Sadly, I haven't updated this blog in quite a while... Surprisingly, a lot has evolved in my photography, especially the gear. I bought myself a Canon 30D, moving myself into the SLR range, which allows more control on the pictures I take. Here's my gear list for reference:

-Canon 30D (with 2 2GB memory card and a spare battery, which is never needed :)
-18-55mm 4-5.6 kit lens (IQ actually not that bad, a bit depressed about distortion while wide open)
-50mm 1.8 (a true bargain lens. Excellent color, excellent IQ)
-75-300mm 4-5.6 (faded colors, average IQ, a pretty basic lens with telephoto range)
-70-200mm 2.8IS (WOW. a true workhorse, raises the bar very high, expect more L lenses from now on!)
-Canon 580EX2 flash (I finally faced he act that no low aperture lenses are good enough for evenings/indoors, and no basic flash looks "truly" natural)
-B+W 77mm MRC circular polarizing filer (for 70-200mm). I also have some basic UV filters, but am changing my mind about them. Why install a crappy peice of glass in front of an expensive lens that is so expensive because of it's image quality? It's like shooting through a window.
-Manfrotto 679 monopod with 234RC head (great for cars and sporting events. Other models are more compact, but this is a good value).
-Manfrotto 3021PRO tripod with 322RC2 head. Big and heavy, but solid and goes up to eye height before the vertical extension. Head is great to use, but does take up a lot of room.

Now for some pics... These are generally some of my best efforts over the last year...