Category Archives: Photography

Depth Of Field

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I’ve come a long way baby!  That goPro photography workshop taught me basically everything I know about my new camera.  Before this, I was a point and shoot camera kinda gal.

I’m shooting in manual and that right there is a very “big deal”.  I’m also shooting in RAW instead of JPG.  I feel like a big girl now…

ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, DOF – Those are a few terms I knew very little about before the class.

Today I want to share just a snippet about depth of field (DOF).  And aperture because DOF and aperture go hand in hand.

The picture below is an example with a very large depth of field.  Meaning pretty much everything you see is in focus.  From the trees in the background to that large clay pot in the background.  Again, everything in the pic is in focus = large depth of field.

The following shot was taken in manual with a large aperture setting of 25 = A very small opening.

Reminder to self – The larger the aperture setting = a smaller opening for light.

Below is an example of the extreme opposite.  This would be a short depth of field meaning the subject is in focus and everything else is very blurred = short depth of field.

The following shots were taken in manual with a very small aperture setting of 4.5 = A very large opening. 

Reminder to self – The smaller the aperture setting = a larger opening for light.

Another example of a very short depth of field.

And here my friends is my take on that pic above.  Once again done in Lightroom.

Practice ~ Practice ~ Practice…Those were the words Tyler used when I asked should I continue taking more classes.  Thanks Tyler, I’m taking your advice to heart.  I still have a long way to go.

Blessings – Debbie

No Pain No Gain

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And that’s exactly where I was today at the very beginning of my workout.  I felt the pain early and it was difficult working thru that first 5 – 10 min of exercise.  The old body wanted so badly to stop but my mind knew I could work thru it and I did.  The reward is great as I burned 300 calories this morning.

This was my treat on the patio after my workout.

I had a little visit with this pot, (on the patio) it is so cheerful.

Here’s my take of it in Adobe Lightroom.

And again, because I couldn’t leave well enough alone.

Wishing you a bright beautiful day.

Blessings – Debbie

What Monday Is Made Of

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Monday is treating me like a queen.  I had my usual morning cup of coffee, that makes me very happy.  Drinking coffee in general makes me happy.  Although I normally limit my intake to just one big humongous cup.

My morning also started with a visit to the gym.  It’s been a while (last year) since I’ve walked through gym doors and I’m so glad I did.  It was an amazing positive experience, one I look forward to again and again and again.

It has rained on and off all day and that = lots of happy flora in the garden.

I ran with that picture straight to Lightroom.  Yes, it’s the same pic, how crazy is that?  I’m in love with these colors and I could see this print on fabric or a thank you card of sorts.  Did you catch that I’m in love with these colors?  I can’t seem to emphasize that enough.

For whatever reason I caught the afternoon sleepies.  I did take an afternoon nap, unusual for me, but I feel brand new.

Now, where was I?  Yes, laundry, ironing and a pile of clothes waiting to be folded and one sweet phone call from my dearest.  That’s what Monday is made of.

Blessings – Debbie

Still Learning

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I’ve been taking pictures in RAW for one whole week!  Switching from JPG to RAW has made all the difference in the world.

Now I’m able to take pics of the flowers in the front yard and play in Adobe Lightroom.

I had a lot of fun with this exercise.

And I’m thinking how I might frame some of these.

Who knows where this is going, but I’m enjoying the process.

I’m off to enjoy Friday with my hubby.  Yay for this being his 3 day weekend.

Blessings – Debbie

Blue Lily goPro Workshop – 2 of 2

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It’s moments like this when that really deep breath and sweet sigh provide that inner feeling of utter joy.  It truly is a feel good moment, I think I’ll stay right here and wallow a bit longer.

I’d like to share a few highlights from the weekend.

First Off –  Wendy and Tyler our goPro experts, they’re the whole reason why we all came together in the first place.

