My premium account expired a couple of days ago, which amongst other things tells me that it's been a year since i started to upload photos to Deviantart. After a good start, I seemed to run out of steam somewhat, largely due to working long hours that didn't leave much time for getting out and about with the camera, never mind editing and uploading anything i did manage to shoot.
However, i took my first proper holiday for over a year at the end of August, and spent two weeks in Orlando, Florida. I took the camera along with me, and having the time to do some proper photography really reminded me why i got into it in the first place. Once i got home, i made the decision to try and keep the ball rolling this time, and make the effort to find time to use the camera. Also, the fact that a number of what could have been excellent shots were let down by my lack of technical ability convinced me that i also need a renewed effort at getting to grasps with the technical aspects of photography.

While my old D40 has served me well for the last three years, it is beginning to show it's age, and i'm finding myself struggling more and more with some of the capabilities that it lacks, particularly continuous shooting and any sort of low light shooting ability. The advantage of having worked so many hours for the last year is that it allows me to do something about this, and after much research, deliberation and fretting over the price, this morning i ordered myself a new D7000. Admittedly, it was painful to part with so much money, but i have to admit i'm pretty damn excited about it arriving.

With hopefully more time off in the near future, and a number of possible photo opportunities, including a number that offer something a bit different to the animal photography i have concentrated on so far, I am hoping in the next few months to capture better and more varied images.