Meet Charlie

I am weak. I swore I would never have another dog, and yet here we are. It was totally unplanned; my cousin needed a home for her pug and we just happened upon the message on facebook. Before I knew it, we were driving home with the fifth member of our family (not counting the golfish).

He's a cutie, I'll give him that. And the kids love him to bits. They adore his "squishy" face and tear around the basement with him. I've no doubt they'll soon be dressing him up in doll clothes and making him part of their make-believe play.

Charlie has made himself quite at home with us. He is a guard dog, growling at his reflection in the patio doors; he is a vacuum cleaner, sucking up any stray crumbs (and there are many) after meals; and he is a teacher--the kids are quickly learning that if they don't pick up their toys, he will eat them!

Life with Charlie... It'll never be the same!

Taking Better Pictures: Round 2!

After some uncertainty about numbers, the second round of the night class I teach has begun. It's a small class, but enjoyable nontheless. Funny how quickly I had forgotten that I have as much fun teaching about photography as I do "doing" photography. It is so easy to get into a rut, hanging out at home and not having to get myself out somewhere in the evening. But I did tonight, and so worth it.

I began the night by going over the technical stuff, to get a foundation in there. Not as much fun, sure, but a necessary evil. Then I started my composition lesson, and that's the part I enjoy. That's where you can really talk about the good versus the bad, and all the (subjective) stuff in between.

As usual, I learned as well as taught.

That's as much a reason to do it as any.

More than Snapshots

I happily received my Photolife magazine in the mail today. It's always full of great articles, and this one did not disappoint. Included in it were the winning photos of their annual competition. I took a moment to go through them, and it was a reminder (as seeing truly great photography always is) that I still have much to learn. I am often satisfied with my own compositions, but realize that in order to continue to improve my photography, I need to continue to study photography. I really want to make an effort to look at and understand great photographs. They are more than snapshots; they are a process involving feeling and knowledge. As such, they should evoke feeling and wonder.

I strive for this.

Maybe we could use some snow, after all...

This has to have been one of the mildest winters in years, with the least amount of snow on the ground. And I have enjoyed every minute of it. It is not too often I would wish for more snow. The roads are bare, the walkway doesn't need to be shovelled, and I look forward to having less snow to melt away in the spring.

However...

My poor children cannot play outside because what snow we do have, is hard as a rock. Icy patches abound. And photo opportunities are becoming limited!

My father and I are waiting for some fresh snow to take our cameras to Pabineau Falls, a gorgeous waterfall not far from here. We may be waiting for some time, if this dry weather continues.

But I'm not complaining!

Hmmm...

To do wedding photography, or not to do wedding photography?

It's a Great Night to be Inside

It started snowing this afternoon, and I don't think it's going to stop until Monday.

So much for a short winter. From the sounds of things, it's going to be April before the snow from this storm melts.

When I stand at our patio doors and peer out into the black and white night, the long shadows of the trees wave across the yard. The snow whips against the windows, and dresses the cars like fuzzy white bunnies.

Nights likes this make summer seem very far away.

They also make me very happy to be inside!

Welcome, 2010!

I am loving these long, lazy days of Christmas vacation. I welcome the excuse to stay in the house in my comfy clothes and take the day as it comes.

This afternoon, I got my camera out and shot a few new things... I sliced up some fruit and did some detail compositions of the patterns in their centers. I also found a few bathroom items and made up some "bathroom art." Last night, I played around with fabric and letters and plan to do more with that as soon as the stores re-open and I can get my hands on some more stamps.

Going back to work next week is going to be hard!