Amongst the peonies

Concluding my blog-in-review with my most popular post ever, which was shot way back in 2016. (I’ve been on here since 2013) (1 of 5)

Fleur afloat

My second most popular post ever.  Surprisingly, three of my top five posts of all time were photographed at the same place, a nearby arboretum.

Path

My third most popular post, reblogged as part of my all-time blog-in-review.

A walk by the woods

Blog-in-Review: Fourth out of my top 5 posts of all time

Arboretum

For the third or fourth year in a row I’ve barely posted on this blog.  I’m still active on tumblr, but mostly on my bug or bird blogs.  I keep hoping to be more active here too.  In lieu of a year-in-review for 2022, I’m going to reblog my top 5 posts ever, sort of a blog-in-review.  This is #5

The very last frame I shot with my old, broken camera, and the first photo with my “new” used camera.  Thanks so much to those of you who made it possible. A special thank you to my fellow photographers from Germany, one of whom donated 3 times, every time I posted about my broken camera!  You are all so appreciated.  I can’t wait until it’s warm enough to go bug hunting again!

A Large Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus), and the kitten’s name is Parker.

Dear followers, I need your help.  If you have ever considered leaving me a tip, I need it now.

As you can see from the images above, there is a problem with the shutter on my camera.  A very expensive problem.  Unfortunately the repair will cost $375-$400 (The same in Euros right now), and in the post-pandemic economy I just do not have that kind of money in my budget.  I’m still using the camera, but half expect the shutter to give out all together any day now. And honestly, since the camera was bought used, it might be more realistic to buy another used camera body rather than sink that kind of money into the repair.

I have happily spent my money to keep this blog going over the years.  Macro lenses, memory cards, exterior hard drives, a replacement camera body, but as costs go up in this economy, my fun money has disappeared.  If there is any way anyone out there can afford to send me a tip right now, it would be so appreciated.  This blog has kept me sane through the pandemic, has taught me so much, and gets me outside for exercise.  I love sharing my finds with all of you.

I’ve been stalling on posting this, because I don’t like asking for help, but in that time you can see that the problem is getting worse.  The light leak is longer, brighter, and there is now black in the bottom right corner.  I’ve been trying to keep my subject in the top left corner and hoping that I can crop the image to get an acceptable photo.  Any and all tips will go directly to camera equipment to be used for my blogs.  Thank you so much. - Celeste

TLDR: My camera is broken and I can’t afford to fix or replace it.  Any tips would be appreciated.

Originally posted to my bug blog, but I use the same camera for this blog too.  Thank you for any help.  - Celeste