I Heart Faces

Whoa Hoo!  I finally got my feet wet and entered a photo contest on "I Heart Faces."http://www.iheartfaces.com.  Here's my photo: It is thumbnail 283 and you can vote for me this week since they are allowing the people to choose instead of a judge.  Thanks.

A Model Shoot

One of our local photographers arranged the most wonderful practice photo shoot with other area photographers from Carlsbad, Artesia, and Roswell.  We spent the afternoon taking pictures of our volunteer models in a studio and outdoors.   Here is what I learned.

1. We have very talented photographers in our area.
2. They are willing to share their gift with others.
3. I was a little overwhelmed with studio lights, but I liked the dramatic effect it produces.
4. I really want to learn this skill. I like the dramatic effect and mood.  Yes, I know I already said that.  I just really like what they do.
5. This studio was awesome.  The owner's photos were awesome.
6. There is no such thing as too many props.
7. I am going to have to get a storage room for props.
8. Don't be afraid.  Just get out there and do it confidently. (Thanks for the advice.)

Here are a few of one particular model.

Now the outdoor shots.

Chocolate version

More later.  Thanks to all who participated this afternoon.  

At the Park

On Thursday we took our grandkids for an afternoon of fun at the park.  They remembered the last time we went to the park, we had stopped at Dairy Queen for a cup of their wonderful soft serve, so naturally, we had to do that this time.  I think it is going to be a tradition.  Our granddaughter soon noticed there was a walkway that went under a bridge and wanted to explore it.  What grandmother can turn down a request of their grandkids, so we went.  There must have been a ton of graffiti there at one time, because there were spots of colorful paint in blocks at various points along the concrete walls.  These make an awesome background for a picture.  And if you know me, you will know I had my camera.  I had to get some pictures.

Of course there are always trees at a park that beg to be in pictures as well.  We have the obligatory tree picture. 

Our outing was a success to be sure.  They had ice cream, lots of fun, and I got some great pictures. I count it a blessed day.  Thank you, Lord!

Field of Honor

Needless to say, I am behind again in my posting.  There just is not enough time in the day, week, month...to get all the things I want done.  For the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the Elks club placed over 1500 flags in Stapp Field at NMMI to remember all those who lost their lives in the incident.  I was sorry I missed the ceremony to place the flags because I heard it was awesome.  Every day I went to the field to take pictures.  As I walked through, I noticed the flags had names on them in memory of a fallen Veteran and people had dropped single roses at the bottom of some of the flags.  I think this was the most visited field ever.  Here are some of the images I captured.

More experiments

Okay, I have a couple more photos I just did.

More photo experiments

I spent the Labor Day weekend and the next couple of days organizing my photos.  Well, I do have them organized by date, but I like to put them in folders according to people and events.  The trouble with me is that I take a ton of pictures and upload them all.  I always tell myself I will go back and sort out the bad later, but my later tends to be months.  I was very behind...like from May to present.  I was ruthless and got rid of over 5000 pictures.  (I hope I don't regret it later).  My intent is to keep the good ones, edit them, post them, and move on.  They will be ready for when I want to make an album or something else.

I am experimenting; trying to get the best photo ever.  I see so many blogs with these amazing pictures.  So today, when my house is desperately calling to be cleaned and I am in need of a shower, I am side tracked editing.  Here is one picture with several different processes.  I like them all.

Pioneer Woman 70's Action

Pioneer Woman BW action

Pioneer Women fresh and colorful action