Regina Lynn Photography

Gone and done it...

2010-03-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

Yep, my readers, fellow photographers and bloggers. *gulp* I've done it. The unthinkable. The perhaps unforgivable. I've changed the name of my business. *gasp* Not that there was much of a business to begin with which is part of the reason I did it now, rather than later. But yeah, Regina Lynn Photography is now The Left-Brained Photographer. I just liked the new name idea too much to say "No." to it. It was too *me*. Too much of a clever (or not) oxymoron to resist it.

So, that said, yes, I'm moving my blog. To an official The Left-Brained Photographer blog. Blog for now, real actual site somewhere down the road. And yes, I have forsaken Blogspot. Sorry, Blogspot, Wordpress was just so inviting. So easy to use. Bigger pictures. Had the ability to not like a lowly blog and more like an actual site instead. Of course, that may be because I never learned to use Blogspot to it's full potential, but there's the thing- I don't have to learn too much to do great things with Wordpress. Sorry Blogspot. Sorry. Obviously, it wasn't you. It was me.

Ok, now that I'm finished waxing cheesy, here's the official URL: http://www.theleftbrainedphotographer.com.

I won't be shutting this site down right away, but I won't be posting anything new either. All the new stuff will be on the new site. So come on over and let me know what you think. Please tell me you like it and I'm not too nuts. Or tell me you hate it and you want my original (boring) name back.

Or perhaps?

2010-03-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

Perhaps this one?

Haha, I know totally different name. But I was playing around with it and was like, "You know? That could actually work!" Nah, I don't know... Maybe someday down the road when I'm established and my business can afford a name change.

Logo ideas?

2010-03-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

So this afternoon, I sat down and did some reworking and redesigning of my logo. My current logo is ok, but I just don't feel like it's "there" yet. Or maybe I'm just bored with it. Hmmm...

The first one is my current logo.

So? What do you all think? Any one in particular that stuck out to you? Maybe something needs to be tweaked a little? Perhaps a combination of the above ideas? Or am I totally out of whack here and have absolutely no eye for graphic design? Seriously, I want to know. I want some constructive criticism. And please don't tell me to just go with what I like best. There's so many options and different ways I could do it- all of which would look ok to me, but I have no idea how it would look to anyone else. Personally, I like #3 best. Don't know why, I just like it.

By the way, If you didn't find this blog by way of Facebook and have no idea that Regina Lynn Photography exists on Facebook, well yeah, I exist on Facebook, y'all! Check it out!

LOVE: Joel & Emeleene

2010-03-02T07:14:00.001-08:00

This photo shoot is from almost a year ago. Joel, one of Hubby's two best bachelor buddies, and Emeleene, the sweet, sweet girl that he met on a blind date, were newly engaged and I had offered an engagement shoot as part of our wedding present. So we met up at this incredible old mill on a windy Saturday afternoon last spring. This old place is pretty special to Hubby and I- this was the location were we had a lot of our bridal party and couple pictures on our wedding day. Joel was one of Hubby's groomsman and was adamant about not going somewhere that "everybody else goes" to have their engagement pictures done. So when I mentioned "the old mill" (as the locals refer to it), Joel and Em were game. Funny thing is, since our wedding, and even since this shoot, I've noticed that "the old mill" has indeed become another place that seemingly everyone goes to for an amazing portrait location.

Wow! I look at these photos, I'm a bit ashamed. Not because the shots themselves are bad, but because I have learned so much about editing since then. So, so much. Looking at this session now I wish I could go back and re-edit them with all I know now. And maybe I will sometime. But, for right now, I'm gonna be, I don't know, honest I guess, a post them as is. Maybe sometime down the road, I'll post some re-edits.

This was such a fun shoot- I mean, come on, photo shoots with good friends as subjects are always a ton of fun! It doesn't take near as long or near as much effort to get them to loosen up and be themselves.

These two images with the old window frame are some of my favorite out of the 30 odd great pictures we got from the entire afternoon.

And this series of shots behind that neat old building have to be my other favorites. Guess I just have a thing for old buildings.

Aw, yeah, that was such a great afternoon. Joel and Em were married in July, 2009, right before our big move from east to west. We saw them while we were on vacation during January and they're still in so much love. It's so cool to see friends find someone great for them and get married, committing to a lifetime together! Oh yes, I am totally the crier at weddings- particularly the weddings of friends. Good grief, I've cried at weddings where my husband was the connection to the couple and I had never met them in my life!

But anyways, thank-you to those dear people who actually read my blog. After I wrote and posted my last post, I realized I did not have to say half the things I said because most people simply do not care about the intricacies of my psych. Forgive me and thanks for reading. *grin*

Musings on Preparing to Launch a Business and Household Organization... and Regina Lynn's Super Weird Brain

2010-02-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

Hello friends, virtual and otherwise. I really do have a good excuse for my absence. I mean, kinda. What I don't have a good excuse for is not having picked up my camera and doing some semi-extensive shooting in the last several weeks. I guess you could say I've been hibernating. At least, when it comes to actual photography. And, probably, when it comes to actually going outside too. Usually I am not such an indoor bum during the winter but this year I have a kid. And wanting to avoid getting him all bundled up to go out sounds like a good reason to stay in.

And since there's only so much shooting I can do in my house, creative photography has slowed to a crawl. But that's ok. I know the really good and great photographers out there would argue that I should have my camera with me at all times and shoot no matter what. But I'm lazy. And I know that if I pressure myself too much for too long my creativity nodules will burn out. I am, in my own way, a perfectionist. The kind of perfectionist that, if I can't do it right from the beginning, I won't even start. And yes, these perfectionistic tendencies do play a part in my creative burn out. See, every single time I pick up my camera, even if only for snapshots, I have this intense, self-imposed pressure to get the perfect shot. The best angle. Best use of lighting. You get the point. Of course, this is probably also why I love shooting in RAW format so much. If I don't get everything perfect, as far as white balance, exposure, etc., SOOC, I can fix it and get it exactly the way I want it in PSE later. Takes some of the pressure off.

But, I think you can see my point regarding burn out. The pressure I put on myself to have everything perfect is my own fault. I choose to see it in a positive light. If nothing or no one else will push me to do my best, to learn new things, and achieve new heights, at least I know that my own psych will. But what better time to take a break from that pressure than during the dreary end of winter, after the holidays are over and spring has not yet come.

I love winter and am still enjoying it, but today it hit me that I will be happy when it gets warm and things start blooming again.

But all this explaining of my perfectionism and coming up with an excuse for my laziness is all for naught if I do not mention what I've been doing instead being a photographic art genius every single day. Honestly, I have been busy.

Since this site is dedicated to Regina Lynn Photography, it's kind of obvious that I'm aspiring to start my own photography business. And, back to that perfectionism thing again, I like to start things from the ground up. I guess you could say I'm methodical. There's always a method or a plan to my madness, random as it may seem. Yes, back to the old wontdoanythingifIcantdoitright thing. And part of doing things right is building a good foundation and being prepared before taking on something new. I am totally that person who measures out all her baking/cooking ingredients before starting, just like Martha or Rachel Ray, because it's all nice and neat and ready to go. Ok, I don't exactly do that. But I would if I had enough of those ohmygoodnesstotallycute little glass bowls on hand.

So, back to the subject at hand. Using the time I would otherwise be using to shoot, I've been getting prepared to launch my business this spring. Brainstorming about packages and prices. Learning about contracts, model releases. Trying my hand at networking with other photographers in the state- I've made 1 or 2 contacts, but nothing too substantial yet. Slowly but surely I've been building a sleeker, more professional website using Wordpress.org. It only exists on my hard drive at the moment, but I'll make it public once I get enough info on it. And it's actually gonna be an easy .com URL. Yay! Sorry, Blogger. I haven't been here long enough to get really attached to you. Besides, Worpress makes an attractive, photo-heavy blog post so much easier. Actually, I have to confess: I used to be a Xanga nerd. Yes, it's true. But, back to the subject at hand, I'm hoping to have the new blog/site up and running in a month or two. Once I figure all the tech stuff out. Not that an awesome site is necessary to starting a successful business but I'm pretty sure it's helpful. Especially since most up and coming photographers having something of the type. And then there is always that appeal of answering the "Do you have a website?" question with, "Yes, it's www.blankityblankblankblank.com." Nice. Easy to remember.

