Photography by krista

My favourite quote from a night out with Paul for his birthday.  Paul has been prepping for his 39th by talking about it lots leading up to the day.  Apparently that kind of systematic desensitization makes it easy to accept your new age on the actual birthday so he wasn’t as shocked by 39.  However, I think 40 will be a little tougher…he should start the desensitization process now.  I used to be totally freaked out by aging…for quite awhile I was 29 and so many months.  I dreaded saying thirty anything.  What changed?  I was talking to someone at the Y and I muttered something about “hating to get older”.  I will never forget his response “hmph, that’s silly, if you’re not getting older, you’re DEAD!”  Fair enough!  That was a little dose of reality that made me change my perspective in a hurry.  Sometimes the “number” still freaks me out but not nearly as much as it did in the past.

We’ve had a good week here.  The family celebrated Paul’s birthday on the weekend with breakfast in bed, ice skating and cupcakes!  Last night was the grown ups turn to head out for dinner and a movie.  I know he wasn’t expecting to be subjected to a mini photo shoot but I like to mark special events with some kind of photographic record.  When he hits 60 he can look back at 39 and long for the days…LOL.

There are so many fabulous photography challenges and projects out there if you are looking to work on your shooting skills.  Two years ago I did a 365 project (a photo a day for the entire year) which was extremely rewarding and so much fun.  For 2011 I did not feel as motivated to take a picture every single day, although I could have uploaded my iPhone photos and had several a day for the year.  So I dabbled with ideas here and there but did not keep a specific project going, then I felt guilty for not following through as consistently as I did with the 365.  I ended up frustrating myself more than anything.  I love photography so including frustration in the process was just silly.

I continue to get excited whenever I hear of cool photog projects and am tempted to jump on board.  However, I would like to reduce the frustration factor in feeling like I ‘have” to do something a certain way.  So, what’s the result of all of this over thinking???  I have been jotting down all of the challenges and projects in a notebook and will tackle them as the mood strikes me.  The only requirement I’ve put on myself is to be shooting non-client images regularly.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my clients but I also want to keep my brain working on new challenges.

There could be some definite overlap on themes and challenges but again…that’s not breaking my rules!!  It’s really awesome when you make your own rules…you always win!  So, the overall theme for today was “Where I Live”.  I just grabbed my camera and strolled through town taking some random snaps.  A little bit of overlap with the theme “shoot from the ground” as I tried to take a few from a lower perspective.  Here’s what I’ve got!  My house, our towns welcome sign, memorial hall (former home of our awesome haunted house), the view from the bridge, my favourite pub and my favourite tree.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!  Mine is busy but it’s all good busy!  I only had time for a few quick “just for fun” shots and I am not feeling particularly chatty.  Soooooooooo…enjoy your Sunday!

Since I operate my own businesses I find it very tough to put work away and take my holidays when they come.  This year when the karate club shut down I vowed to take the whole two weeks off.  No photography sessions and no working on karate related stuff.  That part was not so tough…but it was extremely challenging not to feel guilty about it!  I never feel good when I have to turn clients down for photography sessions and my karate to do list is piled in sight at all times…taunting me to work on it.  That was the first course of action…I tucked the karate work under my desk so I could not see it and I wasn’t tempted to do it.  I work from home so much of the time that it is hard to be at home and not working.  Sitting around doing nothing feels unnatural.  I was determined though so I let that drive me for the past couple of weeks.  I had family to spend time with, friends to visit and a stack of books to read.  My man friend and I also planned a couple of days away.  I always find it a little risky to chose a vacation spot online because you are never sure what you are going to get.  This time we scored!!!!  We had an incredible time at the Irwin Inn…at the risk of giving away too much information it was a vacation worthy of a romance movie.  Tons of time to relax, private hot tub, delicious meals, crackling fire, comfy accommodations and a delicious bottle of wine.  I stayed with the theme of not working and did not bring my big camera.  The result is a miss mash of random shots from my little camera and my iPhone.

The weather was so bizarre for the couple of days we were gone.  When we left home it was pouring rain, when we were heading back it was freezing and icy.  While we were at the inn we saw quite a variation as well.  The images below were taken within 10 minutes of each other…that was how fast things changed!

The rest of these shots were taken as we walked the grounds…of course it didn’t occur to me to take pictures of the inn itself…just random things that caught my eye as we walked.

This last set is made up of shots from my iPhone….just some of the little pleasures I had adored as part of this trip.

We finally got snow!  My family had crossed fingers that we would have snow on Christmas morning to strengthen that Christmas “feel”.  I was fine either way.  I spent all of the days leading up to Christmas listening to the Christmas music station and watching Christmas movies so I was definitely in the Christmas spirit.  It was a lovely day for me.  All of our kids were here which only happens every other year and it was a fabulously relaxing couple of days including movies, games and lots of laughs.

I have 2 weeks off this holiday and I am trying to avoid all things stressful and just enjoy myself.  So far, so good! (Mostly)  I’ve been tempted to take care of business a few times which is okay because I love both of my businesses but as soon as things get a little stressful (such as last nights computer issue) I am back to the fun stuff.  So, mostly I’ve been hiking, snapping pictures, reading as much as possible, video games and shopping.  Pajama days galore!!!

