Random shots

These are a couple shots taken of my daughter last night. My camera has been a bit lonely the last few weeks as the bustle of the holiday season has kept me quite busy. I decided to take it out last night and give it some exercise. These were two of my favorites. Nothing fancy, just set up a changing screen behind her, put her on a stool and set up my SB-900 to my right shooting thru and umbrella to soften the light a bit.

If time allows, I hope to get some more fun shots this week :)

2010 is on it's way!

Well here it is, the middle of December and life is just as busy as ever! Christmas is almost here which means Sonjia's birthday is even closer, then after that Caitlyn's big day will be here too! Wow where does the time go. One event comes to a close and another is already rolling in on it's way.
I'm afraid with all of the activities of late my personal photo endeavors have been on the back burner. Not to say that I haven't been shooting, just not random stuff :) The preschool shoot I did 2 weeks ago was a total blast!! The kids were so full of personality and capturing on print was extremely satisfying. The PDX Help Portrait event was this past weekend and it too was an amazing experience that I'm grateful to have been a part of! So many wonderful people, so many smiles, how could it be anything less than a great time?!
I have high hopes for a exciting 2010! So many ideas and goals are already turning in my head, sometimes I need to sit so I don't get dizzy! I wish everyone a joyful and renewing holiday season!

catch up...

Here are 3 more pictures to add to the project collection. I am making a real effort to keep my camera near me, knowing that I don't have much free time. This will hopefully open more opportunities at a moment's notice. More to come soon!

Slacker!

I have been such a slacker lately, especially when it comes to getting my camera out! To busy with work, kids and rebuilding my website (which should be live tomorrow with any luck!) to work on my photo project. But I'm not quiting it! One way or another I am going to get it done by the end of the month :)
Life is always filled with priorities and distractions. As long as you find balance, there is always a way to do what you have to do and what you want to do. The time line may not be as predictable at times but if you want something bad enough, it will work out one way or another.
A few of my own events that are coming in the near future are the Witch Hazel Elementary School Bazaar. This event is to help raise funds for the 6th graders to attend outdoor school. Local vendors and crafts makers come together to sell hand made crafts, home based business items and Holiday decorations. I will be there taking holiday portrait for those who wish to get a jump start on their Christmas/Holiday cards and pictures to share with families. If you are in the area and wish to stop by, the 6th graders could use your support!!
Next I am excited to announce that I will be working with the Little Spartan preschool, taking their school pictures. This an opportunity I am really looking forward to as children are amazing to work with! Their expressions are so pure and innocent and while they may not be the easiest to get sit still for their picture, if you are able to capture that natural smile or laugh it's an instant treasure.
As if that wasn't enough for now, I have volunteered myself and services to help the program "Help Portrait" and will get the privileged to work with other photographers, make up artists, hair stylists and videographers to help make some one's day a relaxing, enjoyable and memorable one. Is there any greater sense of peace and accomplishment than knowing you've helped make someone else's day a little better?!
So I've gone from slacker to rambler ;) time to get off the computer and back to accomplishing today's goals!
Have a wonderful Monday!!

Image 2 of 24: Brown Box Car

I was out driving around downtown Hillsboro and I came across some railroad tracks that had 2 box cars sitting on a side track. I figured, "What the heck, I haven't taken any train shots in a while." So here is image number 2 brought to you by the color: Brown.

Image 1 of 24: Chalk full of color

This was a simple find. While I was enjoying the few minutes of sunshine on the front porch I spotted my kids bucket of sidewalk chalk. A sure shot of color was waiting for me to capture it. That just goes to show you don't have to go far to find what you are looking for as long as you are paying attention to what's around you.

First shot at Blogging :)

I am new to the world of Blogs so please take from it what you wish :)

I am starting a new photo project for the month of November: Color 24

With this project I will be taking pictures over the next month and the focus of each picture will be Color. The 24 is that I will have a series of 24 images at the end of the month. I have too many other commitments to assume that I could complete 30 pictures (one each day) so I gave my self a little room for the days I just can't shoot. I am also limiting myself to using my 50mm lens. This will give me the opportunity to learn better composition as I will not have the ability to zoom in or out on my subject. I will post my images here as I complete them.

Short and sweet and to the point. Now I'm off to start capturing colors!