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Photography: #100DayProject—Almost There

As you may remember, I’m doing photography for the #100DayProject. This means, every single day for 100 days I’m out taking photos, editing them, and sharing them with my friends. In addition, I’ve started doing photography sessions for people I know. I’ve done three senior sessions, a family shoot, and several portraits.

I’m loving this! It feels like I’m understanding my camera more and more. I’m still battling with computer storage and editing, but those are getting easier too. I’m having fun experimenting with different lenses, playing around with color, and dabbling in street photography. I still have an editing class to take, but each session I’m learning something new. The project ends June 2, which means there’s still lots of images to take and skills to learn.

Here’s a ton of my best photos from the last few weeks. Let me know if you have a favorite (and I totally understand if viewing 40 photos is a bit much!) These appear in order of photos taken, not favorites. I thought you might like to see how each grouping was edited differently. Among these was my first photograph of lightening, some crazy macro bug shots from my yard, and some really cute animals.

Oh, and if you were curious if the egret’s had their babies…I think so? I was able to capture what looks like heron babies being fed in the nest (#33), but they are pretty large. A quick google search says they grow super fast, so maybe?

One more thing, at the last minute I added some photos I took yesterday (the ones I mentioned to you, Michael!)

Thanks!

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using various lenses and edited with Lightroom Classic.
  • To follow Anna’s progress in the 100 Days. visit Little Bits of Thread
  • See what my friend Angelica’s doing for her 100 Days, visit Journal of a Wayward Writer
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Photography: Beach Camping

Took my camera camping with my family at the end of March. Finally finished editing them last week and wanted to post them here, because these are some of my favorites.

I recently booked ten photo shoots. These are all free while I’m learning and building my portfolio, but I’m so excited people trust me to take their photos. In a few months, I’ll share some favorites as I get ready to launch a real business.

For now, let me know if you have a favorite amongst these photos.

Thanks!

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 14-150 mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.
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Photography: #100DayProject Update

Last week I mentioned my friend Anna asked me to join her in the #100DayProject and I figured it was time for an update. I’ve managed to take photos every day and share them with a group of five of us doing it together. It helps having that extra accountability and I love seeing what they are all creating.

If you’re unfamiliar with this challenge, it’s simple. You choose any creative project you like and do it every day for 100 days, sharing your process on social media using the hashtag #The100DayProject. This year the dates are Feb. 22-June 2.

Here are a few shots taken so far that I haven’t fit into other posts. Let me know if you have a favorite!

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using various lenses and edited with Lightroom Classic.
  • To follow Anna’s progress in the 100 Days. visit Little Bits of Thread
  • See what my friend Angelica’s doing for her 100 Days, visit Journal of a Wayward Writer

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Photography: Denio’s Farmers Market

My skills aren’t growing as fast as I want them to. I have several photo shoots lined up in the next few weeks and I’m suddenly aware of how scary this all is. Yes, I’ve been playing with my camera for years, but it’s only been a few months since I took it seriously. I’ve jumped in with both feet and I’m flailing a bit.

My good friend Angy always says that super scary things mean you’re moving in the right direction. Last night all I could think was, “I’ve made a terrible mistake.” I’m not ready for this. What if my friends/clients hate what I do? What if, like my nephew’s birthday over the weekend, I can’t get the exposure right? By jumping in this fast, have I ruined my chance of having this as a second career?

So, while I couldn’t sleep last night, I edited these photos from my recent trip to Denio’s Farmers Market. It’s a weirdo space, and I felt at home taking photos here. I love these. The stakes were low and so I just had fun. This is what I need to remember when I’m out taking photos of people in the next few weeks. I love this. It’s time to play and have fun. It’s all growth.

So, today I’m taking another online class about lighting. I’ll probably beg my daughter to let me photograph her again for practice. I’ve already booked a bunch of shoots, so no turning back now.

Let me know if you like these and don’t miss my bonus butterfly photos at the end. Have a fantastic day!

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  • The photos above were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 14-150mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.
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Photography: Folsom Farmers Market

I went to the Folsom Farmers Market last weekend with my wonderful nephew, Wyatt, who will be turning seven in a few weeks. As his parents sold their beautiful crafts, we wandered around, and I worked on my photography. I think my image quality is improving as I get quicker at adjusting my settings and learn more about the exposure triangle, but it’s slow going. I want to get better much faster than I am, but that’s true of so many things in my life right now.

