Choosing Happiness

{15/365} Will Swims

2011-01-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

Will is on the swim team and today was the first meet. He did very well in the relay and not so well in his backstroke. Oh well. He has another meet this week:)

{14/365} CUTIE~PIE!

2011-01-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, so cutie pie Kate made me a drawing wrapped in pink satin ribbon from one of her tutus. When I asked what it was for...she said because I am so so so so so smart and I love her so so so so so much! She is so so so so RIGHT!

{13/365}

2011-01-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

Definitely my worst shot yet but here it is....

And I did nothing to it. It was just one of those days. I am sure a crop/post process could make it better...but life is too busy today:)

{12/12} Dress-up

2011-01-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

Kate dresses up in her ballet clothes and tap shoes almost every single day. Oh how I love this age:)

{11/365} Sour face

2011-01-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

This is the look I get from Harry when he sees me approaching with the camera. Part of the "things they do" series this week:)

{10/365} Snickers

2011-01-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

Snickers moves his bed to be in the middle of the action:)

{9/365} Making Ice Cream

2011-01-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

Kate Skates {8/365}

2011-01-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

I am trying a theme this week for my 365..."the things they do." I am getting bored and uninspired already so I think having a theme some weeks will help me. I love this shot. Roller skates are all Kate really wanted for Chrsimtas this year:)

O my darling, clementine {7/365}

2011-01-07T13:27:00.001-08:00

Katie Ru {6/365}

2011-01-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

I struggle some days just to get the laundry done and this is one of those weeks for me. So, this is a quick snapshot of Kate before school. AS you can see she was not too thrilled to be my subject. It is straight out of the camera (SOOC). And I had the aperture too wide open from this angle so only half her face is in focus:(

A special notecard.... {5/365}

2011-01-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

Imagine my utter JOY when I walked into Papyrus a few days before Christmas and saw one of my best friend's photography in a beautiful set of boxed notecards. I immediately called her!! I was SO excited and happy for her. I am really proud of my friend, Shana. She is talented, beautiful and has a heart of gold. I used her Florabella action "afternoon" on this photo.

You can find her work here. And the cards here and here.

Mama said there'd be days like this {4/365}

2011-01-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

Not much time/motivation for a great shot today. I had my laptop at the kitchen table this afternoon and this is what was in front of me...a cookbook, starbucks, my to-do list, a shoe that needs to go to the cobbler, pens and my phone...oh and a green nerf bullet. The photo is (intentionally) dark because it is about to rain and it is dark and moody right now:) I accomplished very little on that to do list today.

Harry up-close {3/365}

2011-01-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

I had big plans to do a photo shoot with Will today but he was being uncooperative. So I stepped outside while Harry was riding his new electric scooter and caught his genuine joy! I love how his helmet is crooked and wisps of hair are sticking out and illuminated by the sun. I used my neighbor's 135 mm lens.

Flowers from my husband {2/365}

2011-01-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

I reminded Dave the other day that my love languages are "words of praise" and gifts. He came home from work with fresh flowers. They look really pretty in our living room near the tree since they are deep red. The tree is almost down as I type so I had to grab one more shot of delicious Christmas tree bokeh.

My neighbor got this cool 135mm defocus lens for Christmas and is letting my borrow it. So, I am going to attempt a little shoot with it tomorrow:)

The third time is the charm, right? {1/365}

2011-01-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

So, this will be my third attempt at a 365 project. I really had no intention of starting one but my friend Shana convinced me to give it a try with her. We are keeping it low stress. I am sure some photos will be SOOC (straight out of the camera) and snap shot-ish and some will be composed and post processed.

Last year I kind of backed off from photography to spend more time with the kids and less time at my computer. It was a good decision for my family but my photography skills took a backslide. I am hoping to find balance this year. I want to improve my skills but not spend too much time behind a lens or in front of a screen because let's face it...that is not really living, is it?

So, here is my fist shot of the New Year. It is my silver bowl full of Christmas cards from beloved family and friends. I often leave it out until February or March. This year I might leave it out all year and randomly pray for the families nestled inside.

I am not going to post the stats of each shot but you can click on it and veiw the exif data on flick if you wish. Post processed with Florabella Mademoiselle.

This is what it looked like SOOC...

Catching Up

2010-02-21T19:09:00.000-08:00

2/52

3/52

4/52

5/52

I am taking photos every week but I have not been posting them. I am going to get caught up posting the first 8 weeks of the year:)

I kinda stopped working on my photography for a little while but I plan to get back into it.

