Capturing & creating memories with Canon.

by heirtoblair on December 5, 2011

Halloween2010 200x300 Capturing & creating memories with Canon.

I knew we would be perfect candidates for Canon’s “Your Second Shot” project. (you know that cute ad with the couple going back to Barcelona? that camera! that project!) Last year, our camera settings were off in the fading day of Halloween, creating a horrid gold cast that ruined all pictures where Doug & I are posed with Harrison. I eventually converted them to a basic black & white, but you miss the amazing color that popped from the mums last year, or the pink tail of Harry’s mouse costume, or how I painted my nose with hot pink lipstick.

The entire moment wasn’t lost, but the full story isn’t told. I hate it when that happens.

Canon graciously sent me the new Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS & I knew the perfect moment to capture – Halloween 2011 in full color. We carved pumpkins & watered mums & spread fake spiderwebbing & purchased a Captain America costume, all to create a memory that would last forever on film.

But.

Life got in the way. Family crisis & pouring rain left me alone with Harrison on the coldest, most dreary Halloween I can remember since my own childhood. The day grew darker & darker as rain pounded from the skies & we waited for Doug to get home. After Harrison crawled into bed, his third Halloween spent without a costume & trick-or-treating, I sat down on the floor in frustration. The project, lost. The evening, forgotten. Just like last year.

Doug came home & we turned off the front porch light. Some nights call for champagne & lingerie & music, but we put on comfy tshirts & crawled in bed with mugs of coffee & cider. The leftover Halloween candy was eaten as we laughed over episodes of One Tree Hill on the iPad (my Netflix choice, much to his dismay). The room was lit by one small 40-watt bulb, but I pulled out the Canon PowerShot & snapped this self-portrait, full of love.

It’s not the Halloween picture I planned or hoped for. You cannot always capture the moments, but when you capture it for a lifetime? These tiny moments? They are so much sweeter.

So thank you, BlogHer & Canon, for helping me create a Halloween memory that wasn’t orchestrated, but is so adored.

This picture made possible by Canon’s incredible new PowerShot ELPH 300 HS. With its 24mm ultra-wide lens & HS System, it is perfect for capturing low-light images without ruining the color or clarity of the shot. We own the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS & love it, so I was thrilled to test out this newer version. Verdict? It is amazing. I cannot wait to show you even more pictures that are better planned. It is also so slim & light-weight that it’s perfect for a diaper bag or clutch, to carry around as the go-to daily camera.

Canon & BlogHer supplied me with the new camera, as well as compensation for my time. They’re awesome, but the opinions & photography are mine.

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Leave a comment for the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.
Visit Your Second Shotto read other lost moment stories, and then leave a comment here sharing which is your favorite for the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!

Rules: No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here.

Sweepstakes will run from 12/5 to 12/18

For more opportunities to win, visit the Canon round-up page on BlogHer.com to read other bloggers’ reviews!

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Tagged as: BlogHer Review, Canon Camera, Canon PowerShot, Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS

{ 164 comments… read them below or add one }

Next Comments →

Gina December 5, 2011 at 10:14 am

The John’s Birthday story is so cute!

Stacy December 5, 2011 at 10:27 am

I love the Morry & Franny story.

Beth December 5, 2011 at 10:41 am

http://twitter.com/#!/Keegsmom09/status/143701385886703616

Beth December 5, 2011 at 10:45 am

The Bet was my favorite story!

aliciaf December 5, 2011 at 10:50 am

What a sweet pic. Candids are the best! Spontaneous, yet full of personality:-) please pick me!

Nicole December 5, 2011 at 11:06 am

My husband and I always talk about how we would love to go to Amsterdam and Paris with our new fancy camera. It definitely would show the details that were not captured.

Amanda December 5, 2011 at 11:35 am

http://theheirtoblair.com/2011/12/05/capturing-creating-memories-with-canon/

Amanda December 5, 2011 at 11:37 am

I would love to be able to recapture my daughter’s first birthday if that were possible. I didn’t take nearly as many pictures as I wanted to

Laura December 5, 2011 at 12:07 pm

I like the highway 1 story. I hate when you miss a great photo opportunity, but luckily we can usually get a second chance (maybe a different year, but similar circumstances).

Alena December 5, 2011 at 12:15 pm

Awww…the “Some friends you just don’t….” made me tear up a little! My absolutely favorite!!!

Therese December 5, 2011 at 12:19 pm

I second The John’s Birthday!!!

Madonna December 5, 2011 at 12:32 pm

Morry and Franny was my favorite… Sometimes with family you don’t get the chance to have that second shot…

Mami2jcn December 5, 2011 at 12:39 pm

I like “The Bet”.

Mami2jcn December 5, 2011 at 12:42 pm

tweet–https://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/143730788121317377

Emma December 5, 2011 at 12:59 pm

I tweeted this! http://twitter.com/#!/SpunkyBrooke/status/143736087418904576

Emma December 5, 2011 at 1:02 pm

The 500 Miles to Darkness story makes me sad. How disappointing to hike literally 500 miles and have your only photo of the culmination of your efforts ruined.

