One of the things I love about photography...

...is that no matter what you point your lens at, in that instant, you are seeing the world in a unique way. You shut everything out, outside of the borders of the frame, and you decide, in a moment, what is important to the image and what is not. It doesn't matter if you are photographing people, or flowers, or mountain ranges, or grizzly bears, or fast cars...when you frame up an image, in your camera's eye, you instantly, and sometimes without really consciously thinking, choose, in that particular moment, in that particular frame, what is significant and what is not. What is relevant to the image you are creating, what is relevant to your story or your mood or your surroundings. And there are no rights and wrongs, just choices, just you and the lens and the moment.

So maybe, then, our choices are a reflection of who we are, at least in any given moment.

In this moment, when I clicked the shutter for this image, I was enjoying a really quiet weekend in the mountains. It was the kind of rare, unencumbered weekend when I actually got to start and finish a book! And take a nap in a hammock. And take a walk in the woods. So this image is pure and simple, and quiet...a reflection of who I was this past weekend…who I like to be, often.

What do your images say about you?

Finally...!!!

I feel really badly when I don't make the time to complete my own assignments! But finally, I have some photos to post...for the latest assignment...PATTERNS!
When you look for patterns, you really do begin to see them everywhere...in nature: flowers, pine cones, tree branches, and even clouds have patterns formed by the winds!
My niece and I stopped by this grove of trees between home and Boise on Sunday afternoon. You've probably seen them...rows and rows and rows of trees! If it hadn't been so cold and windy that day, we would've spent a lot more time...and we decided it would be fun to come back and wander in the dark...!!!



And then there are man made patterns...these being in my game closet! I kind of like the purposefulness of patterns, orderly patterns as well as RaNdOm ones! Makes me feel like things are under control!

Assignment!!!

I am certain you are ready for your next creative photography assignment...?

We're going to call this one simply "Patterns". Your assignment, photograph patterns! Patterns exist everywhere...in nature or man-made...macro or in landscapes...physical patterns or metaphorical patterns (oooh, got you thinking now, huh?!).

Keep in mind, these challenges are designed to aid you in your creative thinking...aimed at not only your skills as a photographer, but also your willingness to "look" at things differently...and to translate what you see, and how you want to express it, through the lens of your camera. In order to do that, you should be practicing your previsualization skills as well as familiarizing yourself with the mechanics of your camera.

Think before you shoot! What do you want to show...what should you leave out...is there a better angle to shoot from...how is the light affecting your image...? Lots of questions...and I certainly don't want you to lose the spontaneity that photography can often be...but I do want you to think a little about composition when creating your PATTERN IMAGES!

So...email me your images... heartandsoulimages@cableone.net And, have fun!!!

Baby Joey!

I'm in the process of cleaning out picture files, updating my webpage (http://www.heartandsoulimages.net/) and Mike's webpage (http://www.mikeryanphoto.com/) ...and I came across this cute image! This is Joey! Joey was a Christmas present to my brother-in-law, Mark! He weighs about 140 pounds now...is taller than most Pyrenees'...and, from what I understand, is a complete menace...! But, oh my goodness, how could you not love this face!! Hi Joey! :)

Mike Ryan Photography

My husband will be updating his website soon...(as soon as I get to it!)...so be sure to check it out periodically for new images! http://www.mikeryanphoto.com/

Kayaking weekend...continued...

...and some other pretty things in the park...

My creative work is available in prints, fine art cards and on canvas. Call or send me an email to inquire about sizes and pricing. This Fall I will officially launch a gallery on my Heart & Soul Images website which will feature my landscape, wildlife and macro photography!

Sunday afternoon

I love Sunday afternoons, or any chance I get to just meander a bit, camera in hand, in search of great light...different perspectives...something which makes me feel very small, or enormous... Thus was this past Sunday...just a bit of wandering...

"Kitty"

Her name is actually Indie...my husband says it should be Marley as she acts more like a mischievous puppy than a kitten...but mostly we all call her "Kitty".

I miss this smile!