So yes, those are some of the directly-related-to-my-photography-business things I've been up to. Of course, once I get enough stuff down on paper, I'll have to start thinking about advertising, calling the Chamber of Commerce (*gulp*), etc. And then hoping I actually get a few clients.

Another not so related project has been putting together a 'Homemakers Organizational Binder.' If you haven't already heard of this kind of thing on the interwebs or in the mommy blogging world, Google it- you'll find something. Mine contains, so far, a master schedule for every day of the week (except for Sunday) and a pre-planned weekly (except for Sunday) menu. I left Sunday totally unplanned to make room for more spontaneity and a bit of breathing room. I'm hoping to add a monthly calendar page, phone numbers and addresses, a budget/spending tracking sheet, a reminder page for jobs that need to be done every few months or so.

I have to confess: I am not a good housekeeper. Sure, I can do all the little jobs involved in keeping a household clean and running, but not in an organized fashion so, therefore, often not at all or not often enough. Before deciding to implement this plan, there would be many mornings where I would get up, take care of G, but basically wandering around the house, seeing things to do, but not knowing where to start. The master schedule is basically a to-do list that plots a time of day for every little job, particularly cleaning jobs. Some items are on the schedule to be done every day- others are scheduled for once, twice, or even three times a week. I've been following the schedule for 3 days now and, so far, I like it a lot. It puts my mind at ease. An example: Before the schedule, I would start tidying up my kitchen and, halfway through cleaning off the counter tops and loading the dishwasher, I make a pit stop in the bathroom where I notice how unorganized the towel closet is. So I'll start refolding towels and putting them on the right stacks because, if I don't do it now, I'll forget. Still working on the towels when Baby G wakes up from his nap, needing his diaper changed and to be fed. He's crying so I drop what I'm doing to take care of him, taking him out to the kitchen for lunch only to discover that kitchen is still a mess because I forgot about it while folding towels. But I can't take care of that now because my bubs needs to be fed. And so on and so forth. And feel free to replace any of these interruption scenarios with my getting distracted by Facebook. Guilty as charged. I'm an all or nothing girl. I absolutely detest going back to finish a only halfway finished job. So, if I see something that needs to be done, either I won't do it because I don't have the time to finish it properly or I'll start and not finish it because I noticed or remembered something else that needs to be done. All this leading to a messy, half-cleaned house, probably no plan for supper, and a incredibly frustrated me- because I can't get anything done right. No mas! With the schedule I have a time slot for all those little jobs and errands, going by room. Tidy kitchen can mean anything from sweeping the floor, cleaning off the dining table, wiping off the fridge, etc. Anything that needs to be done to set the kitchen to rights at that time. Same with the bathroom, bedrooms, and living room. And if I don't get everything completely done, I know I have a space to do it later in the day, or even the next day. Or I can finish that job and push the next one off until a little later. I have a slot for blogging (!), paying bills, making out the weekly grocery list, etc. But I do not have every minute of every day scheduled. There are several hours spread throughout the day where nothing is scheduled and I can either fill it with random jobs (taking down Christmas decor) or Facebook. Ok, kidding. I have computer/internet/Facebook time scheduled in and usually I can stick to that. Sure, it sounds very rigid and structured, but honestly, it's not. It helps me get everything done in a timely fashion but I can totally rearrange it to fit something else in, as long as I get done the tasks scheduled for that day.

How is this whole time organization thing related to starting my business? Well, I figured I better get my homemaking ducks in a row before piling something else on. If I can't keep my bathroom clean now, with just Baby G to take care of, how's it gonna happen when (if) I have a couple of photo shoots, not to mention editing time, a week? See, it's another one of those working from the ground up, preparation things. It's methodical and I love it!

Which brings me to another subject: I thought artists were supposed to be moody (ok, I may be *slightly* guilty of this), prone to sudden, unpredictable fits of creative activity (and maybe a little of this), day-dreamy (ok, totally guilty of this), and just plain spontaneous. I consider myself an artist, but, while I may have some of these qualities, I'm methodical. I'm analytical. I like order. I love patterns, of a kind. When I "see" a photo, I often see lines, shadows, forms that have an aesthetic that just works for me. I'm guessing this is the reason I love the Rule of Thirds*. It's orderly. It just looks right. And I though I was always under the impression that all artists were right-brained people, I'm beginning to think I'm freak of nature- a left-brained artist. How weird is that? The only way I'm spontaneous is that I love the occasional random McDonald's run. At least, I used to- before we moved to a town with no MickyD's. Now it's the random Taco John's run. Usually these random things happen when I'm bored and want to get out and see other people. Ask those people which I've just totally dropped in on because it was a lovely Sunday afternoon and I wanted to go see someone. But other than that, I'm a total planner. Yeah, ok, have I made it known just how weird I am yet? Good, because I really need to bring this slightly rambling, very wordy post to a close.

Anyone else out there not fit in a category? Are you a planner or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pantser?

*Ask my husband- I've totally told him that I don't like a house just because it has too many dormers and they aren't placed evenly across the roof.

LOVE: Jeremy & Ruth

2010-02-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

So, yup, this is another vacation photo shoot. This time I got together with my friend and photography mentor, Esther, and we had our mutual friends, Jeremy and Ruth, as our model couple.

Hubby and I used to hang out with Jeremy and Ruth a lot before we were married. We had a lot of fun. Usually the most fun involved totally random things. Wal-Mart runs. MickeyDs. Spotting (which I, as a Michigan native, just don't get- what's the big deal about running around in the back of someone's pick-up after dark with a huge spotlight, looking for deer when, were I come from and, actually, where I currently live, you can see the dumb creatures pretty much anytime of the day or night?). Volleyball. Or just being totally bored and resigning ourselves to watching another movie. And once I ran over Jeremy's foot with my car. But that's another story for another time...

Back to our photo shoot. Jeremy and Ruth have been married a good year and half, but wanted some shots in their wedding clothes that they hadn't been able to do on their wedding day. So we did that. And after that, they changed their clothes and we did some more fun, more casual shots.

The sweet, sweet barn location where we were shooting.

Ruth.

Jeremy.

Nice boots, girl!

Casual shots...

Lovely Women: 3 Kampens + 1 Rutt

2010-01-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

While on vacation I took the opportunity to ask some friends and family if they would mind doing some "modeling" for me. Basically, I want the chance to shoot people I knew and felt comfortable. I wanted the practice. I wanted some sweet stuff for my portfolio. So one Sunday afternoon, my Aunt K, her daughters, K and E (my cousins, obviously), and our random friend A, took off for a local park. Of course this is a park that it seems everyone in the area, at sometime or another, have their portraits taken. But, oh well. Like I said, it was local. It was close. And it is the kind of place where you can shoot and shoot and still come out with different kinds of images every time.

So here's a few of my favorites! This was such a fun shoot. I mean, how could it not be with these awesomely fun ladies? We did a lot of laughing.

Mother-daughter shots.

Friend A. So pretty.

Cuz E. The perfect soberish model. Until she breaks out the sista 'tude. Downright outrageous!

More A. Love her and her completely calm gaze into the camera.

BFFs I think. Seriously, it's a riot when these two get together.

I know Aunt K is a little out of focus in this one, but for some reason, I like it.

And this. This, I'm pretty sure is one my absolute favorite shots out of the entire shoot. The soft light. The expression. So very Cuz K. Very demonstrative of her personality. A lot of sweetness with just enough of the "Bring it, girl!" attitude to mix it up.

Than-you ladies for giving me the chance to wield my camera at you! I hope you all were pleased with the results. And I promise. I will be sending discs. Soon.

Back from vacation!

2010-01-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hey peoples! Yes, it's been something like a month since I posted last. *shudder* But since then I've had a wonderful, long vacation with my little family out East. We did lots of visiting with family. Baby G had lots of fun playing with his grandparents, great-grandparents, cousins, and his many uncles!

Hubby got to talk shop with his dad.

And of course, board games are a staple for good family times. Clue and Blokus being the games of choice.

Hubby got to put on a tux and be in one of his oldest, best friend's wedding.

I got to do some photo shoots involving these:
And this:

More posts to come featuring these super fun photo shoots.

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

Well, Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful and merry Christmas! I know we did, even down to the blizzard that shut down a major part of the Midwest. But then, I love snow and blizzards and white Christmases.

