52 Fridays, Week 16: "Mother Earth"

This week's theme is "Mother Earth". I grew up in the Puget Sound area of Washington State and while I complain about the rain we can get (and it's been a lot lately), I actually feel very fortunate to live in an area that has a pretty mild climate. We have it pretty easy here compared to others who have been dealing with all the natural disasters that have been happening lately. My heart goes out to the people whose lives have been shattered by the hurricanes, earthquakes, and last night - tornadoes. I just can't even imagine what these people have gone through, losing their homes and loved ones. So, I will quit complaining about the rain and enjoy each day as a blessing - because each one really is. From where I live, I can step outside and not only see the Puget Sound, but I can smell the salt water and hear the jet skis on summer days. Then on the other side of town, I can see this majestic view of Mt. Rainier. I don't know where else I could live and have water on one side of me, the mountains on the other, and be a drive away to the countryside. It's really a beautiful place to be and I can't imagine living anywhere else.






Now head on over to Hannah Mayo/West Palm Beach FL Lifestyle Portrait Photographer to see her take on this week's theme!

Cool!

This baseball season, I am our team's scorekeeper.... which means that I am benched for games and unable to take pictures and it's KILLING ME! Actually, I am loving doing the scorekeeping. It's really fun! But, I am missing the camera. So, my hubby is trying to grab some shots for me at the games. This is one he took on Saturday that I love! I played around in photoshop and love this as a black & white! Just thought it was a cool shot to share! I'm teaching my husband how to do the scorekeeping so hopefully I can get off the bench for a couple of games to catch some action shots! Missing you D90! xoxoxoxoxoxo

52 Fridays, Week15: "Time of Day"

I'm back after missing last week's "52 Fridays".... Life has been a little crazy lately!!


This week's theme is 'Time of Day' and I decided to go with my 'favorite' time of the day which is baseball time!!! I LOVE baseball! My son is in his fourth season of baseball and enjoys every second of it. He'd practice and play every day if he could. But, sometimes I think I love it even more than he does! While I always love watching his games, I think I like to watch his practices even more. It's in those 2 hour practices that I've gotten to really watch him progress over the years. He has come such a long way and it's been fun for me not to miss a single moment of it. This is his last year of Little League...... while I'm excited for his new adventure in Juniors, I'm also sad to be leaving behind a few teammates and the BEST coach ever! I can already feel the bawlfest that's going to come at the end of this season!








This week, head on over the Krista Keller/Bay Area Photographer to check out her take on the theme! Have a great weekend!

52 Fridays, Week 13: "Black & White"

This week's theme is my favorite so far because I am black & white crazy! There really are no words to describe my love affair with black & white......really. To me, it's timeless..... it can be gritty...... it's romantic..... it can change the whole feeling of a photo. At times I have thought about being strictly a black & white photographer. (But, I know there are times when color serves its purpose.) I have realized my obsession for black & white started long before my photography. You see, I draw. But, guess what....... I only draw in pencil! I have never liked adding color to my pictures..... Only shades of black, grey and white. My passion for drawing really started in my early teens. I chose to share this picture with you because it has a story behind it. I drew it when I was a sophomore in high school. And yes, I know it's Frankenstein and you might be thinking "CREEPY!", but I chose this particular picture because there are really no lines in it - it's mostly drawn by shading; and I was attracted to the deep shadows and grittiness of it, not so much the subject. When I finished, I decided to hand it in for a project in my drawing class. Well, the day I took it in, I handed it to my teacher and told her it was my project. She just smiled and handed it back to me and said, "Yeah, right." I handed it back to her again and said, "No, really, this IS my drawing and I'm handing it in as my project." She gave me a look I didn't care for that said I was a liar, handed it back to me, and said that she didn't believe that I drew it and accused me of trying to turn in someone else's work. So, I took it back and was totally deflated and hurt. Looking back, I should've told my mom (who watched me draw it), and had her call the teacher to let her know she was wrong! But I didn't. I just tucked it away. Now I think of her rejection as a huge compliment because she thought my picture was too good to be drawn by a 16 yr. old. So today, I say, "Thank you Mrs. Frink!"



This week, I am sending you off to Hannah Mayo /West Palm Beach Lifestyle Portrait Photographer! Our group is mixin' things up a bit! So, be sure to visit Hannah's b&w shot and then continue on through the rest of the group! Have a great weekend!

52 Fridays, Week 12: "Food"

If you're ever in Seattle, I HIGHLY recommend stopping at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory! Even if you don't go in, just stop and take a look in the window at all the amazing different caramel apples. They are beautiful! Then I dare ya not to go in!

Now go take a peek at what Shea Parker/Clinton Mississippi Child Photographer has waiting for you!

[FRAMED]

Okay all you photogs......... have you heard about [FRAMED]??? If you haven't, you need to know about it! TRUST ME! It IS addicting! Here's a little intro from their site:

"Lets be real. Photography is addicting. It’s an intoxicating craftiness that truly has limitless potential for those that crave the art. It is in its own world of ever-changing possibilities and is constantly evolving. With that being said, we decided to create a show. A free, weekly broadcast that captivates as well as educates. Every week we will bring different photographic talents to you that will share a piece of their wisdom, their work, their process, and their art.

[FRAMED] will take you on location to local, national, and internationally known photographers for the purpose of bringing a behind-the-scenes view of photography to your computer. All we ask of you is to share, participate and jump on the train of inspirational photography education to inspire you to be unique. Be careful, you might get addicted."

I have tuned in from day one and have been sooooo... inspired by the amazing, creative photographers that have been featured! And to add to the fun, they have weekly giveaways! This week they are giving away a Red Leaf Studios' online workshop!!! Entrants must post a photo on their blog that "tells a story". So, this is mine. I think I'll let you interpret the story for yourself. If you want to leave your version of "the story" in the comments, I would LOVE to hear how you see it...........

If you haven't already, make sure you go and check out [FRAMED], and be sure to become a fan on Facebook and Twitter.

52 Fridays, Week 11: "Close-Up"

I missed joining in with our group last week, but life has been just a little bit crazy! But, I'm back this week and excited to be here! While I was trying to think of a "close-up" shot I wanted to do, the only thing that kept coming to mind was Spring and finding any little sign of it here in Seattle. I am sooooo tired of being cold! They say that Robins are the first sign of Spring and they were all over our yard today. So, I grabbed my camera, determined to chase one down! Well, I found out they don't really like that. So, next I tried pretending I was a statue, hoping they'd come right up to me! That didn't work so well either! (Smart little buggers!) Then I came around the corner and caught this little guy by surprise! I had about 2 seconds to snag the shot and then he was gone! Lucky me - I got it! His belly feathers look a little ruffled - he didn't take his eye off of me for one second! Then of course, I had to find ONE flower in our yard! That was it! ONE! Come on sunshine! I'm waiting! (P.S. Forecast calls for rain for the next 10 days straight! UGH!)

Make your way through our group by next visiting Shea Parker/Clinton Mississippi Child Photographer. Can't wait to see all the "close-up" shots!