Day 125 of 365, Puppy Tug O' War

Stripes was the Daily Photo Challenge Subject today.  This evening, I noticed this little tiger striped doggy bone laying about the floor.  I decided to walk outside with my camera and the bone and see what happens.  Immediately, they both could not stand the fact that I had THEIR toy.  They started jumping up for it as we walked.  They almost tripped me with their exuberance underfoot.  I knew I was probably going to get a picture.....oh, yeah.  I turned on the camera, set my apperture and tossed it out in front of me.  Immediately, I started a Puppy Tug O' War!  They are hilarious. 

So, meet our newest bambino.  Her name is Bella.  I usually call her Bellie Belle.  Karmyn brought this puppy home and didn't tell me until the next morning.  She saw it at Petco being sold by SPCA and had to have her.   

Bellie Belle is one Bone-ifide Bossie Mossie!  Personality Plus!  We can't help but love her.

Day 124 of 365, I Love the Library!

Daily Photo Challenge Subect for this day is Steps or Stairs.  I was at the library and saw this lonely little sturdy step stool.  I appreciate the timeless, practicality of such a simple convenience.  No telling how many little feet & big feet alike, have stepped up onto this little wooden stool and reached to grab that book from the highest shelf.  Personally, this looks like a convenient place to sit down and browse through the pages of my potential next read.  Awesome! 

The public library is a jewel in the community and well worth paying tax dollars for.  I know that through the years, financially, we have known times of plenty and times of  famine.  I remember, especially, the times when we could not afford to spend lots of dough on entertainment.  Yet, I could always pack up the kids and together enjoy a day field trip to the imagination playground!  I never want to take my public library for granted. 

I think the title of  Dr. Seuss's book sums it up..."Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!"  What do you think?

Day 123 of 365, Wedding View from the French Doors and "Aaaaaat LAAAaaaaast..." by Etta James

Today's Photo Challenge was View From a Window.  Terry's vehicle needs service, so he took mine to work.  I was not able to run around today to find photo opps for the challenge.  I reached back to last summer's wedding images.  I met a very nice elderly gentleman wedding photographer.  At that time, I was contemplating the purchase of a new camera.  He told me that he has been shooting with Nikon since the 50's and has always been happy.  As we continued to talk, he told me that he had a wedding to shoot on Saturday of the upcoming weekend.  Some bells went off in my head.  I asked him if I could help him with the wedding.  In the bargain, I offered to give him all of my files (free) for his mentorship.  Oh, he quickly agreed to that bargain!  After our meeting and conversation, I made the decision to purchase the Nikon that I was thinking about in hopes that he could teach me a thing or two.

On the day of the wedding, I showed up and he was happy to see me.   Wedding photography is fast and furious.  We really didn't get much chance to talk but I learned as I observed.  Soon, I found that I got in the groove of things.  I liken the way that he and I worked together as a sort of dance.  It was very intuitive on both our parts I believe.  Well, I know for me anyway.  As he moved back for wide shots, I moved in for the close ups and vice versa.  This dance continued throughout the entire ceremony, especially.  Of course, I always deferred to him as the head photographer so as not to interfere with his shots.  I did get some valuable pointers and sound advice from him which I have implemented. 

The reception was very nice.  It was a mid-day wedding.  This wonderful family was of a more conservative nature.  I knew that the 'first dance' was about to take place.  First a little backstory:  the couple are both mature professionals who had never been married.  Que the music....Etta James began to sing in that soulful voice, "Aaaaaat LAAAaaaaaast..."  Oh, what a moment as they were looking into each other's eyes and dancing their first dance.  I couln't help myself. I immediatly jumped up on a nearby chair and the former cheerleader in me did a spontaneous fist pump above my head!  No kidding!  The crowd errupted in applause and smiles as they all realized the significance of the song choice.  I captured some gorgeous pics of the happy couple and the beaming crowd behind them.  After all was said and done, I looked behind me and hoped that I had not embarrassed the principle photographer.  He was smiling from ear to ear.  I was relieved and happy that I followed my instincts and hopped onto that chair to capture a once in a lifetime moment for the bride and groom. 

Day 122 of 365, Igniting the artist within...Here's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Photo Challenge Subject today was RED.  Karmyn left this box of matches out on the counter after she lit a candle.  I thought I would try to light up the red box with this little match flame.  When I reviewed the pic, I noticed that the matchstick disappeared.  Cool!  I must have been moving my hand during the exposure time.  This was not intentional but I dig it. I love it when a fluke turns out to be something interesting.

I began to think about how many metaphors for life are described by fire or synonyms of the like. 

