2009 Photo of the Day

New Blog

2009-08-29T16:58:00.003-04:00

I have moved to a new blog. Come visit me at http://www.jenaphotography.com/blog.
I'm working out a few small kinks but it is up and running.

Curved Triangle {Shapes}

2009-08-28T20:37:00.002-04:00

We went to a fish fry earlier today. It started to rain so we came home. We did eat and get a chance to walk around a bit. We saw the horses for the horse/tractor pull. That is the only thing we missed. On our walk I came across a church and saw this lovely curved triangle window.

ISO 400
SS 1/125
Fstop 5.6
Canon 85mm 1.8
Added a light texture to the background.

Dozer Tracks {Shapes}

2009-08-27T20:20:00.002-04:00

You are all probably thinking what shape is this? These are tracks on a dozer that is sitting in our driveway. It is a shape of sorts but what shape I am not sure. I guess you could say lines as lines is a shape. If anyone knows let me know.

ISO 200
SS 1/50
Fstop 5.6
Canon 85mm 1.8

Names {Shapes}

2009-08-26T17:39:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite snacks is Cheez Its. I saw these in the store and just had to get them for the girls. I'm using them to get them to find letters, spell words and etc. So, today I thought I'd spell their names in a photo. I know I know we are not supposed to play with our food. Just couldn't resist.

ISO 400
SS 1/200
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Circles & Hearts {Shapes}

2009-08-25T23:25:00.000-04:00

As you can see the first photo is a bunch of canning jars which are circular. I know not very exciting but didn't plan too much for today's photo. It was taken in the store while out running a couple errands. Second photo is an aerial that I took yesterday. It looks to me to be the top portion of a heart. This one was taken 1 mile up off the ground above the clouds. Finally the third photo is of the Booe Family Sawmill which is 2.5 miles down the road from us.

ISO 400
SS 1/200
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

ISO 100
SS 1/500
Fstop 11
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8
Shot in P mode

ISO 100
SS 1/500
Fstop 6.3
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8
Shot in P mode

Swirl Crop Art {Shapes}

2009-08-24T12:51:00.003-04:00

This week's theme is shapes. I do believe this photo fits the theme nicely. This farm field is not far from the house. Hope to get some more crop art photos soon. I could not decide if I liked it better in color or in b&w. What are your thoughts which do you like better color or b&w?

ISO 100
SS 1/320
Fstop 5.6
100mm Macro 2.8

Aerial Photos

2009-08-23T14:34:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I've been able to post some photos. I started a new venture with my photography. Flying with Matt in his Citabria airplane and taking Aerial photos. I used my 100mm macro 2.8 lens on this first 2 and on the 3rd I used my 85mm 1.8 lens. Tomorrow I'll be getting back into posting daily. Hope you come back to see some new photos.

Sunflare

Barn - This one will go in my barn series that I'm working on.

And finally the Citabria that we fly in.

Japanese Beetle {Faces in Strange Places}

2009-07-06T19:46:00.003-04:00

This week's them is Faces in Strange Places. It's that time of year and this creepy things are all over. In fact I had one in my hair last week. Freaked out as I was combing my fingers through my hair and touched it. And of course I screamed as I had no idea what was in my hair. Let me introduce you to a Japanese Beetle.

ISO 100
SS 1/80
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Coffee Shop Cool Photography Actions and Tutorials

2009-07-06T17:48:00.001-04:00

Come check out the all the cool things Rita has to offer.

Fireworks (Saturday and Sunday) {Patriotic}

2009-07-05T20:55:00.000-04:00

What a way to end a great theme week. But with fireworks to celebrate a very Patriotic holiday.

ISO 1600
SS 1/80
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8
Shot on P mode and hand held.

ISO 1600
SS 1/800
Fstop 5.6
Canon 85mm 1.8
Star Filter
Shot on P mode and hand held.

Mr. & Mrs. King {Patriotic}

2009-07-03T23:58:00.003-04:00

Today I had the pleasure of shooting my first wedding. Although it was small it was a bit stressful during the ceremony. At least for me. I'm not sure I'll do weddings in the future but it was good practice. I wish we had more time for detail shots and reception photos. I had Eliana's Vacation Bible School program this evening therefore could not photograph the reception. This young couple was lovely and great to work with. Thank you for letting me share your special day with you. Congratulations Tiffany and Dominic!!! So, I proudly bring you Mr. & Mrs. King...

ISO 100
SS 3200
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

I could not decide which processing I liked either. I have only done this photo. Let me know which one you like.

1 - Color

2 - Pioneer Woman's B&W @ 69% Opacity Gradient Map

3 - My B&W

Home {Patriotic}

2009-07-02T21:34:00.004-04:00

Eliana's sitter Sarah decorates for every holiday. And as usual there is one hanging on the front door. Sarah made this as well. She's pretty crafty and Eliana likes to do them when she is there too. Sarah definitely decorates for the Fourth of July as her husband served in the military. Can't remember right now if it was the Air Force or the Marines.

ISO 640 - And YES I actually used something other then ISO 100. Can you believe it?
SS 1/125
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8
Pioneer Woman's Boost
Pioneer Woman's Vintage @ 69% Opacity
Pioneer Woman's Lovely and Ethereal

Lechner, Flag, Pinata {Patriotic}

2009-07-01T18:18:00.002-04:00

This week's theme is Patriotic. These are photos from Monday, Tuesday and today. It's been 11 days since I've posted photos here on the blog. Things have been busy and now Eliana is back home from visiting Oma and Opa {my mom and dad}.

James R L. Lechner served in the military and was young when he died. Being in the military is the most Patriotic thing someone can do at least in my book. Although I grew up as an army brat and this is how I feel.

ISO 100
SS 1/40
Fstop 5.6
Canon 85mm 1.8

The American Flag - a patriotic symbol as known by all.

ISO 100
SS 1/1000
Fstop 5.6
Canon 85mm 1.8

And as we near the Fourth of July the stores are carrying products in red, white and blue. This one being a star pinata. Does this seem noisy to you at all?

ISO 640
SS 1/200
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Fishing Pole {All Boy}

2009-06-20T23:13:00.002-04:00

This goes along with the worm from a couple days ago. I have some photos of Eliana fishing with my dad 2 years ago. They are in storage at the moment. But I can still picture the moment and look on her face when she caught her first fish. She loves to go fishing. And it reminds me of when I used to go with my dad at her age. Eliana got a Barbie fishing pole for Christmas and she'll get to use it 4th of July weekend. I will be sure to capture more photos of her fishing. Like I said before Eliana is my tomboy in a dress.

