Why Hello June, and my blog!

Wow. So, in case you hadn't noticed, I did not end up following through with my 365 Project. Such is life, I won't dwell on it. I've been away for a while, lots of craziness going on in my life, but I'm attempting to get back to the flow here.

I love, after a good spring/summer rain, how the droplets stay so perfect on the grass, leaves, trees etc. On this morning when I went outside, I had to go get my camera, it was so beautiful. Here's a few images:

So, while I have been MIA on here, and with my photography, I have been working on some mental challenges with my photography, vision etc. It has been a VERY productive few months mentally in getting a better idea of where my photography is headed, and I'm excited for this. Also, I am now full time with my other photography venture, BarkNut Images. Head over for more information.

And last but not least: WELCOME TO JUNE!!!!

Hello My Love: Film

Whoa. So, it's been a little while or so since I've been on. The 365 Project is still here, in one form or another. However that's not what I'm going to show you today. No, my love affair has been re-ignited. For those that know me, they know where my photography started: with film, in the darkroom.

In college in my required Digital Photography class I got into an argument one day with the teacher and a fellow student/teacher(a teacher at the college taking the class for fun) regarding digital photography. I had zero ZERO interest in learning anything about it. They informed me I would never have a career in photography if I didn't transfer to digital. I basically told them to f-off, I was going to do what I wanted, and that was that.

Then I graduate college, move to FL, and buy my first digital camera. 4.5 years later after losing my way with photography, I'm rediscovering it in many ways. One VERY important way: rediscovering film. God how I love film. Nothing compares.

So I bought a Holga, just for fun. Then I found a $12 Spartus Full-Vue. The shutter is broken. Neither have the ability to be manually focused-as they're both fixed focus. Neither have a light meter to adjust the aperture and shutter speed. Neither really give me an option. The SP-V has a busted shutter so I'm still learning how long to hold it down for given what lighting conditions.

And I am SO SO happy.

So, without further adieu, a few of my first ever images from each camera!

Holga

And my fave:

Spartus Full-Vue

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Photos of clouds may be cliche. But I don't really care! :) I love clouds, and watching clouds. When is the last time you laid in the green grass staring up at the sky, without a care in the world?

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Flowers.

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Spring.

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Buds.

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I'm seeing green.

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I love the sunsets in spring and summer while driving.

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The first day I started seeing spring.

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Driving.

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In typical midwest fashion, after a week of 60 degree weather, we got snowed upon!

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I'm looking forward to this springs' storms!

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I walked in the room and found this beautiful moment in front of me.

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Spring is here! I was sitting outside on my sidewalk enjoying watching my puppy-dog play and feeling the warmth of the sun and the breeze of the wind on my skin. I opened my eyes, looked over, and just loved how this tree near me was casting it's shadow at that moment.

Asheville, NC

Just under a month ago I went to the beautiful city of Asheville, NC. It was a great break from the cold up here, it reached over 60 degrees, in FEBRUARY! To be honest, as much as I love photography, there are times in which I don't want to bring my camera with me. I may be alone in this, but I find that when I have my camera, I experience things with my mind constantly on the lookout for what catches my eye, and you know what? Sometimes I just want to be IN the moment, not miss the moment because I was looking at the world through my lens.

Now I realize that some would disagree with me. That's fine. :) Well long story short, this trip was one of the times I just wasn't feeling the whole carry the camera with me everywhere thang.

There was one day, however, in which Oscar, my fiance, convinced me to bring my camera. (Ok, basically it was if I don't, he will) So we headed southwest of a town called Hendersonville, NC (SUCH a cute town if you're ever in the area!) to Hooker Falls. (I snickered at the name, the 80 yr. old lady telling us about the waterfall didn't share my humor) So, I took a few photos. Enjoy!

A very nice gentleman was willing to take a photo of us on the Hooker.

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And that right there(do you see it?) That's my engagement ring. :) My grandmother's ring before it was mine. It's beautiful.

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So, I don't remember if I shared this or not yet, but last month, I got engaged. Here's a shot of (part of) our little family.

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I love the reflections that bounce off my afternoon walls.

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This is one of my most favorite spots in my house.

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Well, as I viewed this image on my computer, I got a swift kick in the face and realized how dirty my camera, or lens, or something is. I have a project on my hands now. Ugh.

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Winter sunsets really are beautiful. Serene.

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:D

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I drive past here a few times a week, and at this time of year, it's sunset, and I love it.

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Lonely.

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3 of my most treasured possessions, they just speak to me.

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I got this as a gift, how could I not hang it up???

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This just feels good.

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Home.

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I started experimenting with lighting. I enjoyed working in the studio in college, and am a big fan of the more dramatic lighting.

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New life reminds me that spring is just around the corner.

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Ok,  back at it as promised!!! I love the shadows on snow in the winter on sunny days.