So we're finally dug out here and now I'll be able to post again. Actually, I lie. We've been dug out for a week now. And our internet was never down. I've just been plumb lazy over the Christmas break.

Of course, this being Baby G's first Christmas, we had so much fun! First gifts!

And we learned the futility of giving an almost-one-year-old more than one gift. Because once they're done opening that first gift, they want to play with the paper and the toy itself and they don't expect anything more. They really don't care to be interrupted to open yet another gift.

Case in point. G is perplexed and Hubby is gleeful.

Particularly because this is a man child's kind of toy. For he-man, tough little boys and their daddies.
Hubby and his gift- a nice multi tool. Oh, get this, between his parents and I we got him the multi tool, a set of bits and attachments for the multi tool, and a Mini Mag flashlight. All of which have their own little case that he can wear on his belt. And he does. He looks something like skinny Barney Fife and all the little cop cases he had on his belt. Hubby now carries the above on his belt, plus his ever-faithful-never-leave-his-side Vise Grip. Plus an extra pocketknife in his pocket. He gets teased about it, but he claims that he's been saved more than once from a field-to-shop run, simply to get a little thingeymabobber.

Our backyard toward the end of the blizzard.

Digging out on Sunday morning, the day after the blizzard ended.

Snowy, Main Street Christmas.

There were 4 huge piles of snow down through the length of Main Street, all the snow pushed together.

And, of course, I need to post something about my dear Baby G's birthday! Born a couple of days after Christmas '08, I have a feeling that Christmas seasons over the coming years will be lots and lots of fun! Obviously, I want to try and keep Christmas and birthday separate for G's sake, but he'll be lucky as there will be much more of a chance that we will be gathered with family over his birthday. Grandparents! Cousins! A bajillion aunts and uncles! Fun!

So here he is with his first birthday cupcake, doing it the way it's meant to be done.

Happy Birthday, Jesus! Happy Birthday, Baby G! Happy, happy, happy! Happy 2010!

Looking back on 50/50/50- and ahead too!

2009-12-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

Yep, now that I've finished {FINISHED!} the 50/50/50 challenge I'll definitely be delving into some more of these kinds of projects (photo credited to The Pioneer Woman). Mmmmm! Chocolate!

And, of course, I'll be hanging out with my favorite guys in the world. This is G's first Christmas (he was born 3 days after Christmas last year) and I'm so excited! Even though I know he's too young to get what's going on or even to remember it, it just puts all those Christmas traditions in a whole new light.

And, maybe I'll even be doing more of this too!

I can seriously not believe that Christmas is 9 days away! Wooohooo! I'm hoping to have the Hubby home for the entire weekend, for once. Happy, happy!

And the day after Christmas, I'm making a trip to the mall to go shopping for some much needed clothes. Personally, the after-Christmas sales are the absolute best- even better than Black Friday. But that's my secret. Forget I said that. I don't want the mall to be totally jam packed while I'm there. I want all the sales to myself, thank-you very much! Yeah right, very funny.

As far as future photography plans go, around Day 25 of the 50/50/50, I remember saying something to the Hubby about taking the 365 challenge (1 photo, every day, for a year). He wisely (and because he knows me too well) suggested I finish the 50/50/50 challenge before I decide on anything new. Well, I've finished now and I'm pretty certain I won't be doing the 365. Maybe someday, but not in the year 2010.

But I am considering the 52 photowalk/drive challenge. 1 photowalk (or perhaps, photodrive, in my case), every week, for a year. I think that sounds a little more doable. Plus, what a great way to get exercise!

You may ask, "What's up with the sudden obsession with photography challenges? Why not just shoot?" Well, I like challenges because they force me to get out there and shoot, even when I don't feel like it. I learn new things, see things from a different angle and, overall, just helps my photography skills. Yeah, I know, I've got skills- you know like, nunchuk skills, bowhunting skills, computer hacking skills... Sorry, couldn't resist the Napoleon Dynamite skills quote.

But, back to the point, photo challenges are just plain good for me and my camera. Eventually, when (if) I ever have my own photography business and have the regular challenge of shooting for other people, I don't think I'll need to set them for myself anymore. If that makes any sense.

I'll let you know. I'll be back here blogging in a little while, but for now, I'm going to take a few days off. A few days without touching my camera (maybe) and without trying to think up new blog posts. Maybe I'll be back before Christmas, maybe after, depending on if I manage to stay away from camera or not.

So, if I don't see you before then, have a very blessed and merry Christmas!

DAY 50! COMPLETION!

2009-12-14T16:37:00.000-08:00

Yep, this looks like a relatively boring shot, but I happen to think it's cool. See? Look closely- I used a new editing technique. Something I've never even attempted before- a texture. Tell me what you think. I, obviously, think it's pretty cool, but maybe that's just because it's something I actually got right the first time. This technique is definitely something I'll be playing around with again. They can really add something to a shot, particularly in the vintage/retro realm.

I know, this may have not been the best photo to use it on, but I think it works, so so. And this was *blush* the only thing I could come up with to shoot today. I kind of wanted to finish this challenge out with a bang, but, after some late nights and early mornings, my brain is so weary and incredibly low on creativity. So my bang will simply have to be the new use of textures, thank-you very much.

I'll blog more tomorrow about what I'll be doing now that I've finished (did you hear that? I FINISHED!) this challenge, but for now, good-night!

Day 49 (T-MINUS 1 DAY!)

2009-12-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Day 48 (t-minus 2 days!)

2009-12-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

Day 47 (t-minus 3 days!)

2009-12-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

You know, this challenge never made the stipulation that the photos had to overly artistic. Just that it be 50 shots taken on 50 consecutive days with a 50mm lens. So take that, 50/50/50 challenge!

Yes, I had aspirations for a cool photo shoot with my cinnamon rolls, but by the time the two batches of bread and the pan of rolls were baked, my light was gone and my kitchen was a disaster. I hate days like that. And I knew, procrastinator that I am, that if I stopped to shoot the rolls, my kitchen would very likely get a slam-bang, halfway done cleanup job. So I stuck with it and am rewarded this morning with a clean kitchen. Quite lovely!

But I hadn't forgotten about my shot, so I thought what better proof of my excuse then a photo of my hardworking (messy) kitchen?

So here you are- kinda artsy if you think about it. See the way the line of the counter draws the eye? The way the bag of flour is set just so?

Yeah, I didn't think so either.

Day 46 (t-minus 4 days!)

2009-12-10T18:19:00.000-08:00

Hubby told me last night that if I keep it up, I'll run out Christmas-themed things to shoot before Christmas gets here. I told him that I only have 5 (now 4) shots to take yet before I'm done with my challenge and, with the weather being so frightful and cold and wonderful, I haven't been getting out of the house much. So I have to be creative with what I have. Not that I mind the cold so much. I just mind getting G all bundled up and making sure he stays warm. Much easier just to stay inside and let him play his little heart out.

Day 45 (t-minus 5 days)

2009-12-09T18:12:00.001-08:00

I think I could do a whole weeks worth of shots with just Christmas lights! They're so much fun and have so many possibilities! And look at the amazing bokeh they create in the background! Yep, fun, fun.

Today's shot is also the introduction of my new black backdrop,aka the black king size duvet set I scored on Amazon's Cyber Monday sale for $30, so yay me and yay that I finally have something I can use as a backdrop! Overall I'm pretty tickled with it. It does have one problem- it's extremely static-prone! Not sure what I'm gonna do about that- I don't really picture myself peeling kids off of it during a portrait shoot. Don't think their parents would be too impressed.

Anyone have any suggestions? Do I spray it with a little water or something?

Day 44 (t-minus 6 days)

2009-12-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

The only thing I can think of when I look at this shot is the song 'Whiter Than Snow'.

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe—
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
- Refrain:
  Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow,
  Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,
Apply Thine own blood and extract every stain;
To get this blest cleansing, I all things forego—
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies,
And help me to make a complete sacrifice;
I give up myself, and whatever I know—
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat,
I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet,
By faith for my cleansing, I see thy blood flow—
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Lord Jesus, Thou seest I patiently wait;
Come now and within me a new heart create;
To those who have sought Thee Thou never said’st “No”—
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
The blessing by faith, I receive from above;
Oh, glory! my soul is made perfect in love;
My prayer has prevailed, and this moment I know,
The blood is applied, I am whiter than snow.
Yes, I know, not very original, but I am so glad for that chance to be washed whiter than snow!

