Sunday, September 27, 2009

Little Assistant

I went to the dollar store today and purchased some orange & black things, and some green & red things to do some holiday photos. My son thought that was a great idea. In fact, from the moment we got home, he was after me to get that stuff out so he could be my assistant. He stacked packages on top of each other in his own idea of a photographic composition. Then he used the beads to make a heart and other items inside it for a face. Of course, I took those photos, too, and we looked at them together on the LCD screen.

I love that he wants to help me, and to be a part of the process. He was a great little helper!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Two Children

my son and my daughter
sweet innocence
in peaceful dreams
sleep

I want to capture these moments with my camera, but I don't dare wake them with the flash. My daughter has fallen asleep, once again, on the books she has read before bed. My son, curled lovingly around his precious moose. I want these moments to be etched in my mind forever, never to forget the sound of their even breathing while they dream.

I wonder what they dream about.

I think I will always treasure that moment, before heading to bed myself, of checking in on each of them. They will be teenagers and I will still do it, I am sure.

At the end of each day, I take this gift with me to sleep.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Crazy for Cameras

I am so excited that I was finally able to get a treasury page on Etsy!

It's basically a page where you can showcase your favourite items to show appreciation for other Etsy sellers/items. I have been checking it for ages, waiting to get in, and could see a chance coming up on occasion, but it would be in the middle of the night. I wanted one--just not quite that badly!

Anyway, it's up for three days. I called it "Crazy for Cameras" (since I am!) and chose a variety of things I'd found searching Etsy for camera stuff and really liked.

If you're on Etsy this weekend, check it out: http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?ref=fp_nav_treasury

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Two Hours of Photo Talk

The first class of Taking Better Pictures (offered through UNB's College of Extended Learning) was tonight.

I had prepared a couple of PowerPoint presentations on composition, and tried to get a feel for what the group would like to see in the course. I hope I am able to share some new things with them that they will be able to use in their own photography. It is a learning experience for me, as well.

The weather did not cooperate for getting outside, and inspiration did not come easily in a computer lab. Maybe next week we'll be able to get out and capture some fall colours and downtown details.

At the very least, it is an opportunity to spend two hours a week talking about something I love.

Monday, September 21, 2009

A Welcome Distraction

I love photography because it gives me something to focus on!!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Frosty Mornings

I think I am a bit of a fairweather photographer.

In the mornings, now, the frost rests on still green leaves in my yard. I am drawn to its patterns, and the way the warming earth sparkles in the morning sun. I can imagine endless photographic possibilities.

But it is cold!

Maybe some morning or some fall day, I will dress warmly and take my camera out to examine the tiny frozen droplets.

Then again, I might just stay cozy in my fuzzy slippers and wooly sweaters in the warmth of my house!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Always Something to Learn


I think one of the things I love about photography is that you can never know everything. There is always a book I haven't read yet, a tip I've never heard of, or a subject I haven't thought about shooting. I love learning, and there is always something new to learn about photography.


No matter how many photos I've created over the years, and no matter how many I am pleased with, there are always some that I learn something from. For every one that I am satisfied with, there are many more that need improvement. I study them and look at the composition, the lighting, and the angles to see what I can do differently next time. Sometimes I play around with them in Photoshop and discover something I never expected. Other times, I just delete and move on, taking the lessons with me.


There is something I find truly satisfying about a great shot. All the things I've learned over the years about photography come together and it just works sometimes. And the longer I stay on a subject, it seems, the more likely this is. I often start out with the tried and true, then begin experimenting just to see what will happen. Many times, these become my favourite.


Photography is ever evolving, and I strive to have my photography do the same.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Picture This

The only thing missing was my camera: Out on a drive to yesterday, on motorcycles, warmed by the late afternoon sun. Seaside cottages and sailboats on one side, bails of hay and barnyards on the other. I was grateful for the beautiful weather and the ocean breeze.

My husband absolutely loves motorcycles. We don't own any (yet!), so he borrowed one, and I was a passenger on another. It had been a number of years since I'd been on one, and I'd forgotten the feeling of freedom, riding like that.

We had supper at a little restaurant in Caraquet, then headed back in the early evening. The light was beautiful, and I found myself wishing for my camera, so that I could have captured the sunset and the reflections in the calm waters of the bay.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Journaling

Years ago, I kept a diary: Typical young girl diary with a lock and key, later progressing to pretty journals with lined pages. Then I got married, had kids, and stopped. Somehow, the reasons I had habitually written for had become unimportant. But I missed the writing part.

I think that's why I decided to start this blog... Now I have reason again to write. Someone may or may not read it, so it is unlike the private diaries of my girlhood. Yet, it is a record of my days, or parts of them altleast. It is writing without deadlines, without pressure, and without the assessment of school writing.

It is, really, writing for fun!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Night Light


I'd seen this done before, but this was the first time I tried it: Painting with light. Now I can't wait to try it again! Who knew a dark sky and street lights could result in such artful fun?

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Late Night Lists

So I started this blog not knowing how long I'd keep going with it, but at this rate it will go on for some time... I actually lay awake in bed last night and ideas kept jumping into my head for things to write about in future entries. So much so, that I'm so tired today I couldn't even attempt one of them!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Next Time

Back to the beach yesterday... A gorgeous September day. There were no herons or sandpipers, but the sand had gifts of its own: Hundreds of little bird tracks everywhere you looked. I took many shots of these, taking the time to explore them with my son.

Later in the evening we went for a walk to the playground. At the last second, I grabbed my camera and zoom lens and headed out. The reflections in the water of the boardwalk and surrounding trees were breathtaking.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Last Days of Summer

I took my camera to the beach yesterday, hoping to get a few more shots before summer ends. The sun was shining, and although it was a little cool, I was looking forward to wandering along the shore. The thing I did not account for, though, was the wind. And boy, was it windy! I sheltered my camera for a few quick snaps, but realized quite soon that I had better get it put away. Blowing sand and D-SLRs just don't mix!

Of course, no sooner had I put my camera back in the cottage when we came across some baby sandpipers fishing in the shallow water and a lone heron perched in the lagoon.

Maybe next time.

Friday, September 4, 2009

The coffee is on!

Here we go...

While I wait for my coffee to brew, I will attempt my first-ever blog! The kids are playing, all is quiet, and I have a moment to try this out.

I have no idea where this blog will take me, but it begins here, with the intention to share what inspires my photography.

Where I am right now:
  • About to begin my seventh year of teaching, including a couple of years of unhappy supply teaching;
  • Soon to teach an evening photography course called "Taking Better Pictures";
  • With two children about to start school--in one case, gr.1, and in the other, preschool;
  • Married to an incredible man who does so much for our little family; and
  • Just finished one craft fair and preparing for one in the fall.

Among other things, of course!

Coffee's ready...