Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Dragon Boat

I joined this sport, oh, back at the end of 2004. I immediately fell in love with the camaraderie between the paddlers and the sport itself. This is one of those sports where all 20 paddlers need to paddle together at the same time - "20 paddles, one heart". That's what I was taught by my coach. You sweat together, eat together and travel together. It's quite addicting. All age groups, skill and exercise levels. I sound like I'm trying to sell this sport. DieselFish I can't help it, where else can you find a sport such as this with such diversity? I think everyone should try it out to see what I mean.  I met my now husband there and others have dated and married as well so you never know what may hit you!



Our International Dragon Boat Race is at Treasure Island every September and it is awesome! We work all season long for this race. The weather was a smidge too hot this year but still gorgeous. I miss paddling with the team now that I have my little guy but I try to get out there every now and then. One day I hope to return.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

A pea

                                            Details: Canon 50mm 1.8 1/1600

We kind of started to grow a garden of vegetables. Now I mean a minimal amount. I figure I have to start somewhere. So we started with peas. I couldn't believe they actually started to grow! I didn't kill it? Amazing. One set of peas in a pod. I took care of that thing let me tell you. So we decided to pick it. Unfortunately, it wasn't ready. So we'll keep trying.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Always have it in hand

I'm starting to think I need to have my camera wrapped around my neck all so that I'm always practicing, getting new shots. Not just shots of my 8 month old because that would be boring for everyone and I think it would hold back my growth. I took a one-day crash course with Nicolesclasses Nicole Hill on basic photography. Normally this class is done in 4 weeks. I can see why! It was sooo awesome and sooo full of information. She gave us the weekly homework assignments that she would normally give her 4 week students and told us to do them and get practicing. Sadly I haven't. One of the assignments is to literally take your camera with you all day and shoot. Well I didn't do the all day thing just yet but I did carry and shoot for a couple of hours. Here are some pictures of my furry creatures that have needed my attention lately. Tyson, in black and white, and the little legs of the other guy is Angel.











Monday, September 13, 2010

Tryin'

My level of seriousness about photography has greatly increased over the past year. I really, really love it. What can be better than getting paid to do something you love! I'd like to, someday, turn this in to a business. Scary words to actually type out. I got a small knot in my stomach. Will I make it? Will people actually pay for my photos? I have to look at the positive side and think even if this business does not take off I enjoy doing taking pictures and I will continue to take picturess of my little boy, my friends and family. 
Sooo....with that being said, I only have a few lenses and I am interested in investing in the really good ones. I found a place where I can rent lenses for a fraction of the cost and try them all out. BorrowLenses is the place. They are fabbbulous! Located in San Carlos. Quick pick-up and quick drop-off super easy. I decided to rent the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM and the Canon Speedlite 430EX. I heard such great things from JasmineStar about this "buttery" lens. This is a pricey lens checking out at around $2k so I'm thrilled I can rent this stuff. I checked in with some people that were interested in doing some headshots, made some appointments, then booked my equipment. Boom. I was set. Unfortunately, both gigs got cancelled and I rented $75 worth of equipment and no portfolio shots. I was pretty bummed about it I have to admit. I do this for free and this is my chance to put together my portfolio. So I took pictures of my favorite subject, my 8-month baby boy. It was a lot of fun to take pictures indoors and out to really get the feel of this lens. I didn't need the flash because the light was so good. So I didn't get what I wanted out of the flash. BUT when you have a 1.2 lens you don't need to worry about light so much unless you are at a location where being indoors is pretty dark. I got a lot of fun photos with blurry backgrounds which is exactly what I wanted. Now that I have to return this lens tomorrow afternoon, I want buy one! Someday.


I took this picture after a walk with my husband and little man. There was a wedding going on at the local recreation center. I heart weddings and this gorgeous car was sitting there in the parking lot waiting for me to take a picture. The only thing I did to this picture, besides changing it to black and white, was crop it to see more of the side of the left car and the other photo i cropped to show more of the bumper and tire which I really love.





Friday, September 10, 2010

San Bruno Gas line explosion

I live about 14 miles from San Bruno where the gas line explosion occurred on Thursday, September 9th. A day that will never be forgotten. Sometimes I feel like we live in a bubble along the Peninsula as it seems not much happens here. And then we are tragically reminded of how life can end so quickly. I have a mix of emotions today. A feeling of being blessed that my home is not burned down but sadness for those that have. I want to reach out and help everyone that has been affected and hope their future looks bright. We will all do what we can to help out our fellow neighbors. It is what we are supposed to do. It is the right thing to do. Please donate money and blood to help our neighbors as well as others in need. Let's take a moment to say some prayers for these folks as they move forward from this tragic event.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_16043066?nclick_check=1

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Ebelskiver's

I took this picture after some friends of ours gave us this traditional Danish Ebelskiver mix. I had never heard of these before. My husband, of course, had the Ebelskiver pan.  I swear that man has everything. He made them on Labor Day and I just HAD to take pictures of them. They are delish! They taste a lot like pancakes with a nutmeg flavor. Then I had to do research online and found out you can fill them with fruit and nuts. YUM! I think I found another hobby. Or maybe for my husband! I think these would make great Christmas gifts if you are looking to go light on the wallet during the holidays. They are unique and taste great and not the same old chocolate chip cookies or brownies. Not that I'm against getting those :)


Saturday, September 4, 2010

Learning from the best

I think I am still going through withdrawals. No, not that kind of withdrawals. The Jasmine Star end of online course and needing more education type of withdrawals. I haven't had a chance to mention I took a 5-day online course with JasmineStar on Creative Live FREE! I know!!! (insert Monica from Friend's voice). I had a hard time attending the whole thing because I have a little baby of almost 8 months but I did what I could. It was really amazing, not only to learn from Jasmine Star but to be able to learn more about branding, style, lighting and exposure. So... even if you are not a wedding photographer it is still an awesome course to watch. I have learned beyond a plethora of information and I'm still researching and doing my homework. I want to be there already. Get passed the frustration of getting the right shot. But I do realize that the learning process and the frustration really is the road to becoming the best. So I'll keep hanging in there.

This picture is the ideal shot of a kid that I have wanted to get. Finally! I had taken an online course on how to shoot babies, toddlers and kids and I didn't get the shot I wanted for this age group during that time. BUT I finally got it. Though I can't submit this picture for that class ('cuz it's over!) it makes me smile.