by Cathy Baker | Photography/Blogging |
by Cathy Baker @cathysbaker
“Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.” ―Marc Riboud
Photography isn’t something I’ve always appreciated. The lack of photos I’ve snapped (and posed for) proves my point. But something changed when I found a Sony a6000 camera under my tree in December.
Since then, I’ve spent many hours perusing sites to help in my efforts to take better family pictures, as well as blog photos. Many bloggers share how quality photography increased their readership by ridiculous numbers. We’re a visual bunch, aren’t we? It’s for this reason I’d like to share three of my favorite go-to sites when it comes to photography. {These are in no particular order.}
PinkPot
PinkPot – Chaitra has yet to fail when it comes to delivering eye-popping photographs on her blog — but it gets better! She shares tips on props, lighting, and how to snap high quality photos, whether it’s on your phone or your DSLR.
Mary Denman
Looking at Life Through the Lens of a Camera…Capturing One Moment at a Time – Mary Denman shares weekly tips on practical ways to take quality photographs of all sorts. Her site is ideal for beginners but her expertise behind a camera can’t help but offer even the most experienced photographers a takeaway.
Emma Davies
A Year With My Camera – Emma Davies offers a free photography workshop that’s well worth your time. She also hosts a Facebook group where we share a different photo every month, based on criteria she emails to members. It’s a hands-on approach to learning that easily enriches the way you approach the art of photography.
Learning how to take quality photos, whether through our phones, point and shoot cameras, or DSLR, enables us to capture irretrievable moments. The three sites mentioned above have been my go-to resources in recent months and I hope you’ll find them just as helpful. {Let me know!}
Is there a photography blog or other resource that’s helped to guarantee success with your photographs? If so, please share in the comment section below.
by Cathy Baker | Ideas, Photography/Blogging |
We’re often encouraged to jot down in a journal the little things in life that we’re grateful for…and for good reason. Shifting our days into a lower gear allows us to notice the seemingly trivial details of life, giving us an opportunity to notice their value, and being grateful for them.
Taking photos is an excellent way to slow down and to focus on the details.
Recently I came across a Gratitude Photo Scavenger Hunt by Sarah Dawn Designs. (The only links I could find to her Web site were broken but I want to give her full credit for coming up with this creative and timely idea!)
Below is the “Something I’m Grateful For…” scavenger hunt list. Some photo ops include: Take a pic of something you’re grateful for in nature, in the city, in the workplace, etc. My favorite lands on November 30th: Take a photo of how you intend to spread the spirit of thankfulness.
This exercise in gratitude is not only fun and beneficial for us adults, but also for our children and grandchildren!
{double click to enlarge, save image to print}
Having trouble saving/printing this image? Go to
this Pinterest site {Sarah Dawn Designs, 2011} to download.
If you’re a novice photographer, such as myself, you too will love
Mary Denman’s site. She gives practical advice on taking the best pictures possible (even with our phones!)
So, which of these 30 ideas are you most looking forward to photographing in November?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Still undecided about attending the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference next month?
Fellow Word Weaver and dear friend, Mary Denman, posted a terrific article on BRMCWC’s site April 3 (scroll down) that may help you gravitate towards the neon green post-it. (I hope so!)
New friendships, fresh encouragement, and first-rate insights await. Umm…and so does Cloud 9 Coffee Shop. Need I say more?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in our local Word Weaver’s workshop, Getting Ready for Conference.
Cynthia Owens did a great job pulling the workshop together, along with her trusted instructors Marcia Moston, Mary Denman, Edie Melson, and Lynn Blackburn. Sue Stout, Carolyn Knefely, and Bruce Brady served faithfully behind the scenes. It was a true team effort.
From the get-go, we were reminded of this scripture: We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
Remember the popular saying “let go and let God?” I wonder if some of us “let go” a bit prematurely, forgetting our responsibility in fulfilling God’s plans for our lives. (You mean letting go doesn’t include Junior Mints and a nice comfy couch, while resting on God’s promises?)
Marcia reminded us that our responsibility includes being prayerfully sensitive to God’s Spirit, while continuing to work hard at honing the skills we believe God gave us, trusting He will use them for His glory…in His ways…and in His timing. Now that’s letting go!
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison
by Cathy Baker @cathysbaker
