26 Fridays: Week One

I really, really enjoy being a part of different photography blog groups. As photographers, it gives us different challenges to focus our skills on, which in turn helps us grow. It also leads to friendships with other tremendously talented individuals, who may live thousands of miles away. This particular group will post bi-monthly, on fridays, which results in 26 posts throughout the year. Our first theme is a combined one- light & self-portraits. Although I'm joining the group late, I coincidentally took an image today that included myself (something that doesn't happen often). I was inspired to take the image because of the way the light was hitting Ella's face. Of course incorporating the tripod & self-timer led to missing the light I was aiming for, & altogether a different vision than I had in mind, but you know what? I was really happy with the final outcome. It always feels strange being on the other side of the camera, but I'm making a conscious effort to change that this year. Be sure to visit Callie Anne Photography, to see her views on light.

10 on 10 - January

This month kicks off my involvement with a 10 on 10 group. Each month, on the 10th, we post 10 images (or so). This is a seriously talented group of photographers & I'm honored, & quite giddy, to be joining along with them. I took these ten a couple days ago. It was a day we didn't leave the house. Covey wasn't feeling too good & it was our second day with Ry back at kindergarten. It was more or less, our typical day. Except there was sun. That is something we don't see all that often. These pictures of course leave out details of the day- the tiredness from waking a few hours earlier than we're used to; the fights between the boys; the piles of laundry (I still need) to put away; the dirty diapers changed. They also remind me of our little bits & pieces that make it ours. The sunrise on a cold winter morning. The table we eat at, a lot. The dishes, oh the dishes. I think the picture at least makes them look a bit prettier. Most importantly, the kids' simple joys.

Here are my ten:

1. Good morning. 2.Waffles for breakfast. 3. Dishes, arghhhh. 4. Sun's too bright. 5. Smile. 6. Her favorite Christmas present. 7. His favorite board game, at the moment. 8. Thankfully, this is not the 'I'm filling the diaper' face. 9.  Star Wars consumes us. 10. Violin practice.

When you're done looking through these, head on over to Jill Greenwood's blog, & make your way through the entire blog circle!

Now go visit Jill Greenwood's blog, & don't forget to go through the entire blog circle!

Happy Birthday

Today my oldest baby turned six. We had a very, very good day. He opened all his presents immediately upon waking; our local Wildlife Refuge had an awesome Lorax event (including face painting); he got balloons from a friend; & we had a yummy dinner & tasty cupcakes. It was full of the love, laughter & fun the day deserved. Now to swallow the fact I have a six-year old- not too easy to digest. My wish for him:

'think creatively live adventurously work diligently share generously listen patiently try fearlessly laugh heartily help willingly speak graciously run steadily love completely' - The Indigo Bunting

Be Merry

Our final CM Monthly Challenge - Be Merry. I decided it'd be fun to finish with some iPhone photos. They were all edited with VSCO & squaready, & uploaded to Instagram (you can follow me here). I am a bit addicted to those apps- my phone helps me capture all our little moments I want to hold on to. I hope you had a merry season over the past month or so...& a happy new year!

Now head on over to Celeste's blog to see her "be merry!"

Giving

Like most people, six photographers were deeply affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy. Unsure of how to help, we figured we’d turn to our photography and donate to the families of Sandy Hook. The Heart notecard set will include one each of the following images.  The blank 4×6 notecard is perfect for sending out some love, a Thank you, maybe an apology or a Howdeedoo!  The set of 6 cards is only $12 with shipping included.

All proceeds will be donated equally to:

The Allison Wyatt Memorial Fund

My Sandy Hook Family Fund

Images (left to right):

Top: DeAnna McCasland :: Kristin Zecchinelli

Middle: Suzanne Gipson :: Carmen Farrell

Bottom: Erika Ray :: Breanna Peterson