Backyard Beauty

Today I took a few moments to enjoy the beauty - literally - in my own backyard.

Spring Time

I think spring has finally arrived. Yesterday we went for a "Wednesday Walk" in the sun. There are so many different and beautiful things in bloom. It was lovely.

Hopefully it'll stick around for a while.

Day 31 - Ladybug

Had a few ladybugs in different forms cross my path today and figured that was as good as anything for a theme.

Day 19 - Rain Drops

The beginning of the many rainy days to come.

Day 16 - Sun In

I think one of the reasons I love this time of year so much is that it makes me really appreciate the days where there is sun. But it's not just obvious, hot, unrelenting sun. It's bright to be sure, but there is still a crispness to the air. Still cool. It's the kind of sunshine where you have to stand directly in it and wait for its feeling of warmth to slowly seep into you.

I love sitting in the sun in my yard, and I love what sunlight can do for subjects. The different ways it illuminates things. The way it, quite literally, brings things to life.

Another Chance to Create

A couple weeks ago I had the winning bid on a new (to me) Nikon D50. I had really hoped that it would get here in time to use at the wedding I helped shoot last Saturday (see below), but the advertised 2-3 day priority shipping took a week. So, Monday I excitedly tore into my delivery eager to try my new purchase, only to find that the guy had sent with virtually zero battery life left. Was a charger included in my camera purchase? Sadly, no. After some calling and research, it was back to ebay where I bought the charger for $8.32, and prepared myself for yet another week of waiting...

But the wait is over - my charger has arrived! And my battery is now charged. I have two functional digital SLR cameras and two different kind of lenses. I'm really excited to try them out at a shoot. I anticipate it being really nice not having to switch between my 18-55 and 55-200 lens, but having both at the same time (not quite as good as having a 18-200 lens, but considerably cheaper). I want to see about trading in my extra 18-55 (the D50 came with the lens making it an even better deal) for credit towards a 70-300... we'll see.

Anyway, I of course had to walk around my house (it's been rather rainy outside) trying out my new acquisition and taking random shots.

Goin' Out

California Dreamin'

Last week the family and I went to visit the in-laws/grandparents in CA. I got tons of practice taking candids on a day trip to the beach (which also afforded me another chance to play with some photo editing finishes). Here are just a few of my favorites.

Her first tentative steps into the vast ocean.

A couple random "artsy" ones where I was practicing not believing what the in-camera light meter says in order to achieve a better exposure...

And a completely technically unimpressive one, but it cracks me up, and I hope it leaves you with a smile. :)

Simple Pleasures

I love the smell of lavender... reminds me of getting a massage.