Click

At the WPPI Roadtrip Conference I went to on September 1st, Joe Buissink encouraged us to do something kind of strange.  He shared how he'd been practicing looking for good photo opportunities all around him.  He would snap or tap his leg or say click anytime he saw a good photo op. This was one of the ways he trained himself, so that during a photo shoot grabbing his camera and clicking became a reflex action.  For the last month I've been practicing this too. I've done it so much, that my sister has even caught on, and occasionally she'll tell me that she "clicked" when she saw something that would make a good shot. It was neat one day as I was driving and in backed up traffic when I noticed a gorgeous sky.  I immediately tapped my leg, but then realized I had my camera with me!  Here's the shot I got straight out of the camera.  It was fun to see some of my training and reflex actions rewarded!

Painting with a Twist

As an artist I'm constantly looking for ways to feed my creative side.  So when I heard about Painting with a Twist, I knew I just had to do it.  Basically, you pay to go to a 2-3 hour night of fun where an instructor teaches a group of about 25 people how to all paint the same painting. The website assured me that even beginners (which I most certainly was) would be able to have a finished painting by the end of the class.  I'd been wanting to do this for awhile, and my birthday provided the perfect opportunity for me to indulge myself.  I decided to sign up, and was so glad when my friend Mentanna signed up to go with me!

We walked in to see lots of paintings on the walls.

We'd chosen the class based on the painting, and this was what we would be painting.

I wondered how exactly they could get a beginner like me to paint what looked like a masterpiece.  This was how:  everyone had a canvas that had been prepped with a sketched image.

We ended up having lots of fun that night, though I have to confess that the painting was probably a little advanced for a beginner like myself.

The paint on my chin was definitely intentional, you know to make me look more artsy.

We both went home with completed images....mission accomplished!

Showers

I confess, that I can be quite the girly girl, and what is more girly than a bridal shower?  Last month I got to help host a shower for my good friend Emily that will be getting married this month.  On a whim I decided to take out my trusty nifty fifty lens and have a bit of fun before the party got started. Cutesy napkins are always a must...

...along with fun plates.

There's the required punch bowl.

Fruit and veggie plates to make you feel healthy :)

Pretty finger foods like this yummy bruschetta Emily's sister made.

And then there is my pride and joy THE brownie trifle.  If you ever need a definite party winner try this recipe.  I only make it for parties, because something this good should never ever sit around my house :)

Emily, I'm glad to call you friend, and I am so excited for your upcoming wedding!

Thanks to Melissa for grabbing this shot of me and Emily!