110/255 + 1

B and I went over to the boardwalk last evening, the air was still and temps at 78 degrees. What a wonderful night for pizza at our favorite place and a stroll. I tried to capture a shadow photo of B and I by the fence. I didn't have my settings correct and the exposure was way to long. I moved the camera and captured the nearby light, creating the etching. I kind of liked it and it is different from any thing I have posted prior. So for today a mistake made into the POD.

50/315 + 1

This winter has been mild resulting very little snow.  I heard on the weather forcast, last year we had 71 days below the freezing point, this year we've only had 21.  Quite the contrast to last winter with three blizzards adding to over 60" of the white powder. So I have little to complain about but I've really had enough of all the rain. Looking forward to some sunny summer days.

happy to come home to ~

Let me preface this by saying, I am happiest when I come home to B. Unfortunately, we work vastly different schedules and all to often he is not home when I arrive after a long day at work.

At the sound of the garage door opening and the car pulling in the “official” welcome committee jumps to attention and all is focused on the newest arrival. As I approach the door, I can hear the sound of the happy tap dancer on the other side. When I open the door, I am greeted by the wag of a tail, a good sniff over and a lick on the hand. On the occasion when I decide to lay down for a bit, I am always joined by my friend.

I am happy to come home to the welcome committee.

a flickr selfie prompt

It always surprises me how many photographers don’t like to be in front of the camera. I was among them. Last year while participating in a Project 365 and often took photos of my husband and I. Having him in the shot made me relax and offered someone (something) to look at and set my focus on prior to running into the frame. On occasion, I would practice selfies, I always felt vain.

As the year continued, and I learned more about photography and editing, I became more comfortable. I enjoy portrait photography but had no one upon which to practice (other than my husband and he can only take so much!)

Searching the net, I came across a young women’s blog. She was expecting and documented her pregnancy by taking tons of selfies. (what a wonderful gift for her baby girl to have) She offered fabulous tutorials and tips.

I have come to the point where I don’t mind being out front, and I actually like have complete editorial control over a photo of myself.

6/359 +1

Oh, why am I doing this to myself, why did I join the Daily Challenge flickr group? Today’s prompt was film noir, meaning black film. This type of cinema was generally centralized around a private eye, in a dark room, with his name on the glass window and his dame always lurking about in a cloud of smoke.

Ok, this was not easy to recreate. I came up with several ideas; go over to the dock this evening and take shots under the street lights or head over to the boardwalk where, hopefully, the ocean would be creating a mist. I could not muster the energy for either of these ideas. So I opted for a shot at home by our bar. I am not really pleased with this shot but it will have to do for now.

Back to the question of why I joined this particular flickr group, because it is fun, it pushes me to move out of my comfort zone and to learn more about this art of photography. I will have to attempt this film noir again at a later date.

361/4

359/6

~ Merry Christmas ~

328/37

With it raining on and off, very heavy at times, B and I made the decision to cancel our plans to witness the inflation of the Macy’s balloons. We have gone on prior years and it is a good time. We're sorry we missed it.  This was not an easy decision but the thought of getting drenched, having to walk 20 city blocks and then having to wait for a bus just didn’t seem like fun. During one of the breaks in the rain we were able to get a walk in and a quick visit to the beach.

There are so many things to be thankful for: my health, my amazing family, my wonderful friends, my crazy and silly dogs. Both my husband and I have a jobs and I have a roof over my head and food on my table. I have the beach and ocean, so I can feel the sand under my feet and the warmth of sunshine on my shoulders. But above all things I am thankful for the love of my husband and the joy he brings me each day.

May you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!

300/65

see what happens when I finally put the camera down ♥

291/74

Me and B, we decided to take advantage of the sunny day by getting out on the water and doing a little leaf peeking.

249/116

 still ~ the world stops turning, the heavens open, the sun shines, and the angels sing ♥

155/210

B was out last evening, leaving the dogs and me home alone.  We were under a tornado watch which is unusual for NJ.  Generally we don't experience such extreme weather.  Willow doesn't like thunder and I wasn't thrilled with the thought of a possible tornado.  To help keep us calm I decided to get out the camera and work on a few selfies.  All poor "Willy" wanted to do was climb into my lap.

122/243

It is my day.

 My day to celebrate and do what I want.

 I plan on spending it with family and friends, talking and laughing, and eating cupcakes and ice cream.

Yes, it is my day.

Join in the Marco Monday fun over @ Lisa's Chaos.

104/261

I had the day off today and had planned on catching up on some of my housework, the dusting, vacuuming, laundry, and, as a treat, thought I might even cook dinner for B and I. Decided on playing with "selfie" instead.  We can go out for dinner and the dust will still be there tomorrow.

16/349

On this cold January afternoon, I turned the electic blanket on earlier than usual. It's warmth was to difficult to resist and I found myself drawn to it's electric heat. It drew me in as if it were a magnet and the thought of a enjoying a midday nap crept into mind. The "girls" must have felt the same pull and joined me. Willow understood exactly what I had in mind, Shyla, true to form, had to sniff, lick and otherwise be the little adorable investigator, she is.

ISO 800, f/5.3, 1/40

I was finding it difficult to get the correct settings, I didn't know if I should adjust for the white walls and sweater or on the puppies. Decision was to desatutate and lighten it up in Photoshop. I like the way it softened the colors creating a blending. However, I would have liked Willow and Shyla's adorable faces to be a little more defined. Any suggestions?

SkyWatch Friday: 1-22-10

Pull up a chair & join me for a sunset over the river. The water is boiling and ready for a cuppa tea. The coffee is brewing.

view others @ Sky Watch Friday.