Be Positive

Have you ever had one of those weekends that you swear if one more thing goes wrong, you may not be responsible for your reactions? Well, welcome to my weekend.

It was a series upon series of unfortunate events with oh so many highlights that its hard to choose one. But if I had to, I would say its a toss up between the State of Alabama trying to kill me and the receiving of a speeding ticket just as I pulled into my own driveway.

The only positive thing to come out of the weekend was this:

I passed this gentleman as I drove from the grooms hotel (where I shot the boys getting ready), en route to the bride's house (where the ceremony was taking place). And even though I was in a mad hurry, I still pulled over. How could I not? The man was carrying a message for me.

I have no idea what was in his cart, but I know each item had a story and meant something to him.

Road Trip Prep

I popped the hood and looked for the dip-stick. Pulled it out to get a visual. Does my car need oil?? Hmmmm, hard to tell. What exactly is low and what is just right?? No clue, so I figured putting in a quart wouldn't hurt. But hang on a second, where does the oil go? I see loads of caps and knobs but nothing with a little oil can symbol on top. This is what Husband has trained me to look for, "look for a cap with the picture of a little oil can". But there's nothing. This car was obviously designed for a target market that does not include women. How am I suppose to know where the oil goes now?

I whipped out my camera phone, snap a picture of my exposed engine and send it to Husband with a coy message "there's no oil can symbol. Where does the oil go?" Within minutes, in a discussion over text with attached pictures, the problem was solved. God I love technology sometimes and now I'm set of my road trip. Where am I off to? Florida baby. Yes, I'm second shooting a wedding on Saturday and I'm so excited. I'm all packed, (see below) and ready for my long drive. But I'm going to need a pass on my Photo A Day Challenge tomorrow due to the fact that I'll be flat out at the wedding all day. But I'll be back on track Sunday.

Clothes, equipment, hydration and snacks (healthy & otherwise), everything a girl needs for a long drive and a day of shooting.

I know y'all are probably tired seeing photos of my puppy and kitty, sorry but this weekend Dexter is going to stay with a pet sitter for the first time ever and I'm so nervous and anxious. I'm afraid he's going to feel abandoned and unwanted. I've explained the situation to him over and over again, both to reassure him, and me that everything will be alright. But I not sure he really gets it.

Sorry Dexter, I'll be back as early as I can on Sunday, promise.

Theme Thursday - Rust

For today's Theme Thursday we are photographing "Rust" and as I drove home this evening a particular yard caught my eye, not for its well manicured lawns, flowing fountain center-piece or blossoming spring flowers but because of the complete opposite. We're talking old cars and lawn-mowers, filing cabinets and washing machines and lord knows what else. Now normally a scene like this would leave me baffled and confused, but this time, with my theme in the back of my head I basically gave myself a high-five and chest-bump. If ever there was a place to find rust, this is where was it. And I wasn't wrong.

This is the not so pretty side of rust.

And to keep things balanced and offer a little yang to the ying, here is the prettier side to rust. The infamous Georgia clay.

Which I thought looked fabulous as a black & white too.

Part of My Day- In Photos

I'm a road rager, which is not a good thing to be if you live in Atlanta cos traffic is ALWAYS a nightmare. But today for some reason, I didn't feel like dealing with it. So instead I chose calmness, serenity and green tea over white knuckles, fowl language and elevated blood pressure.

Then I used my secret weapon Maggs, to find me an alternative route home, away from the congested highways.

After dinner Husband and I took Dexter on a walk around our property.

But something caught his attention. Something following close behind.

It was Fintan. Fintan didn't want to be left out, so he trotted along behind us.

The boys taking a pit-stop.

Fintan got distracted climbing some trees, so Dexter and I waited for him to catch up. No man gets left behind.

Boys And Their Toys

Its been an exhaustingly busy day and I want nothing more than to shut my computer down and crawl into bed. But I need to get my photo for today posted. After getting this far, wait, how far am I? Seriously, I don't even know what day I'm on anymore, and I'm waaay to tired to do the math. All I know is that I haven't dropped the ball yet, so lets just keep on keepin on (quote from Frank the Tank, Old School movie)

Anyway, todays photo's are a bit repetitive and random. I set back-button focus up on my camera and was practicing to make sure I was proficient in its usage. Husband's toy antique truck was my subject and I know he's super excited and proud to have this representation of himself out there for all of cyber world to enjoy.

"These photo's are all for you honey. And now you can see that I truly do appreciate how awesome your wee truck is, truly. This was not about me and my back-button exercise. It was about you and your crush on all things pick-up : )"

Greedy Mitts

Last week I mentioned that my friend & photographer, Laura was shooting an engagement session that she allowed me to tag along on. Completely awesome. Not only that, but knowing that I'm close to making a new lens purchase (totally excited), Laura allowed me to hijack and play with a bunch of her very expensive lenses to help with my decision of which lens to get. Can you say kid in a candy shop?? Unfortunately though, now I want them all. All of the lenses. Boxed and shipped with a huge red bow. So come on Mega Millions Lottery, spit out my number why don't ya?

But while we wait for that to happen, here are some photos I shot of Katie and Billy, an adorable couple getting married in July.

The low sun provided some really good shadow for us to get creative with.

Look at this tree-house. Seriously. I want to live in it. Total penthouse.

Loved these little lanterns that ran the length of the walkway to the tree-house.

A little lake reflect.

And last but not least, Ms. Laura herself. Thanks so much Laura for letting me join you on this shoot AND for trusting your lenses in my very excited, greedy little mitts. You rock!

Out of Focus

Todays photo of the day is out of focus, I know, but I don't mind cos its a photo of myself and my good friend Tessa. Tessa is an awesome photographer and today we got to hangout for a few hours cos she is helping me with a little project. Hopefully I can share more about my project over the coming weeks, but for now here is myself and Tessa, sorta.

We took the shot using self-timer and out of habit left the camera set to manual, hence the struggle with focus, oopsie. Which is a shame, cos now the world can't fully appreciate how fierce my boots are.

Tessa, thank you soooo much for your help today. It really was greatly appreciated. And thanks too for being as funny and open as you are, it made things so much easier.