August tchotchkes. It was a fairly light tchotchke month this time around. Probably because one of the biggest purchases we made was the new 70-200 Sigma Art lens, which is a pretty expensive lens. So, here’s what I got for August! Enjoy 🙂
Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change Book
I follow a lot of social justice accounts and I get most of my book recommendations through these various accounts or from another book, etc. I’m pretty sure I found this one somewhere through those lines of connection, but can’t remember exactly. I like books about personal growth, self-help, social justice, and those topics so this one sounded perfect. It’s a great read about the underrated and unappreciated work of caretaking and parenting. This book attempts to shine a light on the true value of this work and how much it requires of all of us who are doing it.
As the author suggests, we need a collective societal shift in how we view this type of labor. It’s a great read for everyone, not just caretakers. Highly recommend.
Sharpie Gel Pens
I love these pens! I grew up in the 90s when gel pen love was at an all-time high for tweens everywhere. I’m also a Virgo and very much appreciate a good office supply. These pens are super smooth and fun to write with.
70-200mm Sigma Art lens
Many weekends you can find me second or associate shooting weddings. The 70-200mm is a super common lens for wedding photography. Wedding photographers love it. It’s not my favorite, personally. It’s a really heavy lens and I only use it during weddings, which is why I haven’t purchased one until now. But, it’s a lens most people want you to have when you’re shooting with them, which makes sense. You’re able to get much closer shots during ceremony time and it’s great for trying to capture candids without getting too close to people.
I shoot with a Canon so I bought the Sigma for Canon lens, but they also have one for Nikon camera bodies. It’s cheaper than the Canon brand 70-200mm, which I’ve rented many times in the past for weddings. It is heavier, which for me is one downside. I shot with it this last weekend though and really liked it. I didn’t notice any difference in the quality between the two lenses, Canon v. Sigma.
I JUST started using this lens, but the few times I’ve used it so far, I have liked it and think it’s a good lens. It did make shooting the last wedding easier in a few ways, so it feels good to finally just go ahead and add it to my lens collection 🙂
That’s it for August tchotchkes! What were some of your favorite purchases in August? (Click here to see previous months’ posts!)