the air conditioning, radio or power moonroof! Because if you don’t take the time to understand your new DSLR and its features, then you’re better off using your camera phone. Seriously, I mean that.

I’m guilty, of course. Last year, I purchased a DSLR camera and thought I was so-o cool. Sure, the quality of my pictures improved, but I was shooting still objects. And using the flash. And pretending like I knew what I was doing. That is, of course, until my son ran across the lawn, yelling “take a picture of me!” and as I held down the shutter in Auto (Flash Off) Mode… it returned a gloriously, über high quality, BLURRY photo.

But I spent hundreds of dollars on my camera! How rude!

And that’s why it’s great to have a kick-ass camera, but it’s equally important to know how to use it. After training, playing around, learning and being curious about the functions of my Nikon D3300 camera, I’m really starting to feel comfortable behind the lens. Today, I’m actually kind of giddy to show you how far I’ve come!

JW Marriott Muskoka Now y’all probably know that my husband and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary two weeks ago. We trekked up to the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, where we spent a few wonderful days celebrating our marriage and family. Camera in tow, I dared myself to move away from Auto to my new favourite mode, Aperture.

Ah, Aperture. Where have you been all my life?

Aperture refers to the opening of a lens’s diaphragm through which light passes. It is calibrated in f/stops, where the lower f/stops give more exposure because they represent the larger apertures, and the higher f/stops give less exposure because they represent smaller apertures. I *could* go into detail, but honestly, that’s what Google is for. All you have to know is this: Aperture mode gives you MUCH more control over the brightness, creative blur and sharpness of your photos. …

I’m Ready to Capture Nikon MOMents

June 11, 2014 By Lena

About six months ago, I purchased my very first DSLR camera. Almost overnight, my blog’s photography component went from Jennifer Lopez to Meryl Streep. Sure, I was taking better photos, but that was mainly due to the fact that I simply owned a better camera. But for the most part, I was only shooting in two settings: “Auto” and “No Flash”.

Well, what good is a DSLR camera if you don’t have the training, skills and expertise to go with it?

That’s why I’m so pleased to be working on the Nikon MOMents campaign with Mom Central Canada for the next 12 months. Today, I’m off to enjoy a full day of training, which I’m hoping will give me the confidence and knowledge to get creative with my brand new Nikon DSLR camera. So I suppose what I’m saying is… get ready for gorgeous new photography on my blog in the months to come!

So, what’s my new machinery? It’s the Nikon D3300.

Creating beautiful photos and videos has never been more fun! Life is full of surprising, joyful moments—moments worth remembering. The D3300 makes it fun and easy to preserve those moments in the lifelike beauty they deserve: stunning 24.2-megapixel photos and 1080p Full HD videos with tack-sharp details, vibrant colors and softly blurred backgrounds.

With its included zoom lens, the new ultra-compact AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II, the D3300 is a small and light HD-SLR and easy to use, too. Like sharing photos? The D3300 photos can appear instantly on your compatible smartphone or tablet for easy sharing with the optional WU-1a Wireless Adapter*!

Whether you’re creating high-resolution panoramas, adding artistic special effects or recording HD video with sound, the D3300 will bring you endless joy, excitement and memories—just like the special moments of your life.

Follow the #NikonMOMents hashtag for a great conversation about photography. Have a great day all!