Broadening the Blog

I don't seem to blog very often these days, although I have somewhat interesting thoughts and complete articles swimming around in my head constantly... I just don't seem to find the time to write. But the other day I posted something on Facebook that really is where I am: "A good thought, never expressed, no matter how sincere, true, or profound it may be... Holds no bearing on others, brings no change, nor warms a heart. It's time to speak up and get it out there." I do have lots to talk about, and so much to share. It really doesn't bother me if people are reading it or not, but I do hope, that if you are here, you will be glad you came, for whatever reason. Maybe it's to check out my latest favorite shot - shown below - or to get a little information on various topics ranging from photo tips, to travel, God topics, to parenting and life... This blog used to be anything and everything, and while it's interesting to some, and not so much to others, it's like a virtual scrapbook for me. And I'm good with that! So I'm opening it back up - mostly photography, yes, but other stuff, too... Restaurant reviews, places to visit, vacation, what I am learning through Scripture, health, and (gasp) maybe even a recipe once in awhile. It is time to speak up and share more with those around me, virtually and especially literally. One status update or 140 character post doesn't cut it - I am a woman, yes. Typically I don't share my opinion, but maybe this comes with a little age... I am committing to speak the random "ya know, I really do think you're amazing," tell my husband more often how incredible he is to me, and talk about various matters going on inside this brain. So, welcome back to LIFE THRU MY LENS. ~Teri Here is my latest favorite shot - taken just yesterday in Ozark, MO. For more previews of this incredible photo shoot, visit my Facebook Page!

NYC FAVS

Because I have way too many other things to work on in the photography realm, I'm only gonna show you my FAVS from our recent trip to New York City - one at a time. I like to drag on a good story, ya know!? Eventually, I may get through my whole folder of pictures, or not...

Regardless, here's one that tops my list. (Yes, I know it's blurry :))

It's all about the SHOES

Lately, I've been noticing shoes. This could be due to the coming change of seasons, when I start to think through what horrid capri's and dress barn casuals are in my closet (not that there's anything wrong with dress barn!). But I'm gonna be real honest with you, I'm tired of flats. I've worn flats all my life, only breaking out of the rut about once every 5 years to throw on a pair of toe crunching, arch ripping heels. It's just that if I do, I would be a towering 6'1" or even 6'2" wearing a pair of Christian Louboutin's with the signature red sole.
*sigh*
For those of you who wish they were tall... it really is kinda nice. I can reach for the peanut butter on the top shelf and inadvertently find a stash of someone's chocolate. So, it does have it's benefits.
But, shoes. Oh, those shoes... I've decided to go try on a few new pair tonight. I'll let you know if you should find another hiding spot for your chocolate.

(By the way, these shoes are not my shoes... They were kicked off by a sweet young Mom during her photo session...They just got me to thinking.:))

Winter Hike

I have so many, many pics of this snow - and frankly, I think we are all a little tired of them. But it won't be long till the big MELT and it will all be MUD. I say, let's enjoy it while it's so pretty and worry about our nasty cars later.
So last Saturday, I woke up and immediately headed outside with my incredible husband! I love that we both love to do things like this together. We headed out the back door, checked on the horses watering source, and went to our neighbor's house. Armed with the highest snowboots, 2 cameras, extra lenses for fun, a dry towel, and chapstick - we headed off! And let me tell you, it was a work out!!
Enjoy these shots, I know I sure enjoyed the process of going to find them!

At the Piano

This was what I was born to do. Music, play it, sing it, write it, share it...

If you know me, you know there's always that tune in my head, kinda annoying, really. And a bit distracting, especially if I'm trying to do normal things, like give directions to my house or tell a joke.

So I made a goal to enter a photo contest once a month. This month's challenge was "self portrait." I think every contest out there begins January with a self portrait theme. But honestly, I kinda struggled with this. For one, the time got away from me. No problem, I'm good at procrastinating, and can pressure it right in tonight. Before the snowmageddon11 hits. Before I lose power out here in the sticks. But also, I just seemed to do all these overly posed sets. Yuk. No one really likes a shot of themselves, but especially not one that's slightly blurry and dorky. So, here is my feeble attempt at being creative... while I create. Music, that is. I combined the first thing I ever really loved to do, with my second favorite thing to do (don't worry - FAMILY is still my first love and highest priority!). Hopefully, it's a good rendering. Cause now there's a new song stuck in my head.

