Earthy Evening Shade

earthy evening shade, originally uploaded by michelle*sibley.

Today, I posted to the Daily Photo Challenge. I really enjoy participating with a group of very encouraging and talented photographers. Every day a new challenge subject is posted. Today's topic was favorite color. I like lots of colors. I like to wear red. All bright colors and shades of blue remind me of water which is wonderful. Anyway, when it came time to decide on a a final image to post that represents my choice of colors, I chose earth tones. I find that the older I get, the more earthy I have become. I appreciate nature and natural things more now than ever. Remember when you were a kid or even young adult? The most fun vacation idea would be a great amusement park or some kind of physical adventure, right? For me, it was my choice. Now, at this stage in my life, I long to see the natural world and experience places that my eyes have never seen.   Just last night, Terry and I talked about how we appreciate all the places we have been and experienced.  But, we also were making a list of the places we hope to visit.   All of those places include unique landscapes with amazing natural views.

In the picture above, I captured the sun beginning to get low over the old oak trees at my husband's parent's home. I absolutely love those big swaths of golden highlight landing on the ground and tree on this evening. When I see that golden sun, I get so excited.  This is the color of my favorite time of the day.  I thought it created a beautiful and peaceful scenario with the benches under the tree.  Yet, for me, the subject of this image is the earthy colors.  The greens, golds and warm brown tones are what attracts my attention.  When I posted the image to my flickr group for discussion, some of the comments made me smile. So many said they thought this looked like a nice place to sit and relax or read a book. This was truly a great compliment because I knew that my image evoked a certain mood as they pictured themselves in this very setting.

Day Trip to Covington Antique District

Mrs. Frances, Tracie, and me while having lunch on the sun porch of a restaurant named New Orleans Food and Spirits. Below, is the entrance to the restaurant.

 

After lunch we strolled a block to the English Tea Room for a pot of steaming hot Earl Grey Cream and desserts. 

The man seen in the picture above is the owner of the English Tea Room.  I enjoyed his English accent and friendly personality.  I hope to go back again soon.

* Below, I posted a slideshow with all the images I captured from today's outing. 

Photo album customized with Smilebox

E-Session with Felicia and Austin!

Well, it finally happened!  I met my December bride today and she is a doll.  Felicia asked me to be her wedding photographer about a couple months ago I think.  We have been wanting to get together for a face to face meeting but just never found the right time.  Anyway, we did talk on the phone for a good little while.  I was asking her questions about what she and Austin like to do together.  What does he like to do?  mud riding!  I didn't figure she would want engagement session caked in mud.  :-)  Then, I asked her what she likes to do.  She said anything on the river.  Jet skiing is her thing!  So, I knew I had a couple of outdoorsy fun lovin' people.  What I was trying to get was inspiration ideas for the Engagement Session.  In the end, she came up with an excellent idea to go to her PawPaw's land because he has a beautiful pond and wooded acerage.  Both of us got excited and made a date for the photo shoot.  We could only hope for good weather.  Well, today finally arrived...photo shoot date.  The weather has been good all this week leading up to today.  So, when she called me yesterday to see if we are still on, I told her all was still a "go"!  

But, as it happened the rain clouds starting rolling in at about the time that we were to meet up.  Man!  She called her PawPaw and he said it was sunny at his house so we made the decision to give it a try.   Terry went along to help me with lighting.  So, he drove his truck.  As he was following behind Austin's truck to PawPaw's land, the bottom fell out and the rain poured down on us.  ooooh!  It was looking pretty ominous.  We kept going though and ended up coming out of the rain as we got closer to our destination.  Oh, goodie.  I was happy because I though we were going to slip by the rain.  Wouldn't you know, as soon as we drove up to her PawPaw's front door, the rain started.  So, we took shelter on his front porch and decided to do a wait and see.  The rain seemed to ease up for us so we decided that since we drove all this way, we wanted to get in a few shots.  No time for chit chat...it was a rapid fire photo shoot!  We managed to take some photos by the pretty trees and worked our way down to the pond.  Felicia asked if they should do a different outfit.  I told her sure.  We walked back up to the house so they could change clothes.  I'm telling you, as soon as we stepped up onto the porch the bottom fell out.  We all looked at each other and said we thought the rain was set in.  We didn't really think it was going to let up for a while.  I packed up my gear and Terry and I got rain soaked as we ran back to our truck.  All in all, we had a wham, bam, thank you mam, get'er done in record time Engagement Session.  But, the images I captured show a couple very much in love.  And I am proud!

Check out their gorgous E-Session.  Press Pause on Playlist Music above.  Play Smilebox.

