Day 29, January's photo shoot winner

I am so darn proud of this photo... as well as the rest of the set from today's shoot. Lana and I worked hard to make fun and dynamic photos. You did a great job! I'm so happy we met and look forward to doing business with you again soon.

Day 10

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. A quote made famous by author and philosopher Dr. Wayne Dyer. Perspective is a powerful tool we sometimes overlook.

I'm nearsighted. So much, that sometimes I find it hard to find my glasses when they're resting on the night stand next to my bed.

I went to the optometrist today to check on my new contacts and order a 6-month supply. While I waited in the exam room I saw what everyone sees while waiting for an eye exam... a refractor, letters on a wall and a poster about eye health sponsored by some pharmaceutical company.

I love the refractor, its the key to happiness... Am I more blind than last year? Can my eyes compete and read those letters on line 7?

We usually view this machine face on, so I shot this photo from above. Something so routinely identifiable, is now a mechanical enigma. Perspective makes a difference.

Day 9

Can you imagine how hard it is for a child to sit still while their favorite character is painted on their cheek? :D

For this photo I wanted to include the surrounding environment and didn't like the way it looked while shooting from above, so I crouched down to eye level to catch a glimpse of 6-year-old patience.

I love the composition of this photo.

Day 8

Today I was reminded about how life can throw positive moments your way. My daughter attended her first birthday party for a classmate.

She was so excited, she reminded me all week, and helped pick out her gift while out shopping this past weekend.

This morning I had a dream I was taking the most beautiful sunrise photos in the African Serengeti, when I click the shutter, instead of hearing the mirror flip, I hear, "Wake up mom! Today is Sunday and we have to get ready for Sukari's birthday party!"

Sigh. I love my kids, and seeing her dedication to a friend reminded me of my childhood and the fun I had hanging out with the neighborhood kids.

We get to the party, and I instantly recognize Sukari's mom. We went to middle school together, more than 20 miles from my daughter's elementary school, 15 years ago.

It's amazing to see the next generation of kids; playing together, enjoying life and building friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Day 7

F 8 1/8 of a second ISO 100

So, I'm currently working on seeing shadows differently and I saw this concept online. I wanted to try it and decided to use my favorite romance novel, "The Notebook" as the text for the wedding bands. ♥ ♥

I'm such a hopeless romantic. I'm going to try this technique again tonight to see if I can get more contrast from the light, it was a very close specular light.

Trying new things is a lot of fun, and I love the way this photo turned out. I hope you do too. enjoy.

Day 6

F 9 at 1/250th of a second, ISO 100

I took this photo while waiting for the school bus. I've been reading a lot of journals and blogs from various photographers and as a photojournalist I want to develop my skills, so I hunted for a photo of an intriguing found situation, not staged.

When I look at this photo I think of Harry Potter's scar, lol.

I'm trying to work on composition and shadows, and think beyond what is available to the naked eye. So for the next few weeks I'll be working on found situations, reflections, shadows, silhouettes and double meanings.

Oh, and this is the reflection of a handrail on stairs.

Day 5

f 11 at 1/ 128th sec  ISO 125

It's rare to see three buses in a line behind the other... unless it's shift change. The bus is an inevitable part of my day. I use it to run errands, go shopping, visit family and meet clients.

Riding the bus taught me time management. It doesn't wait for anyone, nor does it ever run late when you need it to.

I've owned a car and used to be the frustrated person stuck in traffic, but now I leave that up to my bus driver. Instead of rushing, I read, do homework, write story ideas, work on business projects or enjoy the view.

Plus, I recently realized not owning a car has saved me a lot of money, which in turn goes toward tuition and upgrading my photography equipment.

Car note + insurance + maintenance +gas

Also, not having a car has saved me a lot of money on little purchases; A $5 cup of coffee, a $7 meal at a local fast food chain, buying big ticket items on impulse, etc. It makes me have to really want something in order to take a bus to go buy it... then carry it home on said bus or ask a friend to lug it home.

I've learned to appreciate the days I do get to drive but don't ache for it like I used to when I first became car-less.