ISO 100
SS 1/100
Fstop 5.6
Canon 85mm 1.8

Shoes {All Boy}

2009-06-19T20:21:00.004-04:00

I myself would not wear these shoes even if I was a tomboy. This seems to be the trend right now. And being a pair of boys shoes you can see they have dirt on them. I'm honestly surprised they are not dirty as I know the 11 year old boy who they belong too.

Now if they were my shoes that would be spotless. LOL I just hate dirty shoes. Although I have gotten a manicure and pedicure then gone outside that same day and planted a garden. But shoes just can't get dirty. Shoes unlike clothes which can be washed.

ISO 200
SS 1/250
Fstop 3.2
Canon 85mm 1.8

Trucks {All Boy}

2009-06-19T00:38:00.002-04:00

Boys big and small they all like trucks especially big ones. Went into town this evening and the car lot on the south side sells big trucks. This one here is the new style. It kind of reminds me of the trucks in the movie Transformers.

ISO 200
SS 1/6400
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8
8 Point Star Filter

Worm {All Boy}

2009-06-17T17:48:00.002-04:00

Boys will be boys. They love to play with worms and bugs. Although even Eliana likes to play with bugs and worms. I call her my tomboy in a dress. Most of the time she is not afraid to get dirty.

ISO 200
SS 1/800
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Little Fire Boy {All Boy}

2009-06-16T21:41:00.003-04:00

It seems most little boys dream of becoming a fireman when they grow up. In the mean time they can dream and pretend. And for those who go on to be real firemen all I can say is thank you. A fireman goes above and beyond duty.

ISO 200
SS 1/125
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Remote Control Ford Truck {All Boy}

2009-06-15T20:30:00.003-04:00

This week's them is "All Boy". This ought to be an interesting week since I only have a girl. So, I borrowed this for a few moments this evening. I'll have to come up with something creative for the rest of the week. I used Pioneer Woman's Seventies action and reduced the opacity to 34% for each step.

Lillies {Backlighting/Sunflare/Sunflare}

2009-06-14T19:43:00.002-04:00

Earlier I googled backlighting to see if I was actually getting it. They had a variety of backlighting photos so I'm on the right track. I will definitely be practicing some more once the sun stays out for more then 30 seconds at a time.

ISO 100
SS 1/1250
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Yucca {Backlighting/Sunflare/Sunburst}

2009-06-13T23:19:00.004-04:00

Yucca...it doesn't sound like a pretty flower or plant. But alas it is actually a pretty flowering plant. Although it is starting to wilt here in this photo it is still nice. And I think I got some backlighting. I'm not sure so let me know if I did or not.

ISO 100
SS 1/6400
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Daisy & Eliana {Backlighting/Sunflare/Sunburst}

2009-06-12T20:10:00.003-04:00

We barely had any sun today which was opposite of what the weather people said. The sun peaked out a few times. But every time it did it went away before I could get any photos. So, I went back to my daisy photos from this week. Sure wish I could practice my backlighting/sunflare/sunbursts.

ISO 100
SS 1/2000
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8
Pioneer Woman's Seventies Action
Changed the opacity but can't remember what percentage.

And here is a sneak peak of the Detroit Zoo photos. As you can see Eliana had a great time. Got some backlighting in this photo. Used my 100mm Macro 2.8 lens here as well. And her shirt says....Honk if you think I'm cute.

#2 Sunrise 7:26am {Backlighting/Sunflare/Sunburst}

2009-06-11T21:18:00.003-04:00

Today I drove back from Michigan and half of my trip was rainy. Forty five minutes from home I was driving through a pretty big thunderstorm. And still could not stop to get a photo for today. So, I went back to my photos from April again. This was taken while being a passenger in a car going down the road at about 55 mph.

ISO 1250
SS 1/8000
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Sunrise 7:26am {Backlighting/Sunflare/Sunburst}

2009-06-10T19:33:00.005-04:00

Today I went to the Detroit Zoo with Eliana and Michelle {James' girlfriend}. It seems every time we had a glimpse of sun I was in the car driving. Can't wait to get back to Southern Indiana where I can count on the sunshine. This was taken back in April 2009. It was 7:26am and the sun was rising. I was in my friend's car he was driving and I was taking photos of the sun coming up. I'll share some Zoo photo's once I return home. I have a photo session and Zoo photos to edit.

ISO 1250
SS 1/8000
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8
8 Point Star Filter
My B&W @ 85% Opacity

Orange Delight {Backlighting/Sunflare/Sunburst}

2009-06-09T19:31:00.004-04:00

Had a very interesting shoot with some flowers this evening. I'm working on my backlighting as this is part of this week's theme. I'll definitely have to practice some more. I saw these gerbera daisies at the store and had to buy them for my mom plus for me to photograph. I also did some macros with them. I'm really loving collecting photos for my photos series that I'm working on. Right now I'm working on tulips, flowers, barns and macro. How did I do with backlighting?

ISO 100
SS 1/80
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8
Ginnie's Vintage Gold

Sun in the Woods {Backlighting/Sunflare/Sunburst}

2009-06-08T10:59:00.002-04:00

This week's theme is backlighting/sunflare/sunburst. An alas it is raining today here in Michigan. I did take this on my photo session on Saturday. I did have my star filter on but still kind of love how it turned out.

ISO 100
SS 1/500
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8
Jess' Golden Nostalgia
My B&W @ 55% Opacity

3 Generations {Opposites Attract}

2009-06-07T10:22:00.001-04:00

I'm off theme for today. Today we went to go see my grandma. And I did not take my camera but did take Eliana's camera. In this photo left to right is my grandma, my mom and then Eliana. This is a 3 generations photo even though it's my dad's mom. Please keep my grandma in your prayers.

Black & White {Opposites Attract}

2009-06-06T18:21:00.003-04:00

For today's photo I came up with black and white. As we all know this is as opposite as you can get. This purse belongs to James' girlfriend Michelle. It was a gift from my mom.

ISO 10
SS 1/640
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Dirt & Rose {Opposites Attract}

2009-06-05T23:55:00.002-04:00

Found this while out and about. It's a fake rose and not sure why it was under the tree like it was. But fits this week's theme.