I’m also in the process of developing my photographic voice, focusing on both how I tell stories and how I edit. I’m drawn toward a vintage, warm tone, and a more photojournalistic style. Close-up pictures are usually my go-to, but I’m aiming for more diverse shots now. Let me know what you think of these and if you have a favorite.

Thank you!

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  • These were taken with my Olympus E-M1 MarkII, using a 75-300mm lens and edited with Lightroom Classic.
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Photography: Sacramento Historic City Cemetery

I’ve been struggling with some health stuff and things feel very hard. I’m still working on various projects, but in small doses. I did get to meet one of my fellow bloggers in person recently, which was amazing. I also continue to sell a few books a week and reviews are still coming in (thank you!)

While I’m focusing mostly on health right now, I did recently visit the historic Sacramento City Cemetery on a bright fall morning and take these photos. I hope you enjoy them and please let me know if you have a favorite.

As always, thank you for sticking around here. It means the world to me.

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  • Photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW
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Photography: Sea and Sand

My beautiful sister and her family invited me on a trip with them last weekend to the ocean. For a moment, all the worries of life were swept to the side. I got to be a kid with a camera. Dogs. Forts. Dance parties. Card games. Laughs. Deer. A hornet bite on my neck (not so fun). Reading in bed. Coffee on the balcony. Seagulls. Snuggles by the fire. A sea monster sighting (maybe). Salt water taffy. Mint tea. A stunning sunset.

I’m starting to feel words swirling inside me again. They seem almost ready to come forth. Yesterday, one of the local indie bookstores, Bloodstone Books, emailed “can you bring more books to the shop? We are officially out.” I can almost forget sometimes my book is in the world, but people are buying it. Slowly but surely. Taking more copies to them today, which feels fantastic.

My daughter is having some scary health struggles and my son is getting his wisdom teeth out tomorrow. Life continues to throw things at us, but damn, I sure do love seeing it all through the camera lens. For those taking the time to view all my photos lately, THANK YOU!

Let me know if you have a favorite photo and have a fantastic day!

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  • These photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW.
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Photography: Beach Camping

A few weeks ago, I went camping with family. Our campsite was surrounded by large bushes which attracted birds, we spent an afternoon at the beach, and I hiked up some big sand dunes.

Although these might be some of my favorite photos, it’s hard not to beat myself up because I’m not writing. I made an attempt at working on my middle-grade novel recently, and it was rubbish. And although I’ve sold over 100 books, more than I thought I would, I can’t seem to get people to review it. My mind tells me it’s because people don’t like the book, which is fine, but the small hopeful part of me is a bit sad. But you know what? Two local bookstores carry my book and I’ve been selling about three copies a month in store, from people just browsing and liking it. That needs to be celebrated. As I’ve always told my kids—comparison is the thief of joy.

So, let me brush this all off and say, I’m not writing currently, but I’ll be back at it soon. In the meantime, enjoy all these photos. And as always, let me know if you have a favorite. Have a wonderful day!

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Bonus photos:

I’m in love with Superman (aka kindness).

Converted the back of my van into a sleeping area with fun lights.

My hiking buddy.
  • These photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW.
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Photography: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

“And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.”—Rainer Maria Rilke

It’s been a season of reading books, doing puzzles, snuggling under blankets, and savoring the warmth of my home. Big goals and plans are on the horizon, but right now I’m moving slowly and feeling fully into where I am at this moment.

Thank you to everyone who has read my blog this year despite my sporadic and inconsistent pattern. It’s been a year of tremendous highs and lows. I am mourning loss and also feeling incredibly blessed for new people who have come into my life.

May your New Year’s Eve and all next year swirl with beauty, love, peace, and hope.

I’m glad you are here.

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  • As always, photos were taken by me with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW.

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Photography: Sunset Slow

You needed to see the sunset because the world felt too chaotic. We spent two nights together watching the sky become gold and then black. I couldn’t erase the pain behind your eyes, but I could remind you what was in the sky. It’s always there for you, as I am.

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”
—Rabindranath Tagore

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  • This is dedicated to my daughter’s best friend. Believe in yourself always, dearest. The sunset will always ground you as the ocean inspires you. I believe in you.
  • Photos were taken with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW.