Day 130

My favorite flower, favorite smell, favorite two colors in nature together.. I love LILACS! This is the lilac bush I've been defending for years. It's a nuisance, I'll admit, but I just can't get rid of it. It's all worth the fragrant smell when you walk down the sidewalk.

Day 130

Settings:

ISO 200, f/2, ss 1/4000, 50 mm

Day 112

Absolutely no time for a camera today. :( I am adding something I took a week or so ago. I really like it, and wanted it in my 365 anyway, so it's a perfect time to add! Today the skies have been all gray, and it has been pouring almost all day. I think the weather is perfect for reflecting on what this day symbolizes.

This is Good Friday. It is the day that Jesus said, "It is finished." A simple photo, red is also symbolic. Thank you Jesus, for shedding your blood for us!

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” 

With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. - John 19:30

Day 112

Settings:

ISO 200, f/1.8, ss 1/80, 50 mm

Day 98

I actually took this yesterday, so I am falling within my own guidelines. I'm just a little behind. I thought the daffodils were so pretty after the rain, so had to grab the shot. It reminds me we are closer to Easter!

Day 98

Settings:

ISO 100, f 1.8, ss 1/800, 50 mm

Day 86

Beautiful today, but I can't believe how cold it is by just looking out the window. A couple degrees over freezing isn't that inviting when you step out.
Here's my photo of the neighbor's crocus. Such a pretty color!

 Day 86

Settings:
ISO 200, f/2, ss 1/4000, 50 mm

Day 63

 These flowers are still from Valentines Day! In the sea of red roses, were Lilies that weren't even close to opening. After the roses died, these little lillies were not wanting to open either. They started to brown over, so I re-cut the stems, got fresh water for them, and waited. They decided to open after all! I'm loving this February present. In March!

The budding project is going well, I added them at the bottom, and even found a little friend. But, to find him/her you will have to click on the picture to open it up and actually see it I think.

 Day 63

Settings:

ISO 200, f/2.2, ss 1/50, 50 mm

Sedum

 Daffodils

 a little friend (to see, click on the photo to open)

 Tulips

 Maple Tree

Day 47

Another sea of roses! Something traditional my husband does for the girls on Valentines Day is get them their own flowers they can put in their own vases. I remember when our oldest was little, receiving a single pink rose and her little eyes lit up like you would not believe! To this day, the girls still get them. Poor son, doesn't get them.. but he sees how a man treats a woman, and that's what's important. 
Here is a beautiful bouquet by the window. They are so brilliant, I had to take a few snaps. This is SOOC. No fun textures or actions.. they were just unique all by themselves.

Day 47

Settings: 100, f/2.5, ss 1/40, 50 mm

Day 3

The last of the Christmas decorations are all tucked away until the end of.. this year! I'm always sad to see it go. I am probably the last in our neighborhood to take everything down, but it just makes me happy, and I love the ambiance! All I'm lacking is a fireplace, but apparently people from Chicago didn't believe in those fine things so many years ago!

I'm loving the flowers my husband bought for me. He must have walked in yesterday with 6 packages of different bouquets. I absolutely love the muted roses, the bright gerbera daisies, the funky orange and purple colored daisies, the pink roses and others. I put these beside my bed because I love the smell, and a simple green and white/cream decor. 

Day 3

Indoor shots are hardest for me to get right. Again, I needed the practice. I hate the glare that the flash brings as it just washes away all the detail.

My settings were: 

ISO - 200, Aperture f/1.8, Shutter speed 1/13, 50 mm lens, no flash, tungsten

Day 1

Okay, I'm finally going to do it. I will take a photo every day for 365 days. Why? This has become a popular challenge across the blog world, and I've seen people grow so much in that year. What to do? 

• Read in my manual every day, and use that knowledge to photograph something for that particular subject. 
• Post 1 photo each day for 365 days. 
• Look at professional images each day whether it be books or online. 
• Be more creative! 

I must admit, I'm a little nervous. Not sure I can complete this challenge, but have every intention of doing so! 

If anyone else is on this journey, feel free to join in and give constructive criticism. I am a bit shy to throw the first photo up. I don't know if I should photoshop or throw the images up there untouched..what to do what to do...

I guess I will figure it out as I go.

I will be posting each image here to organize it for my own sake, I will urge you to also start your own 365 blog to archive your photos. I've also started a Flickr group called kara's 365! That way you can add your own photos and join us all on the challenge! Invite your friends, it will be a great journey!

Happy 2011! It's been an up and down year for us, I pray that it is a wonderful year this year for all my friends and family! 

365 Day 1 

Lighting. This is the hardest for me to get right when the sun isn't shining through. 

My settings were:
ISO - 800, f/5, Shutter speed 1/60, 90 mm, No flash, tungsten light setting

My thoughts: It's still a little grainy, but that's understandable with an ISO of 800. I was more worried about the lighting, and it not being too orange having the blond haired girl with such light skin and an orange flower. So, that in itself is usually a challenge for me.