  • I love the way they work as a unit.  They flow in unison and where one leaves off the other picks up and runs with it.
  • They have a genuine love for people and it shows.
  • Their patience with us as a group was rock solid.   
  • There was no question to big or small for them to handle.  And they handled it with grace.
  • I learned more in the first hour than I did with all of the 6 photography books I purchased and studied before the workshop.  For me, it had everything to do with the way they were able to reach me.  That was a really big deal.
  • They totally splurged on us!  This workshop was held in a gorgeous beach home with a wall of floor to ceiling windows overlooking the beach – they fed us well – made us laugh – And let us into their hearts.

 Wendy and Tyler AKA Blue Lily Photography will be leaving in 2 very short days to travel the world for the next 9 months.  Who knows, they may be in your neck of the woods.  If you’re in need of family photos or a photography workshop, look no further than right here.

Wendy and Tyler do not mess around.  Here’s a glimpse where the workshop was held .

We were not only spoiled rotten but given the tools we need to goPro!

An open book, that’s who they are.

A random moment captured during a break…

Wendy and Tyler held nothing from us as they lined out models for both days.  Tyler welcomes the handsome dude.

We even had the opportunity to meet this lovely couple on this cool site for a photo shoot.  Yes, they’re getting married in just weeks!

Random fun…

We were also given the opportunity to take pics of this family.

 

Wendy…

Cam and Tyler – We think these two were pretty awesome to put up with embrace whatever we ladies threw at them.

I’m telling you, Blue Lily, when they do something, they do it right.

I feel like I’m missing something.  Well if I am, I’ll be right back to share.

Blessings – Debbie

Blue Lily GoPro Workshop – 1 of 2

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How does one put into words the magic you’ve just experienced?  I can’t, I just can’t do it.  All I know is this, my hubby is witness that I’m still on a high.

I had the privilege of meeting Wendy and Tyler AKA Blue Lily Photography this past weekend for their goPro Workshop.  I came away with more knowledge and respect for this couple than I could have ever imagined.

 

We had such an amazing happy group from all over the US and Canada.

 It was a colorful group too…

 

The weekend brought laughter and fun.

The lessons were packed with information.  Help was at our side during breaks or when needed.  Wendy and Tyler are passionate professional photographers eager to share their wealth of knowledge to those just as hungry.

Knowledge in motion…

Dana came all the way from Canada…

Practice ~ Practice ~ Practice

Hi Crystal!

Time at the beach…

Happy faces everywhere…

Don’t forget to kiss the chef…

Getting ready for that first sip of coffee…

My mind is about to explode from all the things we learned, my heart is filled with joy that I had the privilege to be there and my days will be filled with practice.

Here’s our fabulous group shot complements of Wendy and Tyler.  I asked Wendy if she would share these in advance and she graciously agreed.  Thank you!

The only negative – I’m still having a hard time sleeping straight through the night.  The symptoms occurred the first and second day of the workshop.  The symptoms continue after the workshop.

Apparently my mind wants to carry on with the party night and day and it’s not such a bad thing after all.  Party On!

To be continued…

Blessings – Debbie

Anticipation

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Wikipedia describes this emotion best – Anticipation, or being enthusiastic, is an emotion involving pleasure (and sometimes anxiety) in considering some expected or longed-for good event.

Right about now, this would be what describes me best.  An emotion involving pleasure for a longed-for good event would also be an understatement.

I’ve been anticipating said event since January and come tomorrow the anticipation will end.  And that my friends, is the beginning of new knowledge where learning and fun coincide…

I find it so amazing that I get to attend this Hilario Amazing San Diego Gopro Photography Workshop.  Well, not that one exactly, as that was held in January.  However, the link gives a little sneak peek of an idea of what the experience is all about.  My depends are packed, just so you know.  The workshop is hosted by none other than the infamous, funny, fun-loving Blue Lily Couple.  This couple takes their passion for photography on the road and will literally travel the world for the next 9 months.  I still can’t believe I have the privilege of gaining knowledge from them.

I heard about this event via Meg. And by the evening after I read this amazing intro to Blue Lily, I too was signed up for the workshop.  Meg has a great sense of humor,  I love her Craft Thursdays with her children, her love for color and her beautiful family.  Someone pinch me…I think I’m dreaming too!

Here’s a pic I took moments ago.  It represents me and what I want to do, blossom.  I can’t wait to blossom such that I can use the camera to its full potential.