A new year and my underachiever project

2010-01-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

Last year I tried to do a 365 photo project but I lost steam at about photo 97. It was just one more thing in my daily list of things to do some days. This year, I am going easy on myself. I still need to improve (A LOT) on my photography so this year, I am going to attempt to post one photo per week. I am not going to stress if the picture is not perfect. Part of this is about learning and part is about capturing family memories.

In fact, this first shot is a little fuzzy but it was such a sweet moment between Kate and Harry. We just got our gas logs installed and they were cuddling in front of the fire.

1/52

Life is good (title by sneckip)

2009-05-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

93/365

My sweet hubby makes the peanuts lunches every single night:)

94/365

I got a new haircut!

95/365

My 3 Peanuts catching tadpoles in the city on a Friday afternoon.

It was the last inning of a tie game and Harry scored the winning run. His teammates rushed out from the dugout and picked him up. I got tears in my eyes!
96/365

97/365

They all wanted in

2009-04-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

We did not have baseball or Judo or anything today after school. So, we were hanging out in the living room and Will was reading. I wanted to get a shot for the 365 but they all got silly and wanted a picture.....

90/365

Kate was so jealous...that she did this to get in the way...

and then this...

I am not using those photos for the 365 but I wanted to remember what a little camera ham she was being!

Meanwhile, Harry wanted his picture taken too...

91/365

92/365

Kate saw her big brother leave for school with a backpack..so she NEEDED a backpack to wear to pre-school. Contents: pretend food from her play kitchen, lipgloss and her lovey (which I promptly removed).

Silly peanuts!

Project 365

2009-04-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Playing catch up again....I just find that I have no time for my blogs these days and I feel incredible guilt over that. Doing the best I can.... I AM so committed to completing my 365 project though...Here we go....

79/365

80/365

Kate would not go into the water and then...Will convinced her...

81/365

He was so good with her and he taught he how to swim with her bubble!

82/365

83/365

84/365

Harry doing his First Communion workbook!

85/365

LOVE that smile!

86/365

My Slugger

87/365

Miss Kate has given up her nap (thus my lack of blogging time).

One afternoon, I took her with me when I got a pedicure. She LOVEd having her toenails painted!

88/365

The color she picked.

89/365

Dailies

2009-04-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

The 365 is hanging by thread. I need to get back on track and take a shot each day. The days have been so busy with baseball games and practices nearly everyday, school decisions for Will, summer camp registrations, visitors etc.

I use my camera every single day but I am not really focusing on this project on the last week or 2. I am going to get MUCH better. Anyway, here is what I have for the last several days.

68/365

Kate smelling the roses at a local park.

69/365

My new Nikon arrives!

70/365

71/365

Kate and Miss Cathy read the paper.

72/365

Our good friends...

73/365

74/365

A little light reading

75/365

Easter Loot

76/365

Easter Day

77/365

78/365

YIKES!

2009-04-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

Somehow...I have fallen woefully behind in posting my 365 photos. I take them everyday and post them to flickr but I have been forgetting to get over here.

60/365

61/365

62/365

63/265

64/365

65/365

66/365

The men I love...

2009-03-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

two of them anyway....

{58/365}
He rarely lets me take his photo. This was after he cooked us a great Sunday breakfast. I am so lucky to have him. He is an amazing husband and father! Taken with my 85 mm on manual.

{59/365}
Since he is allergic to wheat, gluten, dairy and soy...he does not often have cookies. We found these GFCF cookies and he loves them.

More 365 (catching up and racing ahead)

2009-03-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Will, Kate and I went to the famer's market. I got some really fun shots that I will post but I am using this one for my 365 project....

Purple Kohlrabi {52/365}

{53/365}

Will loved these carrots. He was such a charmer at the market. He chatted up the sellers and even picked out some flowers for me. It was such a nice hour with him.

{54/365}

A friendly game of chutes and ladders with Harry and Kate. Kate just moves anywhere she wants with total disregard for the rules. I see trouble ahead.

{55/365}

I realized we bear a striking resemblance to our games pieces (me, harry and kate).

{56/365}

Took this on a walk and realized it looked exactly as I felt by the end of this week. I call is "too tired to stand." It is one of my favorite shots. I wish I had a macro lens so I could have capture more detail on the rose.

{57/365}

Harry is doing so well with baseball this season. He loves it. He has awesome coaches and a great attitude.