Day 43

2009-12-07T19:00:00.001-08:00

I know- how cliche is this shot. Oh well, I love it. I love just because I'm childish and I love presents. Especially presents wrapped in pretty paper. Please ignore my Christmas wrapping paper that doesn't look like Christmas. It was Hallmark paper that I picked up for cheap at a discount store. And I love Hallmark wrapping paper for one reason- the graph/lines on the back of it. Yup, I'm so anal I can't stand paper that's been cut crooked or looks like it's been choppity-chopped. Those Hallmark lines fill my need for straight, orderly wrapping paper cuts.

But back to the whole wrapped presents thing. You will find that I very rarely throw a gift in a bag with some tissue paper. The only way that ever happens is if I am in an extreme hurry. I love the process of wrapping presents and the way they look afterwards. If I don't wrap gifts, I present them with some other creative adornments. Baskets, ribbons, pretty jars. When getting wedding gifts ready, I've been known to go out and buy ribbon that coordinates with the couple's wedding colors/theme. Never mind that idea hasn't followed me home and led me to buy coordinating Christmas wrapping paper. Yet. Maybe next year, After I've used up all the random stuff.

And the gifts in the picture? Yeah, I'm not finished with them yet. I need to tie some raffia around them and add some tags. The only reason I shot them before I was completely finished was because the light was fading very quickly. And I'd rather have decent looking presents and good light than totally awesome presents and no or artificial light.

Yes, giving and receiving gifts is one of my love languages and giving a gift that looks cool is more gratifying than receiving a gift. For me, to give is definitely more blessed than it is to receive. And I guess that's what Christmas is all about!

Day 42

2009-12-06T15:56:00.001-08:00

Day 41

2009-12-05T16:27:00.001-08:00

Got the idea for this shot from DPS's (Digital Photography School) Weekend Photography Challenge: Shoes. Not sure if I'll actually enter it as I've never figured out how to upload images to their boards, but regardless, this is my 'shoes' shot.

I'll probably be wearing these things a lot this winter. And yes, they are the true definition of clodhoppers. But they're warm and that's what counts.

Day 40

2009-12-04T14:32:00.001-08:00

I didn't intend to take another shot of G and make it my 50 shot for the day, but the light was just too perfect. Love how it seems to make his blond hair glow! Yep, that's my kid- the little glowing angel! *chuckle, snort* Remind me of that the next time he gets into whatever it is he's not supposed to.

Actually, I was very blessed (spoiled) with a generally mild and easy-going baby. Until the 10 month mark, that is. Ever since then, it seems that his real personality is coming out of the woodwork. The little sinner (for that is what we all are, are we not?) is learning the fussing and whining gets attention, as well as whatever it is that was just pulled out of his reach. Uhuh. But, you know what? Like I mentioned, I'm spoiled. He's probably just your average kid now.

And look at this picture- angel, right? MMMMMMMMM! I'm gonna go squeeze him now, thank-you very much!

Day 39

2009-12-03T16:20:00.000-08:00

My one and only Christmas candle. And it's almost all burned up. *sniff* And it's not even a Yankee candle! *sniff, sniff* Whatever will I do without a candle to last me the whole way to Christmas, much less the rest of the winter?! *hiccup, sniff* Sad, sad, sad...

Ok, I'm much better now, thank-you. I think anyway. Me. loves. candles. It's that simple. Especially during the winter and/or dreary, rainy days. Yes, I'm like most women- too many candles is a mathematical impossibility.

And no, I don't usually set my candles on newspaper. I just liked the way the light fell on it and the patterns and textures of the print.

Day 37

2009-12-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

Yes. I know. Food. I'm in a food rut. Hopefully I'll get myself out of it. Tomorrow. Oh, and this is my first batch of Christmas cookies this year- yummy!

Day 37

2009-12-01T21:11:00.000-08:00

Love this shot. Love the sparkle in his eyes- just a glimpse of the wheels that are always turning in his little head.

Although, to look at this shot, I wonder if he has a bit of a lazy eye. I get the exact same result when I shoot Hubby as well- it's more pronounced when he's really tired. And come to think of it, quite a few of Hubby's sibs have the same thing- not anything noticeable when just looking at them, but freezing their faces in a head-on, or near head-on, shot seems to bring it out. Actually, 2 of Hubby's brothers had one eye crossed when they were born. They've since had surgery to correct it and it's not something you think about if you've known them for awhile. Hmmm... Yeah, sorry, excuse my rambling. I posted this picture and it was just something interesting that I happened to notice.

Ah, just one more thing G got from his daddy. Seriously, everything about that kid- milestones, size, personality, looks- so much just like his daddy. Or, at the very least, Hubby's side of the family. Like someone told me once after looking at a picture of Baby G: "Better luck next time!"

Haha, I guess we'll see!

Day 36

2009-11-30T14:38:00.000-08:00

Day 35

2009-11-29T14:03:00.000-08:00

Day 34

2009-11-28T21:31:00.001-08:00

Yes, here is our turkey! It turned out wonderfully, if I do say so my self. Told you this was the only way I've ever really enjoyed eating turkey!

Seriously, *pats self on back* I out did myself today. This morning I woke up and baked a pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and crescent rolls. I made the pie crusts on Monday, so they were waiting and ready in the fridge. But all my baked items turned out great! I was so happy- nothing flopped! The pumpkin and pecan pie recipes are definitely keepers- easy and yummy.

Then I put the turkey in to roast. Within an hour of it being in the oven, delicious, herby smells were taking over the house and I was so hungry. And that was a good 5 hours before we actually ate!

And did I mention I outdid myself? Yeah, besides the turkey, pies, and crescent rolls, I cooked and mashed potatoes, cooked sweet potatoes and green beans, made gravy from the the turkey juices, and made stuffing. All from scratch. Yeah. I did good today. Trust me, this is not a normal cooking/baking day for me. But that's fine. I'm happy that for once, everything turned out splendidly tasty and nothing really flopped. Yay, yay, yaaaaaaay!

And this is what that proud beautiful turkey was reduced to it. Carnage. A mere carcass. And lots of leftovers. Yippee!

Oh yeah, I was going to share that turkey rub recipe, wasn't I? Well here it is:

Cajun Turkey Rub

1/2 tsp. salt per pound

2 tbsp. black pepper

2 tbsp. sage

2 tsp. curry powder

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. dried parsley

2 tsp. celery seed

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

1/4 tsp. allspice

3-4 crumbled bay leaves

Combine spices. Rub bird well with oil. Make pockets in bird with a sharp knife and fill with ingredients. Cover whole bird with mix. Refrigerate 24 hours before roasting. Roast according to time and temperature directions on packaging. Or else google how long and hot hot you should roast a turkey that weighs that much. Oh, and roast it breast side down. This is a trick I learned from my Grandma and it really does work to keep the breast nice and moist.

See? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. And did I mention how yummy?

Day 33

2009-11-27T21:04:00.000-08:00

Yep, these are the stars of the show tonight. These are the various spices used in my favorite turkey rub recipe.

I thought I would try something a little different for today and tomorrow. Yes, we already had one turkey dinner that I had nothing to do with said production. But since I love (love) Thanksgiving leftovers, I'm making our own Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow evening. We may have some other friends over, we may not. Regardless, we'll have some glorious leftovers. I purchased a 15.36 lb. turkey today and it is now resting in the fridge, having been massaged with Cajun Turkey Rub. So these are the spices, plus salt and pepper, that are used in the rub. Tomorrow I'll do a picture of the roasted turkey. We'll see how it turns out- this is the very first turkey I've ever roasted all by myself.

But back to the point- the recipe. You see, I have to confess, I am not a fan of turkey. Never have been. At least, not unless it's been roasted with this rub. A turkey done following this recipe is the only turkey I have ever liked. Period. I know, how very unAmerican of me to admit to disliking turkey. Side note: The turkey, had Ben Franklin had his way, would have become our national bird. Not sure why it lost out to the bald eagle, but it did. Can you imagine how different our Thanksgiving dinners would be today if it had been the other way around? We probably wouldn't be eating turkey, that's for sure. Who knows- we may have been eating bald eagle.

