TURN IT OFF & hold it!!!

I have learned so much over the last year or so from various blogs that I frequent. There is a common thread among most of what I'm reading....natural! Some of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen are those where the subject is completely oblivious to a camera anywhere close. Since most of my pictures have people in them, I have really tried to be more transparent with the camera. The number one best trick I have learned is to TURN THE FLASH OFF!!! Granted there are some instances where it must be used. But, most of the time it will not be missed. Even indoorsHere are some pics that were taken indoors without a flash. I really love natural lighting, even if it isn't the greatest!

This is a picture that was taken indoors at a museum. Virtually no light anywhere, so the flash was used. We look a bit on the illuminated side but if we didn't use the flash then you wouldn't have known we were standing in front of the chocolate exhibit...(and we don't want to forget that wonderful day!!).
Last but not least, one more parting piece of advice...hold your breath. I have no idea where I read that. But, I got it from somewhere and I do it all the time now. Especially when I'm taking indoor pictures with low light. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get the picture without too much fuzziness. But, it has helped considerably. It really does help! Even if you don't have a fancy SLR, you CAN take great pictures!

Live Today.
Dawn

Write now!!!!

I am sure, like me, you have probably wondered if what we are going through as a country is similar to what our grandparents faced. While we might not be experiencing it quite like they did, the feelings are the same. When we lose our job and wonder how we are going to feed our families those are the same emotions that our grandparents and parents faced. When we see businesses close their doors and friends pack up and move away, I am sure it feels exactly the same. But pondering on all of this actually gives me hope. They made it! They struggled and found new ways of doing things. They were handed the same empty plate and found a way to carry on. And in doing so, they raised a family with values, morals and a strong sense of togetherness.

February 3rd, 2004 my grandparents were going to celebrate their 59th anniversary. As a family, all 50 of us did an album for them. It was an album created by ALL of us. It was very important for everyone to share their thoughts and wonderful memories in their own pictures and in their own handwriting! I actually did several pages of grandpa and grandpa and the story of their life. Then the rest of the family did pages that I added to the album.

My grandparents had 6 children. So, I actually mailed 12x12 sheets to all the kids and asked them to write a letter to their mom and dad and maybe add a few pictures if they wanted. Beautiful does not even come close to describing how these pages turned out!This is my mom's page.
And not only did the 6 kids get involved but all the grandkids did a page. I actually got carried away and did several pages. I had lots of stories to tell! The point is, don't wait! Those wonderful stories are so very close to never being remembered! If you have family members that remember the "good ole days". Start asking them questions and write them down or record them and transcribe them later.
The book that I did really isn't all that fancy. I actually used the computer to write down my grandparents story and used lots vintage stuff. It didn't take all that long. With everyone contributing something it turned out to be a treasured keepsake. After it was finished, many in the family wanted copies of it. So, we took it to Kinko's and made some copies. The copies actually turned out pretty good too! :)
While you are busy remembering your families' stories, maybe find out a little more about those who have already walked the long road of life.
Live Today!
Dawn

keeping it real....

My dad came in to see his girls, grandbabies and even the son-in-laws. What a wonderful time we had. The time I get to spend with my mom and dad is precious, it doesn't get to happen often enough. Many times in the past, we have found ourselves taking lots of "posed" shots. Ever since I started Project 365, I have been thinking twice about the pictures that truly capture our lives. I mentally decided to take more pictures of dad and the kids without them even knowing I had a camera in my hand. I didn't want to say, "look up here". I wanted the lense to capture their expressions and the bonding.When I look at the pictures I have, I can hear the laughs and the conversations. I can even smell the delicious food we ate at Chang's...

Another evening we were driving and R and D were having a nice father-son conversation. I don't even remember what they were talking about. What I do remember is D having his hand up explaining something and R instinctively placing his in his daddy's. I have never grabbed my camera so fast. Thank heavens it was sitting right next to me in my purse...(love the point and shoots for that!)
This is a picture that I would never EVER try to create. The fact that it was such a natural thing is what makes it priceless to me!

Last but not least..wanted to share something I did for my P365. We all have days that seem endless. The list of things to do is mind boggling. Most of the things on my lists aren't even life changing. But, they are still part of my life and things that are important to my family. Here is a card that went straight into my book back on July 24th.
Needless to say I couldn't even fit it onto a 4x6 card. So, I took a piece of 12x12 cardstock (mine happend to be lined to resemble notebook paper) and trimmed it down to 4x12. Journaled and embellished it. Then I folded it vertically 2 times so it would fit into my 4x6 slot. Now I will always remember the little things that added up to be a very full day!

Live today!
Dawn