Sorry, I did not include all the photo stats. I am pressed for time. If you are interested in that.... you can click on any photo (it will go to flickr) and the stats are listed under "more properties" on each individual photo.

2009-03-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

Playing catch~up!

2009-03-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

Good thing that I got ahead last week because I had no idea that this week, I would get behind in my 365. Please understand that these are rushed shots due to my complete lack of time this week. I was afraid I might have to abandon the project. Then I realized that I have a shot for each day and it is fine if they are not good shots....that is how life is....sometimes up and sometimes down:)

{46/365}

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/2.2
Focal Length: 50 mm
Focal Length: 50.4 mm
ISO Speed: 500
Taken March 19th Aperture Priority

This next one is COMPLETELY out of focus...but it reflects the day...

{47/365}

This is Harry.

Harry and Will both won gold medals in a Judo tournament. They are SO hard to photograph because the lighting is terrible, you are very far away and people are in your way AND the action is fast! I need to work on this.

{48/365}

This is not the best shot of my sweet Kate. It is the day she was diagnosed with mono. She wanted to dress like Mommy (a white tee, green skirt and pearls). I was sitting in the rocking chair next to her with my arms flooded. I saw her watching me and imitating me.

Camera: Nikon D80

Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000)

Aperture: f/2.0

Focal Length: 50 mm

Focal Length: 50.4 mm

ISO Speed: 500

Exposure Bias: 0 EV

No Flash

Aperture Priority

In the next one, I was trying to take a shot of just the smoothie (our meals this week) but Kate walked into my shot:)

{49/365}

Camera: Nikon D80

Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)

Aperture: f/2.5

Focal Length: 50 mm

ISO Speed: 800

Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Flash: No Flash

Manual Mode!

Even though this is technically the same day, I am using it for the next day (I'll get back on track next week)

{50/365}

I gave Kate this little laptop that I had been saving for Easter or her birthday because we were so bored at home. She really likes it:)

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash
Aperture Priority

{51/365}

Took this one day recently after a rain. It is straight out of the camera except for a tiny crop. The bokeh is blades of ornamental grass.

Camera: Nikon D80

Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)

Aperture: f/2.8

Focal Length: 85 mm

Focal Length: 84.8 mm

ISO Speed: 100

Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Flash: No Flash

I snuck out to the local farmer's market yesterday and got some GREAT shots...I plan to use them next.

The Aquarium

2009-03-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

Will on the Carousel {43/365}

LUCY asked how I got Will in focus and not the pole. I used to do this one way but I recently learned a new way...my camera has a selective focus option where I can tell it (by moving a blinking rectangle in the view finder) what to focus on. I have had mixed results with it but perhaps I just need more practice. Check your manual (In the focus section) to learn more about your camera...Cannon, Sony, Olympus, and Nikon all have a similar feature.

Contemplative Harry sucking on a Lollipop {44/365}

My 3 peanuts @ the Aquarium {45/365}

Woohoo~ I am like 3 or 4 days ahead. I can hide my camera for a day:)

The Rodeo

2009-03-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

{41/365} Tuesday

At the rodeo...I got all teary eyed and proud that they chose to ride together...then they told me it was only because Harry could not reach the pedals:) They LOVED the bumper cars!

{42/365}

All Kate wanted to do at the Rodeo is ride a pony! And even though she looks very serious here...she was having a BLAST!

Since all 3 kids are home and we are doing fun things, I have decided to get a little ahead in my 365 and post more than one photo a day to it...that way, I will have little wiggle room for those days I am uninspired or don't get any shots:)

I heart faces~ Green

2009-03-17T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have entered this photo in the I heart Faces contest this week. If you have never been there, you should visit (www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com) This week the theme is green! Go see some of the other entries here.

{39 and 40}

2009-03-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

If you are wondering what happened to 3 Pe*nuts, I explain it a few posts down. I have received so many emails (which is very sweet and thoughtful~thank you) but I cannot answer them all because the kids are home for break and Kate is sick. Blogger has even e-mailed me 3 times to see what is going on:)

Sunday {39/365}

Our good friends came over for dinner, Kate and Gabriella had a grand time with the pretend coffee maker.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 85 mm
ISO Speed: 1100
Aperture Priority

Monday {40/365}

Kate is sick again (pink eye and upper respiratory infection), the boys are on Spring Break...might be hard to get a good photo each day. Took this in my neighbor's yard as I was walking the dog (and the kids). I was quite a sight trying to hold leash with a hyper dog, a stroller and a camera!

