Jill's Fotoluv LLC

Venturing into the New Year!

2012-01-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

The sun has set on 2011 and the journey into 2012 has begun!

What do you fondly take away with you from 2011?

What adventures are in store for you in 2012. (Of course, I am rooting for you to be the hero!)

I got these shots from the Swift Creek Reservoir in Chesterfield County, Virginia just as the year was ending as I met up with a friend from high school. The lake was filled with seagulls and families were going out there with their kids to see them.

As I am starting this new year, I have been reflecting on the journey of my life as most do this time of year. While I am celebrating the improvement in my health over the last few months, it is still frustrating not being at where I "think" I should be.

Embracing the Challenges
I have thought positively and set goals for myself to reach... but my body has fought me the whole way. But as I thought about it, we all have challenges we have to walk through that we can't control. When there are challenges that are just out of our control, it not about trying to avoid them or pretend they aren't there, but it's about making the most of what you have during these challenges.

I have always approached life with the attitude that we have all we need to succeed and move forward at any given time in life. There have been times that philosophy is hard to embrace, but that is what I have always allowed to guide me.

What Factors Can Be Controlled?
There are a lot of things in life that just can't be controlled. That's when it's time to look at what can be controlled and become a focus. While I do not know entirely what the new year holds, I can move forward with what is working:

My small budget of energy, while not consistent, is growing and I find I can do more every few weeks.
My pulmonary doctor is excited that I am going out with my camera when I do my rehabilitative walks.
It's kind of exciting to record my journey with photography with images that others are enjoying.
As my energy grows, I will be able to share more and more of my journey.
I still have a lot of images waiting to be loaded and processed. I am really looking forward to viewing them.
Keep a strong hold of my goals and when they are realized, I will appreciate them so much more than I would have otherwise.

Right now, I will often opt to get out an move over sitting at the computer. After spending months and months on my back, I know it's the right thing for me to do for right now... for my body and for my mind and for my spirit. As I grow stronger, I will be able to incorporate more of the balance back into my life.

So what about you? How will you embrace your challenges to move forward?

When Challenges Present Opportunity

2011-12-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

My first HDR (high-dynamic range) image - a technique that involves combining multiple exposures to create
more depth and detail in an image than a camera can capture by itself. From Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
taken earlier this week.

I have to admit that the last couple years just don't feel real. Seriously, who ever knew that it could take lungs so long to heal? (Apparently, people who have suffered from lung issues don't seem surprised!)

But I am thankful that I am thinking more clearly these days and I can progress with my energy level. Best part yet, the doc saw distinct improvement for the first time. This time last year, I was trying to wish myself into health. This year, I can actually envision it!

Finding A Focus
While this whole thing has taken much longer than I ever imagined possible, I have had one thought in mind... There is no way that I can let this time go to waste. I think making that decision early when I first got so sick has helped my attitude and perspective during this whole journey. Even though there have been many days where I couldn't do more than lay down, I found a purpose to focus my thoughts on... photography.

Focus Efforts
With this purpose in mind, I started doing a lot of research and discovered a lot of resources that have helped me look at photography in an entirely different way. I thought of new ways to challenge myself and learned some new techniques that I haven't seen used in my area very much if at all. Having something to strive for during so many challenges has been such a gift. Yes, I wish I could be doing more than I am, but at least I am moving forward.

Keep Eyes Open
What opportunities have I been able to take advantage of? I discovered how much I love sports action photography. (It will be a little bit before I can do that again, but it's a goal I look towards.) I got to meet some Olympians from the Vancouver Olympics. One, I got my first solo exhibition. I have also have started getting to know some of my favorite photographers out there and little about there techniques. Most of all, helping my friends celebrate monumental events in there lives has been something I would never have been able to pass up.

There are so many challenges facing everyone now. My challenge to you is to ask how yourself how to make the most of this time that you have, even as various obstacles come up. What can you focus your energy on that will help move you forward in you mind? Then, be amazed as you start looking beyond the problems to the object of focus and goals resulting from that.

While there are times that my frustrations simmer up to the surface, I am so glad that I have my photography to help me get an overall perspective on life and the goals that result from that.

Photography is something I have always put on the sidelines, but maybe this is what I needed to put it into the foreground of my life.

