October events December 2, 2008

I’ve decided to back up to the month of October.

Every year our church/fellowship celebrates Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles. Lev.23:24-43, Deut. 16:13-14, Num. 29:12-40, and John 7:2-39. We all look forward to this time of year, especially the kids. For 7 to 10 days, we camp in motor homes, campers, tents, etc. play games, worship, eat each others food, have bible studies, encourage and get to know each other better. I walk around with my camera most times. There are so many activities going on, people everywhere, great photo opportunities.

This year we camped at Deer Run Rv Resort. www.deerrunrvresort.com It was beautiful. They have a lake and the trees surrounding it were bursting with fall colors. It made for the perfect backdrop. Take a look:

I also found a cove of trees that offered perfect lighting in the late afternoon. I faced them towards the setting sun, their backs to the opening of trees.

Perfect, beautiful natural light; a photographer’s best friend.

This next photo was taken by a tree beside our camper. Again, the light was my friend, but the colorful background made the picture pop.

I saw a beam of light pouring down through the trees as she walked around. I told her to strike a pose and she did! To me, she represented how I felt being there. Getting away from the phone, tight schedules, the ever-needing-to-be-cleaned, house. Even though she had her cell phone in her hand, I did NOT! I had my camera.

I took this one from the bank. I thought it was an interesting shot of the “girls” hanging out on the dock.

OK, now on to some sports coverage. We have an annual Father-Son Football game. It’s one of the highlights. The sons have won 2 years in a row, but not without a good fight.

I’m not much of a sport’s commentator…sorry.

That last picture was pretty cool, great catch! Also, great attempt on pass interference, (guy on the right). Is that correct terminology?

That’s all for Football, hope you enjoyed it.

I find it challenging to try different forms of photography, and situations, than what I’m used to.  The appropriate equipment plays a big part in the outcome. I had a zoom lens, Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8 IS. It’s the fastest zoom lens I have. I set it on Shutter Priority (TV). I checked the pictures occasionally to make sure my shutter speed was fast enough to stop action. The game was from 12-2pm and the sun was bright. Not all of my pictures were clear. Sometimes that makes for a unique and good photo, other times, they end up in the trash. All in all, everytime I get out of my (small) comfort zone, I figure out what not to do next time.

New Beginnings December 2, 2008

I finally decided to try blogging. I love to talk, I love to take pictures, I have friends that want to see my pictures; seems like a good place to meet and share.

Accomplishing tasks is very rewarding for me. It is my cup of tea. That rhymed! Anyway, when I had my first child, I saw things, everyday, every moment, about her, that I wanted to remember. When I had my second girl, I was even more determined. Film was my tool. I took them to studios for yearly photos, but they didn’t seem to capture what I could see and what I wanted all my friends and family to see. Canon in hand, with a zoom lens, no technical experience or knowledge, I managed to catch on film what I saw, what I imagined, what I wanted everyone else to see. It was so gratifying. Fewer trips to Olan Mills, more trips to the park, ocean, my parent’s back yard, my in-law’s yard. It was so much cheaper too! Well, once the camera and lens were paid for.

I sent out these “home-grown” photos during the holidays, and every year for birthdays. To this day, they adorn my walls and overfloweth my photo albums. I don’t scrapbook, no time. Friends and relatives would ooh and ahh at my pictures, making me so proud. I felt like I was doing a pretty good job. Then a close friend asked me to take pictures of her son and daughter. I’d never really thought about photographing other people, outside of candid shots.  I knew my children, I would just follow them around, shooting as our budget would allow. I was willing to try it. They were beautiful kids, fun-loving, and they were used to hanging out with us. It was a fun experience. I even took a roll of B/W and used a bike and our next-door-neighbor’s dog as a prop. My friend was grateful and pleased. She sent out the pictures to her family and they loved them.

Fast forward….more years taking pictures, but now, with a Canon Rebel XTi…ooh…ooh…I can afford to take a million pictures!!!!! Digital Photography allowed me to practice more, even make more mistakes, thus learning faster. I took pictures of everything and everyone.

Fast forward….more years taking pictures, but now, with a Canon 5D, faster lenses, a Speedlite 580EX II, Photoshop 3, and the bomb… a Mac. During these past years, I’ve shot a few Seniors, a few weddings, some families, engagement sessions, 2 dance recitals, a few conferences and parties, more head-shot portraits, a sprinkle of “events” and even babies. I have to admit that it is a lot of hard work, but I still go all soft inside when I see the “good” pictures that I manage to get from each event. For others to see what I see through the lens satisfies the “accomplishing tasks” in me. I’ve been blessed to see, and to bless you with what I see, it’s a great reward.

Technically, I feel challenged. Being self-taught is time consuming, but what I do know, I know for sure. There are so many great photographers out there, willing to share and teach. I’ve learned from their blogs and websites, reading books, watching tutorials on Youtube, and from my own mistakes. The Lord has blessed me with the ability to laugh at myself, so it’s not unbearable. I will cry if I get too overwhelmed. So, the Lord blessed me with a wonderful husband that holds me until I’m through and then he and my 2 daughters encourage me. I hope to share with you what I see as others allow me to gather memories one photo at a time.