Independence Day 2011

Happy Birthday, America!
 
I often think of our founding fathers and I am continually amazed at the wisdom and forethought they had to lay such strong framework for freedom and liberty that it could never be reversed, denied or overwritten. After 235 years America is still the envy of the world because of her promises to her citizens guaranteeing personal rights and freedom. "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". America is one of a kind, amazing in her goodness. Yes, God has indeed shed His grace on thee.

I consider myself so blessed to be an American and forever grateful to the founding fathers and those who have courageously protected our liberty for 235 years. God bless America, may we always be free!

The following photos are of the Boston Fireworks shot from the Cambridge side of the Charles River. (click photos to enlarge)

My first Engagement photo shoot!

Here are photos from my very first engagement photo session. I was lucky to be shooting a lovely couple who were comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera which made my job much easier and, as you can see, made for beautiful photos. (Click photos to enlarge)

Pink Peonies

I noticed the most beautiful peonies growing behind a neighboring home and knew instantly they would be my next favorite subject. Tonight's evening light was just perfect. The setting sun was peeking through the trees behind the flowers. Behold the beauty:   (click photos to enlarge)

Painted Petals

For Mom

This post is dedicated to my beautiful Mom who helped cultivate my love of flowers.

Cherished memories of walking the long lanes of greenhouses at local nurseries picking out pansies, petunias, spikes and fuschias among many others.

Some of the first flowers to bloom in the Spring where I live are daffodils, hyacinth, crocuses and the always joyful 'Johnny Jump Ups' which my Mom always says look like 'sweet little faces'. So, here they are Mom, smiling for you!

For all you've done, for all you are, thank you. I love you. “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Prov. 31:29

Happy Mother's Day!

Make way for Ducklings! 14 to be exact!

There is a pair of ducks that live in the creek behind my place that have gotten quite used to me. So much so that they would come running out of the creek at the sound of my voice or my Yorkie's bark. I named them Harry and Sally. Harry took such good care of Sally...letting her eat first and following wherever she went. They came faithfully twice a day for a few weeks but recently have only come by maybe once a week. I was hoping it was because they were sitting on their eggs and boy was I right! Just this afternoon I was walking by with Allie and something caught my eye in the creek. I looked over and out from the reeds floated Sally surrounded by her fourteen adorable ducklings! She was very much the proud mama presenting her babies for the first time. A little hesitant, but hungry and she seemed to recognize me. I ran to my place to grab some treats (and camera, of course) and here are some photos of the cuteness that ensued: [click on photos for a closer look]

There isn't much that's cuter than this

April Showers

It was raining on and off all day today. At one point it started to pick up. Since my mind is always in photography mode I knew it was a great opportunity for raindrop photos on the creek out back. I threw on my pink Hunter 'wellies' and threw my camera in a large ziplock and ran outside.

Spring has Sprung!

Finally, finally, finally, I have found signs of Spring...the crocuses are blooming! I happened to spot a little cluster of them on my street and promptly got my gear to shoot the first blooms of the season.

Lenses that I use

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens
This lens came with my Canon Rebel XS (it usually comes with any Canon camera package) and I think it's a great lens.  It's sharp and clear and it's an all around great basic lens to start with.  At 18mm, it's a perfect wide angle lens for landscapes but also works well enough for 'people' shots but I wouldn't describe it as a portrait lens.

Camera accessories that I use

First and foremost you'll need something to clean your lenses. Don't even think about using tissues or your shirt or anything that isn't designated for cleaning camera lenses. Here is a good one that is easy to take anywhere:

About my camera - because many inquiring minds would like to know

I've had so many people ask which camera I have that I've decided to make an entry dedicated to it.

My camera is the Canon Rebel XS. It is a 10.1 megapixel DSLR and it came with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens.  For your convenience below is a link to this exact camera, including the lens, for a great price. There you can read about all the juicy details and user reviews. Help me help you, be my hero and purchase through my links :)

Tuscan Dreams

We rented an adorable villa in a small town outside of Florence. It was on an old little estate where the owners still make their own wine and olive oil so we were right among the vineyards and olive groves. Floor to ceiling arched windows gave us stunning views of the countryside.

Our charming villa

MEMORIES 2001: A new husband, a fresh passport and a ticket to Italy!

2001 was an amazing year for me.  I quit my job, I got married, I moved to another state, and I traveled abroad for the first time in my life.  What better place to begin than the magical, romantic city of Venice! 

Fireworks over Boston

I got my camera just a few weeks before the Fourth of July and I couldn't wait to try my hand at fireworks photography. I read a little bit about it, took some notes, packed my tripod and camera and headed down to the edge of the Charles River. We walked through a sea of people. I was a little worried about finding a spot with a good view where my tripod wouldn't get kicked over or bumped into, so I had my husband and some friends form a human blockade which worked like a charm.

Small beginnings, big dreams

I have always been drawn to photography. It's in my blood. My dad was a better than average amateur photographer who developed his own photos in a makeshift darkroom in our house. I don't know why I waited so long to really delve into it, but I finally did in 2010 and it has awakened a deep desire to capture the images I see in my own perspective. It's like putting my stamp on the world: 'I was here and this is what I saw'! Even before I bought my camera I was like a sponge absorbing as much information about photography as possible every spare minute I had. I checked out every single book my library had on photography and spent hours scouring the internet. I made sure I understood aperture, shutter, ISO, and white balance and how they affect each other before I ever even picked up a DSLR. And when I finally did get one I hit the ground running and haven't stopped since.