Memorial Day 2013

Keep Grateful,

Annie

Growing Pains

So I've been looking back at my previous posts 

(specifically my very first posts from 2007 and 2008)

and I am realizing just how far I have come in this hobby of mine!

My first few years, I relied heavily on my editing programs to make my work interesting.

Don't get me wrong, I still love creating pieces of art through those programs,

but I have worked through the awkward phase of photo editing

and I am comfortable saying that these days I do very little editing

because I have learned how to use angles, my surroundings, 

and MOST IMPORTANTLY, my camera!

I am so passionate about my photography,

and I'm so happy that I can recognize my growing pains and that I THINK I have grown out of them

enough so that the pictures that I make can stand on their own.

I'm hoping to have some people sessions soon - 

I knew that it would take a while after we moved,

but I'm CRAVING a session with adorable kiddos!!

Until then, and as always, Keep Smiling!!

Annie

... going through withdrawals ...

It is a quiet Sunday afternoon!

The hubs is at work, and I'm just chillin' with the cat!

I've been thinking about this blog so much lately,

and I've been thinking about photography even more ...

I knew that when we moved, it would take me some time

to step outside of my comfort zone and build up a clientele,

and I have realized that I am going through some serious withdrawal.

I've pulled out Nikki the Nikon two or three times since we have been here,

but for scenery shoots, not people shoots -

while I do love a good scenery pic, I get so much joy

and so much energy from photographing people.

I've been playing around with some different ideas about how to put myself out there, 

so hopefully you'll see some new people photos soon!

Until then, keep smiling!

... The Mom Stays In The Picture ...

Yes. It's true. I'm still alive.

I've been M.I.A. for several months,

but I'm alive! Not only alive, but very well!

We have made the big move with the husband's job,

we have settled down in our new place,

and we are back to life!!

I have thought about this blog so much

and I have big, big plans for some time down the road!

I'm not ready to get back to blogging here quite yet,

but I will be ... and soon ... that is a definite promise!

Until then, I want to leave you with this article:

The Mom Stays In the Picture 

If you are ever hesitant to be in a photograph,

this might help you warm to the idea!!

Keep Smiling,

Annie

Cache Valley

My husband is training for an 'upgrade' at work!

When this 'upgrade' happens, 

we will be moving to a new city,

and starting a new life.

This 'upgrade' is schedule to happen, literally, any time now.

For the last few months, 

we have grown very nostalgic about our hometown.

We really do love Cache Valley

and our hope is that wherever we go,

we can find a city somewhat similar!!

In case that doesn't happen, 

we've been trying to capture the perfect picture

of our happy valley!!

So far, this is our favorite attempt:

We're definitely not done in our quest,

and I'll share more as we make them!!

Keep Smiling,

Annie

Firework

Before you read this post, go ahead and push play on the following video! 

Wait for the commercial to finish, then listen to the song and if you want, 

watch the video that goes along with it! My thoughts to follow!!

I will admit it. I'm a Gleek! The first time that I heard this song was on "Glee." 

I loved it SO much that I did a little research to find out who the original artist was!

 Before this song, I had never heard of Katy Perry.  I'm not a huge Katy Perry fan, 

but I absolutely LOVE the lyrics to this song, and I absolutely LOVE the music video!

If you have never listened to the words to this song, I'll sum it up for you.

YOU (yes, YOU) are an INDIVIDUAL. 

You. are. special. 

There is NO ONE ELSE out there that is LIKE YOU. 

The world NEEDS YOU! 

EMBRACE your IMPERFECTIONS. 

You Are A Firework - Let Your Colors Burst!!

We just celebrated Independence Day!! I cannot express enough gratitude 

for the fact that I live in a free country. We are free to live as we want to live and to 

believe what we want to believe - and I firmly believe that it is our responsibility to

ensure that every citizen of this country feels the same security that I do. 

I am extremely grateful for the men and women, and their families, 

who serve and have given their lives so that I can blossom as an individual 

and enjoy the freedoms that I do!

My Independence Day was spent with my family - enjoying a parade, 

experimenting with light sticks, and watching the fireworks! Here are some photos from my day!

My husband has an aunt who's signature saying is, "Remember to SPARKLE." 

