An Abundance of Azaleas / Project 52 - Week 13

...what...a...week...!?!

  I'm going to make this post quick, I need to catch-up on some long overdue SLEEP.  I must admit, that I'm slightly jealous that all 3 little ones are resting peacefully.  We've had a rather hectic day - but a beautiful one...today my youngest turned 3 {more to come on next week's post}!!

  So I'll admit...the last 2+ weeks have been a little overwhelming for me.  Normally I try to handle everything that is thrown my way...but without a break, even I cannot keep up the pace lately.  Vacation...is just around the corner...almost there...

  I didn't get out and about this week with my camera, but did manage to capture some lovely images with my iPhone camera.  Going forward, I'll try not to include these in Project 52, since the camera phone doesn't provide any manual control over images.  This week's photo was captured on our way to the car...and I feel like the image couldn't be more 'fun'.

Project 52 ~ Week 13
{Captured:  iPhone photo}

  The wall of azaleas provided a fun and vibrant backdrop for a quick image of my youngest {who was jumping with joy}.  Those bright pink blooms are in great contrast with the green grass - love when that happens in nature!

Have a lovely week!
--Jennifer

Hazy Sunlight / Project 52 ~ Week 10

Hello and Happy Sunday!
 We've had a wonderful weekend, so far!  The weather has been amazing, and the sun quite beautiful!  We spent yesterday cleaning indoors and headed outdoors to clean-up and add-to our front and back gardens.  The kids were especially helpful, which was much appreciated, so I had promised them a trip to visit with the baby chicks.  We left late afternoon, with plenty of beautiful sunshine left.  The kids had so much fun seeing the progress of the chicks {and scaring them}...they eventually moved on to running towards the cows {and communicating with loud 'moos' and laughs}.
 
  After a quick trip through the pine trees, we walked past the cows once again {poor cows} - it was then that I captured a quick image of my oldest daughter.   She had climbed the gate and was having a blast "communicating" in loud 'moos'.  The sun had lowered and was casting a lovely haze on the scene.  I took a moment to snap two shots and chose this one for this week's image:

Project 52 / Week 10
{Captured:  50mm - ISO 100 - F5.6 - 1/400}

  I love how the sun cast a hazy yellow light on the tree line, cows and my daughter.  She's calm being in an environment of her choice, with no posing or smile requested, leaving the final image relaxed and a bit more serious.  I find that some of my most favorite images are a result of "following" the subject so that they are more relaxed and natural.

  I am looking forward to more of these lovely sunny days this year!
Have a wonderful week!
--Jennifer

Rushed Moments / Project 52 ~ Week 8

  This week's post is a bit later than normal.  First, I must admit, I forgot to take a picture!  I can't believe it, but Sunday morning arrived and I had multiple nature photographs (for my JLP Project 52), but had neglected to capture even one image for this week's Project.  So, this week's image was actually photographed this morning.
  Earlier this week, my girls and I had noticed several of our Hyacinth bulbs had emerged from the ground. We planted these seemingly forever ago...and were delighted to see the beautiful pink and purple blooms!  Regretfully I didn't have my camera outside with us to capture a quick shot of the discovery.
  This morning, I asked my 8 year old {very sweetly} if she would accompany me outside to get a quick shot for my Project.  She was willing {thank goodness} and I allowed her to choose her outfit and pose outside.  With her relaxed, I was able to capture a side profile of her with these lovely pink blooms:

{Captured:  ISO 125 - F2.8 - 1/250}

  While processing this photograph, I chose to add a few different layers for more of a "vintage" feel with just a slight haze added and some selected color pops to make the main subjects stand apart from the dark brown garden floor.

  This week has shown me that I really need to set a reminder to make sure I work on the Project at least once per week!  I'm definitely going to do a check each Wednesday going forward.

  We have some fun announcements coming soon - the next 8 weeks has some exciting adventures and fun sessions planned for Y.D.P.!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!
-Jennifer