ISO 100
SS 1/200
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Bee & Flower {Opposites Attract}

2009-06-04T14:51:00.002-04:00

Eliana and I went on a playdate this morning. We went to Meadowbrook Hall here in Michigan. They have a beautiful garden and grounds. A friend gave me this idea and I'm glad I got to implement it. Although my focus is slightly off on it but it's ok.

ISO 100
SS 1/500
Fstop 4
Canon 85mm 1.8

Tomato & Basil and Gemelli No. 28 {Opposites Attract}

2009-06-03T16:28:00.002-04:00

Hmm yummy wish this was tonight's supper but alas it is not. Eliana and I are going to eat with a friend I went to school with. But this sure does look good. Maybe I can fix it or have mom cook it while I'm home visiting. Definitely opposites here but yummy

ISO 100
SS 1/125
Fstop 5.6
Canon 85mm 1.8

Rings {Opposites Attract}

2009-06-02T16:55:00.002-04:00

These rings belong to my mom and dad. My dad's ring is 34 years old. Mom lost her wedding ring a few years ago. I'm betting it fell in the drain or toilet LOL. Dad got her this anniversary ring 2 years ago. I'm not sure if this flower is a daisy or not. It's a silk flower arrangement that has a few different types of flowers in it.

ISO 100
SS 1/250
Fstop 5.6
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Michelle & James {Opposites Attract}

2009-06-01T20:17:00.003-04:00

This week's theme is Opposites Attract. It's going to be an interesting week for photos. My brother's name is James and his girlfriend's name is Michelle. So, thought this fit the theme well. And I still need to back blog Saturday and Sunday's photos when I get a chance.

ISO 100
SS 1/125
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Chewy Chicken {Animals}

2009-05-29T20:46:00.002-04:00

Today was a busy day for me. Going through things for a yard sale. Packing for my trip to Michigan. Had a photo shoot this evening. And now getting ready to go fix supper. I just do not get why this Chicken is so chewy. Think I should use him for supper or find a better one?

Beef ... it's what's for dinner {Animals}

2009-05-28T19:49:00.005-04:00

Three days ago I posted a photo of some cows. Although they were skinny as they are not ready for the butcher yet. I thought it would be interesting to post the after math of the butcher. It's a sad reality but alas this is how the world works.

ISO 100
SS 1/320
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Mister Turkey {Animals}

2009-05-27T17:46:00.002-04:00

Surrounding the pond that is closest to the house is a fence to keep kids from falling in. This is one of the animals that is hanging on the fence. When I got home from my shoot today and actually had a brief moment it was not raining. I went and snapped this real quick. I wanted to get a shot of a real Turkey but not in this rain am I tramping through wet grass.

ISO 100
SS 1/640
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Tigers & Bears ... Oh My it's Eliana {Animals}

2009-05-26T16:05:00.002-04:00

This week's theme is animals. Of course I had to throw a photo of Eliana in there as well. My mom got her this outfit 2 years ago I believe. It's a size 18 months and the shorts are STILL too big around her waist. So, this is a Detroit Tigers outfit and she has her baby girl polar bear "Cake". It definitely fits this week's theme.

ISO 100
SS 1/2000
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Cows {Animals}

2009-05-25T19:13:00.002-04:00

Living in Rural Southern Indiana I come across allot of barns and farm animals. These cows are about 1/4 mile down and across the road from me. The cows in the back pasture in my backyard were too far into the field to get photos of today. I'll have to come up with some interesting animals and photos this week. And I'll have to switch to my 85mm 1.8 to get some up close ones as well.

ISO 100
SS 1/500
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Rural Southern Indiana {Around Town ... as Seen by a Tourist}

2009-05-24T20:10:00.002-04:00

I was driving home a bit ago and have always liked this barn. And finally decided to stop and take a photo. This is one of many of thousands of barns in Rural Southern Indiana. I will be doing a photo series of barns this summer. Among a few other series.

ISO 100
SS 1/1250
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Pioneer Woman's Boost @ 70% Opacity
Pioneer Woman's Vintage @ 75% Opacity

Crosses & Monastery {Around Town ... as Seen by a Tourist}

2009-05-23T14:01:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Eliana and I went to the Louisville Zoo. I still need to upload those photos. I'll post a few soon. I just took Eliana's P&S with us and left the big camera at home. I had a great day just being a "mom" and spending time with Eliana. So, since we were at the Zoo I had not taken a photo for POTD. I took 2 today to make up for it. First photo is an up close view of the Monastery from earlier this week on my blog. And the 2nd is crosses from the Cemetery from the Monastery.

ISO 100
SS 1/2500
Fstop 1.4
Pioneer Women's B&W @ 66% Opacity

ISO 100
SS 1/3200
Fstop
Sigma 30mm 1.4
My B&W

Jasper Court House {Around Town ... as Seen by a Tourist}

2009-05-21T22:52:00.002-04:00

It was a busy long and tiring day for me today. And just couldn't think too well about photos. Went into jasper tonight and thought I'd get a night shot. I don't get too many of those. Anyway, I actually just stuck it on P Mode and snapped real quick. Only thing I don't like is how the clock at the top blurred out. What type of settings might you use to get that better?

P Mode Settings
ISO 1600
SS 1/60
Fstop 2.0
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Pioneer Women's B&W @ 66% Opacity

Schnellville Church {Around Town ... as Seen by a Tourist}

2009-05-20T14:03:00.003-04:00

This church is a few minutes down the road from me. It had a fire a few years ago and they have rebuilt it nicely. In fact the house I'm renting now was bricked with left over bricks from this church. As well as the house across and down the road from me. It definitely has some history to it that's for sure.

ISO 100
SS 1/6400
Fstop 2.2
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Jasper Train Depot {Around Town ... as Seen by a Tourist}

2009-05-19T20:17:00.002-04:00

Back in the day of Al Capone and riding the train. The train used to run from Jasper to French Lick (Indiana) to the Casino. French Lick again has a running Casino. The city of Jasper purchased 3 train cars from Crane Naval Base. And 2 have been remodeled and waiting to be used for transportation from Jasper to French Lick. The 3rd car is on an unused track being remodeled currently. In this photo you only see one of the cars ready to be used. The 2nd one is behind it. I hope to get to ride it at least once. I peeked in the windows and it's awesome inside for a train. Can't wait to take photos of the inside sometime soon. I some how forgot to put my memory card back into my camera when we went into town. So, I used {gulp} Brett's P&S and it felt weird since it's so tiny along with the viewfinder. Also, got some weird sun flare in this shot.