Romantic Fun in the Fall

2011-12-22T20:55:00.000-08:00

With Christmas upon us, it's hard to believe that we experienced the fall colors for most of the month of November. I was able to do three portraits sessions of some good friends to take advantage of the season. I am so glad I did them, but it is very clear that I am not quite strong enough to start doing them again and give the kind of service that I like to provide.

But I had fun, and it was so nice to start getting back into my photo groove again. (I am looking forward to doing them again.) And I love it when the photographs are in celebration of an accomplishment.

This is the first of the three sessions I did. Although I was only able to shoot for about 15-20 minutes during this session, I was so happy that I could help Shannon and June celebrate Shannon's recent weight loss of 40 lbs. And Shannon did look great... along with June, of course!

Here are a few of my favs from our time at Deep Run Park in Henrico.

Eye Candy Anyone?

2011-12-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

Only in your dreams baby!

Eye Candy...

Such a hotly debated topic on the web. I noticed that on Google+, there was quite a discussion by Mike Elgan about the appropriateness of eye candy postings on the streams.

As I was going through my images, I ran across this shot in my archives. I started giggling. I mean... in the horse world, wouldn't this blonde beauty qualify?!

I wish I had hair that good!

Please don't get mad at me with the offensive nature of this post. ;-D

First impression of Sony Alpha NEX-C3 Consumer Camera

2011-12-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

PCmag.com is currently featuring the Sony Alpha NEX-C3 digital camera on it's camera page which typically sells for about $600. My attention was drawn to it since I heard the PCmag.com editor talked about it being the hot camera this season and referred to it as an "almost-DSLR." Yup! Even though the camera has been out for a little bit, that statement caught my attention.

Sony Alpha NEX-C3 from PCmag.com review.

I haven't seen this camera in person or played with it, but since this camera is geared towards the everyday person, I feel a need to share some things to consider before purchasing this camera. That way, if you do purchase this camera or another one, you will be more likely to be happy with your purchase for the long run.

The Pros

Interchangeable lenses - Offers more options, especially when trying to capture an image that's a little farther away or that you can't get to.
Small size - Easy to stow away.
No small eye piece to look though - It has a tiltable LCD screen that you look at to take the picture.
It has a variety of Program and Manual modes to choose from.
Has settings that are good to use in low-light settings.
Minimal shutter lag - You won't be standing around waiting for the camera to take a picture, which also means that you will be more likely to get the picture you want... not the "after."

The Cons

Requires additional maintenance than a regular compact point and shoot camera - Since the lenses come off, it will need periodic professional cleaning.
A camera in the $125-$200 range may meet your needs - Think about what you typically use a camera for. Many of these cameras do offer control over settings. Do research to see what lower priced cameras have to offer. Why overbuy when you don't have to?
Editing software has come a long way! If you purchase a basic point and shoot camera with Lightroom 3, you will actually save money and get more camera power to boot!
No camera upgrade available - If you should decide to get more serious about photography and ugrade your camera, you will have to start from scratch with the body and the lenses.
Can be hard to handle - Due to the small size, some of the settings and the larger lenses make the camera a little harder to take a picture.
It could take more time to get the picture you want - With the small body size making some of the settings hard to manage will slow down how quickly you could respond to get "that" picture.
The price of beginner SLR's are comprable to the Sony.

Is A DSLR It Worth Buying?

Investing in a camera system is more about investing
into a lens system. Lenses are the biggest investment in
DSLR cameras. This is a photo I took in the mid-90's with
basic point and shoot Pentax. It has won a number of
awards and appeared on the front page of the Flair section
of the Richmond Times Dispatch.

Is there a chance your love for photography can blossom and bloom into something more serious. If that is the case you may want to consider buying a beginner DSLR body. However, do you want to spend the money in order for it to sit on your shelf?

There are a lot of compact point and shoot cameras that have a range of controls you can use to customize your settings. Learning to use these settings and what they can do can help you decide if you want to make the leap into a DSLR camera body. If for some reason you lose interest in learning photography, then you will know this is a camera that will be able to use just for fun and creating memories.

If you want to buy a DSLR, Canon and Nikon are the most popular and both are good cameras. They will allow you to grow into your passion at a pace you can handle. The first camera can always serve as a back-up to future cameras you may purchase and the lenses will be interchangeable.

