New 365 pics..

Days 4 and 5... I'll probably just continuously update one post every month with some of the photos... this could get extensive!

Valentines Day...

Mm hallmark holidays :) Wanted to play with the theme at least a little, I know the lollipop and hat theme is probably overplayed in general, but I'm a sucker for cute babies with... well... suckers! Here's my first shot, my friend lent me a piece of plexiglass she had around the house because I wanted to try reflections, still need some work but I think I need to invest in a piece :)

Shooting in RAW

Ah! Finally found my RAW option.. and I'm in love w/ shooting in it. I never shoot out of Manual mode now and it's so liberating, albeit at times very frustrating.... I'm also beginning to take part in a "365 Challenge". The idea is to take some form of self portrait every single day for a year, to boost creativity and technique (along w/ technical skills, forced photos helps you practice!). This is a few examples of a recent 'self portrait' attempt on a rainy day... I REALLY need some external light help (a speedlite would be nice... some day):

Sunrise on the coast...

That’s right. Sun*RISE*. That’s what we ’stay at home moms’ do. We get up at at the butt-crack of dawn, and drive to the beach, bundled up, with child, and take pictures.

Okay maybe not often. Ok… maybe just this ONCE. But I’m glad I did Here are the fruits of my willing-labor - I was really trying to focus on practicing w/ backlight exposure, and color popping. I can see the room for lots of improvement, but I love these shots, it makes me really value where I am fortunate to live! I mean… it’s January. C’mon.

1 and 4 yr old - friends kids!

Practice is the theme, in case it wasn’t too obvious (call me Captain Obvious, it’s ok… really) - another good friend came over yesterday asking if I could take a few photos of her kids - are you kidding?! Of course! LOVE some of these… this is a 4 year old, and a 1 year old, and I had my first experience w/ on the go (constantly) kids. It really opened my eyes. Studio + infant = workable; studio+toddler/preschooler? YIKES! We did end up a few despite the quick 20 minutes we had to play before I was certain my friends ears had steam coming out of them!

Joey - 6mo

I met a great woman at one of my mom’s group gatherings, since then (several months ago) we’ve made it a habit to hang out at least once a week. Last week I asked if I could use her adorable little boy for some practice! I came away with some photos that I really feel were/are mybest to date - here are a few:

Some starter photos.

Just getting some practice using the blog... this will be unorganized, choppy, and well... yeah. I'm just learning here!