For Photography Enthusiasts

I don't know if there are any photography enthusiasts among this blog readers, but just in case there are, here's some good news. For a limited time, Canon is offering major discounts via instant rebates on all photography equipment. I'm always on a lookout for good deals on photo gear, because let's face it, it's not cheap. Saving $100 here and there never hurt anyone. Whether you're looking for something small and simple to freeze moments in time, or  you've graduated to using a DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses, this is the best time to invest into photo gadgets. 

For example, when shopping at Adorama, a NYC store that caters to professional photographers,  Canon EOS 60D camera body is listed at $799. However, when you add it to your cart, the price goes down to $699 with FREE shipping! A EOS-7D camera body is listed at $1,399, but will show up as $1,279 in your cart. If you're buying a kit with a lens, the discount will be proportional to the higher price of a kit.

The same Canon discounts are available when shopping on Amazon. A lens which I've been eyeing for a long time (50mm F1.4 USM), but couldn't bring myself to shell out $400, is now $299. This makes me a very happy camper! 

In case you've missed out on photography 101, this is a great all purpose lens which is very useful in low-light situations where you can't use a flash (like Anthropologie stores ;-). It's also supposed to create tack-sharp images and when used wide open, a nice bokeh that lends a dreamy effect to some images. What's a bokeh? If you want the long explanation, click on the link. If you haven't got the attention span to read all about it, I'll give you the abbreviated version. Bokeh refers to a beautiful, blurry background effect combined with twinkling lights.

Here's a sample from the king of bokeh, Jose Villa.

No, ladies and gentlemen, this was not created in Photoshop. The gorgeous bokeh in this image was achieved by the master photographer through a combination of lens and camera settings. Feel free  to cry in your pillow tonight that the pictures you take don't come anywhere close to this one. I know I do.