We're starting our second month of Just Us Times 12. Missed the first month? Here's a review.
A couple of weeks ago we traveled to beautiful Key West, Florida, for a fun family vacation. I tried my best to get a decent family shot. I precariously placed my camera on a chair, hoping it wouldn't fall off.
Of course my family was forced happily visited the southernmost point in the continental United States.
Not the best shot (and way too posed for me!) but I had to (cautiously) pass my camera off to the next person in line after us to grab a quick pic of the three of us. I say it was somewhat successful! (And no, I'm not taller than my Sweetie, I just happened to be standing on a curb.)
This family was so gracious and was up for just about anything and I LOVED capturing this cutie! She was so serious but adorable at the same time. Of course having a Key West sunset in the background didn't hurt at all!!
While in Key West a couple of weeks ago I was able to take some pictures of this very sweet and gorgeous family! I had the best time with them. I wish all my sessions could be in Key West but I'll definitely take these for now!
1. I've been taking an intense photography workshop this past week called Breaking the Mold. I won't go into too many details (it may bore you) but one thing we learned is to minimize the noise in order to let other possibilities in. You have NO idea how that has resonated with me since our instructor gave us this assignment. Has it been easy? NO! But it's been sooooo worth it! I never realized how much "noise" I let into my daily life; constantly checking Facebook, constantly checking my e-mail, scouring other photography blogs, Pinterest etc, etc. It's been nice to be much more "in the moment" with my sweetie, with Early Bird, with my photography, with... just me! It makes me realize how much noise we let in ALL the time. Once this workshop is over I think I will continue to try to reduce my "noise" and ultimately I'll have my own journey instead of being on the sideline and watching everybody else's journey.
2. Our fabulous instructor, Deb Schwedhelm, (really you must check her site out) gave us this video to watch on minimizing the noise. I think this holds true for everyone.... everyone... honestly! I love the message and the graphics!
3. I have to toot my own Sweetie's horn (and I can't believe I haven't mentioned this before now!) For the past nine (sometimes loooong) months him and his business partner, along with Imangi Studios, have been working on releasing their new game on the iPhone, iPad, Kindle, and Android called Temple Run 2. It's quite a fun and addictive game. If you get a chance check it out and download it! I'm so proud of all them for all their hard work!!
4. I was scouring Pinterest again (the one time a day I've allowed myself since the start of my workshop) and I saw this INGENIOUS device. It's a wine glass inside of a sippy cup. I mean, why couldn't I have come up with that? Wouldn't you love seeing all the moms at a playgroup with one of these in their hands?! Too funny!! I know some of my mom friends and I have joked about putting wine in sippy cups before (only to be drunk by the moms of course!) but to put a wine glass INSIDE one! That's just a great big bag of awesomeness! Hmmmm..... I'm thinking that could be a great birthday gift ;) If you're interested it's called the Vino2Go (even the name is really cute/cool!) and you can find it here. (I didn't get paid for this. I just think it's a great idea!)
5. Random photo of the day:
a beautiful family that I got to spend some recent time with!
We're back for another round of Monthly Quote Blog Hop - February edition.
Not sure what it is? Check here for our January edition. I love February's quote, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." - Maya Angelou. The photo below was a happy accident. My family and I were visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California, recently. I had taken a new lens to play with and really was just getting used to its settings. We walked into the jellyfish exhibit at the very end of the day. I noticed how beautiful and delicate the different kinds of jellyfish were, just floating gently and gracefully through the water. This particular tank caught my eye. Since it was dark in the exhibit I had to really crank my ISO up. I wasn't hopeful for any good shots coming out of it. Luckily though when i checked the back of my camera this popped up. I felt myself gasp. The contrast between the jellyfish itself and the black background, along with the long graceful tendrils, it really did take my breath away for a split second. Watching all the different kinds of jellyfish float around was beautiful but a still image really does solidify how exquisite and delicate nature can be. I'm so glad this happy accident happened!
Don't forget to follow the circle and see how the talented Amy Hohl interpreted this same quote.
