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Disclosure: Post and giveaway sponsored by XFINITY, but all opinions are my own. Please see below for additional disclosure! As always, thank you for supporting the partnerships that keep Kelly in the City up and running.
Besides my engagement ring, my camera is undoubtedly my most prized possession. I started shooting when I was in middle school, and used an old Canon AE-1 film camera that my dad and I purchased from a used photography equipment store in town. I loved that thing. I spent hours photographing flickering candle flames; strands of pearls I found in my mother’s jewelry box; flowers, leaves, and blades of grass; and my very lazy black labrador, who was quite content sitting around while I practiced on him. ;) My middle school had a darkroom, too, so I signed up for its photography class… and learned how to remove film from my camera in a pitch-black room so as to not expose the film to light; how to use an enlarger and manipulate my prints during exposure; and how to use chemicals like developer, fixer and stop bath.
It was really cool. I remember telling Dad that I wanted to quit school and become the next Annie Lebovitz.
Ha. ;)
A bit has changed since then. I went from using the Canon AE-1 to a ton of different digital SLR cameras (so much less work!): the Nikon d40x, d90, d300, and now the d610. (My first full-frame!) And while I never became “the next Annie Lebovitz,” haha, I still adore photography.
Like I said, my camera is my most beloved possession, and certainly the tech product that’s changed my life the most. I couldn’t live without it! When I shoot, I feel alive–as dorky as that sounds. It allows me to document my life and family and friends, capture beauty that would otherwise go unnoticed, appreciate little moments, and run this little blog.
Side note: A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about how my camera had an unfortunate accident with cement. (My fault. I forgot that I had the thing wrapped in my jacket, and literally flung it across Tommy Bahama’s back room.) I can’t even tell you how heartbroken I was. There were TEARS. Over a camera. (Get your priorities straight, Kelly.) But I’m happy to report that my little guy is doing so much better! And while he still probably requires a trip to the camera repair store–I brought him in right before our trip to OC, but the staff understandably couldn’t promise a two-hour turnaround time–he’s alive. (Anthropomorphizing my camera again, haha.)
So… happiness!
Anyway, two things:
1. I’m thinking about starting to do photography posts. Do you guys have any interest in seeing something like that on Kelly in the City? And if so, what topics would you like me to cover?
2. I’m teaming up with Xfinity to give away a $100 Amex gift card today! Because who couldn’t use a little extra money to put towards a “dream tech purchase”? (One day, I’m totally going to own my my dream camera!) To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment in the comment section below. What tech product has changed your life? What tech product could you not live without?
Comcast and Xfinity are definitely aware of the fact that technology is always evolving, and there’s so much coming–much of which we’ll one day wonder how we lived without. In today’s tech-driven world, it’s all about being fast – faster than the competitors, fast enough to get it all done, fast enough to leave you some free time. Which is why Comcast recently announced it will begin offering Gigabit Pro, a new residential internet service that offers speeds at two gigabits per second.
The new speeds are at least double what any other provider can provide. You’ll be able to download multimedia files in 60 seconds, HD movies in 20 seconds, and full music albums in less than a single second. With this change, XFINITY has increased their speeds 15 times in the past 13 years–a showing of dedication to the future of technology!
The speedy service will launch in Atlanta, California, Chattanooga, Chicago, Colorado, Houston, Knoxville, Miami, Nashville, NW Indiana, Portland, Twin Cities, Utah and Washington state, and it’ll be available to about 18 million homes by the end of the year. (More homes in more neighborhoods than any other network!) While you might think you don’t need these Internet speeds right now, the point of the new 2 gbps speed is to build up infrastructure for the future, when these fiber-run networks will be the norm. (So exciting!) For more info, visit the site.
XFINITY partnered with bloggers such as me for their Fast Life program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about any product mentioned in these posts. XFINITY believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. XFINITY’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.
Edit: Winner will be announced on August 1st!
The tablet has changed my life: so easy to use, small and easy to take with you to work, and out and about during your day, keep you organized. I don’t have a smartphone, but if I did, that would be the electronic I probably could not live without. Thanks for the chance to win :) jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
The “phablet” has changed my life. I love being about to carry books, music, a camera and telephone with me all in one small device.
