Over the Moon....

Last night was the glorious sight of the Full Worm Moon.

Yup you heard me.....Worm Moon.....and HOLY COW was is just spectacular!

But really where do they come up with these names?!  One of my friends clued me in on the history of the quirky moon names that pop up on our calenders.

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names/

All too often I have looked at my calender and seen the lil full moon symbol on it coming up in the next week and think to myself...

"Hey I should try to get some moon shots this week!"

Creepy Crescent

Almost full.......

I then go about my merry way and lose all track of time and miss the chance.  Kicking myself soundly for it too.   And yet again this week I was doing the exact same thing.  But when a page I follow over on Facebook, Photo Lounge, had a "Nocturnal" themed photo contest.  I was resolved to not miss out on this month's moon.

But life being what it is, got a little hectic and I almost missed it!   OH......THE HORROR!  Look at what I almost missed!

Man am I ever so grateful the dog had to go outside at 8 last night or once again I would have missed out on this stunning show of Mother Nature.

Okay...now you all need to hop over to Photo Lounge on Facebook and join in on the fun.  It is a great community of like minded individuals of all skill levels.  We love new faces and new photos.....plus who doesn't like the chance to win FREE STUFF?

Hope to see you all over there.  Have wonderful day and get out there and make your mark.  Don't forget to take your camera with you ;)

What makes a word?

Have you ever looked up the definition of the word "Enthusiasm"?

It comes from the Greek word

 "ENTHEOS" meaning to be filled by or inspired by God.

 The English dictionary definition reads as this "absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; Synonyms: eagerness, warmth, fervor, zeal, ardor, passion, devotion 

 Wow is that a powerful word or what?  Think about it......

When was the last time you did anything that made you feel that way? With no thought of personal gain but done for the sheer joy and rapture of it?  (Egos are not allowed so check 'em at the door!) Can you remember? 

 I, though I loathe to admit it, have not been enthusiastic as of late.  Sure I have been hard at work moving, adjusting kids to new schedules, trying to build my business back up in a new town and basically just forgetting anything and everything that I was enthusiastic about.  It really isn't about the money or the number of sessions I have on the books, while those things are an added bonus.  But for me, IT is about capturing those perfect moments that take your breathe away. Those moments that and pass and are gone before you ever realize that they will never happen again.  

While I may be more technically proficient now, my enthusiasm then, far surpassed what it is now! I have been so caught up in the nuts and bolts of photography that I had begun to lose sight of the memories I always wanted and strove to create, not only for my family but for my clients as well.  A portrait is so much more than just a piece of paper with an image on it......It really is a legacy that we leave for those who we will eventually leave behind.

Creating memories.......that will last long after my lifetime.  This is just one of the things that fills me with enthusiasm.  

Most of these photos were taken at least one year ago.  Before my editing and photography skills took the aforementioned improvement......But despite that they are some of my most prized captures to date.

So in ending I ask that you too, find your enthusiasm...
 and pursue it...
 latch on to it....
 and never forget what fills and inspires you!

Oh for the Love OF TEXTURE!

After my latest posting of photos both here and over at Facebook, many of my fellow readers, photography friends, and even family members have been asking me where I am getting my new backgrounds.  So I am going to let you all in on a little secret......

Are you ready?.....

There are no new backgrounds!  Just the same ole white one I have had since I purchased my portable studio kits almost four years ago now.

"WHAT?"

Yep you heard me!  I have not purchased any new backgrounds in well over four years.  What I have purchased (or found for free) is lots of new and glorious texture sets.  I LOVE TEXTURES!  They can change the mood of a portrait in an instant.  They can give your portrait a vintage, hand painted or grungy feel.  Oh my heavens the possibilities are endless!  

Here is a few examples of what I mean..... 

Now that one doesn't really show a huge transformation but it did make it pop.......Wouldn't you agree?

See.......definite mood change! Oh the DRAMA!  

SO in getting back to my pay it forward and share the knowledge campaign I will be hard at work this week on a tutorial for all of you who want to see how I do this.  I am by no means an expert on this technique, but I do love to play around and share what I do know......