If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. – Mother Teresa

Today’s post is for Project 52, a weekly blog project that I am working on with several other talented photographers whom I’ve come to know over the past year.  In this project, we concentrate on light and spend several weeks exploring an overarching theme.  For the next four weeks we are taking a break from exploring classical light themes and instead focusing on the beautiful lights that celebrate the holiday season.

I have always loved the holiday season.  I love that we come together to light up the darkest part of the year.  On Friday evening, after spending much of the day in tears thinking about the mass shooting in Newtown, my family explored some of the holiday lights on display in Seattle.  We visited a street that had been decorated around the theme of Peace, with signs for the word “peace” in various languages displayed on each home.  And I found that wishes for peace were exactly what I needed at that moment.  I wish all of you peace in your heart, peace in your home, and peace in your community.  Additionally, I ask each of you who, like me, are still reeling from Friday’s events to please consider taking a moment to send an email to your elected officials.  You can use this link to look up the names of your elected officials by zip code (note that new officials may take office on January 20th).  Our children deserve a more peaceful world, and we owe it to them to do our best to make that happen.

Please continue along in our creative blog circle to see today’s image by my amazing friend and photographer, Stacey Vukelj.  Word has it that you may get a peek at Uncle Brian – and you should consider getting ahead of the game and leaving her a “happy birthday” wish (it’s later this week).  Click HERE to see Stacey’s latest photo for our holiday edition.

Today’s post is for Project 52, a weekly blog project that I am working on with several other talented photographers whom I’ve come to know over the past year.  In this project, we concentrate on light and spend several weeks exploring an overarching theme.  For the next four weeks we are taking a break from exploring classical light themes and instead focusing on the beautiful lights that celebrate the holiday season.  Today’s image is of this year’s Christmas tree.  We are definitely taking advantage of our larger living space and went all out with a giant tree (which required several additional strands of lights and a few dozen new ornaments).*  I love it!

And in case the abstract bokeh image doesn’t do it for you, here is a more traditional shot:

Please continue along in our creative blog circle to see today’s image by my friend Erica Collins, who takes fabulous pictures of her five – yes FIVE – gorgeous kids.  Click HERE to see Erica’s photo for our holiday edition!  And if you have a few minutes, be sure to poke around her website – she’s working on a 365 and I am very impressed.

* In case you are wondering, our tree topper is the Rabbit with Big, Pointy Teeth from Spamalot.  Paul and I saw the Broadway show together in 2005 and have used the puppet as a tree topper ever since.

If we’re not supposed to eat late night snacks, why is there a light in the fridge?

Today’s post is for Project 52, a weekly blog project that I am working on with several other talented photographers I’ve come to know over the past year. In this project, we concentrate on light and spend several weeks exploring an overarching theme.  We are currently focusing on hard light, which is when the main light source is small or distant compared to the subject, thus creating shadows with a sharp or negligible transition from light to dark.  Here is my final play on hard light:

Please continue along in our creative blog circle to see the work of my friend Jill Cassara, who takes stunning photos of her family.  Click HERE to see Jill’s creative play on hard light.

“The wolf said, “You know, my dear, it isn’t safe for a little girl to walk through these woods alone.”

Red Riding Hood said, “I find your sexist remark offensive in the extreme, but I will ignore it because of your traditional status as an outcast from society, the stress of which has caused you to develop your own, entirely valid, worldview. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must be on my way.”
― James Finn Garner, Politically Correct Bedtime Stories: A Collection of Modern Tales for Our Life and Times

Today’s post is for Project 52, a weekly blog project that I am working on with several other talented photographers. In this project, we concentrate on light and spend several weeks exploring an overarching theme.  We are currently focusing on hard light, which is when the main light source is small or distant compared to the subject, thus creating shadows with a sharp or negligible transition from light to dark.  Today’s play on backlighting is of Alexa, wearing the hood from her Little Red Riding Hood costume:

Please continue along in our creative blog circle to see the beautiful work of my friend Julie Kiernan.  Click HERE to see Julie’s creative play on  hard light.

Today’s post is for Project 52, a weekly blog project that I am working on with several other talented photographers.  In this project, we concentrate on light and spend several weeks exploring an overarching theme.  Beginning today, we will embark on our third theme, hard light.  Hard light is when the light source is small compared with the subject (or, in the case of full sun, at a great distance away, resulting in the same effect) – that is, it is harsh, as compared with soft, diffuse light (which tends to be easier light to use for taking photos).  When the light source is small, it generally causes noticeable shadows, which can bring out texture or other dramatic effects.  Here is my second play on hard light:

It’s been a while since I’ve taken abstract photographs, but I do really enjoy them.  It is a nice break to focus purely on light and pattern or texture, and the early darkness and frequent rain has been inspiring me to experiment.

Please continue along in our creative blog circle to see the striking work of Justine Knight. Click HERE to see Justine’s creative play on hard light.

Today’s post is for Project 52, a weekly blog project that I am working on with several other talented photographers.  In this project, we concentrate on light and spend several weeks exploring an overarching theme.  Beginning today, we will embark on our third theme, hard light.  Hard light is when the light source is small compared with the subject (or, in the case of full sun, at a great distance away, resulting in the same effect) – that is, it is harsh, as compared with soft, diffuse light (which tends to be easier light to use for taking photos).  When the light source is small, it generally causes noticeable shadows, which can bring out texture or other dramatic effects.  Here is my first play on hard light:

This picture was taken when we were celebrating the girls’ birthdays after returning to Seattle.  I would have included a picture of Alexa, but she decided to grab the candle, so no dramatic pictures could be taken.  That was dramatic enough, really.  Fear not, though, she was not burned and she thoroughly enjoyed her cupcake.

Please continue along in our creative blog circle to see the beautiful work of Julie Kiernan.  Click HERE to see Julie’s creative play on backlighting.