Tree of Life

Bundled Up

POTD – March 16, 2010

The theme this week over at iheartfaces is “All Bundled Up.”  I almost considered skipping this one…I mean seriously, I live in South Florida.  And yes we have had an unseasonable cool winter…even some nights in the 30’s…but really!  During the day…even on cold days…50 is the lowest it got and that is pushing it.  For us, a light sweater was sufficient.  I suppose I could have taken pictures of all the native Miamians who bust out their leather jackets, leather gloves, scarves, and ear muffs as soon as it hits 65…but generally I just laugh at them as I stroll by them in shorts and a long sleeve shirt [lightweight one at that!].  But, I do have this adorable photo of my niece from the weekend they came to visit from sunny Central Florida.  It was in the 60’s that weekend and she sported this blanket cocoon all weekend when we were outside.

Make sure you head on over to iheartfaces to check out some “real” bundled up shots complete with ice and snow…real cold!

POTD – March 13, 2010

I had the opportunity to see Michael Buble in concert last night and was able to get the Canon 20D through security.  Took the 50mm 1.4 since I knew lighting would be an issue…no zoom, but still figured this would be my best shot at getting decent photos without flash!  Here are a few, SOOC…not bad if I say so myself!

This is Naturally 7, the opening act.  7 Guys out of New York that create their entire sound using voices only!  No instruments…if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes I would have never believed that the drums, electric guitars, harmonicas, cellos, violins [you name it] were all being created with their voices.  Simply amazing!

Had such a great time…the show was amazing!  I had no idea what to expect because I had never seen Michael Buble live…and never realized that he is such a comedian!!!

POTD – March 9, 2010

I am just going to keep with the jumping pictures for a few days because I have a few good ones!  This one was taken last year while on vacation with the extended family.  Uncle Andrew can still fly off the swing…it was fun as each of us “big kids” tried to jump from the moving swing!

POTD – March 7, 2010

POTD – March 4 ,2010

This is truly a terrible photo…but it’s a rare capture.  And I love it!

POTD – March 3, 2010

POTD – March 2, 2010

POTD – February 27, 2010

Kissin’ Cousins

POTD – February 25, 2010

Strawberry Bloom

Fearless Hands

POTD - February 22, 2010

This week’s theme at iheartfaces is all about hands. I have been thinking about this one for a while.

Here’s the directions from iheartfaces: “Show off those teeny-tiny baby hands, chubby toddler hands, the soothing hands of a mama or the gnarled, wise hands of a grandfather. We can't wait to see what you come up with for this challenge!” In fact, there doesn’t even need to be a face.

I desperately wanted to do something different to showcase hands! I have tons and tons of beautiful hand shots…but I wanted something different since I know that there will be lots and lots of baby hands, chubby toddler hands, and gnarled older hands. So I thought about these things:

What does my child do with her hands??

Do I really want to showcase her and all the nasty things she does with them??

She picks up gum and trash from sidewalks with these hands!

And then it came to me!

Yes, she touches everything…and I truly mean everything!

But the most amazing thing, even when she touches already been chewed gum and other gross things, is that she has fearless hands. Hands that explore her world…hands that have already taught her many many things in her short life…hands that reach out to hold…hands that reach out to touch…hands that reach out to love ALL of God’s creatures.

I absolutely adore these hands!

Make sure you check out all the other hand entries over at iheartfaces. I am looking forward to seeing all the other great photos!

POTD – February 21, 2010

Another pregnancy preview!  I am having a blast with these photos…so many options!  And the parents-to-be are pretty darn gorgeous too!

Hall Family Preview

POTD – February 20, 2010

Two weeks ago today, I had the opportunity to photograph the Hall family…Mom, Dad, three girls…and the new baby boy!  Over the past two weeks, I have posted a few teasers from their shoot and picked on the mom [a little bit…and she has been a good sport]. 

 

Fix-It Friday

POTD – February 19, 2010

It’s Fix-It Friday over at iheartfaces.  This week’s picture is of an adorable little girl.  But it is under-exposed.  I took this opportunity to take advantage of the sun setting behind the houses and used the “Sun Kissed” tutorial from this week.  All edits done in PSE 5.0.

Here is the original:

Here is my own Sun-Kissed version using the tutorial:

And here is the fix using the Coffee Shop Action:

   Make sure to hop on over to iheartfaces and check out all the creative edits!

POTD – February 18, 2010

I missed yesterday…don’t know how that happened!  Guess I have been super busy!  Anyway…remember the pregnancy photos from a couple of weeks ago??   Here are a couple from the beach.  Two today since I missed posting yesterday.

Let’s Dance!

POTD – February 16, 2010

It’s Dance Week over at iheartfaces.  I really considered not entering this week.  Dance is truly hard to capture…or maybe it’s just me.  For me, Dance is motion…Dance is better captured in video…a still just doesn’t show that motion. But this image kept popping into my head.  Not the best photograph I’ve ever taken, but I like the editing…I wanted to highlight the dancer while still having the audience as a present part of the photograph.  This photo was taken at a New Year’s Eve party and the littlest celebrant provided the entertainment.

Make sure you head over to iheartfaces to check out the other entries!