I think I would have to say my iPhone; I love having many aspects my life so centralized and easy to access. It would be hard to live without it for sure!! Thanks for featuring this and the chance to win!
Ooh! Don’t have fancy tech products unfortunately. My laptop is complete garbage and never got an ipad or camera so I have to say my iphone, can’t live without it!!
I think technology is amazing and there are so many products that I’m thankful for. Right now, though, I couldn’t live without my iPhone and FaceTime especially. My Dad has cancer and he’s in the hospital 5 1/2 hours away from home. My Mom is with him. I’m home taking care of the pets. We’re a very close family and it’s difficult to be apart, especially during this difficult time. It’s so nice to be able to FaceTime!
While I love my iphone and could definitely never live without it I recently got an Apple TV that I am in love with! It make watching netflix and ABC apps so easy in my bedroom where I can’t get cable.
I’m kind of old-fashioned. I love my laptop! I couldn’t do without it.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
Definately my smart phone.
I could not live without my laptop! I use it every day!
I think the tech product that has changed my life and can’t live without is my phone. Because of the ever-evoliving apps and capabilities of smart phones, I feel like I could lose everything else and still be fine if I have my iPhone handy! Really pretty camera btw!
goodtomicha.com
Laptop has changed my life. I could not live without it in every way.
I could not live without my laptop. I use it constantly for school and for personal use and i would be lost without it
My Canon Rebel TI Camera is 100% my favorite.
xx. The Coastal Confidence
http://the-coastalconfidence.com/
Oh definitely my smart phone, how did I used to navigate without it?!
Kristina does the Internets
My android phone has changed my life. I am always looking up information when I am out with my family, or calling people or even just taking pictures of my kids. I could not live without it.,. or my life just wouldn’t be as convenient.
Kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
I think as a blogger it’s really important to have a quality camera for all of life’s moments. My most prized electronic purchase is my macbook, I use it everyday!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
Amazing!
I am absolutely blessed to have my ipad! It’s been a lifesaver, especially during college. Perfect for on the go reading, music, blogging, and taking photos.
thsixthdisneyprincess.blogspot.com
I could not live without my cell phone, it has changed how i interact with everyone
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite is definitely my phone! It’s so great to be able to keep everything I need to stay organized and connected in one spot!
The smartphone has changed my life. I can get so much done when I am on the go. I can’t live without it.
elena150980 at yahoo dot com
My fit bit flex – got me to loose weight :) cindygaarder at gmail.com
First, I would love to read photography posts! I was an Art major in college and focused on photography, but since it wasn’t specifically a photo degree/at an art focused school, I’m always looking to learn more.
That being said, my Canon 60D is my baby and I totally would have cried too (actually, I did cry when my Canon XSi died. I was completely devastated and felt lost without a camera). I could not live without it! I don’t get to use it as often as I like, but whenever I shoot I do feel alive too :) My absolute dream lens is a 70-200 f/2.8!
The smartphone. I can go anywhere and still be connected to work and home. I couldn’t live without my phone!
I couldn’t live without my laptop. I use it everyday! Honestly I think it would be easier to go a week without my phone.
It would be really hard to go without my laptop these days. I’m always checking things on it.
It’s such a hard decision, but I definitely don’t think I could live without my laptop at this point. It’s just amazing the technology they’ve come up with thus far! I am able to digitally store all my photos (over 45,000), talk to family and friends all around the world, and even remotely log into my work computer if I want to work from home. It’s amazing!
Thanks for the great giveaway! :)
I think my smartphone has changed my life the most. I am connected no matter where I go through wi-fi, or a mobile network. It saves me lots of money through various apps, provides me directions, allows me to work on-the-go, and so much more!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
I would have to say my home computer. It’s what I use most and is how I stay connected to friends and family who live far away.
cshell090869 at aol dot com
I think the tech product that changed my life is my iPhone. It lets me keep in touch with my family, document fun events when I forget my camera, surf the internet and read my favorite blogs such as “Kelly in the City” and most importantly track my son’s blood sugars through his awesome Dexcom app.
