Project 52 - Week 5/52

We went from fog and frost around here to rain. When I set out to take photographs I was a little disappointed with the weather and the gray overcast sky obscuring the light. After a while though, I realized it was the perfect opportunity to take some macro shots. I love the act of taking macro shots. How it forces you to slow down and look closely. How it changes your perspective and makes things that seemed ordinary extra-ordinary. I still have a long way to go with my macro shots especially when it comes to focusing, but I love the learning. 

Settings: ISO 1600, 100mm, ss1/400, f/3.5

Settings: ISO 1600, 100mm, ss1/800, f/3.5

"The trick to forgetting the big picture is to look at everything close-up." - Chuck Palahniuk

         

Project 52 - Week 2/52

One of my goals this year is to make a list of places I want to photograph. I am still working on the list, but I know that the final one will include the Palouse area in Eastern Washington with its colored, rolling hills. I went to Ebey's Landing on Whidbey Island in Western Washington and I was reminded of the Palouse, but this was a little closer to home. 

Ebey's Landing is also the nation's first Historical Reserve. For more information on the history of this amazing place you can check out the National Park Service site. It is a place full of the history of the past and the beauty of nature. After a ferry ride we headed to Ebey's Landing beach but took a wrong road and ended up at a sort of overlook above the prairie. Despite the stormy weather, I could not help but be touched by the pure natural beauty. I am determined to go back again and explore more, especially the wildlife of which we saw 2 hawks and 1 eagle on our short visit. What shall I see next time? 

Settings: ISO 3200, 50mm, ss1/160, f/13

"What is past is prologue." - William Shakespeare

          

Project 52 - Week 1/52

This year I am tackling two photography projects, a Reverse 365 and a Project 52. My first entry for the year for my Project 52 is from one of my favorite places in the world at one of my favorite times of the day. It was taken at sunset overlooking the Fort Stevens State Park in Hammond, Oregon with Tillamook Head in the distance. I truly feel that when I watch a sunset I can see the possibilities of the future laid out before me.

Settings: ISO 500, 50mm, ss1/60, f/16 (on tripod)

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

          

I Clicked It Up A Notch - October

I cannot believe it is November already! October has been a busy month with not enough photography for my liking, but hopefully I can change that this month. I also can't believe that the monthly contest at Click It Up A Notch is ending. It has been one of my favorite link ups and I will miss it. However, Courtney's blog is full of amazing things to learn and I know I will continue to be a regular visitor. 

The way I Clicked It Up A Notch this month cannot be showcased in a photo as it has to do with sharing tips and tricks on my blog. I am always so inspired and grateful for people who share what they have learned about photography like Courtney. I have wanted to share some of the things I have learned for a while but have been very hesitant about it. Last month and this month I gave it a try. I would love for you to check out my tips on Sunbursts and Landscape Locations. Let me know what you think!

Now as for my submission for this month's contest I chose a photo of a tree outside my house. Believe it or not, I had to tone down the color of the leaves as they are so vibrant in person and in camera. This month has been full of growth and change for me and I feel this photo captures that so well. There is a beauty to even the most difficult change and when we try something new or work to be better we get to see it.

Settings: ISO 400, 50mm, ss1/160, f/5.6

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living."  - Gail Sheehy 

 

              

I Clicked it Up a Notch - September

September ended with an amazing event that is something I have been looking forward to it since last year, the Clickin Walk! There is just something about spending time with fellow photographers who are all amazing people and all willing to share that makes for a fantastic day. I feel blessed to have participated for a second year in a row. 

During the walk we stumbled upon a community garden filled with amazing photographic possibilities! One of my fellow photographers had a passion for macro photography and her passion was contagious. With my new macro lens (I am in love!) I took this shot. I love the detail of the petals and the way it is a new perspective for me. I can't wait to delve into macro photography further! Come back tomorrow to see all of my shots from the walk and hear more about a macro shoot I was lucky enough to participate in!

Settings: ISO 800, 100mm, ss1/800, f/5.0

“The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective.” - Al Neuharth

  This also happens to be my favorite shot of the week!              

Favorite Photo of the Week: The Sun Also Rises

Be sure to check out the announcements to the right!

Do you ever have a photo that just speaks to you? This is one of those photos for me. Something about the clouds, the sun and the colors captures not only what a saw, but what I felt. Even though I focus more on sunsets, the sun rises as well and it is beautiful in a different way. I would love to know your thoughts!

Settings: ISO 100, 50mm, ss1/80, f/22

Sunrise over Issaquah, WA

“At sunrise everything is luminous but not clear.”  ― Norman Maclean