Snoot Pictures Again

I was putting my 2012 scrapbook together this week (I know - I might be done by summer - I'm almost done), and I saw some of my practice sessions with my snoot. I had some willing models, which was good as they were very patient with me. It obviously takes awhile to learn how to use it, and how to ask your model to "pose". 

Now I need to find some more models who might be willing to let me try some more.

Visitors of the Four-legged Kind

Last week we were blessed with seeing several different kinds of wildlife in our yard. First there were raccoons looking for some food. This is the first time we've seen them this winter. Then we watched a marten running all over the back yard. It was amazing how fast they can move. I was able to get a couple of fuzzy pictures, but he never stayed still long enough to get a good picture this time. When he decides to move, he's like a bullet going across the yard and up the gully. We also saw some crows ... a sure sign of spring coming. 

Finally, we saw a couple of young deer coming down the gully and then up onto the hill behind the house. They stopped at one point, and I was able to get some pictures through the window. They aren't very afraid of us as long as we stay in the house, and they actually looked like they were posing for me. I think it's only fair to have them stop for a photo when they eat our cedar trees in the winter, and the hosta plants in the summer.

The deer are beautiful to look at, even when they can be a nuisance. We enjoy watching them, and seeing their footprints (hoofprints?) in the bush when we go for walks.

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, 

or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 

or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, 

or let the fish in the sea inform you. 

Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? 

Job 12:7-9

Using the Snow as a Reflector

When you take a photo of someone, you need to have reflections or catch lights in their eyes to make the photo come to life. This is the part I am concentrating on right now. Last week I managed to take a photo of a young boy who was outside in the snow and was able to catch the reflections in his eyes. The snow is a great reflector, especially when the sun isn't too bright. It was bright that day, and he was usually squinting.

The following pictures were taken on an overcast day, and the snow was still a good reflector. Since the sun wasn't too bright, the children were opening their eyes more, and not squinting. I like the look of the reflections in their eyes better than the reflection you get from a direct flash. I still have more to learn ...

We are blessed to have children around us and can be thankful to God for them. 

"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. 

For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." 

 ~ Jesus 

(Matthew 18:10)

Pictures in the Snow

I've been practicing taking some photos of children outside in the snow. It can be difficult when it is sunny. This little guy was playing in the snow on the beach, and was using his toys as though he was playing with sand. He enjoyed filling his dump truck with snow. It was a pleasure taking photos of him. 

When I took this last photo, he opened his eyes wider, and the reflection of the snow helped to make his eyes show up better. This is the part I'm concentrating on right now - making sure there are catch lights (light reflections) in a child's eyes. I'm trying to improve in this area.

Worthy are you, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power, 

for You created all things, 

and by Your will they existed and were created.

Revelation 4:11

Looking out a Window

I haven't had the same time and freedom to take photos as I've been used to, but I have been looking through different tutorials on the internet. I've especially been looking at Family Photography and Lifestyle photography compared to "posed" photography. I have a lot to learn in both of these areas.

This past weekend I had the chance to take some photos of a young boy looking out a window. This was a chance to challenge myself to see if I could get a good exposure, and take a sharp enough picture. He was quite involved watching what was happening outside - birds at the bird feeder, and other children playing.  Some of my pictures didn't turn out as sharp as I wanted, but it was fun trying.

Children are a blessing from the Lord, and it is wonderful how He has made each one of us.

So God created man in His own image, 

in the image of God He created him; 

male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:27

Oil Drops?

When I was doing water drops last week, I thought I'd try dropping some oil into water. This seemed very different. I had a harder time with my focus, and am not sure when I look at the drop in the picture below whether it is a focus issue, or does the oil "separate" as it drops? I'll have to try this again, and really concentrate on making sure I have a sharp focus. You can tell in this first photo that it is oil because of the droplets on the water.

This next photo isn't sharp all the way through, but I thought it was interesting because you can see the dark red of the food coloring I put in the water showing through the crown.

Being able to take sharp photographs can be difficult sometimes, and it takes a lot of practise. I'm hoping to improve in this area.

In life, we need a focus. When our focus is on the Lord Jesus Christ, He helps us as we go through life on this earth.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3:2

Exploring Water Drops Again

I had the chance to do some more photography of water drops a couple of days ago. It's been quite awhile since I've done any, and I didn't try to get any drops colliding. However, I played around with some gels for colour. I used a plastic bag again to hold the water, and put a pin prick into the bottom. I find that you need a really fine pin or the drop is too big, and comes out too fast. I usually end up having to use some tape to slow the drop down.

This is one of the ways that I relax ... taking new photographs. What do you do for relaxation?

Casting all your anxiety on God, for He cares for you ...