Rosa December 5, 2011 at 2:13 pm

I tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/rosorior/status/143754508638498817

Rosa December 5, 2011 at 2:14 pm

I like the John’s birthday.

Elizabeth December 5, 2011 at 2:17 pm

I think the Fishing Story should win. Living far away from my siblings I understand how important those few photos together can be.

April December 5, 2011 at 2:43 pm

I love the “Highway 1″ story…so sweet! My husband and I traveled the same highway on our honeymoon and it was an adventure!

alison December 5, 2011 at 2:45 pm

My son’s first 6 months. lol. our computer crashed and I lost almost every single picture I had of him.

Jacki December 5, 2011 at 2:45 pm

I also love John’s birthday.
Thanks for sharing such a sweet pic BA

MichelleG December 5, 2011 at 2:52 pm

I like Morry & Franny story.

Stephanie December 5, 2011 at 3:07 pm

I like the John’s Birthday – so sweet, cute couple.

Danielle December 5, 2011 at 3:11 pm

Being a huge fan of surprises, I loved watching the Morry/Franny story! How sweet!

Kerrie December 5, 2011 at 3:14 pm

We have a canon, but it is a few years old, would love the upgrade.

E December 5, 2011 at 3:23 pm

I’ll never forget when my husband and I took our first trip together, way back when we were first dating. I took the film to get developed (see, I told you it was a while ago) and the store ruined the pics. I cried. In the store. It was awful and I really wish I had those pictures back.

ayesha December 5, 2011 at 3:29 pm

I like the story of Liz and Ron Gerberi – so romantic! I love seeing older couples holding hands…

Hannah December 5, 2011 at 3:54 pm

The bet is my favorite…besides yours of course

Lisa December 5, 2011 at 4:02 pm

I spy no heat curls

I loved “The Postelles” story!

Suzanne December 5, 2011 at 4:08 pm

I like the ’1st to Graduate College’ story. We have the same story of my husband’s graduation and the same bad photos!!

Nichole December 5, 2011 at 4:30 pm

Love the John’s birthday story, tough to pick there are so many good ones.

courtney b December 5, 2011 at 4:31 pm

the Barcelona story is my favorite!:) inspiring!

courtney b December 5, 2011 at 4:31 pm

http://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/143789627822718976

Becky December 5, 2011 at 4:36 pm

Glad you made the most of it!

Shannon December 5, 2011 at 4:40 pm

90th birthday strikeout is amazing! Made me laugh out loud…

grace December 5, 2011 at 6:02 pm

http://twitter.com/#!/ourarmswideopen/status/143812162136178689

Kellyanne December 5, 2011 at 6:27 pm

The bet was one of my favorites!

Alethea December 5, 2011 at 7:00 pm

It’s a toss up btwn The Bet & John’s Birthday.

Alethea December 5, 2011 at 7:03 pm

Since I can’t get a link to work, I copied & pasted. Also, I think we used to have that same bed.

@_alethea_
Alethea
Check out my friend Beth Anne & maybe win a $100 Visa giftcard. Win/Win. theheirtoblair.com/2011/12/05/cap…

Ashley December 5, 2011 at 7:36 pm

Love Canon! Always looking for a new camera and new ways to use it. Love your blog!

jessica December 5, 2011 at 8:02 pm

john’s birthday is the best

Charlotte Anne December 5, 2011 at 8:42 pm

The 90th birthday is my favorite because it reminds me of my own Nannie who will turn 90 on 12/14, the same day that I (her granddaughter) will turn 26, and my niece (her great granddaughter) will turn one!

Charlotte Anne December 5, 2011 at 8:43 pm

I tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/meerkatsaunders/status/143852883757121536

Angel December 5, 2011 at 9:10 pm

I love the “John’s birthday” story for so many reasons! The couple is in their 80s and met online. I love it!

Megan @ Beauty&theBanker December 5, 2011 at 9:20 pm

I liked “Giggle Attack”. There are so many times I think I got a great picture (like when Dwight Howard touched my baby bump!!) only to get home and realize it’s totally out of focus!

Jenny December 5, 2011 at 9:28 pm

Johns story thanks for sharing yours!

Kathleen December 5, 2011 at 10:03 pm

The Bet is my fav! Also? I seriously LOVE Canon. Like hardcore love.

Kimberleigh December 5, 2011 at 10:50 pm

I could use a new camera!! Mine is barely functional…even when the little battery door stays closed, every single shot is just bad…and I miss so many cute toddler moments that way

Amy @ The Nifty Foodie December 5, 2011 at 11:11 pm

I love the 90th birthday strikeout! So cute!

isabelle beaudoin December 6, 2011 at 12:13 am

I love Morry & Franny. This is so the relationship with my dad, he is not an emotion shower and totally hates us giving him too much attention!