We are blessed to live in a country that allows us to do so, and I hope that 

YOU will take advantage of that blessing and let yourself 

EMBRACE YOUR INDIVIDUALITY!!

Keep Smiling,

... life happens ...

I don't know how many people look at this blog. 

I'd like to think that it is looked at often, but I really have no idea! 

For those one or two of you who might look at it every once in a while, 

I have not fallen off the face of the earth!

This last month has been busy and full of things that weren't so fun, 

but I suppose that is life, right? 

School has since started and studying is occupying most of my "free time," 

but I'm hoping to get organized enough that I can still shoot and post regularly!

Until that miracle happens, I'll leave you with a picture of my beautiful niece, Sadie, on her blessing day!

Keep Smiling,

Annie

... getting the hang of it ...

I have finally had some time to sit down

and work my way around Photoshop Elements!

There is a lot to learn, but so far I am enjoying the creative options that it is giving me!

Here are a couple of my creative attempts - if you have a minute, I'd love to know what you think!!

Keep Smiling,

Summer Photos

I've always been taught that honesty is the best policy. Here is my truth:

I'm not a professional photographer. (*gasp*)

I hope none of you are disappointed.

I have never claimed to be professional.

I have taken photography classes and I intend on taking more,

BUT ...

PHOTOGRAPHY IS MY PASSION

I have chosen NOT to major in photography for that exact reason. 

I would HATE for my passion to become a chore, a stressor, 

or turn into something that I do not enjoy. 

I have chosen a major that I believe in so that I could keep my passion for photography alive.

That being said, I have a favor to ask of you. 

I am CRAVING some summer shoots! 

My arms are literally aching to hold my camera and my brain

is needing to exert some creative juices!!

Let me share with you what I have in mind:

- $25 photo shoots

- 1 location, 1/2 hour of shooting

- 10 edited images on a disc

(More locations, longer shoots and more images can be negotiated)

The reasons: I have a desire to learn. I have a desire to become better. 

I have a desire to explore and develop my creative options, 

AND, I want to give those of you who have "stuck by me" thus far a big "THANK YOU!"

If you are interested in a super cheap photo shoot or want to volunteer to model, 

I'm more than happy and willing to work with you!! 

I am easiest reached via e-mail (clarlawphotos @ gmail . com) and can't wait to hear from you!!

And now for a picture, because this is a photography blog, and it's a rule. 

I took "Nikki the Nikon" out for a drive a few weeks back and tested out the macro setting!

Keep Smiling,

Zions National Park

We went to Zions for a Spring Break/Anniversary getaway in March! 

We had a fabulous time breaking in Nikki the Nikon while hiking around through the park! 

Here are a few of our favs!

Keep Smiling,

If I Had...

all the time in the world, 

my pictures from our Spring Break trip to Zions would already be posted.

Alas, I do not have all the time in the world, but we took a lot of pictures. 

We are loving our camera. So much that all I want to do is shoot people, and places, and things. 

And it's not just me. Nate loves it too. When we got back from our trip, he captured this:

It's amazing what a tripod, a remote and a lot of patience can do!

Now that we are back from our much needed vacation, 

I hope to get to know Nikki the Nikon intimately and to share with you our results! 

Oh, and I'll be posting more pictures from our trip - in time!

Keep Smiling,

Northern Cache Valley

We are having way TOO much fun with Nikki the Nikon! 

This weekend we grabbed some Jamba Juice and 

drove through Northern Cache Valley!

It was a beautiful day and we had a great talking and shooting!

 

Keep Smiling,

Barren

It's that time of year. 

The trees are bare. 

The grass is muddy and brown. 

The outdoors feel barren and empty. 

This is the time of year when the word Spring brings me nothing but joy! 

To see flowers blooming and snow melting brings me hope and happiness.

But I've got to say that I do love the trees before they bloom. 

Their skeletons are beautiful. 

Their unique array of branches speak to me.

I tried to capture the some of the emptiness that this time of year brings. 

And when the hope and happiness come from the blooming flowers, I'll capture that as well!

Oh, and I'm LOVING the new camera! Stay tuned for more pics!

Keep Smiling,