Photo slideshow customized with Smilebox

Lauren's Beautiful World

Oh, what a wonderful day today! First thing this morning, I decided to go browsing around the Antique Village. I had in mind that I would like to get some props for children's portraits such as small chair, etc... I happened upon some vintage hats. Oh, boy the wheels of inspiration started to churn. All of a sudden, I really, really want to do a series that I immediately titled "Pouty Parisian". Before, I could acomplish that, surely I would need some young girls willing to have some fun with me in a photo session. Well, I picked up several items and walked around the shop to make sure this is what I was willing to spend my money on. After thinking about all the stuff that I have in my closets, I decided to put them back. I knew that I didn't need to just collect stuff based on an idea. So, ho, hum...back on the shelf they went.

I walked into the store next door and allowed my eyes to roam over all the antiques. Then, I looked behind me and I heard somebody say hey to me. It was an old friend (another Michelle) from our softball days. I was happy to see her. Just behind Michelle, was her youngest daughter, Lauren. The last time I saw Lauren, she was digging in the dirt and running around at the ball field. I think that was around 8 years ago. Lauren has always been so pretty and petite. What do you think popped into my brain? bingo! I want Lauren to be my first Pouty Parisian!

I mentioned to Michelle and her daughter what I had in mind. Lauren seemed up for the idea. And, Michelle kindly invited me to her home to photograph her gorgeous Lauren. And, so ladies and gentlemen...below is the result of the last minute, planned on a whim, photo session. Of course, I could not wait to go through the images and create a slide show of Lauren's beauties! I am not sure if we captured "Pouty Parisian" necessarily. To me, I think it was more like Lauren in Wonderland. You will see what I mean in the slide show. When I first arrived, my sights were on that great big, beautiful golden sun beginning to sink low over a meadow. I knew I needed to work fast because I was racing the sundown. I asked Lauren to position herself where I could take advantage of the golden hour. Truly, I became so enthralled capturing that pretty sunlight washing over Lauren and creating a rim of soft light around her hair that I forgot to pull out my props. duh, me. "Props?", you ask. "What props?"... The very ones that I walked around the antique store deliberating about then put back on the shelf this morning. So, I should say, my friends, that I did indeed go back to the first antique store and purchase those vintage items. Yep, yep. I had good reason, I just secured a willing subject from a chance meeting. How cool is that? Pretty cool.

Check out Lauren's Beautiful World. I think the photo session was amazing. I loved every minute and adore the images from the session. I have decided that for a limited time, I am willing to offer a special location photo session for $150. After the session fee is paid, I will issue a photo credit of $100! That means the session fee is only $50. ..."and, that Ain't bad A-tall if you ask me!" If you have been wanting to get your family together and get a nice family portrait, or, if you want to get a beautiful picture of your kids while they are on summer break, give me a call at 225-933-6953. Please mention "Lauren's Beautiful World" and I will be sure to know how you found me and honor that special rate offering. Now, enjoy the slide show.

*press pause on playlist music before playing the smilebox.

Digital slideshow customized with Smilebox

Emily's Baby Shower/Fellowship

I had the priveledge of photographing Emily's baby shower today.  I met Emily's mother-in-law at a nail salon and through a little chit chat, she invited me to photograph the baby shower.  I enjoyed meeting some wonderful women today.  And, I should add some gorgeous very tiny princesses!  I promised the ladies that I intend to put together a smilebox slideshow of the pictures that I captured today.  First, I will have to work on filtering through the images and weeding out the duplicates, etc..  Hopefully, by Monday, I will be able to post the slideshow and provide a link to the images. 

By the way, Emily is expecting a baby girl who will be named Allie.  Allie was given some precious monogramed fancy-pants outfits today along with other nice gifts.  I bet she will be beautiful.  If she grows up like Emily, she will be a sweetheart too. 

My fave Melissa Moments...

Melissa Roe was my 2nd shooter at Kristin & Michael's wedding. She did an amazing job. While I was taking the family group pictures, Melissa dropped back and took a picture of me in action..."Ok, everybody, 1...2...". snap! Here are some of  the scenes that caught her eye.  I am glad she captured these priceless moments.  See if you can read the stories that her pictures tell. These are a few of my faves from her batch of 'beauties'.

Thank you Melissa. 

You are a Rock Star!

LOVE IT...!  :)

I posted a Smilebox Slideshow a couple posts earlier of my 'beauties' at  http://michellesibleyphotopage.blogspot.com/2010/07/slideshow-of-michael-kristins-wedding.html

Homemade Hand Cranked (no doubt!) Ice Cream on the 4th of July, 2010

If you want to hear a very important message about the only help for our nation's freedom, please listen to Charles Stanley's bold stance. He does NOT hold back on how he feels about the political disgraces that have brought self inflicted hardship on our country. His courage to speak the truths about how he feels is very impressive. I hope our government does not bring retribution down on him.

Please join with Charles Stanley's committment to pray for 140 days for the American family's future.

Message here: 

http://intouch.org/broadcast/this-week-on-tv