I'm Taking Pictures for No Good Reason at All!

Well, I've had my camera for nearly a month now, and it hasn't parted from my hand much over the last 30 days.  I've been snapping pictures like crazy.  Some ok, some good, some not so good, and then occasionally I get one I really like.  A big thanks to Jamie for giving me a crash course on aperture in 3 paragraphs or less and to Shellie for introducing me to the Pioneer Woman (I feel like she's a country girl after my own heart!)  I've been studying the Internet for all things photography.  I'm gaining confidence and moving into shooting in some of my manual modes.  I'm also beginning to realize what I like about pictures, my personal preferences on style, content, and exposure.  I recognize that I may not be following all the rules to a "T".  But, hey, their my pictures!  So all that matters to me right now is that I like 'em!

And for all of you who keep asking, "No, I don't intend to make a career out of this once Brenna starts school".  I'm not nearly that good and definitely don't intend to invest the amount of money it would take to be that good.  This is a very expensive hobby.  I'm already eyeing another lens to add to my collection and the new mac photo editing software, Aperture.  For right now this is just a hobby and I consider it another notch in my "Housewife / Mommy" belt, right behind cooking, home decor, and gardening.  That being said, I do love to take pictures, so for anyone who wants to take some pics for fun, birthdays, showers, whatever, I'd love to help.  However, that offer is only for friends and family, I'm not hiring out!

Of course, Brenna has been my guinea pig and, as you can imagine, she's also my favorite "content"!  The poor cats run and hide every time they see the camera come out of the drawer.  There is one thing I've noticed over the month.  Brenna doesn't like to smile for me.  She doesn't mind taking pictures, but she won't smile.  Not if its just me asking.

These are a couple of "for instance" shots.  I took these this week, just before Brenna's 2nd dance class.  She's just too darn cute in those pick leotards to pass up.  It was just me and Brenna on the front porch.

"Smile Brenna!  Smile Sweetheart!  Brenna, Please Smile!!!!!"

Now, these next few were taken the next afternoon.  Jacob and I took Brenna for our afternoon bike ride along the creek trail.  All Jacob has to do is smile at her and Brenna looks like Mr. Ed!  What's the deal???  I know she's a daddy's girl, but come on.  I've slaved over this child's well-being for the last 3 years, and all I can get is a straight-lipped smirk!!!

Now, the next picture was my whole reason for bringing the camera with me on that walk.  I had been turning this idea over in my mind ever since I got the camera.  The picture was taken on the white stone bridge that you cross to get to our house.  I always thought that would be a great place for a picture because of all the beautiful pecan trees on each side of the creek.  Well, my shot was ruined thanks to an unidentied "punk" (that's right, I think he's a punk!)  who picked the exact time we were on the bridge to track back and forth over the bridge on his dirt bike that could be heard from 5 miles away.  We had just stopped at the spot to get set up when he showed up.  He kept circling and coming back, so the noise never ceased.   Poor Brenna wouldn't take her hands off her ears, so after I realized he had no intentions of riding anywhere else, I gave up.  Oh well!  It will make for a great shoot one day.  I'll get it eventually.

I'm gonna give Brenna a break for alittle while and move on to some new victims.  I've already talked Shellie into letting me practice on her son John, and Jodi doesn't know it yet, but Anna will be in the hot seat when they visit in October.  In Brenna's words "Mama, your not very good at that.  You need to practice some more!"  I'd prefer not to say what she was referring to........