Rock the Shot January Challenge

This year I am taking my photography to a new level.  To start the year I am entering the January photo challenge with this shot of my sister, Sarah.  The challenge is sponsored by Rock the Shot.

We are to pick our favorite photo from 2012 and this one happens to be one of my favorites because it captures her exactly as I see her.  She is full of life.  We laugh, giggle and have a lot of fun when we are together and you can see it here in her eyes.  

I captured this by crouching down so I was slightly below her level.  She was facing a window, so the light is natural.  I also used a reflector to bounce more light on her face.  She is always saying funny things so we were actually just talking.  I told her I was just checking the settings on my camera and therefore she was relaxed.  I took a few shots and this is the result. 

ROCK THE SHOT FORUM

Squam Art Workshops

I have two special announcements today.  The first one being that if you are interested in attending Squam, the spring 2013 registration is now open! 

The second announcement is that I am honored that Elizabeth and her team have used a few of my photos on the new Squam website.  There is a slide show on the home page and my photos filter through the show.  In the grand scheme of things, it is not a big deal, butI feel honored because it's a testament to how much I've grown personally.  First and foremost to have even attended in 2009 was a big deal.  It's not like me to fly across the country by myself to participate in a creative camp that was so outside of my box.  This blog is a result of that trip. 

But life is about taking chances and making new discoveries about yourself.  This year was my second trip.  If I were to compare myself from then to now, I've grown immensely.  Not only in my abilities as a photographer, journaler, and artist but also emotionally.  I handle and carry myself differently.  So to see that woman end up with a few photos on a very public page is humbling.  It's a small affirmation that what I'm doing matters, who I am is important, and that my roots are spreading.  Everyone needs to feel that from time to time.

I do hope you get to go someday.  It will change you, I promise.