Parents, if you want wonderful pictures of your children, never teach them to say "cheese"! Please learn from my mistake or you will have thousands of photos just like mine - squinted eyes, scrunched up noses, clenched teeth, and an image that just screams "say cheez!!!". Join me while I search for that one perfect shot that doesn't conjure up images of dairy products. Oh, and unless you like that *messy* look, you'll probably want to clean their faces before you snap away. I never seem to remember myself.

An imporant sidenote is to make sure you document your life! Recording the little details of the who, what, where, when, & why makes for wonderful stories and captures your life for years to come. Because if you are like me, you'll forget it all 5 minutes later!

Monday, February 25, 2008

POTD - Week 9: Interaction

I was able to spend a little time this afternoon interacting with myself! It was quite relaxing to go outdoors alone (that hardly ever happens!) and just observe what was going on through my lens. I originally planned on getting some macro shots, but discovered the swans and geese on the lake. It was enjoyable to observe their interactions.












Sunday, February 24, 2008

Some new creations...

Here are a few new things I've recently created. They are at Express Yourself if you want to check them out in person.









Friday, February 22, 2008

Monday, February 18, 2008

The pumpkin patch is sprouting {RP Post}

Another little P-pumpkin seed was planted and is blossoming. Yes, we are expecting our 4th child late this summer! It is quite exciting, and I am quite tired. I never realized how much energy it takes to grow a new pumpkin when you are tending to a whole patch of pumpkins already!

In other news...N is quite the natural skier! Ken took N&J to Vermont last weekend for their first ski trip and all had a blast and can't wait to go back. I had to stay home to watch the dogs so no cool photos to document the experience. :-(
Hopefully we'll head back there soon so I can get in on the fun.

I've been sloooowwww in updating this blog, but I am updating my POTD (photo of the day) blog once a week - the link is on the side - but the address is www.saycheezplease.blogspot.com.

POTD Week 8: Shape

Oh how I have not been loving my shape lately! Well, in all honesty it has been quite some time since I've felt any positive thoughts regarding my shape. However, lately it has taken on some lumps and bumps that just don't feel natural. Granted I am pregnant with my 4th child, but man the old body just shouldn't look and feel this unshapely! I know my body is going to do what it needs to do but I should not look 6 months pregnant at only 3 months! Maybe one day I'll get back some sort of a shape? So no maternity photos for me...just the 1/2 face portrait. And right now even that is going out on a limb!





Both taken with the Sigma 30mm 1.4, ISO 400, 2.2, 1/160.
Camera set on my Manfrotto tripod (love it!) and used my Phottix Cleon wireless remote - the best ebay purchase ever!

Monday, February 11, 2008

POTD - Week 7: Love

I love being a stay at home mom. Sure there are some days that I feel like I'm really going to lose it and wish I had the luxury of adult conversation, mental stimulation beyond Moo-Baa-La-La-La, grown up clothes and lunches out. But then one of my children does somthing so sweet or gives me a look that just melts my heart. And then I know I made the right decision to stay home and be with them. Today was one of those days.









I get very little good natural light in my house so I've been practicing with my flash. Wish I could get better at it and get some nice catch lights. Suggestions??? All shot in manual mode with flash & cloudy lightsphere (angled at about 45 degrees). Ap & SS varied (and I'm too lazy to go back and look up what they were!).
:-)

Monday, February 4, 2008

POTD - Week 6: Aperture

I love playing with aperture - the depth of field in a photograph. My only problem this week was finding a subject to play with. We've had a lot of sick kiddies in our house, the weather has been gloomy, and my mojo hasn't been flowing. So, I fall back to my love of macro photography and finally found a subject that brought a smile to my face.





Top photo f/2.8, 1/60, ISO 100, bottom photo f/11, 1/60, ISO 100. Both with Canon 100mm macro lens.