More than likely I won’t be around here (the blog) the next couple days.  But I look forward to my return!

Until then,

Blessings – Debbie

It’s A Party

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And Susan AKA Between Naps On The Porch is hosting Metamorphosis Monday .

Creative juices emerged last evening the moment I stepped foot out of the car. I spied leaves lying so perfectly on the drive. But they weren’t your ordinary leaf; they were dotted with special drops from an early evening shower. I was smitten at first sight and didn’t waste time capturing all the pretty pools of water.

I spent a good portion of this afternoon relaxing and letting the creative juices flow.

From this



To that



And the other



And this leaf, although it didn’t have the pools from the rain, I couldn’t leave it out.



So I mixed it up a bit



Again



And again



And the last set, the original beauty all dolled up



My first spin at it



And another



Hope you enjoyed this segment of Metamorphosis Monday . Thank you Susan for being our host.

Weeds Take on Artsy Look

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The dandelions that once speckled the yard have been replaced with clover and so many other colorful weeds.


I rushed out this beautiful summer morning to snap some pics of the weeds before the lawn guy beat me to it.

I even gave a few of my shots an artsy look. The early morning sun was so bright and the rays were like little jewels from heaven.


And a couple more shots of the wild flowers flourishing out back.


And on this beautiful summer day. How about this bowl of bright colorful pasta with some Parmesan Garlic Pretzel Waves.


Wishing each of you a colorful day.

Dew Kissed

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An overcast day is what we have splashed with a bit of misty rain = April showers and dandelion flowers.

I noticed our weeds dandelions popping their little heads up through the blades of grass this week.

So I took numerous photos of them early this morning before they had a chance to fully open for the day.



This picture was a fluke but a happy coincidence as I didn’t even know the dew was there.

I came in and downloaded the photos immediately after taking them and was quite smitten with the picture above. I must have tried taking a 100 or more pictures of the dew and nothing, absolutely nothing. Then I tried misting the weeds with water and I still couldn’t get another dew shot to save my life. So I’ll just have to smile at the only one I got out of the whole bunch.

So mileage, that’s what one shot is getting…mileage people. She was cropped into several different portions to come up with this little collage.



And the group of buddies will continue to live happily ever after ‘til the lawn guy comes callin.



And here’s a few shots I took at the exact same time I took the photos above. As you can see, the dew does not seem to appear.



Hmm, now that I think about it…perhaps it was the one and only shot I took with a flash. I remember turning the flash off…If you look really close, the dew is there but I believe it’s the flash that made it sparkle in the first photo. I need to remember that next time.

You are all still very pretty in my eyes though.

Hello Photoshop – Welcome Inspiration

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Inspiration came when I was least expecting. I’ve been thinking about all the fun I used to have in my Photoshop class, way back when. One thing led to another and I grabbed up my camera taking simple shots of items around the house. I downloaded the photo’s and jumped in and got so much more than I ever dreamed.

I not only had fun creating different looks with these simple items but a desire to draw completely washed over me.

Here’s what I started sketching today.

The groundwork for the background is in place and the objects are pretty much sketched.


Below are some samples where my inspiration to draw came from (all thanks to Photoshop).









A Dose Of Drama

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Adding a dose of drama to my day was just what I needed. I’ve been fooling around with photography this morning creating a bit of drama. There’s something about taking a photo and making some minor adjustments to add character to an otherwise plain photo.

So I started off by snapping several shots of a few decorative items that rest on our coffee table.

I must have moved the camera (not what I was trying to do) and the reflections took a leap. I decided “why not” go with the flow and make the best of it. To add the drama, I needed to punch up the highlights and adjust the color temperature. I think that definitely kicked it up a notch.


Color, I LOVE color so here we brought some life to ordinary objects.


For a mild dose of drama I added lots of grain for this interesting effect.


Using the same objects we added lots of saturation with a nice soft focus to achieve a dramatic look.


Now I need to look around to see what other kinds of things we have laying around as I enjoyed tampering with drama today.

