Lifestyle Photography: Week 4 {the finale}

Part 1:  Thematic and Conceptual Shooting


For the love of the game, my husband does not think twice about heading out to the course even if the temps are 100+ in the afternoon.  He loves the heat.  And he likes the wide open fairways, as more sensible people are enjoying the air conditioned indoors, and are downing icy, cold drinks. 

Part 2:  Getting into the Picture


Aaarrgghh.  I won't even get into the challenges of this assignment.  Except for the dead battery in the remote trigger.  And the sun, which insisted on moving across the sky faster than I could finish.  And all the little things I noticed when I saw the images on the computer.  Did I learn anything?  Oh, yes.

Stay-cation

Enjoying the morning sunshine in my driveway at 7 AM.  

Thank you to Brooke Snow and fellow photogs for a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience.  I'm sorry to see it end.

Lifestyle Photography: Week 3

Part 1:  Conceptual Contrast


This week, Brooke Snow showed us how to incorporate elements of contrast within the image.  We all want to have compelling, interesting photographs and this is another factor for me to keep in mind.

Shopping for Shorts for Larry, Android Phone, Vignette App

Even though I took this with the camera in my cellphone, I did think about the composition.  It was impossible to see the screen in the bright light, but in the end I thought the contrast of the reflections and the poster through the window was interesting.

50 mm lens

The human mark against the beauty of nature fascinates me.

17-85 mm lens

I waited for her to move into the patch of sunlight, taking advantage of the contrast of light and shadow.

Part 2:  The Decisive Moment


Slow down and wait for it, wait for it . . . 
Waiting for that decisive moment is truly a challenge.  I am so afraid that I will miss something special if I don't keep pressing that shutter.  But Brooke encouraged us to watch and wait, to only take three images (did she mean 30?) and post the best one.

17-85 mm

Her increasing ease in the water is a joy to behold.

This week, I did find myself thinking more, taking more time.  It's not always clear to me why I find a scene compelling, so this practice forced me to be more thoughtful and deliberate.  

Lifestyle Photography: Week 2

Part 1:  Point of View


Why did I choose to photograph flowers?  I have no idea.  It is not a strong subject for me, but I thought it would provide a lot of options for this assignment.   Let's just say, it was challenging.  And I learned a lot.  Such as, get bigger blooms.


Image 1 - First Attempt  {Lensbaby Composer}

Images 2,3,4 - Other Points of View

The Intruder - He inserts himself whenever he has a chance.  

Part 2:  Less is More

The Scene - We have rediscovered the joys of the dollar theater.  

Telling the Story in Three Images

Telling the Story, Part 1

Taking the plunge, flying by the seat of my pants, keeping mild panic at bay - this is what it felt like in my first week as a participant in Brooke Snow's Lifestyle photography class.

The adventure in learning began during a particularly full week, leaving me with barely 24 hours to complete the assignment.  I am not sure I have ever felt so squeezed for time, facing I project I had been eagerly anticipating. 

So Fathers' Day became crunch day.  We spent the evening poolside with our granddaughter, Piper.  I hope the  images help you see the fun, and the special relationship between her and her grandfather.

Character/Detail Shots

Character/Conflict Shots

This was hard to pull off.  These images convey some emotion, but I feel they lack the element of tension that conflict brings.  Something to work on . . .

The Pool is Open

hot sun
 +

cool water
+

pink Minnie Mouse swimsuit
=

splash into summer 2011!

" Your joy will be like a river overflowing its banks!"

John 16, The Message

Tiny Dancers

little girls
tiny dancers in a line
like birds on a wire

some tentative
hesitant
others confident
sure footed

unbearably dear
each and every one

Photo info:  android camera phone, vignette app

Had to use the camera that was with me; the other one was left at home.  

Breakfast of Champions

This is not my usual breakfast, but I do eat it sometime during most every day.  It's nice to realize it isn't a nutrition or diet buster to consume basic good food that also happens to be delicious.

You should try it!


Raw Fudge


1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup cocoa (not a mix)
1/4 maple syrup (preferably grade B)
1 teaspoon vanilla


Combine in a blender.  Pour into a loaf pan.  Refrigerate until firm.  Cut and enjoy.


Variations:  Some like to add flaxseed meal, or almond butter, or other ingredients.


Notes:  Coconut oil can be solid at cool room temperature, so melt on low heat, if necessary.  I usually reduce the maple syrup to 3 tablespoons.  And I usually double the recipe.  It doesn't last long at our house.


Also, the fudge can be poured into silicon mini muffin pans.  Freeze and pop out fudge.  Store in freezer or refrigerator.


Coconut oil has many health benefits, so you can enjoy this decadent treat, free of guilt.


Some links you may find helpful:


Weston Price Foundation


Nourishing Traditions Cookbook


 Then God said, "I've given you
      every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth
   And every kind of fruit-bearing tree,
      given them to you for food.
   To all animals and all birds,
      everything that moves and breathes,
   I give whatever grows out of the ground for food."
      And there it was. 
Genesis 1:29-30, The Message