Photography Class : Changing My Angle

Today I noticed myself really working on angles.  Honestly, I haven't been feeling well and wasn't planning on picking up my camera at all...but when inspiration strikes (and you can't stop thinking of the new photo skills learned), well I'm a roll with the punches kinda gal.

I would love to hear any comments! 

All shot in Auto with no editing whatsoever.

I'm sure i could fancy these up a bit, but here's to a real challenge!

Isn't this fun :)

I'm not sure how to critique this one. Balanced? Simple enough?

Does her fingers cut off make this awkward or does it work?
Thirds.simple.

I like her hand framing.


Fast forward a couple hours and here is my boy.  The lighting was evening sunset coming in through a big window to the side of me.

If i shot him a bit lower third of the frame it would have been better.  Not so simple, but tis life sometimes :)

Lines!

lines.simple.thirds.

Rule of thirds. simple. balance.  I really like this one.

balance.simple.lines.
almost cut off his ear...almost.

lines. balance.thirds

framing.

lines. thirds.balance.

I like the railway heading off.

THE END. 

thanks for watching.  next time i will post on flicker.  I haven't done this blogging site in ALONG time and its taking me too long and its being difficult.  Sorry if it's a bit wonkey :)

Just because.....

....they're so darn cute!

I take a bee-jillion pictures of my little ones (are you really surprised :)).  

However, I am super behind in presenting the latest and greatest but here are some from the past few weeks that must be shared with all those that love them :)

Feeding at the farm

Outside chalk

Graham thinks coloring tools are GREAT!

cows, chickens and ducks
Oh my!

Dad, Graham and a bike

Hoping everyone is enjoying Spring!

Radio Flyer

I've dreamt of having a red wagon for the family for.... well long before I had a family!  And guess what?  We did it!  We got one!  It's been quite a hit around here I must say.  Graham wakes up every morning in bed lifting up the blinds and peeking out the window to show me how awesome it is!  The very word "wagon" gets him giddy.  (Although the pictures don't really show it.) :)  

Truly, what adult kid wouldn't love to ride around in this thing.  Sure it's bumpy and a little squeeky, but part of what makes it so great! 

I take them on rides around the neighborhood nearly every day.  

I can't wait to take this lovelyness with us to the country where she'll really shine!  Fruit picking, festivals, farmers markets.  

Hmmmm :)

and Graham thinks it's great for napping too.

a little shut-eye

Yes.  

Graham always seems to find a cozy spot to catch a little shut eye.  

happy napping big guy.

My daughters eyes

One dreary afternoon when Graham fell asleep in the car Molly came over to my lap and I thought we'd have some fun taking pictures with my iphone.  After her request, I gave her a 2 minute lesson and the rest is history....

A morning baking session

Then, she asked if she could take some pictures.  

Such a request I could never deny!

So off she went, and it wasn't until the next day I found these lovely pictures on my phone and couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.  

A small glimpse through my daughters eyes.

                 

               

  

p.s. from start to finish she even chose her filters from Instagram.

I'm proud of her work, yes I am.

catching butterflies

I cannot believe it has been so long since I last wrote!  

Not for lack of things to say I guarantee! 

I will super try to visit this fine blog of mine at least once a week. Twice if I can muster the extra time.

Now onto the fun stuff!

Many weeks ago we took a trip to the Academy of Natural Sciences in S.F.   It was SO much fun.  I can't wait to go back.  Next time I'll make time for the gift shop so we can bring home a little piece of the place.  Museum gift shops are simply the best places to get educational goodies. (Grin)!  

Here are some photos of Molly in the "Rain Forest"

Wait for it....

It happened!

It really actually happened!

She held a butterfly.  It was a special day!  

The married couple

Molly announced to me today that her and Graham were getting married.  Yes indeed.  She saw fit that since they love each other, a wedding and reception with a big cake was in order.  So away she went, only to then reappear in her "white wedding dress with ruffles." (white tank + white layered skirt.  A nice combination actually.)  While I was busily washing dishes I heard this coming from the next room.... 

(Sweet voice) Graham.  Come on Graham.

(Not so sweet voice)  GRAHAM!!!!

(Sweet voice returns) Were married Graham.

.... She sort of has it right, no?! :)

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. --Inspired by soulemama

This = me.

Yikes!  

This Mama has had even less time for herself this week than usual.    
So, this became my motto.


Why?

Graham caught the belly bug and my goodness we had vomit and poop everywhere.   Unfortunately diapers proved themselves worthless in the matter.  Explosions from all sides. The car seat, highchair, endless amounts of clothing, the crib, the tub (with Molly in it -  I'm sure you could imagine her reaction to that one!)

 Sexy, I know!
If my clothes were free of outside offenders they stayed on.  That was for certain.  I may have even set some sort of record. 


OH Mamahood.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. --Inspired by soulemama

                         

                     

Franks & Sauerkraut

He later put his raisins, bread, and pieces of hot dog in my water.  

He's a great date :)

To Remember...

Sometimes there are moments when I think of grabbing my camera for a great documenting shot. 

But I don't.

Sometimes the moment is just too special.

Sometimes the moment is just too much fun.

Sometimes I just can't get myself to turn away, and

I find that I did a lot of that this holiday. 

Pictures do help me remember, that's just the sort of person I am.

But here to add, is a list of moments and memories I never want to forget. 

*Having Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, sung word for word at least 100 times by that sweet Molly voice.

(wow she can really sing it fast now)

*Seeing Graham each morning wake and walk in his green Christmas "footsie" P'Js.
(I love the sound of those grippy feet pattering around the house.)

*Baking Zucchini Coconut bread with Molly.

*Baking "salt dough cookies" to make ornaments.

*Watching Molly play in the tree for hours and hours with her stuffed animals.  They apparently have made themselves a cozy new home. (uh-oh)

*Staying out of the stores to avoid the shopping madness.

*Spending too many late nights on Etsy searching for the perfect handmade stocking stuffers.

*Feeling so happy that I did.

*Chopping, melting and pouring with Molly and Matt.  

*Making lots of gifts with the family, for the family.

*Being joyful that Molly really GAVE this holiday season.  

*Teaching her, by example, that it really is SO much fun and so   special to create and give.

*Treasuring the exitement that happens still, by a certain little boy every night when our holiday lights are turned on.

*Filling my heart with the moments spent with so much family.

*Watching Molly on Christmas Eve make and taste and taste and taste decorate sugar cookies for Santa.


 *Being grateful to have family in our lives.

*Savoring one last week before the decorations are taken down.

*Looking forward to MANY more holidays spent with this little nest of mine.

Yes she was this exited