So yeah, this is pretty much the best turkey ever. I'll post the recipe and some tips handed down to me by my Grandma tomorrow when I post the photo of the end result.

Anyone else out there who is not particularly fond of turkey? Is there any way of preparing it that makes it palatable to you? If there isn't, definitely bookmark this recipe for next year!

Day 32

2009-11-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

Mmmmm! Stuffing, my absolute favorite part of the traditional Thanksgiving meal, particularly when doused in gravy and sided by mashed potatoes. Yummmmy! I didn't get enough of it yesterday, so I am going to have to make my own one of these days. Preferably at the same time I roast my discount turkey that I hope to get today. And then we shall have that most wonderful blessing- Thanksgiving leftovers!

Hubby, Baby G, and I had a splendid Thanksgiving celebration at the home of friends about an hour and a half's drive from our house. Lots of laughter, sarcasm, good food, and fun games. Such a good reminder that we have so much to be grateful for! Thank-you Father!

So, a belated Happy Thanksgiving to you my loyal readers! Hope it was a wonderful day for you as well!

Day 31

2009-11-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

In case you couldn't figure it out, that's my laundry drying in one of those wonderfully huge laundromat dryers. I'm not too fond of having to pack up our dirty clothes and haul them out to the truck every time I want to wash them, but those lovely big dryers that you can put 447 loads of wet laundry in at once make it almost worth it.

Almost.

Day 30

2009-11-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know this picture sucks. Believe me, I know! Yesterday was just one of those days. You know what I mean? Well even if you do and even is it was, there really is no excuse for this. I'm sorry. I just could not summon the creative mojo come up with anything to shoot. So I sat around, stewing for ideas, and ended up just subjecting my dinner to a hasty photo shoot. A photo shoot which did not yield very good results because I was tired and my mind was elsewhere. Again, I'm sorry. I'll do penance today by shooting anything and everything that moves. Well, maybe not quite, but I promise to do better anyways.

By the way, even though my creativity in the photography realm was not up to parr yesterday, my cooking was. Actually, no, this was just an insanely easy recipe that turned out oh so good. You can find it here, on PW's Tasty Kitchen site. Lots and lots of yummy recipes there- many of them with amazing food pictures to accompany them. Head on over there is you can't figure out what to make for supper. Or lunch. Or breakfast. Hey, if I can't give you a great photo, at least I can help you out with some great food ideas! Right?

Day 29

2009-11-23T18:30:00.000-08:00

This is not a pile of wheat as it may look like from here. No, it's dry corn. Ground dry corn, to be exact. I was, of course, out at the farm with my hubby this afternoon.

The sun was setting, a brisk breeze was blowing, there was the scent of John Deere tractor exhaust, and corn dust in the air. And that brisk breeze was freezing. But it was wonderful! In that kind of setting, I feel so very, very alive. And. I. love. it. No other way to explain it. I guess the need for the rawness of nature and the love for almost anything farming-related is something God hardwired into me. Because, whatever I do, there's not much I can do to squelch it. That's just what I love and who I am.

Although, I'm not too sure my hands are very fond of the freezing part. I am now unofficially on the lookout for a pair of leather driving gloves so I can continue to shoot through the winter. Or, dare I hope? Is there any chance there's such a thing as photographer's gloves? Or maybe I should go for a pair of gangster fingerless gloves? Whatever I find, they must have two functions: a) to keep my hands warm (duh!) and b) allow my fingers enough sensitivity to feel and and operate my camera controls. And no, I don't think my snowmobile gloves will fit the bill. Too bad for cheap me.

Day 28

2009-11-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

This may be a little more abstract and impressionistic than my shots usually are, but I thought it was kinda cool. It's a climbing structure at the park down the street. Hubby and I just took Baby G on a nice little walk down there to swing on the swings. Perfectly wonderful thing to do on a lazy, sunshiney Sunday afternoon.

Day 27

2009-11-21T16:51:00.001-08:00

This is part of supper tonight. Chili is the other part. This meal is something I grew up with. We ate a lot of chili and cornbread throughout the winter. Probably because it's relatively cheap to make, especially if you buy the beans for the chili dry, instead of canned. Ditto with cornbread. Good, cheap, nourishing food that's not packed full of chemicals and preservatives.

But I'm gonna go and eat my supper now, thank-you very much!

Day 26

2009-11-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know today's picture is perhaps only one a mother could love, but it is what it is. Part of the reason I love it is because of what was going on while I was taking the shots.

Actually, let me back up. I just finished crocheting this cute little newsboy cap. This one is just a practice run before I start on the little chocolate ones I'm making for my nieces for Christmas. Just to make sure I know all the stitches and everything. Seriously, do you really think I'd make a yellow hat for my little boy to wear?

So I finished this afternoon and needed a little head to try it out on. Gabe's cousins are 2 and 4 months younger than him, so I figured his head size would be close enough. Obviously, it's a little big. But that's ok- I'll use the right weight yarn and size crochet hook when I start on the real thing.

First I laughed because of how funny he looked. He couldn't quite figure out the whole hat thing and was making goofy faces.

Then I went back into the kitchen to work on supper.

And this is what I came back to! You had to be there, but I laughed until I cried. I'm guessing he could kinda see through the holes because he kept looking around and nosed up for a kiss. But seriously, as unfunny it might look here, it really was too stinkin' cute- little turkey!

So thats my shot for the day. Actually, shots.

Day 25

2009-11-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

25! I can hardly believe I'm already to day #25 of this 50 day challenge! So, in honor of this halfway mark, I did a special '25' shot today. I think it turned out ok. As ok as a photo shoot with a sewing measuring tape can turn out, lol.

Did ya'll think I would get this far? I really wasn't sure. I'm notorious for starting into new and exciting things with reckless abandon and before I'm even halfway finished, I let it fall by the wayside, looking for something else new and exciting to start on. I love starting things- it's the finishing part where I have trouble. So yeah, I'm very glad to see that I can accomplish something at least halfway. Now I'm determined to go on and finish the other half!

Day 24

2009-11-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's laundry again. But I just couldn't resist the way the sunshine was reflecting and glowing off the lovely whiteish diapers. And honestly, a line full of freshly washed diapers is one of the simple pleasures of life that I live for. Weird, I know, but it doesn't get much more satisfying than that.

Day 23

2009-11-18T10:17:00.001-08:00

Ok, I kinda promised myself that I wouldn't post any Christmasey pictures until after Thanksgiving, but, yeah... I rounded a corner at the store last evening and this is what I saw. And I couldn't help myself. The colors. The pictures. The boxes. Yeah, kinda like I have a thing for olive oil and glass jars (glass of any kind, actually), I have this thing for pretty boxes. I love these boxes! And even though I love wrapping gifts and opening wrapped gifts, packaging a gift in one of these boxes would also be super fun! I'm actually thinking about buying a few, just for decorational purposes. I don't have very many Christmas decorations (mostly because I don't allow myself to spend the money on nice ones) and these are cheap and could be used any way, anywhere, so they just might fit the bill. Plus, they're pretty, colorful, Christmas boxes- what's not to like?

Day 22

2009-11-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

Day 21

2009-11-15T14:55:00.000-08:00

Ugh! Am totally not feeling a post today, so check back later.

*Edit* This afternoon, on our way home from church (65 miles away), we decided to go check out a back road and signs that pointed towards a reservoir/dam/lake. We never found the reservoir, but we did discover some North Dakota landscape that we really hadn't got much of a chance to see yet. It was basically badlands and it was incredible! In the middle of all this prairie, we went off the beaten track and found a whole different set of scenic views- bluffs, ravines, draws, brush, ponderosa pines. It was pretty cool. And beings we drove about 15 miles off the main road on a windy, sometimes-almost-two-track, gravel road, it really felt like we were "out there". We crossed over 6 cattle grates (yes, we counted), drove through multiple cattle pastures, and saw 3 places of human inhabitance. It was great! And so beautiful!

And that, of course, is where I got this shot. In black and white it looks like it was taken 100 years ago. And, other than the fence line and the two-track going through the foreground, I doubt this land has changed too much since then.

This. This is what I love about the West. Or western midwest, depending on who you are. Wide open. Much unchanged. Lonely. Probably the same reasons a lot of people love the West. I'm just very thankful that not everyone who loves the West has moved out here. I mean, what point would there be? It wouldn't be the West anymore. Or, at least, it would lack a lot of what we love.

