Two Year Old and Pictures?

Hmmm - when I asked this almost two year old to let me take his photo, this is what he did. Sheesh ... :)

My Little Buddy J

I love this little guy - he's just the sweetest thing. I think his favorite word is NO, but he's turning 2, so what can you expect. He sure is cute though, even when he is saying no. It's just REALLY hard to get him still long enough for even one photo.

Recently added backlights for high key, but still need barn doors, or softboxes on those lights. Tech: 50mm, ISO 100, 1/125, f8.

Magic ...

K is feeling better, and she and her Daddy headed out this evening to build the first snowman of the year. It's been so cold and dry that the snow has just been like powder, and not good for building. But tonight, they were finally able to capture the "magic" that only a snowman can bring. They had a blast! I'll take a photo of our finished friend in the daylight tomorrow - it was almost dark.

Being that it was so dark, this qualifies as my high ISO challenge. I used my 70-200 lens for this one, ISO 800, 1/160, 5.0. No flash or noise reduction was used.

Just in Case you're Wondering ...

about K - this is why I haven't posted any of her lately. We've all been sick, but she's had "attitude" all over the place to boot. Hopefully we'll be back to normal before long. In the meantime, here's to the classic pout! Smoochies to K!

Max in Lights ...

I added some new studio lights today, and my most willing practice subject was Max. So, since I always show him in the shadows, I thought I'd post a "real" photo of him. Isn't he cute? Totally up to no good! :)

"M" is Growing Up ...

Gosh - she's growing up so fast. I cannot believe how much she's changed in less than a year. She really didn't feel good today, but let me play anyway. Happy Valentine's Day - Luv ya kiddo!

Today ...

Happy Valentine's Day! We're trying to make the most of the day, but we had a snow day today, AND both girls are sick again with what appears to be the stomach flu. They did open a few VDay gifts, and we tried to have a little fun. So here are my sickly girlies ~ we'll be spending the afternoon watching Flicka, and painting our tootsies! :)

Valentine's Day

My kids just adore Valentine's Day, and have so much fun making valentines for their friends. This year we made little bags full of Kisses for K's class. The one here is the front is for the K's "special" friend. :) I sure hope they get to have their party ... we may end up having a snow day. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Model Magic ...

M made this little guy at school today out of Model Magic. I've never seen this stuff before. It's kind of foamy when you're working with it, but then hardens like modeling clay. It comes white, and you add color to it as necessary - it's not nearly as messy as playdough or regular clay. I'm going to look for some to have here in our craft box. I see some projects coming on ... how fun! Settings: 50mm, ISO 200, 1/80, 1.8.

Sunset ...

It has been bitter cold for days now, but today the sun was shining, and it was beautiful! As the sun began to go down late in the afternoon, I happened to look over at the window and saw Max "watching" the sunset. The light was gorgeous ... just peeking through the trees. The colors were rich, the light so warm and bright, and the feeling was one of total serenity. In the stillness of that moment, I thought of Dad, and how he's now sitting in the beauty of "The Light".

Sooooo COLD ...

It was about 5 degrees when we went out earlier. The kids have now been out of school for two days because of the record low temps. Here are just a couple of quick snaps of M as we went out to the Orthodontist and the Doctor. It's sooooo COLD!

50 mm Lens with settings as follows: 1) ISO 100, 1/160, 2.5; 2) ISO 100, 1/100, 2.5; 3) ISO 100, 1/100, 2.5.

More circles ...

Settings: ISO 1600, 1/25, 2.2

No time until after dark tonight, thus the high ISO again. Hmmm ... think I'm done with circles. On to the next challenge.

Off to Ski ...

Nothing about this photo is spectacular, but the girls themselves. We've had a busy day today and didn't have much time for pictures, however, I did want to catch M & M as they ran out the door to Ski Club tonight. These girls have been best friends for a number of years, and are pretty much "connected". It's fun to watch them grow as individuals, and as friends. I hope you girls have fun tonight. :)

Tech Info: 50mm lens still on the camera, and still no flash. YAY for me! Settings were as follows: ISO 400, 1/30, 3.2

Homework ...

If you come to our home between 4 and 7pm, any evening of the week, this is what you will find - K engrossed in her homework. First grade has been tough for her, but she's been such a trouper. She sits, and diligently works through each task, (math facts, spelling words, worksheets, and reading) every night. Sometimes I get frustrated with her, as I'm not very patient, and not such a good teacher. But still, she plugs along. I love seeing those little hands, and growing brain, so hard at work. She's come a long way in the past few months, and I'm so proud of her. I think many days she actually teaches me much more than I ever teach her. I luv ya K!

Tech Info: I'm still using my 50mm lens - trying to capture varying perspectives, and trying NOT to take it off the camera! These pictures were taken this evening after dark, with no flash. Settings were as follows: 1) ISO 1600, 2.5 1/100, and 2) ISO 1600, 1/160, 3.2.