Family in the Sun

Family in the sun ... Taking time for family and loved ones is what God wants us to do. When we do this, He shows us the beauty in our family and around us. With Thanksgiving coming, it is good to be reminded of all that we can be thankful for.

This picture was a bit of an "oops". I realized after I took the picture that I shouldn't have taken this with automatic settings, or made sure that I got my focus from their faces. The camera picked up its focus from the building. Focusing on  their faces, and holding the shutter button half way down, then recomposing, would have made their faces sharper. However, I still like the softness of their faces. I also thought that if the background wasn't overexposed the way it is, the picture might have been too busy.

You have put gladness in my heart.  ~ Psalm 4:7

Settings: 1/40, f/4.5, ISO 100

Afternoon at the Lake

Afternoon times at the lake. One of those memories we like to have during the long winter months. This girl was fascinated with the ducks, and spent quite a bit of time watching them. Shooting in the direction of the sun made her look silhouetted for the picture.

Building memories for children is an important part of raising our children. God gives us this opportunity to raise them for Him ... we need to spend time with them.

 Grandchildren are like a crown to older people ...  ~ Proverbs 17:6

Settings: 1/320, f/11, ISO 100

Little boys

Little boys ... shy ... not sure about having his picture taken? He just didn't want it to take too long to have his picture taken and wondered when he could get down.  Little boys are given to us from God. God makes each of us unique ... looks ... personality ... attention spans ...and He loves us.

I was thinking that the Lord Jesus Christ was young like this when He was here on this earth. His parents raised Him along with brothers, and other members of their families. He had cousins, ate meals with family, played, and learned to do carpentry with his earthly father.

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. ~  Luke 2:51

Settings: 1/200, f/10, Bounced flash

Portraits of children

Now that I'm back in my "day" job, it's getting harder to find time for photography and writing in this blog. My goal is to add a new picture each week. Recently I had the chance to take some portraits of several children. This month I'll add some of these photos.

This little girl enjoyed posing for the camera, so I had more opportunity to work with the lighting for her photo. It was taken outdoors, in the shade, and I bounced the flash off of a gold reflector.
 
I'm reminded that children are a gift from God, and that He loves each one of them. We need to treat each of our children as a gift, and raise them for Him.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Settings: 1/80, f/5.6, ISO 100, Flash (bounced off gold reflector)

Bubbles and little boys

Bubbles and little boys ... I don't know very many little boys who don't like water. I'm sure he would like to have actually enjoyed being in the bubble. However, he was definitely enjoying the water. I used Photoshop Elements to put the two pictures together ... still learning.
Would you like to live your life in a bubble?

Children are a gift from God ... Psalm 127:3

Bubble picture setting: 1/200, f/5.6, ISO 100, No IS, Manual focus, Flash: Manual 1/16