And without those things- without the wide openness, the raw naturalness, the loneliness- would it really be the West anymore?

Day 20

2009-11-14T22:56:00.000-08:00

It is 11:58 p.m. and I will add a real post tomorrow. Good night!

*Edit* This shot is from our weekly Monopoly game that we play on Saturday nights. Pardon me, Monopoly City. If you haven't played it, it's basically the same as the old Monopoly, just with some added details. And a little beeper thing that is totally unneeded.

Of course, I didn't win. I think, with my 5 little properties, 2 of which were mortgaged, and practically no money by the time we decided to wrap it, yeah, I was the loser. But next time. Next time...

Have any of you ever played one of those games of Monopoly that lasts for days? I think that would be fun. I've never played a real, full, complete game of Monopoly so I've always wondered if I could have, perhaps, pulled myself out of the hole and won the thing. I've never come out on top at Monopoly either, by the way.

But next week... next week! Yeah, I'm gonna be the one raking in millions in rent and making everyone else go to the bank to mortgage their properties. Have I mentioned that I'm the banker every single time? Yeah, maybe that has something to do with my lack of Monopoly victory.

But probably not.

Day 19

2009-11-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

Yup, already been out and about this morning! At approximately 7:30 this morning, Hubby called and told me to get out of bed and take a drive while the light was still good. So that's what I did. We had some snow last night and the prairie was perfectly ethereal and lovely. Snow just makes everything look different, ya know? It adds a sense of mystery, silence, enchantment- you get the picture.

Plus, I'm not afraid to go poking around in tall weeds and ditches because I know that now that there's snow on the ground, it has to be too cold for any rattlesnakes to be out. I'm pretty much deathly afraid of rattlesnakes- actually, all snakes in general make me shriek and pull my feet off the floor. Even plastic ones. Even movies with snakes. Even a picture of a snake will give me the urge to shriek. Yeah, me and snakes? No bueno.

So I found this old farmstead this morning. Actually, I've seen it before, but I guess I never really saw it before. I would've gotten closer, but there was a 'No Trespassing' sign and a gate. Actually, now that I think about it, it may have just been a 'No Hunting' sign, but I wasn't gonna take the chance.

I love, love, love old farmhouses. If I could find an old farmhouse that isn't too far gone, I would totally buy it and fix it up. If we had the money. And if I really liked remodeling. I've been there, done that, and no, I don't like remodeling.

But back to the subject at hand. So often I wish those places could talk. Could tell me of the things they've seen. About the people who lived in them. What those people dreamed of doing. About their families. So much history that I will never know. It just intrigues me. A lot. I guess that's why I like shooting places like this. I want to preserve them, if only an image, before they fall apart any further.

Day 18

2009-11-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

Now I know this may not be the most technically good long exposure shot ever taken. In fact, it's not the most technically good photo I've posted thus far on this blog. But, I like it. I think it's cool.

I was experimenting with slow shutter speeds tonight. And freezing my hands off in the process. I was really wishing for my tripod (which I forgot at my parents, after my sister's wedding), but did what I could with a cardboard box. Long exposure is fun! I think part of my fascination with it comes from not knowing exactly what the picture's going to include. Well, you might if you're taking the shot out in nature, on a still night. Or if you're really good. But streets? Yeah, it's entertaining to see how many light streaks show up.

I aimed my camera towards the "down" section in my little town. Meaning, downtown. Probably the part of town with the most big streetlights. And all the light streaks? It was rush hour- somewhere between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m.

I'm going to be real profound and name this shot 'Life In A Northern Town (Ayaahyaaahyaayaahyaayayahyah!)'.

Day 17

2009-11-11T13:06:00.001-08:00

I know what you're thinking. Seriously, Gina, can you get any more boring? Hehe, actually yes, I can. But while this may seem so bland (I mean, where is the color?), I just couldn't those lines out of my head. Yep, lines. That's what this is all about.

This was taken at my local, small-town US Post Office. Yeah, today, because, uh, it is a federal holiday and there was no one there to gawk at me, and potentially raise a security flap. Well, the section where all the PO boxes are located was open, but no one was there as there was no mail to pick up. Yeah, I know I'm clever.

But this picture makes lobby look so much bigger than it is. Trust me, it's not as big as it looks. That's just an optical illusion.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Day 16

2009-11-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

Here's today's photo for you guys! I was going to work on some night photography today, but on my trip out to the farm this evening, well, um, my battery died. So I guess you'll have to be content with this sunset.

*Edit* I had a whole blog post written up in my head to accompany this image but while I was posting last night, I simply drew a blank.

I was gonna write something about how I've been shooting completely in 'Manuel' mode. And it's an awesome feeling! When I first got my D80, I thought there was no way I would ever learn how to use all the settings. And I still don't know how to put all the great things in my camera to work. But the fact that I can actually shoot fully manual and know what I'm doing? That's totally, like, cool! Excuse me for sounding like a teenager. Being a teen actually wasn't that long ago for me, so you'll have to excuse me.

First I stayed in 'Auto' mode. Then I began to wander over into 'Aperture' land because I have this thing for awesome bokeh. But the high ISO (grainy pictures) started to rear it's ugly head, so I had to learn about that. And recently I've been working on shutter speed. So where does that leave me? Entirely manual, thank-you very much! And it case it sounds like I'm patting myself on the back- I am. Pure and simple. But seriously, this is such a huge step for me. Something I never thought I'd accomplish! But then, once you've managed to birth a baby, everything else is peachy easy.

And about my battery dying? Yeah, I know, "Bad photographer!" But I have always been told that letting the battery, in anything, go completely dead is better, even if you only do that once in a while, than plugging it in while it still has a small charge. So there. I did it for my camera.

And I forgot.

Day 15

2009-11-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to Major Sweetness and a couple of the troops from his Honey Bear Army. At the moment, this army is billeted on a shelf in one of my kitchen cabinets. Cute, don't you think?

We were recently blessed to receive a bunch of raw honey from Hubby's farmer bosses. For free. And yes, "bunch" is an actual form of measurement. Hubby loves a cup of hot tea in the morning, especially when he has honey to sweeten it. He is definitely not a coffee man, but he could be an Englishman with his love of good tea. And I, having a streak of health nut in me, am so glad he has honey to use, rather than white sugar. No sugar is healthiest of all, but using honey over refined sugar is also so much better for a body.

And I use it in a lot of baking as well. Particularly my bread. Wonderful, wonderful.

Look at that golden sticky stuff! Clear. Raw. Unrefined. Yeah, now that's the good stuff.

Day 14

2009-11-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

Our park trip today- gettin' our vitamin D in!

Day 13

2009-11-08T09:39:00.000-08:00

So sorry I didn't get my photo posted yesterday. My hubby only had to work a half day yesterday so I hung out with him all afternoon, rather than my MacBook. And then in the evening we were invited to our South African friends' place to play Monopoly. Oh, and to treat a foot which had just had a 4-inch nail pulled out of it. Yeah, that wasn't so pleasant, poor guy. Woulda maybe sent him to the ER, but he had a tetanus shot 3 months ago, so really what more could they really do?

And then we played Monopoly. Actually, it wasn't even standard Monopoly- it was Monopoly City. A lot like the old standard Monopoly but with some definite twists. And it involved batteries. What is it with all these old board and card games coming out with new, battery-operated versions? Seriously, I liked the old versions just fine-WITHOUT the beeping and blinking and whatever else. Wow! I just totally sounded like an old person there- scary! And I promise- I promise to you on my D80- that I am not that old! I'm not even approaching middle age! Just call me old-fashioned.

Anyways, so I am known as the Super.... well, um, mean, nasty female dog of Monopoly. Simply because I financially ruined my husband. In the game that it- not real life. I hope. But there is a difference people! A huge difference between Monopoly and real life. I just happen to very shrewd when it comes to Monopoly. No rent-forgiving just because you happen to be married to me. He still loves me, thank goodness. He even warmed up my side of the bed last night before I came to bed! *hugs and kisses* Love him!

I suppose I should add a note about the actual picture in this post, rather than just blogging about my Monopoly stardom.

