Late night thoughts

I think I become the most pensive during the wee hours of the night. What's been on my mind lately is him in particular. It's been a while since I've really had an interest in anyone. These past two years in college I've been finding new hobbies and activities to keep myself occupied, learn more about myself and work towards becoming a better person in general. The funny thing about love is that when you're actively searching for it, it doesn't come. But once you feel like life is up to speed and it's all jolly and good and you could care less of if you have a boyfriend or not, life presents you with someone who may be a potential significant other. The irony, ehh?

My expectations in a future significant other have changed quite a bit from pre-college after certain things happened. I can't say that I'm angry those particular things have happened because they truly opened my eyes on what traits really make a relationship and other things I should look out for before I become any further involved.

At this current stage, I'm at the point where I'm wondering if things will progress favorably, seeing as how well we have hit it off since we met. He's respectful, funny, dependable, easy to talk to and we have quite a bit in common. He seems like the type to take things slowly, and I understand that. We haven't known each other for that long, but I felt that we've let each other into our lives to the point where we might one day question that either we're becoming very good friends or may become something more than friends. There's so much happening now for the both of us and I realize that they just might turn into the reasons that can prevent a relationship from happening. It's difficult to say right now, but I've learned from past experiences to not overthink, set unrealistic expectations, and freak out over little things. Either way, I'm ready for what happens. If we only are friends, that's alright. But if we become something more, then that's even better.

Come what may.

We aren't "owed" relationships... we earn them.

Thoughts on the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 & sample photos

For the past few days I've been shooting a lot with my new Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 lens. Besides the sometimes harsh bokeh... I have to say that it's really growing on me. The focal length is just right for everyday shooting and works fabulously indoors. Before I had really considered waiting for the 50mm f/1.8 so I could buy that instead, but after shooting in some tight situations like in restaurants, I realized that this lens is a bit more practical especially for DX bodies. I'm extremely pleased with how sharp the lens is wide open and how beautifully it renders colors.

Orchids at farmers' market | ISO 100, 1/1600s, F/1.8, Contrast levels slightly adjusted

 

Cheesecake Factory - Calamari | ISO 1600, 1/30s, F/1.8

ISO 100, 1/60s, F/1.8 with built in flash

ISO 100, 1/2000s, F/1.8

Since I'll be doing a lot of travel photography I've purchased two additional lenses, the Nikkor 55-300mm VR as well as a Sigma 10-20mm. They should serve me well for what I plan to shoot & film when I'm traveling. I only have a week left in San Jose and I am beyond excited and I can't wait to board my plane for Taiwan!!!!

Summer 2011 - Beginnings

Summer has finally started. Moving out of VDC turned out to be even more worrisome than finals, but luckily things worked out in the end thanks to some very helpful and reliable friends. Sad to say, there's too many flakers out there and I'm glad that there's still reliable people. I guess after my moving fiasco last year, I'm always surprised when I can actually depend on someone. For that, thanks you guys. :]

This summer I'm so happy to be able to study abroad in Beijing and HK to learn more about Chinese culture and how each city has evolved into important 21st century centers of commerce. I've never been to Beijing, so I'm more than excited. Despite all the city developments in the nation's capital, I'm more looking forward to traveling to the more rural and traditional parts of Beijing. I've always wanted to felt what it was like to walk the streets of old Beijing, the streets where my ancestors once walked, bought their groceries and housewares and such. People question with what I can now do with my major now that I've switched from a practical one to something that will hardly get me a job. Hard to say, since those who graduated with "practical degrees" have difficulty finding a job. Well, most of us already know that most of the time, the careers that people choose may not even be related to their majors. Aiya. Maybe I'll write more about it on another day.

But since I'll be abroad all summer, it means one thing...... lots of chances for different kinds of photography!! Landscape, architectural, portrait, street... I can't wait try them all and be able to improve my skills and learn as many new things as I can.

I'll be back to write more! Good night everyone. :]