Here is my story of why I have a 'fire in my belly' to study, learn and explore my photography interests.  Admiring the work of others, helps  'fan the flame' of my passion for this art medium.  I remember the moment of the initial 'spark'.  One day, I was 'feverishly' perusing the internet wedding photography websites.  I came across an image of tears 'burning' in the eyes of a bride as she hugged her dad.  Her 'hottie' of a groom was looking on with a look of compassion on his face.  This was the image that 'ignited' my artist within.  In a 'flash', I could read the beautiful story that one simple image captured.  With one click that 'fires' the trigger, the LIFE button was paused and released.   That particular and irretrievable Window In Time is 'illuminated' forever in a photograph to be treasured for a lifetime.  Yes, I recall the moment the 'torch' was lit in my heart. 

So, now you know how the 'eternal flame' of my desire for photography began. 

That's The Truth Y'all!

My truth that I just told in my little story was back in the fall of 2008.  During this time frame, I found myself pretty lonesome for my 2 little constant companions.  My daughters were both attending college.  This was the first semester for my youngest.  So you see, that is when I began to feel the effects of empty nest syndrome.  I was looking for a hobby or interest.  The image that I mentioned of the bride really struck an emotional chord with me.  As I stared into the scene on my computer monitor, I noticed that crocodile tears were literally rolling down and splashing off my cheeks to match the rolling tears of the bride.  I decided to purchase my first dslr.  I have a long habit and history of starting an interest and dropping it soon after.  Therefore, I wanted to be conservative.  I decided to purchase an entry level camera from ebay.  When I received it, I volunteered to capture images of my Aunt's wedding that very weekend!  I didn't know what I was doing so, AUTO was the only function for me.  I had a blast and remember specifically, my cousin came up and exclaimed, "I didn't know you knew how to do that!"  (wedding photography) hahahaha.  Laughingly, I replied,  "I don't!"  It felt good though.  I had so much fun, snap, snap, snapping the night away!

I have never done any marketing or advertisement and somehow, suddenly, and most unexpectantly I have become a wedding photographer!  How ironically fitting that my inspiration is becoming my reality.  If you would like to view my most recent Wedding Engagement Photo Shoot, you are welcomed to go to:  http://michellesibley.smugmug.com/

  

Day 121 of 365, Had a Great Mother's Day, Yesterday!

I was too busy, then too tired to post last night when we got home.  So, here are some family pics that we captured yesterday.  This is my family.  Kayla, Terry, myself and Karmyn.  I am so glad that we were able to get this picture.  We hardly ever get a picture of our family together.  I handed my camera to Mom and she took this for us.  Cheese!

I set up the tripod and self-timer to capture the pictures above and below.  Above is a group pic with my parents.  Below is a group picture with Terry's parents who we visited with later that evening.  We took the picture below at around 7 pm. I love that golden evening sun.  Best time of day!

I hope all Moms everywhere, had a very blessed Mother's Day Yesterday.  I felt blessed indeed to be able to visit with my daughters and my mother and mother-in-law. 

My daughters made me feel very special today.  I hope our Granny and MawMaw felt special too.

It was also my Daddy's Happy Birthday yesterday.  He was very touched and sentimental when the girls gave him a beautiful and meaningful birthday card.  He is tough on the outside but all soft hearted when it comes to the love of his family.  God Bless you Daddy.  xoxo

E-Session with a Gorgeous Couple!

Saturday, I did an Engagement Photo Shoot with a wonderful couple.  Kristin, Michael and I had a blast together.  They were willing to try all my crazy ideas!  They trusted me and we came up with some fun, some romantic and all together amazing portraits of a very happy couple in love.  If you want to check out their images go to:  http://michellesibley.smugmug.com/.  They are my featured gallery.  You will see a beautiful picture of the debonair Michael kissing his fair damsel's petite hand.  Directly under that image, you can view a slideshow that will automatically run.  Or, go down to the galleries and click to enter there.

Here are a few of the many gorgeous images  You can see the rest if you follow the link above. 

Originally, we had scheduled for last weekend which was a rain out.  Now, I am glad that we did because this day couldn't have been any nicer.   I heard from Kristin a few minutes ago and she said she LOVE's them too!  That makes me very happy.  We have the Bridal Shoot next.  I sure hope we get some gorgeous weather for that day as well.  Can't Wait!

My message of gratitude to my mentor, Me Ra Koh

If you have been following along with me since the beginning of my blog, you will know that I submitted a video and paricipated in a scholarship challenge that was presented by one of my favorite photographers.  I found Me Ra one day and began to follow her blog postings.  She has such a way of encouraging people to feel confident about their photography.  Because I trusted her, I took some steps that were outside of my comfort zone in the beginning.  Like I metioned, I participated by creating a 2 min video where I share my passion and desire to be a better photographer in hopes of earning the privledge to study under her and other amazing leaders in the photography biz.  I really had no expectation to win.  I can honestly admit that.  I was just sooo proud of myself for participating.  Well, anyway, I wanted to share with Me Ra my appreciation for her and the inspiration that she has provided me through her blog. 

If interested, you can read my message to her by scrolling down her blog post and find my name in the Comments Section here:  http://www.merakoh.com/2010/05/07/watch-lifetime-televisions-balancing-act-at-7am-this-morning/#comment-232915