My "thrifty 50.....mm"!

I got myself a new lens.  Yup.  A 50mm 1.8.

I took it with us to Chicago and used it here and there when it seemed most appropriate.  Like the pictures at the indoor pool in the evening.  And the Children's Museum.   And Shedd Aquarium since the lighting in there was horrible and they wouldn't let you use a flash.

For the price, you can't beat not having to use artificial light the flash provides.  And I'd like to think that I'm able to get much better shots in certain situations.  I love the depth of field it provides!

Anyway, I read this great article I saw on Pinterest about getting better shots of a toddler.  With Sean running around and moving constantly, I can't get great pictures of him looking at the camera anymore.  In fact, getting a huge smile on his face while looking at the camera is a rarity.  I'm usually in a squatting position, trying desperately to focus and set the settings quickly, and then poof!  He's gone!

Last night, Scott was trying to keep Sean happy and entertained while I cooked dinner.  They were in the living room, on the couch, while it was storming outside, and I was able to put the thrifty 50 to work and capture these shots.  I had the overhead fan and light on, so it wasn't the most natural light, but it still gave us some good ones:

• The article had said to wait for the opportune moment, like when they're watching Bubble Guppies, so they would be sitting still long enough to get close to them.

• I came back a few minutes later and Scott was reading new library books we had picked up that afternoon to Sean...and it was adorable.  Another moment when Sean wouldn't notice me there snapping away because the "red cruck" was more exciting than mama.

I can't wait to take the lens out tonight during that "golden hour" to see what it can do with some phenomenal natural lighting.  We're planning on going to Music in the Park so I'm hoping they'll be some great moments to capture...

All in all, it was $100 well spent.