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 1/4000 sec
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 85 mm
Exposure: +0.08
ISO Speed: 400
Aperture Prority

Crawfish {38/365}

2009-03-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
Exposure: -0.33
ISO Speed: 1600
Manual Mode

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
Exposure: 0.00
ISO Speed: 1100
Manual Mode

We went to one of our local Cajun restaurants for crawfish. The boys love to eat them and Kate loves to play with them:)

An explanation

2009-03-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry to those of you who were worried about us because I made 3 pean*ts password protected. We are fine. A boy at Harry's school found out about that blog (not this one) and he printed a photo of Harry and brought it to school. He was not mean about it at all. In fact, I think he just thought it was cool but it embarrassed Harry. They don't usually tell people at school about our blog. In this case, the boy heard about it from someone in Will's class so Harry was taken quite off guard. We talked about it as a family and we all want to continue 3 pean*ts but we thought that if we made it private for a week or two the boy would lose interest, stop going and forget about it. It is not a big deal at all but I want Harry to feel comfortable and empowered. Obviously, I could not explain this on 3 pean*ts and I do not know the boy or his family since we are new to the school.

Anyway, thank you for the concern. I am sorry to have worried some of you. We are fine and 3 pean*ts will be back up in a week or two:)

Oh and here is the recipe (several people have e-mailed me for it)

I will leave you with a recipe ....it doesn't have a name but it is one of my signature dishes. Maybe you can name it for me?

1 bunch of cilantro leaves chopped (discard stems)

1 box/bag of penne pasta

1 8 oz container of feta cheese (the herbed variety is good)

1 jar of sundried tomatoes in oil (slice into small bits--but KEEP the oil)

2-3 chicken breasts.

Marinate the chicken breasts for a few hours in your favorite marinade. I use Newman's Own Italian dressing.

Cook the pasta. While pasta is cooking, grill the chicken (I have Dave do this). Combine the cilantro, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes and oil in a large pasta bowl. Stir to combine ingredients. Add drained hot pasta and grilled chicken (cut into pieces). Stir to combine. Serve. Oh this is so yummy!!!! You are going to thank me.

Kate and Daphne {37/365}

2009-03-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

Kate had a playdate with her buddy Josh. They had a grand time. They really adore one another. Kate also loves his little sister, Daphne. This is Kate and Daphne.

{37/365}

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.2
Focal Length: 85 mm
Exposure: +0.80
ISO Speed: 400
Aperture Priority
85 mm 1.8 lens

{36/365} Music to my ears?

2009-03-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

{35/365} After seeing a violin in an antique store a few years ago, Will decided he wanted to learn to play. He took lessons for a little over a year (in Virginia). But he has not played in a LONG time. He played Mary had a little lamb for Kate and she loved it, so now she asks him to play...

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 85 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Aperture Priority

And then she needed a turn....

A day ahead {35/365}

2009-03-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

I had my days all mixed up because Kate switched her days at school this week. So, I thought I was a day behind and snapped this quickly of Kate. Then we went out to our favorite local Mexican restaurant and I had margarita and it became clear that I thought it was the wrong day...So, now I am a day ahead. Go figure! It is pretty bad when you don't know what day it is!

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 500
Aperutre Priority

Converted to black and white in Photoshop Elements and a texture (ishkamina) was added.

Will's Obsession {34/365}

2009-03-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

Even though he is 11 and 1/2, Will still LOVES Legos. He escapes into a world of imaginary battles and buildings. Sometimes, I need to remind him they are not real. He can spend hours and hours constructing scenes on the window seat in his room.

I am not happy with this photo..it is out of focus. I took it with the 50mm lens (while Kate was crying and crawling in my lap) trying to shoot on a wide aperture (for the natural light in late afternoon). I am trying to be easier on myself and realize the 365 is about our life and about learning more about photography and NOT about capturing the perfect photo. Still, the better I get the more I see the flaws.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/2.0
Focal Length: 50 mm
Exposure: 0.00
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash
Aperture Priority

Katie Ru Do {33/365}

2009-03-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

We were cleaning out our garage/unpacking boxes...Dave found this bandana in one of the boxes and tied it on Kate's head. I cringed. She looked in the mirror (part of the cleaning out of the garage) and laughed. She wore it for most of the day (see below).
If you know me...I am more of a bow or ponytail gal NOT a bandana gal!
{33/365}

A Sunday morning snuggle with "my Daddy." {32/365}

2009-03-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

I woke Kate up this morning to adjust for the time change and brought her into bed for a snuggle. When she snuggled up to Dave, I just HAD to run downstairs, grab my camera, open the drapes and get some shots. Kate calls Dave "my Daddy."

