January 29, 2010

I don't think this photo is especially beautiful or even very interesting. In fact, it is more of a throw away shot. I am posting it because it represents the beginning of my attempts as I try to learn more about macro photography.

I was out in my backyard looking for something to use my macro lens with. These little berries seemed just the thing. Do you know how hard it is to focus in close with even the slightest of a breeze? I need to find something that doesn't move.

January 28, 2010

I was out in the pasture this afternoon trying to get a picture of a very noisy woodpecker. Actually, there were three of them and they made quite a racket. A few days ago we had some rain which filled up the swampy area of the pasture with lots of water. The trees that the woodpeckers were in are in that swampy area, and I didn't have my wading boots.

January 24, 2010

Macro photography. A whole new world I want to learn about.

You should have seen me on Saturday. I was on a mission to find something I could get my camera up close and personal with. I was hoping for an unsuspecting ladybug or or leaf. Just my luck; no insects (except ants) and the wind was blowing the little berries on the bush too much. I walked into the pasture and while looking down to evaluate where to step and where not to (it's a cow pasture and if you are not in boots, you best look before you step) I saw some tiny mushrooms growing in the manure. I very carefully crouched down to get as close as I could without touching anything.

My husband has been know to say that "everything grows better in poop". Sometimes we may find ourselves in somewhat, shall I say "stinky" circumstances. Adversity? Challenges? Manure? What if we used it for our benefit and growth? We may find that if we allow it, these situations will be able to provide us with a rich environment for growth, if we can just get over the smell!

January 18, 2009

JUMP in the WINTER!


JUMP in the SUMMER!

January 17, 2009

January 14, 2009

Best of friends, built in buddy. Requires patience at times.
(And I don't just mean the girl and her horse!)

January Light

I feel like it has been so long since not only a took some beautiful photos outside, but also so long since I posted. After a 365 continuous days, 10 plus days off seems like forever. In these same 10 days we have not spent as much time outside as we usually do. We have had unusually cool (cold for us) temperatures, including a "hard freeze" at night. It's good to get back to normal again.

Happy Birthday, i heart faces

A couple years ago I followed the blog of Angie Arthur. I was drawn to her witty writing style and excellent photography. Late 2008 she announced that she and Amy Locurto where collaborating to develop a photography blog called I heart faces, which would start in January 2009. I remember entering the first contest and thinking that the photo I entered was the best photo I had ever taken. My, how I have grown.

I heart faces is a wonderful place to meet other photographers, to learn new skills and challenge yourself with the weekly contests. The site has really grown and attracted a lot of traffic. I still enjoy entering the contests. Congratulations on a great year! Thanks, Angie and Amy for all the work you put in to a fabulous site that the rest of us can enjoy.

This is my entry for I heart faces, category: "Best Face Photo"

Part of the instructions for this weeks contest was that the photo had to be taken in December 2009 or January 2010. Further instructions were: "We want something that is fresh and new and that shows off where you are in your photography journey right now."

I don't think this is the best photo I have ever taken, but it clearly represents where I am right now in my 'photography journey'. I took this picture inside my house. Indoor photography while still using natural light, is my latest project, and something I find very challenging. It is not my typical shot (a kid outside on the fence with a green pasture as a backdrop and beautiful evening light giving the shot beautiful light), but it is where I am now. Enjoy.

All photographers entering I Heart Faces, LLC challenges and contests, grant the rights to display their photo on this web site. Winning and finalist’s photos may be considered for use in the marketing and promotion of this website or featured on items reviewed on this website such as photo books or editing software.

Check out other photos at I heart faces.

Hello, Good Bye

January 5, 2009

I live where it is sunny and warm and green. I like to be outside and use natural light, especially late afternoon light. But lately it has been so cold (for us) and dark. I'm not used to it. Brrrrr, who wants to be outside this time of year? So I made do with the light I had inside. We plopped down a big, warm blanket in front of a window and I snapped away. It's been cold for a couple weeks now and temperatures are supposed to stay below normal for a week longer, but I have had enough. I'm ready for my sun and warmth to come back. What do you photogs do who live up north?

January 4, 2009

January 3, 2010

January 2, 2010

January 1, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, I did it! I made it!

I set a goal in 2009 to post a new photo every day of the year. And I did it! I didn't miss a single day. There were a couple times when I had some serious computer issues and I resorted to posting unedited photos. There were a few times (OK, more than a few times) when I wanted to stop; when I felt in a rut, unmotivated and untalented. But I kept with it.

I have learned a lot this year about photography. I am pleased with my progression and am excited for another year. My definition of what makes an excellent photo has risen and I am working on improving my skills to try to take better quality photos.

I have learned that I have my own style of photography and not to compare myself to others, but instead to look at where my skills were compared to where they are now. Comparison to others is not helpful. Honest critique, hints, technique suggestions and instruction from other photographers have been valuable tools to help me improve, and I am grateful for those who encourage me. Thank you.

So today I am posting a photo that I DID NOT TAKE (my day off). I handed my little Nikon CoolPix pocket camera to my 4 year old and told her to go take a picture for me. This is what she came back with. It is her new puppy that Santa gave her. I suppose we take pictures of what is important to us. That is why you see a lot of pictures of my kids. This puppy, is apparently important to my 4 year old.

Here's to a new year full of new challenges and growth.