Guus Bosman

Last year around this time I started thinking about purchasing a DSLR. I spent many hours researching the various types of cameras, lens systems and products and every time I'd discover something better and cooler or read something in an on-line review. So ultimately I had figured out what kind of camera I 'wanted' and the total price of the camera and lenses was absolutely ridiculous. After a couple of days I came back down to earth and set my eyes on a nice starter's camera, a Canon 400D. But, I knew myself, so I decided to wait a little. I had been running for many months by then, and started considering running a race. I combined the two goals, and told myself that I could purchase the camera in April after running the Raleigh Rocks, my first half marathon.

April came I and ran the half marathon and thoroughly enjoyed it... and sure enough: I didn't really long for the camera anymore. The Wall Street Journal has column about this.

After our wedding, and going through the pictures etc, we started thinking about a DSLR again. Wouldn't it be nice to have a good camera and take beautiful pictures? I now have my eyes on the replacement model of the camera we were thinking about a year ago, the Canon 450D.

But, truth be told: taking pictures is nice, and it's cool to have a great camera, but I don't think it's the perfect hobby for me. A week ago I went for a run on Duke campus in the evening and I saw a guy there with a nice camera, a big bag of equipment and a tripod, taking a -surely beautiful- night picture of a building. And I thought: that could be me. And would I have more fun taking that picture than running here? No way!

I realize that running gives me a lot more satisfaction than taking pictures can ever do.

I'm sure that one day we'll get a nice Canon DSLR. But there's no rush, especially in this economic climate. So, Tuesday I signed up for Raleigh Rocks 2009 and that will be my goal for the coming months.

Sky above Durham. January 24th, 2009.