Inspired by Planking

Forgotten?

This is one of my favorite places to photograph. I have been here several times over the last 5 years, and I enjoy the surprises that the different seasons unfold. Abandoned places like these are like a glimpse into the past. They are the skeletal remains of a chapter in someone's life.

This place always makes me wonder, 'Why did they they abandon this residence? And why did they leave so much behind?', 'What was daily life like when the house was filled with conversation?', 'Did children play in these woods?'

I was looking through several of the photos that I've taken and here are a few of my favorites. The place only continues to fall apart, and one day there will be nothing left standing. I still remember the place before any of its innards revealed to the outside. Back then I would have never guessed that there was a chair still seated by the window, as though it was waiting for its owner to lounge in it once again, while enjoying the sunlight rays pass through the window panes.

What was the story of this house? Who built it? The unanswered questions will soon be forgotten when that which remains turns to complete ruins.

1 & 2 Months

Birth Announcement

Welcoming the newest addition to our family! :) 

Little Leifer was born November 10, 2011. 

Fall Session

As an artist, I like to dream up ideas to photograph. As a photographer I like to explore different genres in the field, and as a mother it's always the challenge to execute the idea when it pertains to my toddler. I find the challenge excruciatingly painful at times, however each experience or failure lends its own lessons to be learned. Sometimes those failures become successes played out in contrast to my perceived vision, offering new experiences and skills learned.

This was definitely one of those shoots. Everything went wrong, but yet the end result was everything we needed. :)

My husband helped me do a mini-session, of my Daughter at a year and a half, which ended up lasting till sunset. What a wonderful opportunity and experience. It's sad to say, I don't often get to enjoy a sunset outdoors, let alone have the opportunity to photograph during one. With young children one learns to try to advance ones skills with expediency. Especially as they grow and no longer are content playing while you snap away.

Changing of Seasons

A change of seasons is an appropriate label for this point in my life... another semester is in full swing and my baby boy is due in just mere weeks!
Unfortunately I do not have a photography class this semester. So I am trying to take advantage of the opportunities to photograph non-school related projects. I must say this is a little more difficult than planned (as it usually is) being my life as a stay at home mother and student with a toddler on my hands is always busy.

My older brother came back to Minnesota for a visit and it provided the excuse to procrastinate on studies a little and enjoy some family time. Daniella really took to him, considering this was her first time meeting him, and I had a fun little opportunity to photograph Uncle and Niece together. Good memories.

Summer Thoughts

My mind shifts into a completely different gear during summer, especially now that I am no longer just a student on break, I'm a mommy who shifts into full throttle when school goes on the back burner. I always end my semester's with lists and promises of goals I'll accomplish... and summer usually comes and goes without me having the chance to give it a second thought. 

Often times I find myself feeling bad that I haven't spent more time being creative or honing my skills. 

My focus usually becomes more about every day life, and therefore that's usually what I photograph. It's like I go into warp speed trying to catch up on all of the photo ops of my daughter that I usually miss during the school year. I've also shifted into high gear with my crochet. So.. I guess I am learning to see the creative in the every day, when my life may not be goal oriented in the art department. 

I was going through editing some of these photos I took over the 4th, and was a bit disappointed at the grainy quality of them due to the high ISO setting. I also tend to stray away from the softer focus, however I was reminded of my instructor's comments that there's not always cause for sharp focus, and I think that the more grainy and soft focus of these images are effective for the theme I decided to shoot for. 

So I thought I'd share a couple of my favorites.