Lifestyle Photography

This week's challenge is Point of View and Less is More. I took some time to review the video tutorials, to digest the material and then brainstorm what I would shoot that was marginally interesting. I chose to document Danielle learning to ride her RockBoard (pssst! I love the RockBoard - it is rockin' fun even for a Mom!) :-)

I wasn't sure if we were to crop the images so I didn't - but I would like to know for next week???

For Point of View, my initial shot is of my husband teaching Danielle how to ride her RockBoard. (Given that I taught her how to rider her 2-wheeler, the hard work is all done!)

Then the fun began! I actually felt like papparazzi, like I had some idea of what I was doing and truth be told, I really enjoyed thinking through the different points of view to shoot.

For this shot, I was crouched on the ground working to snag a side shot with her Dad briskly walking behind her.

With this shot, I was in the grass, perhaps a verrrrry loose frame??? but I felt this image added so much to the story with my husband rubbing her boo boo after a particularly nasty spill.

And I love this shot from behind and slightly above of my husband putting a reassuring hand on her back as she begins her ride.

For the Less is More portion of the assignment, my initial image depicts Danielle's determination on the RockBoard. I love how her foot is in the air to give that extra oomph to ascend the slight incline.

To breakdown the image, I shot my daughter self-soothing her earlier boo boo. (Yes, she had a wardrobe change after falling and tearing her pants.)

With this shot, I was lying on the ground as she sat on her RockBoard analyzing how she would attack the next segment of the pathway. (She is a cautious determined 6 yr old!)

To further narrow down the scene, I shot her prior to take-off. I am not sure if this is what you were looking for Brooke but in some way I like it. I like that the bolt holding the RockBoard together is in focus but the logo on the front is blurred out as is her foot. I can make out each element but it takes second place. I would love to hear your comments on this one Brooke.

Thanks for reviewing my work - it is greatly appreciated!

Club Got Sketch #3

While I have not been blogging much lately, it doesn't mean that I haven't been scrapping! I have been everything in minimum mode it seems...oy! However with summer coming and lazier days, I'll be back at it even more.


So I'd like to post a few more interpretations of Valerie Salmon's Club Got Sketch challenges.  I love that lady so darn much - she is so talented, so gorgeous and SO nice!


Here is my interpretation of Club Got Sketch #3.

Supplies:  Echo Park (pattern paper, die cut stickers, alphas); Close to my Heart (cardstock, floss); stitching

And a detail shot of the layout...I love dimension on a layout!

This sketch inspired me SO much that I did a second layout for the sketch shown below.

Supplies:  Sassafras (pattern papers, borders); Spellbinders (cupcake die/embosser folder); Ranger (pearl accents); American Crafts (thickers); Close to my Heart (cardstock)

And a detail shot of this layout...

Thanks for dropping by!

Lifestyle Photography

Over the past year, I have made a concerted effort to educate myself on photography principles, techniques and skills. At times I have been SO frustrated I could drive over my camera but I continue to pound my head against the wall to conquer it. Right now I am taking a Lifestyle Photography class from Brooke Snow. I love the concept of this type of photography and while I think it is super important to have tack sharp photos that are technically sound, I remember the reason I started on this path was to augment my storytelling in my scrapbooks. Looking at the scenario from a fresh perspective has been enlightening and somewhat freeing for me.  

So I here I am...onward and forward with learning! Below are my images from Parts 1 and 2 of Assignment 1. 

Part 1 asks for 3 images that depict your character. When I first read the assignment I wondered how I would tackle illustrating the details that characterize my youngest daughter, Danielle. There are many facets to this little person. I wanted to show her emotion, her personality and some likes/dislikes.

Here is her beloved pink blankie - this has been a match made in Heaven. And to capture it on the princess crown pillow, well, does it get any better??? :-)

Danielle has amazing dexterity for a 6 year old. She adores playmobil, polly pockets and littlest pet shops. It cracks me up to see her motoring her creation with her toes! In the background is the bucket of polly pockets where we adds and exchanges the riders!

I am SO glad I caught Danielle's expression here! Who wouldn't love banana flax pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries? Yeah, I thought so. Her expression is priceless to me!

Part 2 asks for 3 images that depict conflict. I am thrown by the word "conflict" - to me, conflict refers to either an internal/external struggle. When I see Danielle interacting, I don't view it as conflict. This concept I need to get my head around it more. 

Danielle has been working hard with her french reading. Imagine my surprise when I learned she had parlayed her reading skills to that of english. Well, so goes the end of leaving little notes here there and everywhere - there are no more secrets!!! 

From a technical standpoint, I am not quite sure of this photo. I had intentionally focussed on her fingers holding the book but I see now that her face was in the same plane. Her face does not look tack sharp but it isn't quite blurred out either. I am open to suggestions on how this photo could have been re-composed.

In this photo, Danielle was racing her toys on the floor. I love that she keeps one eye closed or has hair covering it so she can push it in a straight line :-)

And lastly, here is my munchkin working with her Destination ImagiNation group to create the longest road from the island to the mainland...so they would reverse the shrinking dust!

Brooke - I am open to any and all comments on how I may improve. What this assignment has done for me is to look at a situation and photograph it from different vantage points, with each telling a slightly different story - thank you!

Thanks for dropping by! 

Neglected! ***WARNING: Photo Heavy****

My poor blog has been sorely neglected these past (almost!) 2 months! I've been SO incredibly busy!

For Easter, we vacationed in Orlando. Gosh, it was absolutely divine being in Florida; I would happily vacation there 2 to 3 times a year! :-) Highlights were NASA, DisneyWorld water parks, outlet mall shopping and lazing in the pool EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! You just can't beat that :-)

Here are a few pictures for you from Orlando - I continue to work on my photography every day. Besides scrapbooking and quilting, photography is true therapy for me.

The girls first Easter egg hunt on the golf course of Mystic Dunes. There were over 2500 eggs hidden and a grand prize for the greatest number of balls collected. Not sure of the reasoning but girls went for the golf balls. We did however learn that Danielle is one heck of a runner!

Danielle's highlight was meeting Rapunzel. It must divine intervention because there IS a princess who loves purple as much as Danielle! Yes, it 'tis true! (Can you see the pride on Danielle's face?)

A rare photographic feat - a family photo! The Disney photographer kindly used my camera to snap a family shot of us! I love it!

Madison surprised me by jumping into the street party put on by the Disney characters and boogied down!

My personal highlight was going back to NASA! To be THIS close to the shuttle, Endeavour...wowsers! The day was surreal - I loved every moment of it. The best part? It put how Science and Math works in our everyday life into perspective for Madison and Danielle.

The weather was divine - hot, hot, hot! And nothing cooled us off better than hanging at Blizzard Beach,  one of 2 Disney water parks. OMG, it was THE best!

We splurged and took in Cirque du Soleil - amazing is all I can say, absolutely amazing!

To Madison and Danielle, a vacation is perfect if there is a warm pool in the sun. If I didn't know better one would think Danielle had gills. Madison loves floating on the warm water, basking in the sun. Yeah, it's a tough life! LOL

Yes, I have been scrapping and have lots to share. I also have pictures from Tennessee where we attended Destination ImagiNation, a truly profound experience!

Thanks for your patience and dropping by!