backwards.

before.


after:

I know, my "before" and "after photos are backwards. The truth is that I still have a lot to learn with knitting "in the round" which was what I attempted to do here with this cocoon. The back of it was full of holes, so I took the whole thing apart. Now I am back to square one, which is staring at some really colorful yarn that is fun to look at, even if it's just in a ball on my couch!

my new ring

It's so pretty, I had to photograph it.



There is a little story behind the ring, or I wouldn't bring it up. So...here we go...it's a Lucky Brand ring.


I visit the Lucky Brand jewelry pretty often at the department store that I pass six times a day, five days a week. (It's called Belk. think Macy's.) I usually look at the jewelry and then balk at the prices, saying things like "I would never pay THAT for a bracelet!" Or, "Ridiculous!" Or, "Maybe when those earrings go on clearance for 75% off...maybe then, I will buy them!" And then I walk away, feeling offended and disgusted at retail and ask myself why I even bothered coming in here? Then I saw this ring. I liked it. I liked it a lot.

It was $38.00 BUT! I decided to wait for clearance, and hopefully even the additional 30-50% percent that comes off during "red dot" events. I visited my ring once a week or so, even tried it on a lot until one day it was....gone. I thought I'd get over it. But look at this swirly detail:


I kept thinking about it. (I can't believe I am admitting to this.) I went to another Belk...and Macy's and Dillards. Nowhere to be found. Then I visited ebay. Found her for $26.99, with free shipping. Yay for ebay! When it came in the mail, I rejoiced, until I looked at the RED DOT price on the back of the tag.

$18.99. Not to mention, perhaps an additional 30-50% off!

It's okay. I got over it in about thirty seconds, especially when I realized that I can pair my ring with my new nailpolish!



If you think I'm nuts, I don't blame you.
In fact, I will agree with you.

{history}

I found a stream of photos on flickr from the Library of Congress that intrigued me so much that I had to share them here. I am highlighting two that really stuck with me for different reasons entirely. First, I want to say how much I admire the work of photographers that documented such times as the Great Depression and World War II. The feel of black and white film, the way expressions are captured, the details of life that are so foreign to us...it's all so emotional.

Above is a photo of an anonymous 32 year old mother of seven children. A destitute California peapicker, the look of desperation is so evident in her eyes. The next thing that strikes me is that her children are hiding from the camera. I wonder what became of them after this photo was taken, 73 years ago.

Next, a photo of a general store in Moundville, Alamaba taken in the summer of 1936. I recognized something immediately...let me know what hits you first!


Was it the cases of shotgun shells? For me, it was the Coca-Cola sign. I am utterly in awe of the Coca-Cola branding...the fact that is still recognizable in 2009...is just brilliant. (Note to self: quit changing logo and be more like the Coca-Cola company.)

To see the entire collection of photos from the Library of Congress, click here:
flickr

wall displays (are awesome)

If you are a visual person (like me), then these wall display examples will be some serious eye candy for you! I am thrilled that the dog and couch give some perspective to how large the photos are. The black and white set are all 16x24, and the large photos on the color version are a whopping 24x36. These can be viewed with mattes, too--the possibilities are endless!

If you would like to see your pictures plugged in, let me know and I will set it right up for ya.

announcement fun!

the other side of the lens

It's not my favorite place to be. I admit, I am a nightmare to photograph and my husband will be the first to agree. I am beyond critical of the angle from which my photo is taken...I tend to look really, really strange if I am looking & smiling a certain way that closes one eye more than the other. Unfortunately for Brandon (us), I needed a headshot for my networking group...so the photoshoot began:

My feeling on the whole headshot thing:

I would really rather submit a photo with a natural expression like this:

Or this:
(don't look at it too long)

Then I decided to try a different shirt...and I didn't end up loving it, but here are some out-takes for your entertainment.

Yes, I photoshopped myself, why do you ask?

After about 100 shots and a wrestling match between my husband and me (and not the cute, flirty type), here is the final product:

only I didn't take my own advice to wear long sleeves so I threw some on digitally. Have I mentioned how much fun it is to digitally dress myself?

so here is the final, final product:

And what I've learned from this experience is not profound or anything remotely reflective on my personality or approach to having my photograph taken. It's this: I have really white teeth. No photoshopping required on those babies!

Anyone need a headshot? We can wrestle until we get it right. That's how committed I am.

{precious life}

Introducing baby Dane...welcome to the world! You have two wonderful parents who love you dearly. Congratulations, Brie and Will, he is perfect.

More to come, but for now...here is one shot, three ways. I don't know which I like best!




Update: couldn't stop:

a sneak peek for Caleb, the cool

I was super excited when I met Caleb...he was dressed in his prom tux for some formal shots! A first for me! We weathered some scattered showers and only had to run for cover a few times...ha! Those dimples and blue eyes were all fabulous, along with some great clothes and a natural in front of the camera. Caleb, you make my job too easy. I played with a lot of vintage colors here...these shots just lend themselves to some texture and desaturated color. Enjoy.

{sweetness}

This brought tears to my eyes:


Handmade flowers stuck in a can of play-doh are the best. gift. ever. Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there!

{random Tuesday}

I was helping my Mom upload some photos from her camera the other day when I stumbled across this gem:

This is my favorite photo of us for so many reasons...mostly, it's the pure candid nature of our expressions that makes me love it. Also, it reminds me of how Brandon just cracks me up, and how comfortable we are with each other. Finally, it makes me think of love. Love, love, love.

Then I get all reflective and think that this is the style of photography that I strive to achieve, but is so difficult to "direct." I am always thrilled when I photograph people that act naturally and allow these moments to unfold during a session.

My final thought: this photo deserves a title! I think that I will name it "captured" because that is exactly what happened...my Mom captured a moment in time that just happened, that actually happens a lot...but is so rarely caught!

Next on my random post, a photo called: Praise

She is full of praise, song and dance. She truly has the gift of worship and was recently asked to help lead worship at church. (tears a-flowin')

My final photo (and if this isn't random, I don't know what is!):
My basil plant. It is special because Tashia bought it for me during her visit and it has nearly tripled in size. I wanted her to see it. This photo is entitled: "Thriving"

So far, I have chopped up some of the leaves for lasagna but pesto is next on the list!

There ya have it, a few photos and stories from my life. Now, please excuse me while I go watch American Idol and silently thank the inventors of the dvr. I don't even know what commercials are anymore.

Wayfest...aka WOWfest!

Not only did I attend my first Christian concert last weekend, I was asked to photograph my first Christian concert by Jeff Taylor at Way FM. It was one exciting experience! I had to remember to take pictures instead of jump up and down when the Newsboys rocked the house! Here is our photo documentary of the event...readysetgo:

First, we were invited to the meet and greet and were able to get autographs. I wasn't prepared, and all I had on me was my all access pass. I like to say "all access" because it makes me feel special. Check it out:

Next, we watched our friends Jeff and Steve sign autographs using the shots we took a few days before. It was thrilling to see my work being signed and sent home with fans!



I introduced my pal, Kyannah to Jeff Taylor--she really wanted to meet him, so it was all very exciting. Just ignore my weird smile and focus on sweet Kyannah. Or you can check out the zoom lens I am holding, which weighs more than a toddler.

Then we took some fun shots of the equipment on stage...these are some of my favorite shots!



Then we snapped some pics of the stuff for sale outside the concert doors. I wanted more than a few T-shirts!



Then the music started and I was right next to a speaker, looking through my heavy zoom lens. The noise shook my very bones! It was loud, but worth these shots. Brandon and I worked the room and got so many moving images...they speak for themselves: