Prints as of late

I've been working on some type poster prints lately. I've picked three separate quotes on three separate topics. Here are the first two on art/artists. Hopefully I can finish the third tonight. I've been thinking of making up some posters to sell. Whatchoo think?

UPDATE: I'll apologize now for the crappy display image quality.

The Woman Behind the Camera - What I learned from my Photographic Odyssey

The woman behind the camera - Still behind the camera.

As some of you might recall (well some of you constant followers, whomever you are), I did a 365 photo project last year. One photo a day for an entire year. I knew it wasn't anything new. I knew going into it that there might be some hard days to get into snapping away. I'll be the first to admit that I missed a few days here and there. There were only a few that I can count on one hand, and only missed them because of a hectic life. I also still have about five rolls of 120 film from a few days of the project that I have yet to develop and post to my photo-stream online.

This year I decided to forego the project. I didn't want to feel like I was stressed about taking my daily photo. I'll definitely own up to the truth; some days I just didn't even want to pick up a camera. I was afraid that I would overdo it. I was afraid that I might not make it the full year again. I was afraid that I might get burnt out on taking photos. I was afraid I was forcing it.

Over the last few weeks I've learned something about myself and the 365 project. I learned something from it. I learned a lot about photography, how to use multiple cameras, lighting, lenses and film. I believe that I improved my amateur hobby. That wasn't the most important thing I took from this experience. I've compiled a list of the things that I feel truly grateful for getting out of it, and I'm writing them down so I don't forget.

I learned...,

... even if I don't force myself to pick up the camera every day, I now want to pick up a camera...

...I get angry with myself if I go anywhere without a camera by my side. The opportunity always seems to present a photo when I am ill equipped...

...I appreciate the little things in life more, and I'm more apt to take photos of the little things to remember that blissful, happy moment in time...

...I really got around this last year. I saw some old friends from childhood, got to go home(town) more than I thought, had a lot of adventures and see some amazing things...

...I am more in love than words can explain. Looking back at special moments I caught on film and managed to snap make me smile and I'm glad to know I will always have those moments to look back on...

...I have an unhealthy obsession with my cats and dog...

and, last but not least...

...I am by no means a professional photographer. I wouldn't even say that to save my life, but I did learn that I am an amateur. A lover of photography.

Dance in his pants

Okay, I normally don't post things like this, but I think it might make your day. Who knew some guy dancing in his basement with a tripod and a camera could be so cool?! Seriously, this guy is my personal hero today. Plus I often like to use the term, "I have dance in my pants" when I get the urge to jive.

Please enjoy, and be sure to check out some of his other videos on his YouTube channel. It's pretty sweet. Oh, and if you get the urge to stand up and dance like I did, please do. The world could use a little more spontaneous dancing* once in a while.

*NOTE: Not spontaneous as in street side story where twelve guys just start snapping in unison on the street and break out into dance. That's just creepy. I'm talking about free form dance for all.

3.12.11 6 - A little bit of Crazy Horse

3.12.11 6 - A little bit of Crazy Horse

Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

Next to my plants, I have this rock. I know, not much to look at, but this rock is very important to me. It comes from the infamous Crazy Horse Monument carved into the side of a mountain still under construction in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I went there as a small child. I was in AWE at the size of the statue, and amazed at the detail and dedication it took. Nearby the viewing deck they had trams carting through with barrels of rocks that had been blasted off the mountain to form the giant statue. My brother and I each grabbed one. I remember making sure I picked the right one. Even as a small child I knew that the artist and crew were outside of the box thinkers, and I wanted to see if some of that would rub off on me. It's been a constant in every home I've lived in.

Sometimes it's a door stop, a paper holder or just a plain rock on the table. Usually it's just there. But when I look at it I remember the big idea, and the passion behind the project it was a part of and I can't bear to leave it behind.

Otter Love

So I've had a few people message me about some interesting animals to do. I'm liking it. However, I had to do an otter. I have a special love for them.

I'll follow up with some new animals and a finished otter image soon.

Sea Lions For Shore - Again

I've been really excited to be playing again with my doodles. I've been having such a blast with this lil' Sea Lion guy that I'm tempted to do some more. I've been thinking of doing a whole zoo animal series. If you have a request for any specific animal I'm open to making a list. I have been really yearning for some playful creatures to do some prints of.

Sea Lions Rule

This is what an hour worth of down-time doodling' results in.

More Photography News...

I'm what most people would call an amateur photographer. I'm proud of it too. You see, I recently discovered that the word amateur really doesn't mean one lacking professional status or skill. I learned that it comes from Old French and ultimately from Latin and amateur really means "a lover of". I find that quite fitting. I am a lover of photography. Whether it be one of my antique cameras, my trusty DSLR, or a homemade pinhole camera, I'm always taking pictures. I LOVE being able to capture life in a snap and be able to recall on that moment and how I felt when I look at those pictures later.

Being the amateur that I am, I'm sure you can guess how excited I get when I receive any type of feedback on my photos. It humbles me as well as excites me to say, I am incredibly honored to have been featured on the Daily Click on the Shutter Sister's website for the second time.

(On the thumbnail, second photo down.)

Thank you Shutter Sisters. You inspire me every day, and I thank you for letting me be a part of it.

Am I killing you guys with the photos already?