Sisters of St. Benedict {Around Town ... as Seen by a Tourist}

2009-05-18T21:06:00.004-04:00

The story of the Ferdinand Benedictines actually begins in sixth-century Italy at the time St. Benedict wrote his Rule for monks. The sixth century was a period of great chaos. The Roman Empire was in decline, and barbarian hordes were invading Europe. Famine and disease swept through the cities, and families were uprooted.

To a time of chaos, Benedict responded with a call for stability and rootedness. To a society in which the family structure was decaying, Benedict offered a model of community based on love and respect for one another. To a world which had forgotten the love of God, Benedict called for prayer and study of Scripture in order to listen to God's word.

As Benedictine monasteries spread throughout Europe, they carried with them a desire for learning, a sense of family, and a message of God's love. Western civilization was preserved, and Western monasticism was born.

Over the centuries, Benedictines adapted themselves to the needs of the church and culture in which they found themselves, including that of the American wilderness.

In 1851, Rev. Boniface Wimmer, OSB, superior of the Benedictine monks in America, visited St. Walburga Abbey in Eichstätt, Germany, to ask the sisters to begin a foundation in the United States. A year later, on July 4, 1852, three sisters arrived in New York Harbor to start their new lives in America. The three, Sisters Benedicta Riepp, Walburga Dietrich, and Maura Fleiger, settled in the small town of St. Marys, Pennsylvania.

Who are the Ferdinand Benedictines
The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand

The Ferdinand Benedictines are one of the largest Benedictine communities of women in the United States.
The religious community numbers 173 women, about 115 of whom currently live in Ferdinand at Monastery Immaculate Conception.

The community includes 7 women in initial formation (two novices, five temporary professed), the first three stages of membership. The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand are members of the Federation of St. Gertrude.

Ministries of the Ferdinand Benedictine Sisters
Currently, 80 sisters serve in full-time positions outside the monastery. In addition, 20 sisters serve in part-time positions outside the monastery.

Ferdinand Benedictines serve in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Maryland, Italy, and Peru.
The sisters serve in the areas of education, parish work, health care, counseling, retreat and spirituality work, social services, and mission work.

A sampling of positions held by Ferdinand Benedictine Sisters include: parish pastoral associate, director of religious education, liturgist, youth director, superintendent of schools, school principal, school director, teacher (at all levels, from pre-school through college), psychologist, planning coordinator for a homeless coalition, librarian, hospital chaplain, nurse, physical therapist, veterinarian, comptroller, spiritual director, administrator.

The Ferdinand Benedictines operate For Heaven’s Sake, the monastery gift shop, and Kordes Center, a guest facility, both on the monastery grounds.

History
The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand were founded in 1867 by four young Benedictine sisters who came from Covington, Kentucky, to teach Ferdinand’s German settlers. (See The History of the Ferdinand Benedictines.)
In the past 140 years, over 1,000 women have entered the Ferdinand Benedictine community. Their faith, spirit, and energy have led to the establishment of six independent monasteries—in Arkansas, North Dakota, California, Louisiana, Indiana, and Kentucky—and missions in Peru and Guatemala.

At a time when many religious communities have not had new members in years, the Ferdinand Benedictine community has averaged almost three new members yearly for the last 12 years. The community’s success in gaining new members has been featured in print and broadcast media internationally, including a Wall Street Journal article and an episode of ABC’s "Nightline."
Monastery and Grounds

The monastery's architectural magnificence has earned it the name "Castle on the Hill." The heart of the monastery is the church, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Also on the grounds are a Lourdes Grotto, outdoor Stations of the Cross, the Rosary Steps, a walkway for recitation of the traditional prayer, and Hildegard’s Labyrinth for walking prayer and meditation.
Guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Tours are available at other times by appointment. Known for their hospitality—part of the Benedictine rule by which they live—the sisters welcome visitors to share the peace and beauty of their facilities.

Despite hardships and poverty, the community grew and began to branch out to other locations. In 1859, one of St. Marys foundations, a community at Erie, gained its independence. That same year, three sisters left Erie for Covington, Kentucky, to serve in that diocese at the request of the bishop.

The Covington community grew rapidly. When the dwelling that served as both convent and a girls' school became too small, the sisters constructed a new building they dedicated as St. Walburg Convent.

It was to this convent that Rev. Chrysostom Foffa, OSB, came when he needed teachers for a school in Ferdinand. On August 20, 1867, four sisters from St. Walburg—Sisters Mary Benedicta Berns, 21, Mary Rose Chapelle, 19, Mary Xaveria Schroeder, 23, and Mary Clara Vollmer, 33—arrived in Ferdinand. Two days after their arrival, they received their first postulant.

These four Benedictine women were makers of history, as much pioneers as the trailblazing figures we usually think of bravely heading out into unknown territory.

From this beginning has grown a vibrant community of sisters, which gave rise over the years to eight additional monasteries and a retreat and conference center that provides a warm and caring haven for the soul's journey.

From this beginning has come forth an endless succession of ripples—waves of energy, spirit, and faith—that have touched and changed people's lives.

ISO 100
SS 1/8000
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Eliana {Flowers}

2009-05-17T14:14:00.003-04:00

Since the weather is warmer I'm going to try to share more photos of Eliana. Right now she is my everything and love watching her grow. It's hard to believe she will be 5 in November. Seems like just yesterday she was born.

And now she says and does things that amaze me. Not technically a flower but it is to Eliana. She seems to think dandelions are flowers. Eliana's dress does have flowers on it so that does fit the theme.

I was playing around in photoshop with this photo. I'm trying to work on skin tones. And we all know this is a big thing lately. In this photo just did a few small baby steps in changes. Have no clue if I'm heading in the right direction or not.

In the warmer weather Eliana is normally a bit pink especially once she steps foot into some grass or plays outside for a bit. I'd like some CC on her skin tones. Am I heading in the right direction? This photo is pretty close to her IRL. I can't compare right now since she is not home.

ISO 100
SS 1/200
Fstop 4
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Mother's Day Surprise {Flowers}

2009-05-16T21:10:00.003-04:00

At church on Mother's Day they had all the kids plant a flower for mom's. I need to transplant this to a pot still but at least it's alive yet. I'm not sure what the name of this flower is. I have not seen it allot.

