for myself

There was a time when heading out with my camera with no subject to focus on was uninspiring.  I felt unfocused just wandering around.  I didn't want to stalk strange children so I'd just head home with nothing on my memory card.  For me, capturing people feels safe.  This is definitely my comfort zone.  There is a confidence when I have a camera in hand and people to work with.  But take those people away and I find myself struggling.  I am definitely out of my element.

During the long weekend, I had the opportunity to spend time with my camera in one of my favorite places.  I purposefully didn't carry my camera with me throughout the entire day.  I felt I needed a break from being the photographer and wanted to focus on my family.  (There were some pictures taken but I'll share those in another post.)  I felt almost giddy to be using my camera in such a different way.  I got out the tripod (which I never use), played around with flash for a bit and took pictures.  It felt amazing.

I know deep down I'm a people photographer.  But I realize that I need these kinds of moments.  The ones where I'm only shooting for myself.  Focusing on new techniques, pushing my creativity and my camera skills.  Trying something new, something out of my comfort zone is definitely something I need to build into my life.  How do you find new inspiration?

getting away

We have been spoiled.  The weather the past 2 weekends have been amazing and we've been outside the city, enjoying nature both weekends.  It does make for a maddening week with piles of dirty laundry and too many images to possibly edit and post.  But before I can even get to sharing this past weekend's shots, I can't forget about the previous weekend.  It was only a few hours into the weekend, but already the bathing suits were on and my kids were wet and muddy.  

 
Jesse scrapped his face the previous evening after falling off the swings.  He recovered by the next day.

 Nathaniel watching the big boys play basketball.

The kids spent the entire weekend playing in the sand.

A personal favorite from the weekend.

 I couldn't decide which ones to share in the next series, so I included them all.  Just can't pick a favorite.

 This one might be the winner for me.

 Two good friends.

 And before we left, the kids HAD to finish the leftover ice cream.

Pictures from this past weekend coming soon!

races

Yesterday after supper the boys began playing hockey on the driveway.  As I was lured outside by the beautiful light, I grabbed my camera and found the hockey game was just wrapping up.  Jesse's plan was to now have races on the sidewalk.  The iphone stop watch got pulled out and the races began.

I travelled down the street to visit the neighbour dog.

 Distracted by the cherry tree.

 Timing Daddy and Nathaniel.

It was a good evening with my boys.