I shoot with Nikkon myself, and I love the system. However, due to the floods in Thailand causing shortages of Nikon products, I do recommend going with Canon since those products are more available.

If you love getting fun pictures and like quality, but really don't care how you get there, then I would personally check into less expensive compact cameras than the NEX-C3, mainly so I wouldn't have to worry about changing lenses or the maintenance that comes along with that. But it is worth the time to compare the features and the feel of the different cameras to see what will suit you best. I have seen a lot of reviews out there saying that sometimes the camera is hard to work because of the small size, especially with the larger lenses, but in the next breath, folks express how much they love the camera.

Worth Noting:

Anytime you buy a camera where the lenses come off, be aware that these cameras will need occasional cleaning of the sensor by a professional which can range from $45-$75. How will you know if you need a cleaning? You will start to see those nagging dust spots in the same place in your photographs. You can try to clean it, but the sensor is easy to damage and expensive to repair.

Where Can I Buy DSLR's?

If you would like to make a leap into the "real" camera world, it helps to have someone knowledgeable to speak with who is glad to help you get matched up with the right camera. You can either check out the local professional camera stores in your area. In most cases, they are happy to help beginners find the right camera to fit your needs and they will take time to answer your questions. If you don't have a store like that near you, there are two place who have very knowledgeable photography professionals who you can call and they will be able to answer your questions.

B&H Photo
Adorama

I have found that it is rare for professional camera retailers to over-sell a product to someone. I have no ties with either company mentioned, but I have benefited from their knowledge when I couldn't find the answers I needed elsewhere. Also check to see if they have used cameras in stock. You could get a good deal and know that the camera was serviced by a reputable company who stands by its product.

Do I Have to Buy a Fancy Camera?

In short no!

To take great pictures, you don't have to have a fancy camera... There are some fabulous digital compact cameras that provide nice quality, shorter lag times and a little bit of control without the extra care an maintenance in the $125-$200 price range. Do your research, ask questions. Figure out what qualities are most important to you in a camera.

Think about this... If you get something like Lightroom 3 and buy a basic point and shoot, it is actually cheaper than the fancier cameras. The editing software has come such a long way and correct a lot of the issues that you may run across.

Bigger is not always better. Learning what makes a great picture is like learning your ABC's and it's not about the equipment. It comes down to how you use the camera to compose a photograph and capture lighting. Buying a more expensive camera will not make you a better photographer, but it can make you poorer. And the truth be told.. one of my favorite shots ever came from a point-and-shoot camera!

Share the Christmas Magic

2011-11-25T08:53:00.001-08:00

For the first time this year, I am offering a line of Christmas cards for the first time, coinciding with the Grand Opening of my new online store that makes ordering so easy. Not only can you chose from a choice of cards, but you can order fine art prints and wall hangings. One thing I love about this set-up is that it lets you see the customizations you choose as you choose them.

I would like to offer you a coupon that will allow you to save 25% off on your purchases during Black Friday weekend. The coupon is good from today through - Monday, November 28 at 11:59 pm EST - Coupon Code: MSJMAL

Click on the Fine Art and Cards tab above to visit the store!

Stop by the store and let me know what you think!

Feeling the Fall Rush

2011-11-22T15:19:00.001-08:00

The last two falls, I haven't been able to get out to get any photographs at all which drove me crazy! This year, I was so excited to be able to get out some to capture the fall colors. I did get some more traditional leaf shots, but there was some frustration that I couldn't spend more time on it. Since I was running short on time, I decided to do a little experiment and see what happened.

These are the results. I am calling this series Fall Rush! In case you are curious, I took these with a slower than normal shutter speed to capture these painterly effects. I am very glad I tried this out!

Wherefore ART Thou?

2011-11-18T15:04:00.001-08:00

While I have been going through my recovery process, I have had the chance to go to the mountains several times with my camera in hand. When I go for walks, I choose my favorite scenic routes and I have been amazed with how many fun images I have collected.

I am so excited about the images I have collected, that I have decided to open a new store that focuses on fine art printing ranging from cards to prints with framing and canvas options. I had some friends test this store and they found it fun. They enjoyed being able to quickly see the different options available to them based on the choices they were making.

So Black Friday weekend will be the Grand Opening of the store. Grab a quick sneak peak!

