Photography Observations - December

December was a great month for me! I had lots of opportunities to take fun photos. I also followed a photography hub on Instagram, @thecandidclass, which offered specific challenges to improve photography skills. I did not do every challenge they offered, but I feel like I grew as a photography in a couple of specific skills this month.

The class theme was "Celebrations" in -- haha-- celebration of the holidays. ;) I would like to share with you the specific assignments in which I participated. I have to acknowledge how much I still have to learn! There are some truly incredible photographers out there (and editors!! All of my images are unedited, and it shows, haha!), and I love seeing their work on Instagram.

Bokeh

"In photography, bokeh ... is the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image produced by a lens. Bokeh has been defined as "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light."

In the class feed on IG, I started seeing a lot of really lovely examples of Christmas lights used as background bokeh. I immediately set out to capture this effect myself.

Low Light

So, I made a couple of attempts at this assignment. The first was at Zoo Lights. It was dark, so obviously that gave me the opportunity to play with low light settings. It was a hit and miss experience for me, I'll admit, but some of my hits were awesome! 

My second attempt was on Christmas Day. One of my Christmas presents was a new lens for my camera, a 50mm prime lens. I was so excited! My other lenses are great for certain things, but in low light, they often struggle. But this new lens is definitely going to be a game changer! I can't wait to get to know it better.

Storytelling

The assignment was to use composition, angles, and creative shooting (like intentional blur) to tell a story. I'll admit that I didn't get as creative with this one. But I was thinking about it when I followed Joel around in the snow one day:

Including Yourself

This challenge resonated with me--and with a lot of people on Instagram--because it can be really hard to get on the other side of the camera. Part of it is setting up the shots you want, while still getting in the picture. But the other part of it is feeling self-conscious. I feel this very keenly at the moment. I haven't lost the baby weight. I don't look the way I wish I did right now. But it's so important for our children to have photos of us from these times.

I only made a couple of concerted efforts. But I am particularly proud of this shot: I selected the spot, which had the lighting I wanted. I used my husband alone to get my settings ready, then I handed my camera to my brother and directed him to get the shot I wanted. And I am very happy with how it turned out. (It will look even better when I edit it someday.)

Beyond the Instagram challenge, I also just enjoyed photographing my family over the holidays. Here are more of my favorites:

I have enjoyed posting monthly. I feel like I have learned a great deal this year, and I am more aware than ever of how much more I have to learn! In 2017, I will be participating in a 52-week challenge, meaning I will be deliberating photographing and posting each week. I am excited to see what this next year brings!

Photography Observations - November

The day after the presidential election, Joel and I decorated for Christmas. (I was in need of some cheering up!) This was immediately followed by picture-taking.

A few days later, it was time for my boys' monthly portraits:

We went to Tennessee for Thanksgiving. It was so lovely. We spent a lot of time with James's family (Joel adores his cousins!) and enjoyed a magnificent feast. Oh, and I'm in love with their new dog, Baron. =)

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!

We're spending the holiday in Tennessee with some of James's family. It's so beautiful here. I'm sitting right now at a desk, looking out giant windows at the rolling hills covered in autumn foliage. The weather is pure perfection: cool but not cold. Joel has been playing barefoot out on the front porch all morning, happy as can be.

I feel immeasurable gratitude for my many blessings. As trite as it may be, I am determined to express these thoughts of thanksgiving today. For, what better time is there?

Today, I feel especially grateful for the lovely places I get to live and stay. I have my complaints about the superficial deficiencies of our house, but then I remember how fortunate we are to own a comfortable and spacious home! Also, I have the opportunity on a pretty regular basis to travel and stay with family. This week, we're enjoying the beautiful surroundings of my in-laws' home in Tennessee. In a couple of weeks, I get to take my children to Utah to spend Christmas at my parents' house. These are true blessings in my life!

As I ponder on the things for which I am grateful, I keep thinking about my education. I feel like many people in my life take this for granted, as I know I sometimes do. It's so easy to think that "everyone" has access to quality schooling, but unfortunately that is just not true. I was lucky in the schools I attended, and blessed to have parents who made my education a priority. I had the privilege of attending university, and through a combination of my parents' help, scholarships, and my own work, I graduated debt-free. Though I have not pursued the career I majored in, the education I gained has benefited me throughout my life since. I am incredibly thankful for these circumstances.

Above all other things, I am grateful for my family, extended and immediate. I am really, truly blessed to have so many people who love me (friends included!) There are so many people in the world who do not have those close bonds, and that support system. It affects every aspect of my life. My loving husband is the joy of my heart--the knowledge that James loves me is the bedrock of my sanity! I love him so dearly, and I am so thankful for his daily support and encouragement. And I am so grateful to be a mother. It is undeniably hard at times. But as I sit here and watch Joel play, my heart just swells with love for him, and for Xander. How I treasure my dear, sweet boys!

Sappy though this post may be, it comes from my heart. I try to always remember my blessings. But today, it is my privilege to express them to all, and give thanks to my Father above for all He has given.

Photography Observations - October

Halloween was the focus of my photography adventures this month. First, our jack-o-laterns.

And then, our costumes! For the family shots, I used my tripod and timer:

We really enjoyed our Lord of the Rings theme. My mother sewed the cloaks for James and the boys.

Frodo Baggins

Samwise Gamgee

Aragorn

Arwen (courtesy of James)

Creating Halloween costumes is a true joy of mine. I love putting together the little details that really complete the ensemble. I captured some of my favorites:

Elven brooch

Po-ta-toe. Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew

Evenstar

Anduril

Rounding out with some more fun shots:

Good times!