ISO 100
SS 1/80
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4

White Beauty {Flowers}

2009-05-15T21:48:00.004-04:00

The rest of the flowers on this plant were all white or all pink. This one is mostly white with a touch of pink. And of course as I type this I do not remember the name of this flower. If you know what it is let me know. The first one is my normal processing and the second one is with Pioneer Woman's B&W @ 66% Opacity.

ISO 100
SS 1/8000
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Droopy Fushia Roses {Flowers}

2009-05-14T14:06:00.003-04:00

After last nights horrendous storm this is what one of the rose bushes looked like. This is one of the rose bushes right outside my kitchen window. It's sad to see them all droopy. And they are calling for more storms and rain. Not sure they'll make it to much longer. I did my normal processing then used one of PW's actions.

ISO 100
SS 1/1600
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Pioneer Woman's B&W @ 66% Opacity

Forgotten {Flowers}

2009-05-13T17:21:00.005-04:00

About 2 1/2 years ago I took a photo of this same flower but it was red. I do not remember the name of it. Maybe one of you know the name of this flower. Right when I hit the shutter the wind started to blow. Always seems like that lately. I did get a good photo of it despite the wind.

ISO 100
SS 1/6400
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Pioneer Woman's B&W @ 66% Opacity

Bearded Iris {Flowers}

2009-05-12T14:44:00.003-04:00

On my way back home from a photo session I stopped at the store to pick something up. I saw these Bearded Iris' at the building next door. So, I just had to take a photo of them. Although yet again I have blown whites I still like the photo. I want to learn more about photoshop (I have CS4) and lightroom (version 2). How would you go about getting the whites so they are not blown? Yes I did shoot RAW. I could have just changed the angle but I was in a hurry to get home & upload the photos from my session.

ISO 100
SS 1/8000
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Pioneer Woman's Boost & B&W @ 66% Opacity

Bleeding Hearts {Flowers}

2009-05-11T18:50:00.002-04:00

Today was Eliana's last field trip for school. We went to the River Walk. The kids played in the sand, wrote on the cement with chalk, performed a couple songs for us under the gazebo. Then we went on a walk down the trail and got to tour the train car they are remodeling to use at the train depot. The River Walk is taken care of my the city. Along the trail are some flowers. I came across some Bleeding Hearts today. Fit today's them perfectly. Will have to go back tomorrow and get macro shots of them. I know this has some blow outs but I like it anyway.

ISO 100
SS 1/5000
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Pioneer Woman's B&W Opacity @ 66%

Eliana & Mother's Day {Girly}

2009-05-10T20:40:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone had a good Mother's Day. I tried to post this 3 hours ago but Eliana had other plans for me. Eliana and I went to church this morning. And just before I picked her up from Cherub Church (it's for kids) Eliana hurt her toe. Seems one child was walking out and she was trying to walk in. And caught her 2 baby toes underneath the door. They took the kids outside since it was in the low 70's. Her toes are bruised and tore quite a bit of skin. Not enough for a trip to the ER.

We then went to Kmart and I got her a boo boo gift to make her feel better. Yesterday she lost her polar bear stuffed animal and was up set that it was not there to comfort her. We then made a stop at a friend's and brought her a Rose for Mother's Day. Eliana and I went out to eat. She did not want to go home. So, we went to the River Walk for a walk. Although she sat in a stroller while I pushed since she could not walk with 2 bad toes.

We then stopped at the train depot to look at 2 of the train cars that have been remodeled. Soon they will be running the train from jasper, Indiana to French Lick, Indiana to the Casino (yes this is a real place). These 2 train cars are the fanciest I've ever seen. I've got to ride it t least once. Hope to get a chance to photograph it as well. And they added a departure/arrival board as well. I did take a photo of it. It was then time to go home as I was getting tired.

We headed home and Eliana kept saying she did not want to go home. Yea I guess I should have listened to her. LOL Upon arrival I took her outside for a photo for today's post. We then came inside and I uploaded the photos. Eliana was in the living room watching a bit of TV. Seems when she was outside & had picked a clover she brought it in with her. She then came to me & said she stuck something up her nose. But she had no idea what it was.

After the ER DR finally got it out with extraction. We discovered it was a 3 leaf clover. As it could not have been a 4 leaf clover otherwise we would have avoided a trip to the ER. All I can say is WOW what a day let alone Mother's Day. I truly got to be a mother today. And share the laughter with the hospital staff.

ISO 100
SS 1/2000
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Honey Action

Eliana picking a clover the one she later stuck up her nose.

ISO 100
SS 1/3200
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Honey Action

Eliana's toes bandaged with a Hello Kitty bandaid.

ISO 100
SS 1/1000
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Pioneer Woman's B&W Opacity @ 66%

Jasper Indiana Train Depot Departure/Arrival Sign.

Mom Tshirt {Girly}

2009-05-09T13:49:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there. This is a cute saying I found on a tshirt at Rural King today. It not only fit this week's theme but Mother's Day as well. It sure made me laugh when I first saw it.

Eliana's Shoes {Girly}

2009-05-08T17:07:00.002-04:00

Someone asked on yesterday's photo how I got the care bear to balance. I'm going to say luck as it only took about 2 tries in 30 seconds to get it to balance. If I had not removed it it would have stayed up for a long time. My sweet little girl Eliana is what I call a "Tom Boy in a Dress} Most of the time she does not care if she gets dirty or not. She'll even go play in a dress. Now on occasion she does get upset if her pretty dress or shoes get dirty. I'm surprised she didn't throw a cow over the little scrap that is on the right show in the photo. These were Eliana's Easter shoes that my mom got several months ago. And she still calls them her Easter shoes.

ISO 200
SS 1/30
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Love-A-Lot Bear {Girly}

2009-05-07T17:33:00.003-04:00

Was at the thrift store one day. And came across an old favorite of mine. They actually had 4 different ones. Eliana is "still" in her pink phase. While it ever end? So, she picked Love A Lot Bear. He even talks when you hug him. Eliana was fascinated with the beat talking. Better yet it was only $2.

ISO 100
SS 1/1600
Fstop 2.8
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Votive {Girly}

2009-05-06T16:36:00.002-04:00

It's been raining on and off today. So, I had to find something inside as I didn't want to get my camera wet. I have this candle votive. Put it on the rail for the front porch.