Missy December 6, 2011 at 12:55 am

“The Bet” was the best!

Doreen December 6, 2011 at 2:07 am

Aww, so sweet! The everyday, unposed photos are always my favourites, too. And I love the Morry / Franny story! Thanks for the chance to win.

Toni December 6, 2011 at 4:22 am

“the Bet” is my favorite!

Krista December 6, 2011 at 9:10 am

John’s birthday is my favorite! Love it.

robin December 6, 2011 at 9:14 am

Now that I have a snazzy DSLR I find the point and shoots harder and harder to like. I would LOVE a good point and shoot that holds up to my expectations.

Robyn December 6, 2011 at 12:57 pm

My digital camera just recently decided to up and stop working. Would love this!

Jenn Marie December 6, 2011 at 1:11 pm

That’s so cool that you got to try it out :0) I’m looking for a new camera right now … mine takes aweful photos in low light, so I’m actually hoping to upgrade to DLSR … shopping for that … and hoping santa is nice for christmas and helps me out with the funds!

Molly December 6, 2011 at 1:34 pm

Sweet story–I would love to be able to upgrade my DSLR with a new lenses so I can take photos close-up!

AndreaW December 6, 2011 at 1:56 pm

Definitely the Morry/Franny story. So sweet.

Alexandra Keller December 6, 2011 at 2:16 pm

Love the Bet story!

Lauren December 6, 2011 at 2:53 pm

The Morry/Franny story is my choice!

Lauren December 6, 2011 at 3:00 pm

I tweeted about the giveaway but my profile is set to private – @notjustarmwife

Brook December 6, 2011 at 3:08 pm

I would love a new camera. Mine doesn’t take the best pictures.

Brook December 6, 2011 at 3:10 pm

I forgot to say that my favorite was the Bet story.

Anne-Clark December 6, 2011 at 3:34 pm

I like the Highwat 1 story.

Kristen December 6, 2011 at 9:10 pm

Love the Bet story.

amy b December 6, 2011 at 9:13 pm

The bet

Kristen December 6, 2011 at 9:16 pm

I tweeted. http://twitter.com/#!/kris10mac/status/144222698078351361

Shannon December 6, 2011 at 9:28 pm

I really like the “Some Friends you just…” It struck a chord, and I voted for that one!

Jennifer Chapin December 6, 2011 at 9:33 pm

John’s Birthday was my fave Great pic btw, I can’t believe your husband doesn’t bitch when you pull out the camera…..mine does… haha

Janelle December 6, 2011 at 9:35 pm

I loved the “john’s birthday” story:)

R. Emmylou Dooly December 6, 2011 at 9:38 pm

When the camera we bought for our wedding/honeymoon crapped out last year we sucked it and and, well, kept using the dram crappy thing. Not getting any good photos. Then I bought the Canon Rebel since I needed product photos and all. Fantastic photos, not so fantastic on the dropping in your purse and taking photos on the fly. I need this slender beauty! Really. Need!

Amanda W December 6, 2011 at 9:39 pm

I like the view to remember story…. but personally I would have pictures from my honeymoon, I lost my camera on the way there

Kendra December 6, 2011 at 9:39 pm

I like the “Some Friends You Just” story the best!

Kendra December 6, 2011 at 9:40 pm

Tweet! https://twitter.com/#!/butterfly1979_/status/144229571552743424

R. Emmylou Dooly December 6, 2011 at 9:40 pm

Um…so I am slow tonight and just realized that I’m supposed to comment on the other stories. Right! So I loved “the Bet” story.

Alissa December 6, 2011 at 10:00 pm

LOVED the bet!! So awesome.

Carolyn A. December 6, 2011 at 10:11 pm

The Bet

Mommy Points December 6, 2011 at 10:29 pm

I’m with you on the unplanned moments sometimes being the best ones (er, only ones) captured on film. Love it!

Camiece December 7, 2011 at 12:45 am

I loved John’s birthday story! And I love cameras

Nikki December 7, 2011 at 12:49 am

I like The Bet!

Jennifer A December 7, 2011 at 1:22 am

I <3 johns birthday story!

Felicia Stevens December 7, 2011 at 1:28 am

I like John’s birthday

Anash December 7, 2011 at 8:35 am

My fav was the Barcelona~! Thanks for this splendid giveaway

Anash December 7, 2011 at 8:36 am

I tweeted at https://twitter.com/#!/anashct/status/144394349462044672
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Michelle December 7, 2011 at 9:18 am

Johns birthday story!
I would love to recapture my daughters birth/first couple of days. I hardly got any pictures.

amanda December 7, 2011 at 10:01 am

awesome giveaway! love john’s birthday story

Daneilia December 7, 2011 at 6:40 pm

My fave story is Ipanema beach. It’s a rude awakening when your out on vacation or spending time with family and friends and the moments you thought you captured were turned to shambles because the camera isn’t as hip as you thought it was.

Selena December 7, 2011 at 8:31 pm