Category: Photographs

Photo a Week: Babies

~ oneletterup ~ 23 Comments

Inspired by Nancy Merrill’s A Photo a Week Challenge: Babies

Super cute, super funny, super whatever, human, animal, or whatever, we want to see your babies!
IN A NEW POST CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE, SHARE A PHOTO (OR TWO OR THREE) THAT FEATURES BABIES.

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I don’t need much inspiring when it comes to baby pictures. And there’s no way I can limit this post to three photos. Be warned.

I have always believed that babies are the most fascinating subjects for photography. They are just…who they are. Their faces…their expressions…. Transparent. Open.

Happy. Sad. Tired. Bored. Sleepy. Curious….the list is endless.

Choosing just a few family photos for this challenge was…challenging! They were all taken with a Canon 35mm (film) camera – except for the last one which was with an iPhone.

When my kids were babies, I took a weekly photo during their first year. I think they got used to it…all I know is I got some interesting glimpses into their personalities.

For instance, my 10 month old son first thought it was hilarious…then not so sure……then I’m outta here.

My daughter loved getting her picture taken anytime, anywhere.

kris baloons

Although easily distracted by rug or blanket fibers.

Which soon became an afternoon snack…fine motor skills already well developed.

When my grandson was 10 months old, he enjoyed his first tour in a shopping cart up and down the toy aisle with Grampa and me.

shopping

He was clearly amazed at the experience.

 

 

Holiday glow

~ oneletterup ~ 18 Comments

Inspired by Frank at Dutch goes the Photo: Glow

…There are many choices, so feel free to push the boundaries and shoot for that glowing review!

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I wasn’t sure what to expect last night when I went to a local Festival of Trees fundraiser. I had not attended one of these events before, but I grabbed my camera – knowing there would be something glowing. Christmas trees, right?

What I found was the town hall filled with 52 fully decorated lit up Christmas trees – all being bid on in a silent auction format. Add your name to the list with a bid higher than the person before you. Highest bidder buys the tree. All proceeds went to a local nonprofit benefitting children in need.

The trees were decorated and donated by local community groups and businesses. Townspeople of all ages were in attendance checking out the trees. And, yes, taking pictures as well.

Needless to say, overhead lighting was minimal – to showcase the beautiful trees of course – and as a result many of my shots were not sharply focused. Or…I will more kindly describe them as soft focus.

However!

I did spot a glowing tree topper.

tree topper

 

But my favorite glowing example was this…well…bride tree? I wish I had made a note of who came up with this rather creative way to trim a tree.

I don’t imagine it was one of the churches.
However, anything is possible…and it does give “The glowing bride” new meaning.

bride tree

 

Simple pleasures

~ oneletterup ~ 19 Comments

Inspired by V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #75: Satisfying

Take a moment for enjoyment, particularly the satisfying kind, and drop us a line to share.

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The morning sun.
A steaming mug of coffee.
The day’s newspaper.
Time.

There’s nothing like it – particularly when you are retired, nest emptied…with no place you have to go.

I remember visualizing this possibility years ago…back in the days of hectic mornings. Getting kids ready for school. Homework! Lunch money! Permission slips! Hat! Coat! Ready Set Go!

Getting myself ready for work. Both paid and unpaid. And out the door before 8 am. Breakfast eaten in gulps. That ever important coffee…waiting until I arrived at my office. To be sipped throughout the morning…lukewarm to cold.

Mornings are different now…

The most satisfying part of my day is the uninterrupted time I have to eat breakfast. While I…slowly and quietly…wake up. And honor the part of me that is NOT a morning person.

And then…the highlight: I can enjoy drinking my coffee while it’s hot. As I read the local newspaper. A real paper. Without feeling guilty when it takes an hour…or more.

I quickly scan…and choose what to read first.

morning coffee 1

Until I find something positive.

morning coffee 2

For a satisfying start to the day.

 

 

Abstract Afternoons

~ oneletterup ~ 22 Comments

Inspired by Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #74: Abstract

Feel free to go beyond the traditional realistic image of an object, scene, or element.  Take a photo of anything that catches your eye and allows you to express your artistic view of the world.  You can also focus on details which are normally ignored and make your viewers use their imaginations.

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What do we have here?

Outside…one summer day, camera in hand…a glint of sun dancing across the surface as I catch it.

Catching the sun

 

Or an afternoon spent inside…pouring over art for sale.

Art for sale