Graduations - The Art of the Zoom

I admit that I am regularly critical of my talent, my equipment, and my drive. However, there is no arguing that it is time for me to update my lens arsenal with a new zoom lens. The one I have has travelled many years with me. A 75-300mm Canon that came in the kit with my first DSLR, a Canon Rebel XS. It's in rough shape these days. The specks reflect its age, and its body shows a decade worth of abuse.

MastersGrad-5

MastersGrad-10

Regardless, it's the only telephoto I have these days. I enjoy intimate photography, so I gravitate toward fixed lenses, short range, macro. But when it comes to events like graduations or even just going to the zoo, you have to have a nice zoom. Today was one of those occasions that I needed my ancient lens. In the end, you ant fault old equipment and you make do with what you have. I'm a photographer, and a photographer can take good photos on anything, right?

MastersGrad-18

MastersGrad-22

Today, I had the privilege to attend a Masters in Education graduation at Portland State. My sister-in-law (or better yet, my sister-in-soul) walked across the stage while her not quite 2-year-old watched in the stands. For the entirety of my nieces life, Paradie has been taking online classes, teaching, and being a kick ass mom all at once. Her determination, resolute mindset, and cool attitude is the epitome of a strong mama. Her daughter already has an amazing role model and lifelong teacher. It truly was an honor to document this milestone for Paradie and the one that will look up to her for the rest of her life.

No aged lens could stop me from capturing today's memories.

Here are some photos with my nice Sigma lens, the newest in my arsenal. Congratulations Paradie! You rock!