It has been so beautiful all week here. I'm pretty sure this classifies as Indian Summer. Temps in the 50s and 60s. Lovely sunshine. Yesterday was no exception. I took hubby's lunch out to the farm (because he fordot it) and had to try to shoot the sky. The clouds were calling my name. The blueness contrasted against the white cottoney texture were just begging for me to try to capture their serenity and grandeur. Don't we serve an awesome Lord who created these things? All creation praises His name and I just want to join in!

But, you know what? It's another amazing day out there and I'm going to take Baby G to the park. It is the Sabbath after all. I would love to be in church, but with the hubs working and our chosen place of worship an hour's drive away, it just didn't happen today. So I'm gonna take G and my camera out and enjoy the weather. Then maybe we'll come home to G's Bible story book. And, maybe, by then hubby will be almost done working! Ok, nevermind. They're working cattle so I dream on...

Day 12

2009-11-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

At the moment, I'm kneading a batch of french bread dough, listening to 'The Prince Of Egypt' soundtrack. Well, my trusty Bosch is actually kneading the bread dough. I'm lazy that way. And please don't laugh at my music. That insults me deeply. Pffffffft. Don't worry- I'm a huge fan of odd music genres and am used to the scorn. One of the reasons I love the iTunes DJ- I can't stand to listen to too much of the same thing at once. My 'Prince Of Egypt' song is over and now I'm 'Tubthumping.'

So yeah, I know I'm in a rut with my pictures here. It seems every day, or ever other day, at least, my 50/50/50 image highlights my love of lines and how they draw the eye. And they always lead to the left of the shot. Need to work on that. Well, with the tomatoes here, I had to shoot it from that angle because of the way the light was falling. But yeah. Will work on that. Tomorrow. Or maybe the next day.

Day 11

2009-11-05T17:06:00.000-08:00

It was an absolutely gorgeous day outside today! Full sunshine with temps on the 60 degree range. While I'm definitely a huge fan of cold weather and rain/snow, I can enjoy a temperate day and sunshine as well. Especially at this time of year in North Dakota!

So Baby G and I went out to enjoy sun for a little while. And we took his Curious George jack-in-the-box along with us. George needed some sun too.

I absolutely adore this shot. G hasn't figured out how to turn the handle and get George to pop out by himself yet, but he loves it when I help him. He is surprised every time George jumps up at him. His unbridled delight is just too much fun! I love it! This is what makes being a mom fun! I'm particularly blessed to be able to be a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) so I get to have a lot more of these moments with my son.

Of course, he's crawling at quite a rapid clip by now and having to watch him every single minute and go running after him every time he heads for something he shouldn't (like electrical cords) and that parts not always so enjoyable. But, ya know, I'm gonna miss this, so I better enjoy him and this stage. But, just between you and me, I sometimes wish a had a tether of some sort. Or a huge play pen. Something to keep him in one place for 5 minutes. To keep him from climbing the bookshelves while I go to the bathroom. Alas, we still have his ExcerSaucer that I can put him in- he's happy in that for approximately 10 minutes. Or however long it takes for him to throw all of his toys and Cheerios down.

But anyways, yes, I love my Baby G. I love his giggles, his chatter. The way he flirts with his eyes at the grocery store ladies who make a fuss over him and talk to him. I love it when he wants to cuddle- which isn't often because the only time he's not constantly in motion is when he's asleep. All boy, that one!

Thank God for little boys! Gotta love 'em!

Day 10

2009-11-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

Today I ventured to take my camera along to the grocery store. And that's kind of a big thing. See, I have this problem. I am SO uncomfortable taking random pictures in public where other people can stand and gawk. And with the kinds of things I shoot, do you blame them? I mean seriously, yesterday it was my drying laundry (is that equivalent of listening to the corn grow?) and today it was olive oil. Granted, the shelf with the olive oil is pretty much favorite, visual-wise, in the entire store. But to take a picture? Yeah, that borders on slightly insane, in need of an asylum. And why would I want other people, especially people I don't know (people who DO know me already know the sad truth) and who live in this small town that I just moved to and am hoping to make a good impression on, to think bad/weird things of me? Yes, I know that was a grammatically bad sentence, but it was the only way I knew to say it.

And yes, the olive oil shelf IS my favorite in the whole store. Except maybe the fancy cheese section. Oh wait, my grocery store doesn't HAVE a fancy cheese. Well, if it would, THAT might be my favorite section. Might.

There's just something about those beautiful glass jars with that gorgeous golden olive oil. It's just so, for lack of a better word, purty. Inspiring. Timeless. Universal. Greasy. Well, it's greasy in a better, healthier way. Honestly, I think I could subsist on the basic, ancient foods of humanity. Wine in glass bottles. Crusty, whole-grain, artisan breads. Wheels of cheese. Freshly-pressed olive oil. All variety of fruits and veggies, herbs and spices. Raw honey, straight out of the comb. Of course, there would have to be some red meat in there somewhere, but eating cows is definitely not a new idea, so that fits in the ancient category too. And to top it all off: fresh, raw, whole milk. Yup, if I could afford it (and had someone to do my cooking), that's what I'd live on. Classic food. That's what I think of every time I see a jar of olive oil.

I know. I'm weird. Or maybe I'm just a sucker for glass bottles. But that is a whole different subject.

Day 9

2009-11-03T15:45:00.000-08:00

This is it for today, folks. Yup, this is all. I'm sorry for the relatively boring shot, but I was running extremely low on creative juice all day. Definitely not my best work, but hey, I guess it's my shot for day #9! I'll be checking out some photography blogs tonight, looking for some inspiration for tomorrow. No, I don't want to find something to copycat, but inspiration is just that to me- an idea that acts as a springboard for other ideas, something I can put my own spin on.

So for now, I hope you enjoy this shot of my laundry. Actually, it's not even my laundry. It's my husband's. His work laundry no less. Guess that shows what I think of you! Ok, really, not.

Day 8

2009-11-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

Yup, got some brand love here! I'm a Carhartt and jeans kind of girl. Sure, Carhartts run a little (or a lot, depending on your point of view) on the pricey side, but you won't find anything that puts up with as much wear and tear as long as they do.

I was totally (still am) psyched when I heard that they were starting up an outerwear line exclusively for women. You see, I have been blessed with the classic pear shape and, to get anything in the men's line that actually fit around my hips, I had to go for these HUGE things that were gigantic in the shoulders. So yeah, I was very happy to find that Carhartt's women's line has vastly improved on this dilemma. Actually, I must confess, this is the first year I've invested in a Carhartt coat simply because they fit much better- in years past, I refrained from purchasing a men's coat because I hated the fit.

And just to make this clear: Carhartt has never heard of me. And they're definitely not paying me to write up a glowing review for them. It's just that I like them THAT much.

Seriously, what kind of farm chick would I be if I didn't like Carhartt? Especially since my husband is a Carhartt-wearing man and, um, the Carhartts just amp up the sexy factor that much more. *drool* They have to rank right up there in the sex appeal column beside The Pioneer Woman's Wranglers and chaps.* Yup, umhmmmmm!

*No, I don't mean PW's actual Wranglers and chaps. I'm referring to her photos of Wranglers and chaps.

Day 7

2009-11-01T18:07:00.000-08:00

Here's today's shot. Love the light that was going on!

Day 6

2009-10-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I figured that ya'll might be getting tired of the macro-esque, still life type stuff, so I decided to change it up this morning. After all, I'm guessing part of the 50/50/50 challenge is to show how versatile a 50mm lens can be.

I caught this landscape shot as I was driving my hubby to work (his truck broke down a couple of days ago). I just loved the pink reflection of the rising sun of the clouds. In my opinion, cloudless sunrises (and sunsets) are pretty, but clouds just add some much more drama and a whole new dimension!

So I hope you like it! Landscape is not my strong point, but I'm working on it!

Day 5

2009-10-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

This was really special shoot today. My hubby and I's wedding rings. Well, and my bridal veil.

Our 2nd anniversary was a couple of weeks ago and this is what we decided to treat ourselves to. We didn't do anything (except go out to eat on a GIFT CARD!) for our 1st anniversary, and with harvest still going on, with no end in sight (not really, but it feels that way) and no chance to get away this year either, this is what we splurged on. If you wanna call it splurging- saving mega bucks by purchasing off of Amazon (mine) and Etsy (his) is not exactly my idea of splurging. But poor is as poor does.