I must admit that I am loving this 365 project. Even though somedays I feel totally uninspired, I realize that I will have a photo diary of our entire year. I plan to have a book made with one photo from everyday of our year. Some simple yet precious everyday moments like the one above, I would have never captured if it were not for this project.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 85 mm
ISO Speed: 110
Aperture Priority

As an aside, I have read that to re-set your internal clock with the time change, spend at least an hour (two is better) outside in the late afternoon today. We always take a family walk to a park or something and it really does the trick. I have done this since Will was an infant and they have always adjusted perfectly.

Crush {31/365}

2009-03-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

I realized I needed more of Harry for my 365. He was sipping his juice box after school and the light coming in the kitchen window was really pretty. The photos were fine but then when I asked him about a girl he has a crush on ....his little eyes lit up! Seriously, there is no comparison to the before and after shots. Oh how I love him!

Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 85 mm
ISO Speed: 360
Aperture Priority

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 85 mm
Focal Length: 84.8 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Aperture Priority

Piecing it all together {30/365}

2009-03-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
Exposure: +0.40
ISO Speed: 800

Aperture Priority

Kate and I were doing puzzles and I decided to take some shots for the 365. I cannot decide which one to use. Leave me a comment telling me which one you prefer and I will use the one people like best for photo {30/365}.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
Focal Length: 50.4 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Aperture Priority

An orange Rose {29/365}

2009-03-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.077 sec (1/13)
Aperture: f/22.0
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Manual Mode
Texture added in Photo Shop Elements

Spring is coming! {28/365}

2009-03-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

In my front garden yesterday. They close up at dusk. Anyone know what they are?

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 1/3200 sec
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
Exposure: 0.00
ISO Speed: 100
Aperture Priority

Bathing Beauty {27/365}

2009-03-02T06:02:00.000-08:00

Scouty on Sunday {26/365}

2009-03-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

I need some time and some inspiration. I am already feeling like I am tapped out of 365 shot ideas. Today, Scout was laying on the LR rug with the sun streaming in through the French doors. She is a good dog ...and I am not a dog person.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
Exposure: 0.00
ISO Speed: 160
Aperture Priority Mode

A boring Saturday {25/265}

2009-02-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

We had lots to do around the house today and errands to catch up on so no time for playing around with the camera. I did cajole Kate into a Matilda Jane dress (which is not easy these days). But then she insisted on these plaid sneakers that did not match at all.

{25/365}

I know these are not good at all but such is life. We are busy with baseball, judo, first communion prep etc. Sometimes I am too busy living to get a good photo.

Cowboy Bread {24/365}

2009-02-27T15:29:00.000-08:00

It was "Go Texan" Day today which is a HUGE day n Houston. Real cowboys ride in to town from all over Texas and you can watch the trail riders on the main roads on their horses with all their gear. I wish I had gone out to photograph them. All of the schools let the kids dress in rodeo clothes. I did not get Kate into her Rodeo gear that day! However at pre-school Kate made "cowboy bread" in a can. It is made with beans but Kate LOVED it. I could not get that can away from her.

She had so much fun licking that can of cowboy bread!!!

But this is the one I chose for the 365 shot.....

All the color ones are SOOC but I cleaned the crumbs of her face here and converted it to black and white in Lightroom. {24/365}

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/5.3
Focal Length: 66 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Aperture Priority

To see a photo of the Trail Ride click here.

Eden {23/365}

2009-02-26T15:16:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to photograph our neighbor today. I love this shot but need to fix the bench in the lower right hand corner. Her brother's elbow was there and I tried the clone stamp but I am not good with it.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 85 mm
Exposure: 0.00
ISO Speed: 100
Aperture Priority

{22/365}

2009-02-25T12:20:00.000-08:00

{22/365}

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 120 mm
Exposure: 0.00
Aperture Priority
ISO Speed: 250

Others from the park....

I had a hard time choosing today's photo for the 365 because they all have something about them I don't like...even though in the moment I thought I was getting good ones. I should have turned my ISO down to 100. I also should have paid more attention to my selective focus. It was doing weird things on me.

