Click It Up a Notch - August

So here I am, a little over a year after my photography journey began. Well, OK, I've taken pictures for most of my life. But, it was last July that I switched out of Auto mode, after I received a zoom lens and speed light from my supportive husband. He knew I had been inspired to begin studying photography and he surprised me with an awesome birthday gift! And so, my journey began in earnest. 

I'm thankful for his generous support, as well as that of my family who are my biggest cheerleaders.   And, of course,  I'm so very grateful for all the wonderful support and feedback from my blogging friends here! You guys inspire me to keep learning, growing and clicking along. Thank you!!!

So, choosing a favorite image from August was tough. I'm so smitten with black and whites these days, and I captured some moments that I adore. But, when I think about clicking it up a notch and pushing myself, this image stands out to me. I was out in the evening with my kids for soccer practice. The light was changing, the scene was busy with people, kids, and mosquitoes! I waited, watched, took a few crappy shots, and then the magic appeared and I seized the moment. I love the way this came together.

Thanks for stopping in! I wish you a safe and happy Labor Day weekend! P.S. Did you know there is a blue moon this month, and it appears tonight? Be sure to look up this evening for a site that only happens, well, once in a blue moon!  ;-P

Friday Photo Love

Happy Friday friends! I hope you have all had a great week. As the last official week of summer here, it wasn't as relaxing as I had hoped. Nor did I managed to get as much accomplished as I had wanted. Why are the daily details of life so exhausting? It seems like I'm always playing catch up on paperwork, doctors appointments, cleaning, meal planning, yada, yada. I suppose that will never change. At least not with 4 kids around!

 My less than 6 month old 2T back up drive has decided it's corrupt, so I also have a snafu on my hands. Fortunately, it looks like all my data (1.3 T of pics!) is recoverable.  Whew! But, I'll have to be more careful from here on out and back up my back ups regularly. Since my RAW files are so big, I generally bypass my computer's hard drive and upload straight to my main external hard drive through Lightroom. Then my computer's hard drive (and any current edited photos) gets backed up weekly onto a Time Machine Capsule. At the end of each month I drop my file of edited photos onto my main hard drive to archive them.

I have another external hard drive that's smaller, but to be honest, I haven't been using it to back up my main external hard drive. I've considered on online service, but haven't been diligent about getting anything set up. Big mistake.

So tell me. What's your back up plan? Do you have a system that's easy to set up and use?

 On that note, I haven't spent as much time shooting or editing as I would like. I have gone through most of my pics from the 3 month old shoot I did on Tuesday, however, so today I'm sharing a favorite from that shoot. Love, love, love soft squishy babies ;)

Linking up with Kim and Lisa today.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a super Labor Day weekend!

3 Month Old Photo Shoot

I had the pleasure of photographing this little sweetie earlier this week. Here are a few images from her 3 month old photo shoot. She was very alert during the whole shoot and I just couldn't get enough of those soft little chubby cheeks!

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Linking up today at Deb's place. Stop by to say hello:

WW - Better Late Than Never

Here I am getting my WW post up at 3PM on Wednesday...better late then never I suppose. 

Somebody save me from my disorganization and disarray!

I hope you are having a productive day ; P

Project 366 Rewind - Week 34

We're starting off a new week and winding down our summer activities. We had three family birthdays last week! It was a fun to celebrate and spend time with family. Now I'm turning my attention towards a new year of schooling and getting geared up for soccer season, Girl Scouts and all the extra-curricular activities we have coming up. I guess Fall is headed this way. I saw pumpkins and mums at the grocery yesterday!

Before we move on into September, here's a glimpse at last week's activities:

This girl is my early riser. She and her sister are usually the first ones up.

I tried to snap a few "I've turned 2" photos, but wiggle worm wasn't having much of that. 

The littles are loving their new birthday bikes. 

Mr. Man loves to tease Little Miss by stealing a ride on her trike.

  We had lots of cake and ice cream last week!

Here's my my big 5 year old. Love this sweet silly boy! (Prompt - Quiet)

An evening walk. We had lots of clouds and rain last week, but the sun finally peeked through the trees a little. Love that glow.

This one's proud to be able to climb to the top of the play house all on her own. 

She's pretty brave and will try anything.

And here's my August favorite:

That's a quick recap. It was a busy week packed with fun celebrations. 

What have you been up to?

Linking up with Gina and Sarah today for:

Scavenger Hunt Sunday - August 26th, 2012

Happy Sunday all! I hope you are enjoying a relaxing weekend. 

Without much ado, here's my line up for this week's hunt...

School:

Rule of Thirds:

Side Profile:

Small:

Motion:

That's it for this week. Thanks so much for stopping in! Visit Ashley for more Scavenger Hunt fun.

Simple Things Sunday - Brothers

Linking up today for Simple Things Sunday. 

I captured this picture of my boys working together this week. I'm so glad they have each other. I love that they have common interests that they can bond over, like trucks, BMX biking and Legos. I hope they will remain close as they get older. What a gift they can be to each other!

Find more Simple Things posts at Rebecca's place:

Have a great Sunday!

Sweet Siblings

Hello friends. I'm so glad it's the weekend. We've had a busy week of birthdays and I have lots of housework to catch up on. Blech. But I have to say, I am enjoying the cooler weather. Usually, it's miserably hot and humid here in August, but it feels more like Fall these days. I'm not sure I'm quite ready to give up summer, but I may not have a choice. When I went out this morning I noticed some of the leaves here are starting to turn already! Wow, that's quite unusual. Perhaps an early Fall it will be. What's the weather like in your neck of the woods?

Today I'm sharing a sweet moment I captured between my littles. 

Linking up with Kim and Lisa today.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a super weekend!

And puppy-lovers don't forget to enter my PEDIGREE DENTASTIX giveaway! 

Your dog with thank you ;)

My Birthday Boy

This big guy is 5 today. He had a birthday party last weekend, but today we're celebrating with a trip to the bounce house and a great big chocolate cake. Happy birthday buddy!  I love you!!!

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Linking up today at Deb's place. Stop by to say hello:

The Pouty Puss

This is what happens when birthday girls turn 2 and give up their naps. 

Fortunately, sometimes they have silly big brothers who turn their frowns upside down.

Are you a puppy lover? Enter my PEDIGREE DENTASTIX Prize Pack Giveaway!! :)

Thanks for stopping by!