I have a lot more that I will be uploading to the site throughout the week... I will also be adding a section just for cards.

To celebrate this Grand Opening, I will be offering a 25% discount off your purchase starting Friday, November 25 - Monday, November 28 through 11:59pm. Use this Discount Code: MSJMAL

If you are interested in getting a 40% discount for gifts, you can do that by signing up for my eletter that will include my new images, news and specials. Sign up by 11:59pm, Thursday, November 24 in order to receive the discount.

What Can Passion Do for You?

2011-11-18T15:03:00.001-08:00

During the past couple years, challenges have abounded for everyone. It's easy to just blame the economy, but these challenges have been hitting the people I know in multiple arenas of life. It's just so easy to get depressed with you think about all of it. As I have dealt with my own challenges, I didn't feel like depression or giving in was an option. All that went through my mind was I didn't want this period to go to waste. And that was when I thought I would be sick for only a couple months as opposed to a couple of years!

I have always tended towards photography. When I got my first camera when I was about 11 or 12, I took pictures constantly. I was actually surprised when I graduated from high school to get a real camera where I could do more than point and shoot. It never occurred to me I was interested in photography!

I have spent times in my life focusing on photography (uhhh... bad pun, I know) and I have spent times where my camera stayed neatly tucked away and untouched. I kept getting frustrated by the fact I couldn't get the images as "perfect" as I wanted. I forgot to enjoy what attracted me to the camera to begin with.

When I got sick, I knew I had to place my attention somewhere other than my current circumstances. When I had the energy, I started to research every aspect of photography I could imagine. Since I couldn't go out and take photographs, I spent a lot of time just looking at photographs. (Computers are so awesome. Even when I was isolated, the technology really did bring the world to me!) I even took a couple of classes on advanced techniques. During this process, I forgot about me but I started thinking about what was possible in photography. I gained a vision. My love and passion for photography came back to life.

When I felt strong enough to start taking photographs again, something changed. I no longer was my own slave driver to get the perfect image. It became a game and adventure to find imagery that makes me smile. It became a challenge to try different things just because I could. And I became excited to share my work!

I don't think I will ever say I am glad I have had to deal with this illness, but I did find a journey I enjoyed in the midst of it.

Everyone has a gift that brings out their best, even during the most difficult of times. What's yours? How did it carry you though when you most needed it?

Feeling Like a Fish Out of Water?

2011-10-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

When I get paid to photograph a job, the last thing I would describe myself as is shy. However, when I am out shooting for myself, I am extremely shy to take pictures of others. I can't even tell you what the difference is.

I read a post by street photographer Dave Beckerman, which spoke about how he approaches photographing strangers. So as a personal challenge, I decided to go out to Swift Creek Resevoir last Saturday and just overcome my fear. I got some cool shots with people weaved into them, but I still felt awkward like a fish would out of water.

As I got to the deck overlooking the lake, the fisherman was pulling a 10 lb bass out of the water. To be honest, I didn't know this lake had bass that big. I tried to take a picture of him pulling it in, but my stinking shyness got in the way. The fisherman saw me with my camera in the distance and asked me to take a picture with him and the bass before he threw it back. After that, we got to talking as I waited for the sunset.

While waiting, we got to talking and I ended up telling him that I have a really hard time taking pictures of people I don't know. He quickly responded, "Why would you if it's a cool shot?" Oddly enough, I think that is when the light bulb went off and I felt a door open that would allow me to give myself permission to photograph people I don't know (in a respectful way, of course!) I still feel shy about shooting people I don't know, but I don't feel as hesitant about it.

As timing had it, during the best part of the sunset, the fisherman pulled another fish out of the water, which is when I got this shot. I love it!

Photograph Juried into Houston Exhibit

2011-09-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

I got an unexpected email today. My image of my dog Parker was juried into an exclusive photo event in Houston TX that accepted only 10 pro and 10 amatuer photographs. This is exciting for me because Houston is the home of many very talented photographers.

This photograph will be displayed at the Barkitecture Photo Event during the last two weekends in October and will also appear in an issue of Life+Dog magazine.

Seeing Old Things Like New

2011-08-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found forgetting how unique and special certain things are in life... especially when it's stuff that you have been around quite a bit?

