Today is the first day of fall, day 300 of my third 365 photo project, and my 100th blog post all wrapped into one.
Tag: de Buren Photography
Working together
I enjoyed this moment from the summer. Two sisters, working together, determined to fix a scooter by themselves.
The writer
While the girls were both involved in a quiet activity, I took the opportunity to tiptoe down the hallway and peek into their bedroom. There, I discovered our oldest, deep in thought, letting her ideas flow onto the pages of her new notebook.
Although she was aware of my presence, she remained focused and continued to write. This allowed me the time to capture an image of her doing something that she loves.
These natural moments are some of my favorite ones to photograph.
Working on pull-ups in the hallway
Both girls are working on getting stronger; pull-ups have now been added to the mix. (More girl power!)
Sprinklers in the morning light
With just a little bit of sunlight and a slow shutter speed, the drops of water from the sprinkler look like fireworks in the night sky!
American Flag
Today was a rushed, hectic day, full of too much activity. I got my daughter to gymnastics, just on time, and sat down to catch my breath. When I looked up, I noticed the American Flag hanging in the back of the gym, in really interesting light. I knew if I metered my camera for the bright light on the flag, that most of the area around the flag would go dark.
I tested my theory, and this is my dramatic result.
A small change
Today, I am fortunate to be able to sit in my favorite bakery, sip my favorite tea, and have some time to myself. I know that I need to capture my photo of the day, but, since it has been my experience that photos/moments/perfect lighting present themselves to me if I’m just patient and observant, I am not worried at all. I am waiting, patiently.
As I started editing photos, this little dog sat at the table just outside of the bakery window. I smiled when I realized that he and I were both being patient, although for completely different reasons. His owner returned to the table and I decided that this dog was the perfect subject for my photo of the day today.
Normally, when I capture street photography, I prefer to remain anonymous. But, today, I decided to make a change; I decided to stop being anonymous and instead introduced myself to the dog’s owner. I let him know that I enjoyed watching his dog, took a photo of him, and wanted to share the image. He gave me his email address and I sent the photo to him right away.
What a difference a small change can make; I was so energized after sharing my work!
As it turns out, this little dog’s name is Happy and happy is how I truly feel this morning!
Notebook
The more she added color to the drawings in her notebook, the more the pages curled.
Favorite Photo Friday: Encouragement
Notes written by one sister for another, offering encouragement in working toward her goal.
The Ponytail and the Gymnast
The ponytail is making a comeback in our house. I have to admit that I love the way our daughter’s ponytail swirls and bounces as she plays. I also have to admit that I’m surprised how seeing my daughter in her ponytail can bring me back to my days–years, actually–as a gymnast (in a ponytail, of course).
My memories of being a gymnast are so powerful; I can still feel the thrill of swinging on the bars, releasing my hands, and catching the bar again a moment later; I can feel the extension of my legs and toes as I leap across the beam; I can hear my hands and feet pounding on the spring floor, as I tumble my way through my floor routine and feel the power in my body as I flip through the air. To this day, I still remember my bar and floor routines (I even hear the music for the floor routine in my head).
As an adult, I experience gymnastics in a different way, as an observer. I enjoy watching gymnastics, no matter what the skill level. I delight when kids work for and accomplish a new skill, discover their own strength, and find the confidence in themselves to try something new. Most of all, I love watching children having FUN with gymnastics.
In my memories, the gymnast in me can still feel her power, strength, confidence, joy, and grace. Now, these qualities present themselves in different aspects of my life, mostly through being a mom and a photographer. My hope for our girls is that they discover and keep their own power, strength, confidence, and joy through doing the activities and sports that they truly love. As always, keep following your hearts and dreams, girls.
I loved being a gymnast; I’m still a gymnast at heart!
keep opening doors 