My Kindle has changed my life – I love being able to bring all of my ebooks with me as I travel (which I do quite a bit of).
My iPhone has changed my life. I love how easy it makes to organize my work and personal life, even while I’m on the go. *fingers crossed*
Yes. I think a series on using a real camera would be engaging and interesting. I take a lot of photos with my iphone, and they turn well but not as good as if I was using a DSLR
My first smartphone was a blackberry, and it changed my life having email and internet access 24/7. However, I have since upgraded to an iPhone, and could not live without it. I use it to take all my pictures, for all my navigation, and to connect to all my social media!
I’d have to agree with it being my camera. I use to have an old 35mm camera that I was in love with, but my house was broken into and the thieves took that (I’m assuming thinking it was a DSLR). I know have a DSLR, but I do miss the days of film.
My phone has changed my life for better and for worse lol. I know I couldn’t live without it though. aes529 at gmail.com
This makes me sound old, but the PC is what changed my life. It led me to a career in high tech that has kept me happily employed for 15+ years.
What a beautiful camera! I would have to say my MacBook Pro changed my life. It makes my college career so much easier and so much easier to take notes. I am much more prepared now- but this was a huge purchase. I need a camera- your dream camera is like amazing looking! starla.bates@yahooDOTcom
I definitely could not live without my DSLR as well! The best way to capture the moment forever.
My DSLR for sure!! I can go without a phone, tablet, computer. But take my camera away and I am lost. vandenbossche3@hotmail.com
My laptop is my best tech.
Switching from the old school flip phone to my smartphone changed things greatly..I can’t even imagine still having a phone that was well, just a phone! I use it every single day and see it as a necessity.
prettyinhotpink6 at gmail dot com
My Macbook. That thing is a trooper. It has come back from the dead twice thanks to the Applestore!
My iPhone definitely changed my life! I went from a junky little flip phone that could barely keep a call to a device that can pretty much do anything. I would be lost without it.
clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com
Definitely the iPod. I love music and being able to listen to music on the go is probably one of the best things that can happen. It has made running and exercising a lot easier. It has made my train and airplane rides much more enjoyable. It has made long road trips more entertaining. It has made walking to class easier. Without music, all of these little things in life would not be as enjoyable.
annie.nguyen528@gmail.com
My tablet has changed my life because I use it on a daily since I am enrolled in school and finishing up my MBA. I am constantly on it checking my email and looking up research. :)
My Fitbit! Although I do not obsess over reaching 10,000 steps/day I love the buzz when I’ve reached my daily goal. It definitely helps me stay motivated to be as active as possible.
My Nikon DSLR, just like you!, has changed my life – being able to capture moments and memories with such ease, so that I can remember them with clarity throughout my life!
I hate to admit it, but I think my iphone has had the biggest impact on my life!
Technology has changed the way that I teach in my classroom. I am able to write the notes for the day on my interactive board and then post them for the class to use later on their ipads. My students are able to use their ipads to graph different equations on desmos (graphing calculator app) and to have great discussion by using apps like socrative student. I love using technology in my classroom and relating better to the students!
My MacBook Air has changed my life. Before I had a bulky white laptop that was great but so heavy. I receive my new laptop for a grad school grad gift and it has made travel and working so much easier. It is so light, I can work a coffee shop and or while I’m visiting friends! I definitely could not live without my phone. It literally does everything for me (except my calendar, I’m old school with paper and pen :) ). I would be lost without it!
My phone is what I could not live without…it is my camera,and my tablet…it pretty much is my key to the outside world. That is a little sad…ha!
I could not live without my new HP laptop I received this past Christmas. I am still learning all it’s uses but I definitely could not live without it.
I would have to say an iPhone changed my life. I was able to keep so much data with me in my pocket. Don’t need a planner, calendar, calculator, photos, notepad or other things in my purse anymore. Having the internet so available is also soooo helpful. It’s helped me become more organized. Is that sad? lol
turtleemiwee(at)hotmail(dot)com
I think my laptop has been life changing…. I am constantly lugging it around checking out social media, blog posts, and recipes! I’m still convinced there are some things that you just can’t do on a tablet that you can on laptops! haha
My smartphone has changed my life . I could not live without my gps.
