Faith, Hope, and Love

I enjoy taking pictures. I'm not 100% sure when photography became a hobby of mine, I just know that once I had a camera in my hand I would take 100s of shots within minutes and have always been fascinated by beautiful shots. I especially like shots of people. I can spend hours looking through pictures of weddings, babies, family portraits, and stuff like that. Scenic stuff is cool, too. But seeing images of people living life gets me the most excited. I think what appeals to me the most about photography is that each picture tells a unique story. And as an aspiring storyteller (or as my friends and family would say, a born storyteller), I've always been intrigued by the art of storytelling. I'm never one to turn down hearing (or seeing) a good story. And I'm constantly asking myself: What makes a good story? How do you tell a good story? Like writing, I probably do not spend as much time taking pictures as I should. I go through bouts where my camera is glued to ...

Canon Imagination , a group on Flickr. So I ran across this randomly while playing around online and got pretty excited. I love my Canon! And what greater way to see all I can do with it by checking out other people's photos! Also, I saw something about inspiring a Ron Howard production with photographs . Which got me really excited. I thought, 'Hey, maybe I could enter..." But after reading a bit more, it turns out I've missed the deadline. And there's already some semi-finalists and stuff. Winners will be announced in July. So while my briefly lifted hopes were quickly deflated, it still got me thinking about how I should get out there and take more pictures. And suddenly... I'm feeling a bit more inspired. We'll see what comes out of me over the next few weeks or so!

It took a week or so, but I finally am able to use my computer again! The virus is gone! Granted I had to completely wipe my memory and am starting from scratch, more or less... but in a way, that's refreshing. It's a clean slate, and new beginning. And that's where I am in my life in general. A misguided judgement led to things falling apart. And so, "let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start." Over the last few weeks, I've begun to feel liberated in a way. And this past week without my computer has really given me time to actual live life and think about it in a new way versus trying to work out a system that had obviously collapsed around me. For one, I've officially decided to go for my MFA next fall and with a renewed computer plan to right fervently and furiously until December 1st when the first deadline hits. I'm still trying to decide if I should go for 12 programs, or lower the list down a bit. But with my par...

Tonight, my friend Meredith White became Meredith Clark. It was a beautiful wedding, and I took lots of pictures to prove it! It was a bit awkward at first, because I seemed to be the only one at the church who brought a camera with me. And during the reception people kept approaching me asking if I were a photographer (or one of the hired photographers). I wish I could have said, "Yes! I am!"  However, while I'm not a professional photographer, I think I took some pictures worthy of professional status. Here are a few--the rest will be uploaded to my Flickr Photostream . Shots of the invitation  The cute and quirky reply card Wedding Program Mr. White with Meredith The newlyweds Cutest pose ever! I love that I was able to capture the newlyweds still kissing, while their parents looked at each other adoringly. Groom's cake and Wedding cake This was just a fun picture! Gig 'em Aggies! WHOOP! Farewell! And ...

For my 25th birthday, I decided I wanted to take some pictures. Like professional-quality pictures. The kind people take during senior year, or engagements, or when they are pregnant. I've never had pictures like that before. I even worked for a photography studio for about six months and never took advantage of my discount to pose in front of cool backgrounds, jump up in the air, change outfits... express myself. I figured turning 25 was just as good of an occasion as being a senior in high school, getting proposed to, or carrying a bundle of joy. Especially seeing as my 25th year looked like it was probably going to rocky. I mean, who doesn't need to feel like a model after losing their job and just feeling down on luck in general? So, I asked my friend and budding photographer Precious to be my photographer and help capture me at 25. Here's the first picture I've been allowed to see. And I'm in love. Can't wait to see more (and don't worry, I'...