And since we moved away from a church that doesn't believe in jewelry, not even wedding rings, and a part of the country with lots of similarly-believing churches (hence lots of married people walking around without wedding rings), to an area where people still glance at your left hand, especially if you're carrying a kid around, we took the plunge. And I'm glad we did- I love my ring and think it's so purty!

Post Office, how I love thee!

2009-10-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Check out what I got in the mail today! I am so excited to have my very own business cards!

I ordered from MOO and got the minicards. I know the minicards are totally not standard business card size, but they're so cute and, um, maybe the fact that they're NOT standard size is part of the reason I liked them. Plus, check out the adorable box they came in:

Now, I don't think I'm weird when I say that my opinion of almost anything small and miniature is "CUTE!" Yeah, so get ready for cute overload- or perhaps, the overuse of the word "cute."

*drooling* That bellyband is just so, well, cute!

And the little tiny letters that spell moo.com? Kill me now!

The one thing I really, really loved about MOO and their cards was the double-sided printing. Meaning, room for a really cool, panoramic-type picture on the back! And look how tiny the cards are! Hopefully not too tiny to get lost in a purse or diaper bag (who am I kidding? Big ol' STANDARD size business cards disappear into the black hole that is my diaper bag!), but small enough, different enough to be attention-catching.

The front. Enough information to get people on this site and/or get in touch with me. Except, um, I forgot my e-mail address. Oh well, remember that for the next time, I guess. If I ever get the first 100 cards passed out and I actually have to order more, that is.

But, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I have my own business cards!

Let me know what you think! Would business cards like these catch YOUR eye?

Day 4

2009-10-29T13:48:00.001-07:00

Some of my oldest, favoritest friends are definitely my books. Right now, I have these books displayed for decorational purposes, but I have read and loved all three of them. There's nothing much better than an afternoon spent in the back corner of a thrift store or used book store, sifting through the junk and finding some truly good old books, musty smell and all. Or even, like the Sherlock Holmes book there in the middle, a beautiful, hardback reprint of a classic! I love me some handsomely bound books! I think the only reason I bought my copy of Alexander Dumas' 'The Three Musketeers' (not pictured) was because the binding appealed to me! It was a hard read, being printed in older style English, but I managed to slog through it and now I'm so glad I did. It's a good classic story that I never would have read if it hadn't been for the luscious cover. Yeah, I don't usually have much luck finding clothes for myself at thrift stores, but I've found some real book treasures, that's for sure!

Day 3

2009-10-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

See, told ya it wouldn't be another food shot today! Unless, of course, you consider weeds food.

Day 2

2009-10-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, this photo was taken yesterday, but I was too tired last night to post it.

This bread was fresh-baked, right out of the oven- YUM!

But today I'll try to shoot something that doesn't involve food! It's just that when it's chilly outside, it's a whole lot easier just to find something inside to shoot, usually within my kitchen.

50 Day #1!

2009-10-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

So someone introduced me to the idea of 50 shots in 50 days at 50mm. Actually it was my friend and photography mentor, Esther, who me sent me over to another blog that I can't remember right now and gave me the idea.

Basically, it's as simple as it sounds- I will take one photo a day, for 50 days, with my nifty-fifty- my 50mm lens. *sigh* I love this lens. It's so very sharp and it's low light capacity is awesome! It has definitely sparked a love for prime lenses within me, lol.

I'm not sure I'll be able to actually post the day's picture every single day, but I will post them all, in order.

So without further ado, here's today's shot:

Let me know what you think!

Yep, it's me...

2009-10-19T15:39:00.001-07:00

Hello to all 6 of you who are following this blog... lol. Sorry for the lack of posts lately. There's been a lack of inspiration, photographer's block, if you will. Well, and I haven't had any real photo sessions to post either. But maybe I should work on this blog so people will see it, so maybe I'll actually be able to schedule some sessions. Maybe.

But I've also realized that I don't just have to post my "professional" photos. I have many, many scenery and landscape shots that, while I love them, don't get put up here simply because they're not "people" pictures. So be looking for more posts and pictures of, well, anything! Of course, I said something to the same effect on my personal blog and, well, yeah.

Here's some of the pictures from the little photo shoot I had with my son. I needed some new pictures to send to grandmas and other relatives and I think these should fit the bill!

This is one of my favorites.

He was just up from a nap and was a tad grumpy, so he got to play with my lens cap in exchange for staying in one place.

Hey, Mom! What are you doing over there?

Alternate caption: I can haz lenzcap?

Teasers of Sarah & Nelson's Wedding

2009-09-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my sister's wedding and I had the pleasure of shooting it! They had a casual, rustic, and western affair that was absolutely gorgeous! The weather cooperated and they were blessed with an almost-cloudless sky and wonderful sunshine.

This was actually the first wedding I have shot almost by myself (more on that later) and while I'm pleased with the way the pictures turned out, it somewhat shook my confidence. I have definitely learned some lessons for the next time.

The wedding was scheduled for 5 p.m., with the ceremony site out in a hayfield on my parents' farm. I arrived at 11:30 a.m., after driving over 21 hours and getting less than 3 hours of sleep (sitting up, with no way to lay down or get comfortable) during the trip. Yeah, not a good way to start things off! Especially if the bride wants you to get lots of setting up and decorating shots! So I hit the ground running as soon as we got there and was busy all afternoon.

The bride and coordinator had planned for bridal party pictures to begin at 2:00 p.m., with family and server photos to follow. They wanted to have all the group shots done and the bridal party hid away in the house by 4:00 p.m., when they figured most of the guests would start to show up. That's right- 2 HOURS to get ALL the group shots! It might have been possible if we'd actually had the full 2 hours, but, alas, the bridal party pictures did not get underway until after 2:30. And people started showing up BEFORE that. So, *sniff, sniff*, I did not get to take any of the cool, fun bridal party shots that I had planned out. Instead, it was bang, bang, bang- relatively boring, line-'em-up arrangements. Oh well. Next time I will be more firm in sitting down and discussing a decent timeline with the bride. My sister is more the I-don't-care-what-we-do-let's-just-get-it-done type. She doesn't have much patience for things like, say, pictures.

But anyways, onto the photos! Who wants to read my ramblings?! So here's the eye candy- excuse the randomness.

Some of her beautiful dress details.

A cool shot I was able to capture after the ceremony.

Before the ceremony

One of the stunning wildflower centerpieces

Her bouquet

I don't really have many reception shots because, well, you remember that 21 hour drive and the sleep I didn't get? Yeah, well, by the time the ceremony was over and the reception started I. was. completely. worn. out. Thank goodness they had some photography-loving friends (one of which also shoots weddings) there- both of whom came to me before the ceremony and offered their services. THANK GOD! I wasn't going to take them up on it, but since the one girl had experience with weddings, I went up to her at the end of the ceremony and sheepishly asked if she would mind shooting the reception. She said she would be glad to.

So this has been my first (almost) solo wedding experience and my first set of teasers! Hope you enjoyed them!

A SWEET truck!

2009-08-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Last night, while hanging out with my hubby as he was working, I came across something nice. Well, I thought it was pretty nice. I think it would be the coolest spot/prop

for a photo shoot- children, families, couples, you name it!

Check it out!

And the price I paid to get these pictures was about 1,588 mosquito bites! So, I believe I'll wait till cooler weather bring anyone here for a session!

Some of my 'People' work...

2009-08-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

2009-08-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Welcome to my photoblog! I can't believe it- I'm starting my own stinkin' photoblog!

I'm starting this page so you all can see some of my work and get an idea for my photography style and taste. If you see something you like, give me a holler! And if you see something you don't like or could use some improvement, do the same!

If you REALLY like what you see and are interested in having a family, senior, children's, bridal, or engagement session with me, let me know and will see if we can work something out. It would help a lot if you are somewhere in the southwestern North Dakota, northwestern South Dakota, southwestern Montana, or even in the northwestern Wyoming areas.

And unless you really, REALLY like me, have complete confidence in me, and are very forgiving, I'm not offering my services for weddings at this time. However, I'm shooting my sister's wedding next month, so we will see how that goes and if I'm more confident about actually doing weddings on a semi-regular basis.

I hope you enjoy watching my journey from amateur to semi-professional photographer.