ISO 100
SS 1/80
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

A Petunia {Girly}

2009-05-05T19:01:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful day outside. So, of course I had to spend some of it outside and taking some photos of flowers. One of the series I'm working on is flowers. I might be adding this petunia to the series. I have a ton of flower photos and just need to narrow it to 8-10 photos. Yea I know this will be hard to do.

ISO 100
SS 1/400
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

A Rose {Girly}

2009-05-04T21:25:00.002-04:00

This week's theme is girly. Woman who are girly girly love roses. This is a rose bud from the bush outside my kitchen window. The 2 rose bushes have about 12 buds on it right now. Hope to get some more photos of the next couple of weeks of the different stages of a rose's life. I post processed this 2 ways. I'm not sure which one I like better.

ISO 100
SS 1/250
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Rail & Ties {Architectural Details}

2009-05-03T17:15:00.003-04:00

Here is yesterday and today's photos. Stopped by a railroad track and just snap a couple up close photos. I did a little bit of different PPing on these 2 then the norm but I do like them.

ISO 100
SS 1/640
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

ISO 100
SS 1/100
Fstop 4
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Door {Architectural Details}

2009-05-01T21:07:00.002-04:00

This door is at the top of the stairway going upstairs in the house. It used to go to a 1/4 bathroom but is now used for storm window storage. It's an original door to the house I believe. The house was built in 1916. It does have a bit of character.

ISO 125
SS 1/50
Fstop 4
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8
Canon 580EXII

Chair Seat {Architectural Details}

2009-04-30T17:31:00.003-04:00

This is the seat of a chair at my friend's tanning salon. Should have backed up and got more of the design in. Thought it was neat like this anyway. It's a pretty neat chair too but only had one lens with me.

ISO 1000
SS 1/50
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Frisbee Golf Basket {Architectural Details}

2009-04-29T21:45:00.002-04:00

This is something you do not see on a daily basis. I'm not sure where this sport started. I do know I played it growing up in Michigan and it's played here in Southern Indiana. Here is a frisbee golf basket up close. Should have taken a full view photo but I wanted to get some flower photos before I lost the sweet light.

ISO 100
SS 1/1250
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Stained Glass Window {Architectural Details}

2009-04-28T20:50:00.002-04:00

As you know I live in an old farm house out in the country. Many old homes have a stained glass window if not two in the front of the house. I should say at least in this area. It's a beautiful window that's for sure. Just wanted to share an up close photo of this window. I'll definitely have to get some more photos of this window and use my new style of PP on it.

ISO 100
SS 1/125
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Here is the full window from June 2008. You can even see my PPing was not so good 11 months ago. I've learned allot in CS3 and have changed my style of PP. Just posting this so you can view the full window. I had to steal this from my Facebook as I was too lazy to dig it up on the external hard drive since it is from June 2008.

Bell Clanger {Architectural Details}

2009-04-27T16:21:00.002-04:00

This week's theme is architectural details. Back in January when we had the ice storms I shared a photo of the dinner bell here on the farm. Thought it'd be neat to share it's inner workings. I'm pretty sure this bell is quite old and somewhere along the way it was painted red. The barn was built in 1909 and the house in 1916. According to the dates we've found on the buildings.

ISO 100
SS 1/320
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8
Manual focus - Hand held
Pioneer Woman's B&W - lowered opacity to 66%

Sprout {Earth, Wind & Fire}

2009-04-26T20:26:00.003-04:00

At the beginning of the week you saw the little McDonald's Greenhouse. It was given out in happy meals in 1991. Today is day #11 since the cantaloupe seeds were planted. We have 2 sprouts so far and we planted 4 seeds. This is one of the sprouts as the other one is too close to the edge and blends with the green of the greenhouse.

ISO 100
SS 1/1000
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Sun Fire {Earth, Wind & Fire}

2009-04-25T21:07:00.002-04:00

I was driving home and the sun was setting fast. By the time I turned the camera on and got my settings the sun had gone down quite a it. You can barely see it through trees. But sometimes the sun looks like a ball of fire in the sky. And that is what it reminded me of tonight.

ISO 200
SS 1/1250
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Waving Tulips {Earth, Wind, & Fire}

2009-04-24T16:32:00.002-04:00

Today has been a pretty windy day outside. At some points it was super windy. Alas the reason Eliana and I could not stay outside for long. We'd get blown away. But I did catch these tulips when it was windy and not super windy.

ISO 100
SS 1/6000
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Pioneer Woman's Seventies Action

Globe {Earth, Wind, & Fire}

2009-04-23T20:48:00.002-04:00

Had to go to Walmart today for a money order as they are the cheapest place. Since yesterday was Earth Day they had all kinds of posters and things with globes on them. This globe is on the corner of a box display hence the odd shape. It kinda looks neat.

ISO 100
SS 1/30
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Flames {Earth, Wind & Fire}

2009-04-22T20:43:00.002-04:00

Today has been a bit busy for me. So, I grabbed a photo from last month. I think it fits perfectly with this weeks theme. I spent plenty of time trying different settings. I'm pretty happy with how this one came out.

ISO 1000
SS 1/8000
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8
Hand Held - Manual Focus

Flag Flying {Wind}

2009-04-21T18:12:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's photo was "My Greenhouse" from McDonald's and was given out in Happy Meals in 1991. 1991 being back in the day when they gave out the good stuff at McDonald's. It was quite yucky, windy and rainy here today so I came up with this photo. Of course when I went to take this the wind did calm down some. And since the sky looked yucky I turned this one to B&W using Pioneer Woman's B&W.

ISO 100
SS 1/2500
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Soil from the Earth {Earth, Wind & Fire}

2009-04-20T20:24:00.004-04:00

This week's theme is Earth, Wind and Fire. And once you see my photo for today you will notice a flash from the past. Can you guess what year this is from? Found it at a yard sale a couple weekends ago. Just so everyone knows we've already had 6 weekends of yard/garage sales in this area. Gotta love the nice spring leading to summer weather. This is soil from the Earth. Eliana is trying to grow cantaloupe's. And as Eliana would call it canteloupeeeas.

