Week 22: Flowers

This was a piece of cake! What photographer doesn't love photographing one a natures most beautiful assets! I have a nice bunch for you to view this week!!! Enjoy!

 

 

Next week, Close-up. This one should be fun too! See you then!

More from my Nature class, lessons 3 and 4

So, I wanted to share some more of my assignments from my Photographing Nature class. I started off with sharing assignments 1 and 2. (Each assignment is to get you three best photographs of a specific subject) I wanted to share assignments 3 and 4 as well.

Okay, assignment three was to get three landscapes that tell a story or show feeling. I must say, this one was difficult. Photographing a landscape is easy, but to get it so that it shows interest was hard. It took me about 50+ shots to get these three! Here were my picks for this.

A quiet trail through the woods. The trail, where does it lead? 

 Peaking through some small trees to catch a glimpse of the small, yet fast waterfall.

A relaxing pond shaded by a willow tree. A nice place for the birds to hang out.

This was not one I selected to turn in, But I like it, so I will share this as a bonus landscape!

And my most recent assignment, number four, this was way easier for me. This one was to get two flowers and one tree. The catch was to try a different perspective. An example the instructor gave was how would an ant see a flower? I like to try different angles all the time. I think it just adds more fun to the art of photography. (not that I don't find it fun anyway!!!) So, here are my two flowers and my tree!

 A beautiful bush of bright orange flowers. I went to the side of a branch (instead of from the front) and shot a profile of the end of this branch.

 I found this along the same hike I found the orange bush above. I was thrilled to have found this lady slipper, as they are rare! This wasn't alone either, there were a whole bunch in this spot! Without hurting any, I got behind this one to get this amazing photo.

This is actually a blue spruce we planted in our yard. It is only about two feet tall. So it was easy to get this bird's eye view by simply standing directly over it.

Okay, I have assignment five, which is water. I will be out this weekend to get some photos for that, and assignment six which I will get in class Friday!

Week 21: Something Pink

This week is something pink. Short and sweet post for this week!

Next week, Flowers.

Nature Class, lesson 2

OK, so I am still loving the photographing nature class. This is week 2. Each assignment, we need to submit three photographs of a given topic. My last assignment was broken down into three parts. Photograph one, take a photograph using the rule of thirds. This is basically making the subject off center, but still the main focus. Here was my pick for that.

The second photograph was to take a photograph during the "golden hours". That is Sunrise and two hours after or sunset and two hours before. I have two photographs for this, but the one I picked for class was the roses.

The last photograph was to find a pattern in nature. The instructor added and extra challenge to this. He wanted us to find circles, which are not as common as lines and curves. I wanted to go down to the local farm and get some shots of fruit, but I just didn't have the time. So, I once again, used something in my yard. I do hope to get out of my yard from now on!!!

I do hope to get out of my yard from now on!!! My next assignment is to shot three different landscapes. Using my yard is just not in the cards for this one!!

New class!

Hey there. I have started another new photography class. This one I am very excited about. It is "Photographing Nature With Your Digital Camera". I am looking to get back into nature photography, as it is where my love of this craft began. So, this summer, you will be seeing less portraits, and more nature! I wanted to share my first assignment from this class.

In the first class, the instructor talked about one particular nature walk he went on, and he described how he stopped and took the time to just notice the beauty of he natural surroundings. This is what he wanted us, the class, to do. Being who I am, it is important for me to stay close to nature and the elements. But, being a working mom of three, I feel that I have lost touch with Mother Earth, and all she shares with us.

This class has already inspired me to get back to my roots. I am so glad I have found this motivation. Our specific assignment was to get out side and take three pictures of something you may have not noticed. Pay attention to the natural surrounds, and the detail of the "little things". So, I took my kids outside this afternoon, and we all went exploring! Here are the three I selected for the class. And, of course, I have a few more I took as well!!! Enjoy.

Week 20: Bokeh

Hey everyone. A quick lesson on what bokeh is. Bokeh is, basically, when the background of an image is blurred. I do this a lot with portraits, as it helps keep the focus on the subject. For these two photographs, however, there is no subject, just a blurred background. I decided for bokeh, I wanted to try something different. I had heard about this trick months ago, but have never tried it. That is, until now. This trick is done using a shaped cover over the lens that allows regular lights in the background to take on a different shape (other then round). Since this was my first attempt at this, I just used the background and plain white holiday lights. I used two different shapes for this weeks shots. Here they are!

Next week, something pink!

Week 19: shoes

So, I am a bit late this week. It has been a tough week. I have been sick all week and slacked on doing any pictures this week. But I dragged myself out today to get a quick shot of shoes, even though I am not doing any better. I just shot a quick photograph of my three boys shoes. These past two weeks have been tough. I know my picture from last week still could use improvement. But hopefully next week will be better. Well, I will spare you the boring details and get on with my one picture for this week.

Next week: Bokeh

Week 18: Long Exposure

Week 18: Long exposure.
I would have like to have more time to work on this one. I have a had a rocky week this week though. For those of you that really know me, you would know why. Anyway, this is the one I did get done this week for the long exposure challenge. It is my oldest who moved out of frame while the shutter was still open. The effect is supposed to make him look like a ghost. Although you can see the blur he left as he moved. I would like to go back and fix that up when I have more time! But, given my circumstances this week, it will have to wait for now. But, I know I wouldn't let myself skip this week altogether, so I will show you the rough copy!!!

Birthday Session

Hey, I had the honor of photographing this same girl a month ago for Easter. I love seeing how far I have come in just a month. Really a difference since January. It makes me excited for the future, too! This sweet girl is about to hit four. Her mom had this great idea to have a session and use one of the photographs as thank you cards for the guests at her daughter's party. Not only is this a cute idea for a party favor, if you will, but my name and a sample of my work will be handed to to potential future clients!
OK, OK, moving on. I will share a few of my favorites from this particular birthday session and lastly will share the picture that will be handed out to party guests.