Cold, Hard… Love

Jan1sm-2January 2

Our six year old loves everything about ice hockey. We’ve taken him to the local rink but what he really wants is to use a stick and puck to shoot goals. He can’t do that at the big rink. So, we put some water in our kiddie pool. He loved his tiny bit of ice. He was on it every moment he could be. One night he went out after dinner in the dark. I told him we were getting ready to watch a movie together. He said, “Start it without me. I’m playing hockey.”

For perspective…

kiddiepool-1

A New Year

Jan1sm-1

January 1, 2015

I know that there is so much to be gained from taking on a creative project. Having tried a few projects over recent years, I know the fullest project for me is daily photography.

The first time I took on the challenge of a year of photos, I made it through the year. It was hard at times but I never really considered quitting. Then next last year I started a 365 project but I didn’t finish sharing the photos. I kept taking them but it didn’t feel complete to me. Choosing a photo from the day, editing it, reflecting on it and sharing it is what really makes the project for me.

I have cold feet about taking on a daily photo project. And, I know it will warm my soul.

Try It: Before and After

My seven year old had a very loose front tooth.

She was wiggling it for days.  

I would think, “I need to get a picture of that before it’s too late.” Then I would think, “Did I get the chicken out of the freezer for dinner?” 

Fortunately for me, Avery keeps her loose teeth around as long as possible. Even though I waited, I didn’t miss my chance.

(Avery didn’t want to take the time for these photos.  I sweetened the deal for her with a cookie or two.)

This week, anticipate a change that is about to take place.  Try It: Take a picture before and after.

As always, I love to see what you come up with. Send your photos to me: jenny@familiarlight.com

Try It: Carry That Big Camera Everywhere

This week’s Try It is an answer to a question from Marcin:

How exactly do you manage to have a 1kg huge DSLR with you while out and about with the kids? I find it impractical with my little one, not to mention 2 of them at the same time Do you use some smart strap/bag or just don’t care if you bang it by accident? Any advice on that would be welcome by other parents too.

I wasn’t always in the habit of carrying my camera. It used to be a big deal to carry my camera out and about with my kids.

When my son was a baby, I had a small point and shoot that I carried instead of my DSLR. It was easy to carry but I couldn’t get the same kind of quality in the photos that I got with my “big camera.”

My camera carrying habits changed when I decided to join my brother in a 365 Project on Flickr. (Posting a photo from every day of a year.) It didn’t take long to realize that in order to keep daily photographs interesting, I was going to have to take my camera out of the house!

At the start of my year of photos, I carried my camera when we were going somewhere I thought would be interesting like the museum or zoo. After a few months, I started carrying it on walks in the park more often. Halfway through the year, I began taking my camera with me to the library, grocery store, hair salon… wherever I went. (Yes. I did get teased by friends and neighbors about having a camera in hand at all times.)

I didn’t get great photos every time I brought my camera. I did get practice taking photos in many different situations. I also got over self consciousness about taking pictures in places that people didn’t expect a person to be taking pictures – like the grocery store.

Here is my answer to your question Marcin:

I do not have a smart strap or bag. (I’m open to suggestions!)

I do care if I bang my camera or lenses but not as much as I used to.

If it looks like rain, I make sure to have a waterproof bag with me.

I asked Savanna to take some photos of me with my camera this morning on our walk to school this morning.

In the above photo I am using my 100 mm lens with a big lens hood. The hood is good, cheap protection for the front of the lens.

I usually have my 50mm lens on my camera which is much smaller. This morning, my darling assistant wanted to use the 50. (I love that she has an opinion!)

As you can see, it can be awkward at times. Bending down and keeping the camera from falling down is tricky.

It is impractical to carry a big camera with you all the time.

And, it is the best thing I did to improve my photography.

Because I go to the trouble having my camera with me, I’m more likely to take photos.

Taking more photos = better photos. It’s that simple.

Beautiful morning light. My boy doing what he loves in his favorite shirt. A reminder of an ordinary day’s gifts.

This week Try It. Take your camera with you even though you don’t imagine anything will be worth photographing. Carry it even though it’s not convenient.

Show me what you get. Send your photos to jenny@ familiarlight.com