It's a Girl Thing

I wish these came in MY size.

A Long Time Gone

I have seriously neglected the ol' photo blog. Not sure how that happened, but will try to post more often. At least more than once every few months.

Okie dokie then.

I stumbled across this Digital Photography School blog today and am currently obsessed. Seems to have practical tips, weekly challenges and reviews for new newbies like me and seasoned photo junkies. Once again, I am committing to playing with my camera more and taking a few pictures every. single. day. There. You have my word.

Here are a few pictures of A. yesterday. Which was also her 5th birthday.

I used my 50mm/1.4 lens for most of the shots. I may need to move back to using AV mode most often, because with manual several of my shots were either over or under exposed; plus I'm still pitifully slow and I miss out on some good shots. Full Auto sure is nice and safe, if not for the annoying flash.

Signs of Summer

Our sunflowers are bursting open in our garden. It makes me so happy to glance out the windows and see their happy faces looking back at me. They rise up so tall and proud. It's like they are watching over the tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables growing.

After Memorial Day

I tried to take some pictures of A. yesterday evening after a day of swimming. Um, yeah. These are the results. Enjoy.

Scenes from the Strawberry Patch

Last week Annelise and I went with some friends to a local farm to pick strawberries. Along with filling our buckets, I tried to take some pictures. It's a bit of a challenge to try to be a photographer and participate in the experience too. Wearing my camera around my neck and trying to bend down to pick strawberries was quite humorous. Or frustrating. Even though I feel burdened by the bulk or weight of my camera at times, I am almost always pleased with the results.

I love the effect of tilting the camera, just a smidge to create a more interesting angle. This old sign is so rustic and beautiful in it's simplicity. This photo is one of my favorites from the outing. One of my photography goals is to take pictures in a more photojournalist style, let the signs and objects tell the story.

I loved the huge tire they have near the entrance. We were a bit rushed and Annelise was on overdrive, so I didn't really get to *play*.

You know there has to be a close up. Here it is.

There is a gorgeous old tree (several actually) with the perfect low branch. I wish I could have taken a few more pictures there.

After all the hard work picking berries, Annelise took a swing break. The rows and rows of strawberries are in the background.

You can see more pictures and read more about our adventure here.

Fields of Blue

We drove out to Chappell Hill yesterday to get some family shots in the bluebonnets. I did use the tripod for the first time, I L.O.V.E. it. I'm sure it was quite hilarious as I pushed the shutter and hopped over the bluebonnets to pose with Scott and Annelise. I wish I had brought my remote, that would have made it easier.

I took several shots with my 70-300mm lens. I was so caught up in the bluebonnets, the barn and posing that I did not finagle the settings as I should have. Ooops. We took an ice cream break and went back for a few more. I used my 50mm and tried different manual settings. The afternoon sunlight turned out to be fairly harsh. For these shots, SmugMug auto adjusted the color/exposure.

Easter Afternoon Close ups

Took several shots around the yard this afternoon. Bright sunlight caused some shadows on other pictures. Still a fan of the extreme close up.

17-85mm & 70-300mm, portrait setting