Watercolor Twirl

I walk through old hallways, through creaky doorways of the centuries old church, I listen to the ceremonial toasting of the bride and groom, the joy absolute on peoples faces. Trying to be inconspicuous, with multiple cameras dangling around my neck, I find that incredibly hard to accomplish. In one of those surreal moments, though, I hear the sound of children laughing, playing, and girlish giggles. Creeping in the room as quietly as possible, I crouch low, adjust my camera settings, and do my best to capture one of my all time favorite moments. Sometimes the memory of it all is better than what a lens and camera can do. They are simply tools in the hands of an artist. My eyes, my heart, will remember the beauty of this moment better. Hopefully this rendition, void of actual color or clarity, will simply jog my memory in the future, and bring me back to the darkened room filled with little girls dancing in the shadows, much more interested in the size of the twirl in their dresses than the wedding reception going on nearby.

{By the way, this is my sweet niece, Grace, taken at her brother's wedding in London.}

Winter Walk

Sometimes I miss the convenience of living in town... a quick run for milk, a drop by visit of a friend, and generally less snakes and stuff. But not this day. On Wednesday, we all woke up to a blanket of icy fog, and I was fortunate enough to have a stay-at-home morning to do laundry. And like all good photographers, or otherwise procrastinating homemakers, I opted for a walk among the glorious crisp white trees and fields. Days like this make me never want to get in the car... (especially since it's a Toyota).
The picture in the middle was taken with my new 50mm 1.4 Canon lens. See how the ice crystals on the tip of the branch are clearly in focus, while the rest is all blurry? Well, that's on purpose, folks. It's called "Bokeh." While my composition may be a little off, I love playing with that depth of field. It's so precise, that a pic of my dog's face can have her nose in focus, while the eyes get blurry. We want to avoid that, so it takes practice. Practice. Practice... I do love the results, though. I'm also learning about White Balance, and studio flashed set ups. You have to be a constant learner to make it in this business. It's technical. It's Art. It's people. It's JOY to me. And it's why I'd rather venture outside instead of hopping in the car to go to WalMart. **Sigh**, that's where I'm headed now...

Photowalk 2009

 

 

 

 

This past Saturday I met up with 40 other photographers in downtown Springfield to participate in a "World Wide Photo Walk." There is a website, cities do this all over the world, literally. Prizes can be won, and most of all they want you to download a free trial to Lightroom 2 , which I will do. I've been meaning to try it anyway. so here goes. I did learn a lot, some technical stuff, yes, but mainly ideas. Ahh, those alley's and doorways! Great new ideas for portraits, so I can't wait to experiment!
Of the shots I took, I can honestly say I'm not taken with very many. I guess it's because I love faces. But it was good for me to find shadows, lines, and color. So enjoy these, know there is more coming...

I LOVE THIS PIC

 

Isn't that such a great feeling?? Being the first to tromp through a fresh snow, making tracks even before anything else...

Olde Post

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More DC pics, I know. Believe it or not, I just took the time to figure out how to post a pic to blogger from a web album... and the web album is new to me, too. But I am 100% selftaught, except for a few things Hillen has shared. Plus, I don't have a lot of time to mess with figuring out new apps. UGHHH... SATELLITE CONNECTION.

I've been spending all my time trying to correct an invasion of my identity on ebay, my personal email, etc... Apparently I have a huge inheritance coming to me from somewhere on the other side of this planet... if only I'd give them all my passwords and stuff. NO, I DID NOT FALL FOR IT, but they somehow got into my accounts. All I have to say is I AM NOT DR. WASAN SEGE!!!!!!!

Hope you liked this photo - it was taken in an olde, and I mean OLD neighborhood in Alexandria, VA. I think it's the oldest in the country...

The Lincoln Memorial

 

Here's a shot from our recent trip to DC... I'll just post a few pics when I feel like it.

Awesome place, complete with a cute kid running around = potentially a nice photo :-)

The words on the wall are from Abe Lincoln's 2nd inaugural address, about 6 weeks before he was shot. Greg said the guy who spoke before Lincoln rambled on for 2 HOURS, and when he got up there he only spoke for like 9 minutes. Powerful words, delivered in a very efficient manner. Short and sweet, just like Lotz's wedding.

A Rainy Spring Morning

 

 

 

 

What or Who is in this picture?

 

One Man Band

I have nothing of interest to say today, so I'm just gonna dig through my archives of pictures and find something that will make you smile. Ah Ha! Here's one...

"Tho none go with me, still I will follow..."

:-)