Here is a spot that I have frequented since I have been 12. The Swift Creek Resevior is photographed and published often. As a whole, the idea of photographing something here feels like it is nothing special. But I had a day where I felt really good after some rehab at the gym, so I took a walk with my camera since it was so beautiful outside.

This is what came out of that little walk. For me, something old became new again.

Racing Towards the Finish Line!

2011-08-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

As many of you know right now, I am in the process of recovering. While this is not a path I would have ever chosen, I have found I get little more excited each day about the idea of going out to capture some images!

Last year, I thought I was approaching the end of this illness. On the advice of doctors, I went out as much as I could to shoot whatever opportunities came my way. Since there was other stuff going on with me they didn't catch, I didn't get the opportunity to process or even look at those images.

Here's the catch: Since I can't go out and shoot now, I have a wonderful trove of images from last year that I can work with now! Here is a piece that I just completed. What do you think?

Luvin' New Beginnings!

2011-08-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

I know I have turned the corner! After completing my pulmonary rehab at the gym the other day, I came home, grabbed my camera and went for a short walk afterwards over by the Swift Creek Reservoir. The best part about it is that I felt the energy to do it!

I haven't picked up the camera since November due to a serious, unusual (yet temporary) form of asthma that I have been suffering from for a year and half that was triggered by the onset of whooping cough. Last year I kept pushing myself which ended up causing me to get worse. I only got diagnosed with it a couple months ago and the treatments have been working.

Now I am pushing myself ahead constructively and it feels wonderful that I am seeing progress in my everyday life. Yay!

Swift Creek Reservoir, Chesterfield County, VA

Time to Celebrate!

2011-07-24T19:38:00.001-07:00

I just recently celebrated my dad's 75th birthday. What he wanted above all else were some pics of his dogs. It was a celebration for me too. Going through this illness, especially the last few months, I haven't been strong enough to pick up and handle my camera.

The last month, I have seen a lot of progress, so I decided to give my camera a try again. Of course, I was able to sneak in pics of my parents and my two dogs as well! It's always good to celebrate progress in the recovery process!

jillsfotoluv's photostream on Flickr.

Is It Worth Jumping on the Google+ Bandwagon?

2011-07-18T02:45:00.000-07:00

Have you found yourself wondering about Google+, the latest social network to arrive on the scene?

When I received my invite to Google+ (which I did request from a friend,) one thing crossed my mind:

"Time to prioritize social networking!

I started out on Google+ (or G+) on the cynical side. How would this be different from the social networking tools I use now? Would it be beneficial or just another thing on my plate?

After being on G+ for almost a week, I can give my verdict: I love G+!

Is it perfect? No, it's still in beta, so it is still evolving. (But then again... isn't everything on the internet evolving?!)

What I like about G+

Friendly Community Environment. When I signed up for G+, my list of contacts was very small... I could count them on one hand. I was wondering how I would be able to learn this environment when I knew so few people there. Then a funny thing started happening. Other photographers starting following my feed.
Content Rich Environment. Well, since I had these photographers following me, I obviously wanted to see who they were. As I went through their profiles, I was amazed about how much helpful information and what quality work I was seeing. The work was down-right inspiring. So I added them to my circle. As I looked at their circles or individuals that were being recommended to my circles, I found some more cool profiles to follow that I found helpful or filled with inspiring images. (Really, there is no obligation to follow people who follow you. If you don't want a particular person to follow your feed, you are able to block them.)
Effective Filtering. It is easy to build up a ton of people in your circles, but it is also easy to put them in designated circles. It is easy to create circles of your own so that the quality of people that are bound to build upover time isn't intimidating. The circles allow you to filter what you choose to view. If I only have a short amount of time to spend on G+, all you have to do is choose circle that you would like to view. For instance, I may want to check on my Friends. On another day, I may check out my Photo Blogs circle. If I am having a really bad day, I my check out my Inspirational Photographers circle just to help me escape!
It Makes Sense! There will always be some learning curve when you go into a new environment. It happens in real life and it happens online. While I haven't tried all the features that G+ offers, it is fairly easy to figure out. It is clean and streamlined. For the most part, you don't have to click around a lot to figure out what you need to do. It's also an easy environment to get adjusted to. That makes it easier to come back to. (Then again, knowing I can easily edit a previous post makes it attractive to come back again and again.)