On another note regarding my pictures… Hubby doesn’t understand why I don’t hold the camera straight. Perhaps you’re wondering the same thing. I guess it’s just my messed up way of taking some shots and I like the crooked view from time to time. I don’t really have an answer other than I like it like that and his reply “if you like it, then I like it”.

From The Passenger Seat

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I find taking pictures to be so much fun. There are times that I’m so in the mood to enjoy the moment (without the camera) and other times I can’t enjoy the moment unless I’m snapping a bazillion shots of whatever.

Our last road trip south (for Christmas) was one of those moments where I plain and simple couldn’t sit still without my camera. Hubby and I were enjoying wonderful conversation and the scenery was marvelous. So here’s how I viewed things from the passenger seat.

I wasn’t able to capture just how beautiful the Ice was but here’s a sample of what I was able to get while clipping down the highway at rapid speeds. This was taken out my side window.


Another little sample


A little further south


The pretty blue sky was filled with lots of travelers too and the contrails deserve a little attention too.


By this time we were out of the snow, it was late afternoon off the major highway enjoying the pretty country side. I’m glad the trees didn’t stop me from taking this picture because I think they add great character.


My special chauffeur


So get this… I was so involved in taking pictures that I didn’t capture what I thought I was taking in my side mirror. It must have had to do with where the light was coming from because it took a reflection of me instead of what I was expecting to take out my side mirror.


While driving the old country roads I spied this bright red tractor. I had to be quick with the camera or I would have missed the moment. I’m quite smitten with this setting from the hay in the foreground to that little winding path up the hill.



And last but not least is this car. This was the most interesting car we followed in a quaint little town that evening. Now that we have this picture, we won’t forget it.

And this wraps up just a few of my favorite pictures along life’s way.

Blessings – From My Viewpoint

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The dawning of a new day is a joy during these chilly winter months. It was 3 degrees this morning but a very beautiful day no less. The sun is shining, the sky is blue and the ground is covered with the prettiest snow. I’m blessed knowing that all is well and that every perfect gift cometh from above.

The dawning of our day


Our night skies are also something I enjoy so much. I took this picture a few evenings ago. I love that we can enjoy these pretty views out the back of our apartment without having to step foot outside.


While visiting with mom on the phone (yesterday), she said that she was sorry to report the gorgeous balmy weather they were having down south. While on the phone with her I saw three deer pass by, I was watching the most gorgeous plump snowflakes fall on the 8 or so inches we already have and I reported. “Mom, I’ve never lived in a place this beautiful in my life”! I have embraced the beauty of winter more than I ever thought I would and I’m definitely am getting used to it!

I think the beauty of what makes the world go round is the fact that there are enough flavors for everyone’s taste. May we enjoy what is given, see the beauty from right were we are and never forget Who is in charge of our daily dose of blessings.

Post Office Run

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A trip to the post office proves to be fun. Of course a trip to the post office is always fun as I’m completely mesmerized in the historic district. Our post office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the interior is surrounded with beautiful murals.

But first I need to get there, yes, there’s work to be done, the car is already warming and here’s a little snippet of what I got to play in.


I pass by this building on my way to the post office and those red doors always speak to me. I LOVE them! I want to paint our front door red and each time I see these I wonder if I’ll be that bold. Time will tell.


I love the architecture of this place but it’s the tippy top I LOVE most!


This beautiful Church stirs up a child like imagination. I was a dreamer when I was a little girl and I can only imagine the imagination I would have had at this place.


When I look at that door I wonder… Does it creak and what would it be like to pass under that arch? It was so nice to just pause and take a moment …


Here’s a church with a fresh splash of paint – I like it.


I finally arrived at the Post Office (yesterday). It was the day I made sure to have my camera. After I started taking numerous pictures and really giving lots of attention to the art, the post master took note. He asked “Do you know the history of our PO and those paintings”? “No”, I replied. Then is when I learned the details. Those paintings are registered with the Smithsonian. I learned that photographers come from all over to take these pictures and here I was just taking the beautiful art for granted. May I continue to open my eyes more and enjoy these blessings along the way.


Now hubby says that I need to go back with a ladder so that I can be high enough to take those pictures head on! Can you see me now?