Tomorrow morning I am shooting a neighborhood family for practice. I am nervous.

Sweet Will {21/365}

2009-02-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/5.0
Focal Length: 85 mm
Aperture Priority
85mm lens

Shutterbug {20/365}

2009-02-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

All of a sudden Kate wants her camera. She also told me she needed her laptop and her I-pod (in her purse of course). Oh dear. They are little reflectors of who we are, aren't they?
P.S. she does not have an I-pod or laptop just in case anyone was wondering.....
{20/365}

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 135 mm
Auto mode

Kate and Li Li {19/365}

2009-02-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

The Pixel Fairy Princess (who taught the photography workshop I was attending this weekend) and her family stopped by for dinner Sunday night. Kate and Li Li had a GRAND time. Kate was imitating Li Li here.

Lil Miss Kate's cheeks are pink because we discovered she had a fever. She still had tons of fun and we hope no one gets sick.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 70 mm
Exposure: 0.00
Auto

Full of Grace

2009-02-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

{18/365}

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 85 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Aperture Priority

Hanging out {17/365}

2009-02-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

Today, Bagel and I spent the day packing, running around town shopping, eating and driving to Austin so I did not get photos. So, here is one from Thursday afternoon at the park.

Camera: Nikon D300 (I took with my friend's camera)
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal Length: 56 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Aperture Priority

Balancing Act {16/365}

2009-02-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

{16/365}

One of my best friends "Bagel" (Not her real name but a nickname that Kate assigned her) flew in to attend a photography workshop with me. We went to the park with all the kids in the afternoon and I caught these of Kate. A kind flickr friend recommended the black and white with selective color on the apple (Bagel colored the apple as I have a shaky hand). It was done on Picnik but you can do this on elements or lightroom too.

Bagel took the photo on the slide....

And just to keep with the theme---balancing....

Harry had to do this trick!

Man's best friend {15/165}

2009-02-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

It is late. Kids are in bed. I am tired. Dave and Scout were playing while I was trying out my new tri-pod.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Mode: Manual

Life is like a box of chocolates...

2009-02-17T10:47:00.000-08:00

You never know what you are gonna get... Forrest Gump

I wouldn't trade what I have for anything in the world.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
Focal Length: 50.4 mm
Aperutre priority

{14/365}

{13/365} A manual shot, Baby!

2009-02-16T16:13:00.001-08:00

Kate had her friend, J over for a playdate today and this is baby sister. As I said before, Kate LOVES baby Daphne! Kate is holding her in this photo but I cropped out as much as I could (some polka dots are peeking through).

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.04 sec (1/25)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 500
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Mode: MANUAL!!!!

P.S. I am adding this so I will remember because I had a big breakthrough today. I have always been so intimidated by shooting in manual but today something clicked for me. I was trying to get a photo of Kate this morning on Aperture Priority but the shutter was SO slow that all the images were blurry. So, it clicked in my blonde little ditzy head...that I could set the aperture AND the shutter speed. So, I did. I did it all day long and I got this too.....

and this...

I added a texture that a kind flickr person sent me. The tulips were taken with my 85mm lens.

Harrison {12/365}

2009-02-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

It is Harry's turn. He is so darned cute BUT he avoids the camera (just like Dave). Today I got a few of him outside....

I love his face in this one but the "bike bokeh" in the background is just too distracting for me!

This is the shot of the day though....

He was so sick of me taking photos and he started getting goofy. I love it! He moved too close to the lens. I did not crop his chin out.

{11/365}

2009-02-15T17:23:00.000-08:00

Kate went to her best boyfriend's birthday party on Valentine's Day.

Here he is....

Kate also loves his baby sister, Daphne....

Here are some of Kate's pre-school buds at the party.....

Hmm...which one should be the photo of the day?

I heart you {10/365}

2009-02-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

This 365 challenge is ...well, a challenge. It is tough to get a decent photo everyday. I had a different photo in mind but it rained all day today. Kate stole this lollipop from Harry's candy bag from school. I made her hold it in front of the window. Her hand is shaky and mine is too.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 160
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

Aperture Priority

Getting Caught {9/365}

2009-02-12T17:54:00.001-08:00

I had a migraine and Kate was "supposed" to be leaving me alone (Dave had her). But she could not resist peeking in on me...

AND getting caught!!!

