I Can't Help It

People often ask me where I've taken my photography course, or how I do it.

For me, it's more a question of, how do I not do it?

I am so drawn to the visual design of things around me, that I can't help myself. I see potential compositions everywhere. And I mean, everywhere: When I am cooking supper, driving my car, running the bath, even cleaning. The possibilities are endless.

So, sometimes, it's an effort not to run and get my camera and forget supper on the stove. And I have remind myself to concentrate on the road and not the sky.

I don't know how I could not do photography.

More like an Obsession

I had a busy day today... I even managed to get the yard cleaned up and (almost) ready for winter. My trees still need protection to make it through the cold and the snow, but the toys and the bicycles have been put away. And we all got some fresh air in the process.

Amidst the cleanup, I found some time to make a few new pictures. I even added some items to my Etsy shop, including some photos I had handpained and some special deals on groups of 3 pictures.

My children and I read a book together then cuddled on the couch for a show before their bedtime.

Somehow, I put together a decent supper for us in there as well.

And I spend a lot of time thinking about photography. As usual.

It is my passion, after all.

Lately, though, it's been more like an obsession. But in a good way.

I think.

It's Not Easy Being Busy!

There never seem to be enough hours in the day.

I was finishing getting ready for my class this afternoon, after another busy week leading up to it. Every week I plan to be planned ahead of time, but every week I am at the computer in the hours leading up to my class, putting finishing touches on my PowerPoint presentations and handouts. I always get it done, though.

The drive to the high school before class, it was all I could do to focus on the road and stay awake. I found myself, once again, wondering how to get it all in. How to keep up with everything. Some things don't seem worth it (like cleaning!), others I question. But as difficult as it's been to find the time to plan for the photography class, it is totally worth it.

I don't know whether my students agree or not, but after class I always feel as though I want to get out my camera and start shooting. Not that I need any motivation to do that, but talking about photography for two hours always gets my mind going and the ideas flowing.

If only it wasn't almost bedtime!

Inspiration at the Dollar Store

I was planning a lesson on light for the night class I teach, and I was looking around for some items that the students could photograph using flashlights. The intention was for us to be able to explore the way light changes your composition.

I needed to stop at the dollar store and pick up a few more little flashlights to use. While I was there, I decided to take a look around and see if there were a few things we could use as subjects. The more I looked, the more I noticed... Glasses, vases, Christmas lights, and otherwise tacky little decorations suddenly became possible works of art. I could see the way the light reflected from their surfaces, and knew that with just a little creativity, these cheap items could make awesome compositions.

By the time I'd left, I'd gathered a collection of objects that not only would I use in class, but I also couldn't wait to experiment with them myself.

Who knew such inspiration could be found at the dollar store?

What Gives

Ever notice that when things get busy, it's sleep that gives? It's about the only place I can steal time from. Sooner or later, though, I am going to have to find some time from somewhere else for sleep!

Feature

One of my photographs was featured in the following blog:

http://www.purplepinkandorange.com/blog/?p=7327

Thanks!

Seeing the Light

The craziness of getting ready for work and school is sometimes a bit much. Outfits I've laid out the night before in an attempt to be organized turn out to be triggers for meltdowns; a quick bowl of cereal is sneered at in favor of toast; or missing hats and mittens create a frenzy on the way out the door.

Then we are on our way.

I pull out of the driveway and take a breath. When I look out, I notice the sunlight peaking through clouds coloured gray, blue, purple, white. Leaves are outlined in frost. Trees like painted landscapes lead the way.

Things are calm again, and I am reminded of these precious moments and how quickly they pass. These moments when the light is just right, somehow, remind me to appreciate all the little moments with my children.

Even the crazy ones.