ISO 400
SS 1/250
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Flying & Bursting {Motion}

2009-04-19T13:18:00.000-04:00

This is one of the planes from yesterday's air show {Thunder over Louisville}. I shot this with my 100mm Macro. I just set it on P and clicked away. I knew I could not get this in manual as the planes were moving way too fast. As you can see the camera on P exposed the sky and not the plane. Any suggestions on how to brighten the plane would be greatly appreciated.

Second photo is one from the fireworks. I shot this with my 85mm 1.8 with my 8 point start filter on. I set my ISO to 1600 and set it on P and clicked away. I held down the shutter click and it turned out better then trying to capture the perfect moment. I have not shot fireworks in 2 years and got lots of keepers.

Speed {Motion}

2009-04-17T12:12:00.002-04:00

So, no one worries I was not driving when I took this shot. Not the best angle for a photo but thought it was kinda neat nonetheless. I might play around and process this one in a few different ways not sure yet. Can you guess what kind of car this is from?

ISO 1250
SS 1/100
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Still {Motion}

2009-04-16T11:44:00.002-04:00

Still is I guess considered a motion. And if you have a dog it's known that they aren't still for long. Nola runs and runs and runs 99% of the time when we let her out of her kennel. So, it was hard to capture still but I did it.

ISO 100
SS 1/1000
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Bouncing {Motion}

2009-04-15T17:25:00.003-04:00

Again the weather wasn't the greatest very cloudy. I think the sun peaked for a moment earlier but not sure. Warmer and better then yesterday but not by much. And as you can see my today's photos I did bouncing. I had to take several photos to get the perfect ones to demonstrate bouncing. But I think I got it.

ISO 100
SS 1/500
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8
Pioneer Woman's Boost Action

Floating {Motion}

2009-04-14T17:54:00.003-04:00

The weather was a bit unpredictable today. So, I decided to shoot this inside. I had another idea but didn't want to risk ruining my camera for a shot. Instead I took this one. Floating eggs in the kitchen sink. I processed this one 3 different ways and couldn't decide which was my favorite. And had to stop myself from doing it more then 3 ways. Let me know which one you like.

ISO 100
SS 1/50
Fstop 4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Canon 580EXII

Swirly {Motion}

2009-04-13T18:03:00.002-04:00

THis week's them is Motion. I have a feeling this is going to be an interesting week of photos. So, I thought I'd start it with Swirly as in Tornado's. Seems the last week or so their have been many of these across the US. In fact one touched down about 45 minutes from here earlier today.

ISO 100
SS 1/60
Fstop 4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Canon 580EXII

Happy Easter!!! {Oh Baby}

2009-04-12T09:30:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter Everyone!!! We went to church at 7am this morning. Then had breakfast at church and came home to the gifts the Easter Bunny dropped off. This of course included lots of colored eggs in the yard. Eliana had a great time trying to find the eggs. As you can tell she is "Oh Babying" me in these 2 photos. She was definitely eggcited about Easter this year. And for once I was just a mom not a photographer. I stuck my camera in P mode. It has not been in that mode in about a year. If you look really close in the first photo. Their is a star glittering off her middle finger on her left hand. I had my star filter on my lens.

Eliana & Easter Eggs {Oh Baby}

2009-04-11T20:12:00.002-04:00

Thought this was fitting with this week's theme. Eliana is my baby. And this is my baby coloring easter eggs. Look how serious Eliana is being? That is the true look of an artist at work. And the second photo is the end result of coloring of the eggs. Happy Easter Everyone!!!

ISO 400
SS 1/800
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

ISO 400
SS 1/1000
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Gerber Baby Food {Oh Baby}

2009-04-10T17:43:00.002-04:00

When Eliana was 6-7 months old. I had bought a small stock pile of baby food. This way I didn't have to run to the store every few days for baby food. With all her health issues when she was younger. I ended up donating what I did have. Eliana was not able eat foods until she was 18 months old. She did on occasion gold fish crackers and gerber puffs but that was it. She has issues with her reflux and textures. It was quite interesting to get her past all this.

ISO 400
SS 1/125
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

One Baby Calf {Oh Baby}

2009-04-09T15:50:00.003-04:00

For those who don't know we live in a rental home on a farm. Our landlord's live next door. Mister Jim as we like to call him still farms the land and has some cows. Seems this year at least so far he only has one baby calf. Took Eliana and Nola {puppy} over across the street to see the baby calf. The calf and Nola didn't know what to think of each other. They kept looking at each other. It was cute to see. Eliana of course stood about 3 feet from the fence in area. She refused to come any closer to pet the baby calf. Her reason being the cows were looking at her. Their were other cows in the barn so she was afraid that maybe they'd come get her and that's why they were watching her. Silly girl is all I can say. LOL And to be honest this is the first time I've seen a baby calf this up close. I'm sure we'll be back over at the barn tomorrow so Eliana can see the calf again. Oh yea and me too. If anyone has any tips on using a flash in a barn I sure could use the help. I was having a duh moment trying to think of what to do. Plus the baby calf is a nice dark brown as you can see from the photos.

ISO 100
SS 1/20
Fstop 4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Canon 580 EXII Flash +3

Oh, Baby! {Oh Baby}

2009-04-08T20:04:00.001-04:00

Not much to say about this one. A photo speaks a thousand words. Shot with my Sigma 30mm 1.4.

Me....The Photographer {Oh Baby}

2009-04-07T13:48:00.003-04:00

The theme for this week is definitely a hard one for me. I've even got others trying to help me think of ideas. And it seems everyone is stumped just as much as I am. I know several of you stated yesterday I should post a photo of me in the dress. I'm not a photogenic person at all. And usually takes 30+ shots til I have my eyes open. I'm a photographer's worst nightmare. I blink allot in front of the camera. Not sure why but I've always been like this. You probably won't see another photo of me for a year or so.

ISO 100
SS 1/50
Fstop 4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Canon 580EXII Flash

Dress {Oh Baby}

2009-04-06T17:29:00.002-04:00

WOW this week's theme is going to be hard for me. It took me all day to think of this one. Not sure what I'll come up with for the rest of this week. I bought this dress years ago but I have yet to wear.

ISO 100
SS 1/50
Fstop 4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Canon 580EXII Flash

Lifesavers Inverted {Ways to Save}

2009-04-05T16:31:00.003-04:00

I didn't really have anything in mind when I took this photo. Thought I'd play around creatively with it. Just started playing with options in photoshop and this is what I came up with. Not sure if I like it but thought it was different for sure. What do you think about it?