It was amazing that my camera was right there because it is never up in my bedroom.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 135 mm
ISO Speed: 250
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Auto, Fired, Return detected
Automatic Mode

Open Wide, baby! {8/365}

2009-02-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

This is not a photo of great composition or lighting (or anything else for that matter) but it is significant because today was the first time Kate got her teeth cleaned at the dentist. She kept saying..."I do not like that" and "I don't have to do that" as she watched the boys get their exams and cleanings. But thanks to the miraculous patience and loving kindness of the hygienist, Kate surprised us all and cooperated in the end. She was a PISTOL in the office though and I prayed a lot. All of the peanuts are cavity free and have beautiful pearly whites. I am so thankful for that.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/5.3
Focal Length: 58 mm
ISO Speed: 250
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash
Aperture Priority

Rained Out {7/365}

2009-02-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

I was hoping today's shot would be of Harry playing baseball but they were rained out. I am happy that I caught a little reflection in the puddle. I knew there would be days like this when I really don't have anything to photograph:) And it has only been a week.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 85 mm
Focal Length: 84.8 mm
ISO Speed: 250

lens-85 mm

Eating Granola {6/365}

2009-02-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

I was not feeling very creative or inspired today but when I saw Kate sitting here eating her granola for lunch~ I took a shot.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
Focal Length: 50.4 mm
ISO Speed: 640 (should have been lowered)
Aperture Priority

Day 5~ A rose

2009-02-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

I am in a photography group and our assignment was "new-old" this time. I took many photos of new roses from my garden in this antique majolica vase in front of an antique mirror.

Camera: Nikon D80
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 640

Camping Out~ Day 4

2009-02-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Our house smelled so bad from the painting that is being done that my boys decided to camp in the backyard last night (with Scout). Kate, Dave and I opted for the comforts of our own beds. The boys lasted all night and really enjoyed it!

Will is home ~3/365

2009-02-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

Will is home from a school trip. He was gone almost all week and I missed him so. He is tired and he missed our good cooking but he had a great time:)

Day 2

2009-02-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, Kate wants these tutus and her ballet slippers on everyday. The natural light in her room is great. So while she is dancing around up there in her magical ballerina world, it is easy to get these shots. This is straight out of the camera. I love it. I love her pretty lips.

Aperture Priority

f/ 2.8

50mm lens

ISO 500

Project 365

2009-02-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

I have been debating whether or not to try this project where I take one photo every day for a year. I take photos nearly everyday anyway and I need to push myself to get better. So, here I go...

This is day 1/365

It is straight out of the camera (except for the black and white conversion). Kate was playing "ballerina" in her room. I used my 85 mm lens which is hard for me to use indoors (space wise) and natural light. Aperture priority f 1.8

Katie Ru

2009-02-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

Too Sunny Mama!

2009-01-16T13:25:00.001-08:00

Pure Joy

2008-12-22T11:00:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas from 3 Peanuts!

2008-12-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

O Chrsitmas tree, O Christmas tree

2008-12-17T05:51:00.000-08:00

Harry~he just turned 8!

2008-12-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

Kate (Black and White and Color)

2008-11-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

2008-11-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

Japanese Gardens

2008-10-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

Bubble Bath

2008-10-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

These photos are lazy....meaning I used the auto setting on most and a flash. It was inside at night with no windows but Kate was having fun in the tub (in our corporate apartment). So, I grabbed my camera. In the new house, there is a huge window over the master tub. I hope to get some better natural light bathtub photos then.

I can get lost in those eyes

2008-10-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

I love Will's eyes. They are a million different colors and they catch the light really well. He is growing up so fast....I am afraid he will not let me take his photo much longer. Here he is reading a book instead of watching his brother who is playing an awesome soccer game.

Fun times with old friends...

2008-10-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Look Mom, a BIG fountain!

Beautiful Eveley!

Just sitting on the trampoline

Fun in the fountains

These are all straight out of the camera from the other day. Once I have more computer time and am feeling better...I might edit them on Photoshop...any suggestions?

Ballernia

2008-09-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

Like her bandaid?

Kate was playing dress up and the boys were doing homework, so I could only step out on our tiny balcony for these. Right now I am working on getting my ISO settings correct and shooting in Aperture Priority. I often get very blurry photos in AP Mode though. Maybe my hand is too shaky?

Dancing at the Beach

2008-09-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Straight of of the Camera (above)

Auto enhance and a vignette in Photoshop. I think it makes her skin too dark though.

Black and white