Good-To-Know Info for G+

Think About Your Circles. Think about how you would like to build your circles. You may want to create different circles for different topics. You can also create circles for people at work, your neighborhood, organizations you belong to etc. If you can get an idea of how you would like create circles now, it will help later as your circles grow to keep feeds manageable and focused.
Interact. There is a very positive open communication in G+. Join in and share your thoughts and opinions. It has been fun to see a few relationships start to form.
Share. One thing I have seen consistently on G+ and on related articles is to submit only your best work, especially for those in the arts. The quality of work shared on G+ is very high. If you want to build a reputation for your quality of work, then save your fun images for Facebook or Flickr.
Research. If you don't feel comfortable just going in and clicking around in G+, there are several good articles that have been posted. There are even different articles for different populations on how to utilize using G+. Without even searching, I have seen one article on G+ for Photographers and and another article targeted towards Journalists. There is also a general guide for Google+ that you may find helpful as well.

Most Important Tip!

Don't feel like you have to master G+ all in one day. It is fun searching the interesting and fun profiles. Enjoy what you find and go at your own pace. And if you are in the G+ neighborhood, then stop by and say hi!

All Smashed Up?

2011-06-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

This piece is called "All Smashed Up." When I created this collage, I had no clue how appropriate it would be. The illness that has left me feeling "All Smashed Up" for the last year and half has left me asking the same question since:

How do I take the unexpected challenges in my life and allow them to guide me down a different and better path I would have never found otherwise?"

That question has led me on a journey of looking at myself, my photography and my life differently.

I have successfully started rehab in the last couple weeks which has instilled a deeper level of hope for good things ahead. It won't be overnight, but I am happy to be on the road of healing. And it's got me to thinking about something a friend said to me about my Truck Graveyard picture series:

"A truck is never really dead. It just takes a little care to bring it back to life."

Wait... am I comparing myself to a old truck?!!!

Make your choice!

2011-01-28T21:27:00.000-08:00

Here is a people's choice competition being help by the Canine Art Guild, an organization to which I belong. Choose your favorite image below and vote!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Click here to vote for "Innocence."

Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see it located in the second row from the bottom.

This puppy went up north and found a home. What a lucky family!

Click here to vote for "History."

You will see this picture in the second row from the top.... Do I sense a pattern?

It's a little hard to see here, but there is a reflection of Audacity in his eye from when he first arrived at Southside SPCA. As many of you know, he bares little resemblance now to what he looked like then. It's amazing what a little love and nutrition can do!

Click here to vote for "Silas."

Yup! It's a pattern. This one is also listed in the second row from the top!

Silas found Southside when he was abandoned by a hunter. He was as sweet as they come and seemed to draw everyone to him. He also starred in the the latest Christmas card from Southside SPCA.

Tearsheet - Shenandoah Valley

2011-01-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

I just got to see this... my image made it to the intro of the Chesapeake Bay Commission introduction to their Annual Report, Concepts for Conservation Reform in the Chesapeake Bay. Click here to see it online.

Christmas Smile

2010-12-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,

I was so happy to receive this in the mail today. I did this photo session for Southside SPCA's Christmas card. I sent them the images and didn't hear anything else about how the images would come together.

All I can say is that I am all smiles in seeing this. It was a really nice surprise. I will treasure this card for a long time to come... Just lots of fun stories behind this card and wonderful people as well. Here are the scans that I took from the card.

Thought for the Day #6

2010-11-23T23:15:00.000-08:00

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. -Albert Schweitzer

Click on the image to see a larger version.

Double Trouble

2010-11-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

Bright fall leaves.... warm afternoon.... playground complete with mutltiple slides... Life is complete for this set of twins as they play at Rockwood Park!

Thought for the Day #5

2010-11-19T21:59:00.000-08:00

Is it too early to hope for snow???

Thought for the Day #4

2010-11-17T07:44:00.000-08:00

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. ~Anne Lamott

Lake of Mirrors
Luray Cavern, Va

A Little Fall Fun

2010-11-12T12:35:00.001-08:00

I bought a new polarizer filter for my new 50mm lens. Make a quick stop to Rockwood Park to take a 5 minute play break. Fall leaves are as fun as snowflakes... just much warmer!