ISO 400
SS 1/60
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8
Inverted

Pennies {Ways to Save}

2009-04-04T18:09:00.004-04:00

Oh how I wish this was 2 stacks of bills. But alas it is only pennies. But even pennies add to a ton of money after a long while. This has been an interesting theme this week. I'm glad it gave me a challenge to get outside the box and think.

ISO 1600
SS 1/200
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8
Pioneer Woman's Boost

Light Bulb {Ways to Save}

2009-04-03T15:34:00.002-04:00

It took me awhile to think of something. Of course not without the help of Google. I went from zero ideas today to having an idea for Saturday and Sunday. I'm loving these themes they really get me to think and sometimes outside the box.

ISO 400
SS 1/100
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8
Pioneer Woman's Boost & part of her Seventies action

Photography {Ways to Save}

2009-04-02T13:52:00.002-04:00

As photographers we all know this is a way to save. That is to photograph our own children if they allow us to. Once in awhile we get a keeper and a cooperative quick photo session. And I do mean quick as I know Eliana if she is in the mood it's 5-10 minutes tops. I should have used my flash but she was in a good mood and I didn't want to waste time putting the flash on. Too bad I didn't get this one last week for emotions. Pondering Thoughts anyone? By all means it's not the perfect technical photo but I love it nonetheless.

ISO 400
SS 1/160
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Clearance {Ways to Save}

2009-04-01T16:30:00.003-04:00

We all know in this day of economic downfall everyone tries to save in some way or another. Had to go pick up a prescription today and this is definitely one way to save.

ISO 100
SS 1/100
Fstop 1.8
Canon 85mm 1.8

Piggy & Vase {Ways to Save}

2009-03-31T16:09:00.003-04:00

I'm trying to think outside the box for this week's theme. And it's getting hard. I have no idea what I'm going to do for the rest of the week. I thought I'd share two photos for today.

ISO 100
SS 1/50
Fstop 4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Canon 580EXII Flash
Jenn's Cherry Vanilla & My B&W

Piggy

ISO 100
SS 1/50
Fstop 4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Canon 580EXII Flash
Pioneer Woman's Boost & My B&W

Beer Bottle Reused as a Vase

Vase

Batteries {Ways to Save}

2009-03-30T19:24:00.002-04:00

This week's theme is "Ways to Save". I'm still trying to think of things to photograph for the remaining 6 days for this theme. I did however come up with this for today. These days most things take batteries of some sort. And to reduce the whole in the bank a bit I buy rechargeable batteries. I use them for my computer mouse, and my camera flash to name a couple things off the top of my head.

ISO 100
SS 1/250
Fstop 4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Canon 580EXII Flash

Silly {Emotions}

2009-03-29T14:25:00.002-04:00

It took me awhile to capture Silly. As Eliana said she didn't know how to do silly. I had to show her faces and then she mimicked me. It was interesting to say the least. LOL She has a ton of silly faces but wouldn't do them for me. So this is what I got for today.

ISO 100
SS 1/60
Fstop 4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Canon 580EXII Flash

Pouty {Emotions}

2009-03-28T20:49:00.003-04:00

This has been an interesting theme this week to say the least. And I'm sure those of us with kids have seen them all. Today of course was Pouty. Eliana does another pouty look but this is the one I got for today.

ISO 100
SS 1/60
Fstop 4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Canon 580EXII Flash

Laughter {Emotions}

2009-03-27T17:39:00.002-04:00

Laughter is a good emotion. Definitely makes you laugh when you see someone else laugh. Although it's very hard to photograph without it looking goofy. It was hard getting Eliana to laugh let alone photograph her laughing. Of course her best laughing she did while I put the camera down or my flash was recycling. But this is one of the better ones I got of Eliana today.

ISO 100
SS 1/60
Fstop 4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Canon 580EXII Flash

Upset (Emotions}

2009-03-26T19:40:00.003-04:00

Eliana was just getting ready to wipe the last tear out of her eye when I caught this photo. She was not happy it was time to go home. She wanted to continue playing at the park. I on the other hand wanted to go home. I actually think I have a fever and hope I'm not coming down with something. This photo is SOOC. I had no clue how to make the crop better. If you have one let me know.

ISO 640
SS 1/160
Fstop 2.8
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8

Timid {Emotions}

2009-03-25T14:03:00.002-04:00

Once again another side of Eliana I see quite often. She tends to do this allot especially around other people. Even those she knows. Boy does she ever take after me allot. I guess the saying like mother like daughter is true for us. And Yes their is a distracting cord in the background but realized it after I took the shot. And of course Eliana was done with photos. If anyone wants to clone it out for me that would be great. I'd like to print this week's photos for Eliana as a keepsake. And she couldn't even wait for me to blow dry her hair. SHe as willing to do photos but real quick. This is a definite improvement of throwing a cow over taking photos for me. I'll take what I can get.

ISO 100
SS 1/1250
Fstop 2.5
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Skeptical {Emotions}

2009-03-24T17:57:00.002-04:00

Earlier today Eliana had a meltdown about cleaning up her toys. After 20 minutes of throwing a tantrum she finally calmed down. But as you can see in this photo she was very skeptical about taking it for me. In the color version she is all red in the face. I thought I'd turn it B&W since Eliana is definitely a drama queen today.

ISO 100
SS 1/60
Fstop 4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Canon 580EXII Flash

Happy {Emotions}

2009-03-23T16:39:00.002-04:00

This week's theme is Emotions. I'm hoping to come up with some neat photos for this theme. And we all know children can have a hundred emotions in 60 seconds or less. Sometimes they make you aaww and sometimes they make you cry. I thought I'd start this week off with a photo to make you smile.

ISO 100
SS 1/60
Fstop 4
Sigma 30mm 1.4
Canon 580EXII Flash

Fire Tower {Safety/Risk}

2009-03-22T17:53:00.002-04:00

This weekend was the first weekend of Fire School. Just happened to be passing the tower on the way home from church this afternoon.

ISO 100
SS 1/5000
Fstop 1.4
Sigma 30mm 1.4

Coffee Mug {Safety/Risk}

2009-03-21T16:54:00.003-04:00

It's funny how when you are not looking for a certain shot. And suddenly one is staring you in the face. I came across this mug today and felt it fit great with this week's theme.

ISO 1600
SS 1/200
Fstop 4
Canon 100mm Macro 2.8