I couldn’t live without my Lenovo yoga. That mighty little tablet contains by life. I take it everywhere with me! I use it as a laptop, camera, video recorder, phone, Skype, work device, “virtual gym”, and so much more!
I would have to say my iphone. It is like my right hand..schedule, photo album, and much much more.
I am on my laptop every single evening so I would so that :)
YES to the photography posts! Really anything– maybe a different post on each “main” feature (exposure, diffusion, etc.?). And I definitely rely on my DSLR and MacBook… still learning how to use both to their full capabilities (ha) but they have completely changed my life, especially because of blogging!
I couldn’t live without my smartphone! I didn’t know what I was missing when I still had a flip phone. I do my banking through an app now and I love checking my email easily on the go.
I wish I could say otherwise, but it’d probably be my iPhone. I remember when you had to know where someone was to get hold of them, and I still remember my best friend’s home phone number, but I got a plain cell phone in high school (before they realized that phones could be distractions in school), and it’s amazing as they’ve changed how much information is suddenly at our fingertips. Granted, it’s also killing my ability to navigate without the maps.
I could not live without my smartphone and honestly for the longest time I was anti owning one! It makes me stress less when out because I can check emails and it means I am able to take pictures of my kids and send to family overseas immediately
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
My iPod touch is the one tech thing I can’t live without. I manage my Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Poshmark accounts mainly through my iPod touch. Plus, it’s pink!
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
My ipad! I watch movies on it, tv shows, and use it several times a day.
My cell phone. I wouldn’t know what to do without it. It has my calendar, birthday reminders, e-mail, etc.
My phone has changed my life. How did I ever find my way anywhere before?
My smartphone changed my life and I can’t live without it because I often need to stay connected on the go.
I would love to see more photos, especially of unique finds.
I could not live without my laptop. It’s got everything I need!
I can’t live without my iphone.
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
I would say the kindle has changed my life. I didnt like carrying heavy books during my commute, but a tablet is much easier. I can now read anywhere.
My smart phone has changed my life. I can take pictures of my kiddos, surf the internet on the go, and text/email friends and family. jj250@aol.com
Definitely my laptop !
I use it all the time ! Emails, movies, internet… love it !
redaurelie(at)gmail(dot)com
I think as I’ve grown and technology has changed, every product I’ve owned has changed my life in some way. Starting with my first computer in middle school teaching myself how to use photoshop (ps. still don’t really know what the heck I’m doing) to the MiniDisc player (had to be the different kid refusing to get a discman) and then the iPod, which was my most prized possession for quite sometime. The iPhone was the device that made me actually want a cellphone, my macbook gave me the freedom to take my computer where ever I needed, and my first DSLR with a remote and a tripod that allowed me to start my blog, because it would be many years before I ever felt comfortable enough asking for help with outfit photos, but I learned lots of valuable things about photography, with the most patient model, myself.
Chic on the Cheap
the wireless battery charger for all devices has changed my life! i dpnt leave the house without a wireless charger! My battery always runs down by the evening and having a charger ready on hand is always a safe bet wherever ypu are!
contact email: alyssabubbleteax3@gmail(dot)com
I definitely can’t live without my iPhone. Typical comment but it’s the truth LOL
I would say my iPad because on long commutes back and forth to the city it’s a lifesaver!
I would love to see photography posts! Especially on what lenses you use/how to edit photos. And I definitely couldn’t live without my iPhone!
Kate // This Side of Paradise
My phone has changed my life and is something that I would rather not go without.
dlatany at gmail dot com
The smartphone has definitely changed my life. We had a blowout on the interstate this week and it was so easy to find the closest tire shop and get directions. Such a life saver!
Laptop! Connects me with the world!
My smart phone was the game changer – travelled for work and it kept boarding passes, maps, emails, access to my work computer, access to my family, music, audio books, eBay, Pinterest, Instagram and my favorite blogs!