Sometimes, Things Don't Work Out So Well...

I was so determined to get some beach shots again this year. 

A few days ago, my husband, kids, and I headed to the local beach in the evening - a perfect time for photos.  Or so I thought.  When we arrived, the cool breeze that felt so nice in town turned out to be a cold wind at the beach.  The sand was blowing (not good for cameras!) and the beach grass I had hoped to get close-ups of was whipping in the wind. 

We lasted about 10 minutes, then packed it up and headed to the other side.

As we had hoped, it was much calmer as the hills blocked the wind, and we were able to relax on the sand while the kids splashed in the salty water.

Unfortunately for me, that side of the beach is not nearly as picturesque as the first. 

I did manage to get a few shots, not many of which I was happy with when I reviewed them at home.  Here is one I didn't mind too much; before the summer is out I intend to get back there and shoot this fence again - maybe next time I'll be more successful!

Carnival, Check!

It's been a great summer for photos, so far.

A few things I've always wanted to capture, but due to uncooperative weather or running-around-children, I have not yet managed to shoot them.

Carnival (at night!): Check!

Fireworks: Check!

Butterflies: Not yet, but in the plans.

Clothes-on-a-line: Check!

Beach (always on my list): Check!

Shallow-depth-field-flowers (which I can now do much better thanks to my macro lens): Check!

With any luck, this gorgeous weather will continue and so will my list!

When LIfe Gives You Lemons... Or, A Windy Day

I actually got mad at the wind yesterday.

Foolish, I know, considering I can't exactly control it. But I wanted to.

Try making stills on a windy day. Doesn't work so well. I even tried holding a branch in one hand while I pressed the shutter with the other. Not exactly effective.

So, once I'd given up wishing I could control Mother Nature, I decided to embrace the wind. Rather than futiley trying to capture pretty flowers, I sought out subjects that like the wind. It didn't take long - clothes on a clothesline love a breezy day.

And this is what happened...