Today we checked out a new waterfall.  I don’t know how I missed it as it is about 10 minutes from my house!  A nice walk, a beautiful waterfall, some greenery trying to poke through and one of my favourite models…now that’s a holiday!

These are a few of my favourite things!  Of course this list is no where near complete, just some simple pleasures I am feeling grateful for today.  I think I’m becoming a “grown up”.  My verv generous father asks us to give him a Christmas list each year because he likes to shop for us for Christmas but isn’t always sure where to go.  I can usually come up with a list a mile long…I love stuff.  This year I couldn’t come up with anything.  I think after dealing with some health issues (read about that here) I have a stronger sense of satisfaction with all of things I already have.  When it comes to Christmas I am looking forward to a quiet day with my family, having all of our kids here, watching them open gifts and a lovely turkey dinner.  Today was a happy, busy day and it was certainly full of gratitude!  OF COURSE, I am grateful for my family, friends and health first and foremost.

Here are some other things I’m loving today:

Birthday Roses!  Pink for gratitude and appreciation!  Coral for desire!  On a side note my family was fabulous for my birthday.  My man spread things out all day to keep the fun going…Roses, Leafs Tickets, Wine, Dinner Out etc.  My wonderful step daughter made breakfast in bed!  My daughter and step son made cards that brought a tear to my eye!

My wonderful dog.  She is the happiest dog you’ll ever meet!  Happy, but dumb which just makes her all the more endearing.  Her name is Sasha and if you are thinking of a dog I highly recommend a black lab!  GREAT personality, easily trained and a friend for life.  I will never forget the day she had an accident that caused a 12 inch gash in her stomach.  When I went to the Pet ER she was wagging her tail and rushed up to see me as happy as ever.  I was confused about what was wrong with her until she turned around and I saw the injury.  I nearly passed out and she was happy as ever!  She’s getting some extra pictures because she was such a good model today!  Pardon the drool

A view that makes me smile!  Sometimes you just need to slow down and appreciate what’s around you.

My Doc Martins!  I have had these boots for 20 years (yikes!!!  The same shoes for 20 years!) and I still love them.  Notice the missing tags.  My best friends dog chewed the dog tags off about 13 years ago…as far as I’m concerned that just adds character.

My JEEP. I love a JEEP.  I really love to drive my JEEP.  I guess you see my point here.  Back me up here JEEP lovers!!

Our team doesn’t need a huge introduction because you can see them shine in the photos.  I am so proud to be involved in Team Spirit and grateful for each member who works so hard to make the team such a wonderful experience.  I will say there is no chance of getting through a photo shoot with this group in a serious manner and I wouldn’t have it any other way!  I appreciate the serious team shot but I adore all of the outtakes.  Thanks Team Spirit for an incredible year!  All the best in 2012!

I promised some self portraits and I try hard to keep all my promises.  I find self portraits extremely challenging.  Especially since up to this point I’ve been too cheap to purchase a remote trigger and I rely on my self timer.  Two of these pictures were using my 70-200 which proved to be a comical sight for my neighbours.  I clicked the button and ran like mad to get far enough away for the lens to focus.  I am actually pretty impressed with myself.  I’m thinking I look GOOD after a mad dash and only a second to get into position.  You may be less impressed if I included some of the outtake shots!

“Do you photoshop yourself?”  ”Can you make yourself look skinnier?”  Two questions I get a lot.  The answers are yes and yes.  But I don’t.  I used to do it a fair bit, mostly when I was trying to learn something new.  I never alter my appearance nowadays for a couple of reasons.  1. I don’t like meeting people in person and hearing them say…”you look nothing like your profile picture!” 2. I don’t like looking back at old pictures and not really seeing myself in them.  I want my kids to have a legacy of pictures that represent me as I really am.  My family is proud of me and loves me as I am.  In fact my teenager daughter gets very irate if I make any demeaning comment about myself.  She’s proud of me and I’m proud of me.  I need my pictures to tell my real story.

Lots of people have been chatting to me about the blog…I’m so glad you’re reading!!  Please feel free to comment…I love the feedback and it drives me to keep it up.

I am usually up for a challenge or new experience and this was no exception.  However, I have to admit I was pretty nervous for this.  Haven’t heard of O.Noir?  Check it out here.   For those of you not motivated to click the “here” I will give you a quick summary.  O.Noir provides a dining experience in absolute darkness.  I mean it when I say ABSOLUTE darkness!  The website provided some great information before we went…I think I read the FAQ and menu at least 10 times.

As my nervousness got the best of me I came up with a little FAQ of my own.  Less “conventional” questions than a traditional FAQ.

1) What if I have to go to the bathroom?  Anyone who knows me probably expected this question!

2) What if I trip over someone?

3) How do I know who’s talking to me?  I mean, I could hear someone say “would you like more water?” and yell out “yes” without realizing they weren’t even talking to our table.

4) What if I spill my drink?  How will I wipe it up?  Do I just yell out “I spilled!!” and hope someone can help?

5) How loud will it be?

I also had a mental list of my very own do’s and don’ts based on my fears of tripping, finding a bathroom and spilling food! Don’t wear heels.  Wear a black outfit.  Don’t drink too much before we go.  Tie my hair back.  Don’t wear anything that glows (yes I own some things that glow…but that’s a story for another post).  Don’t order coffee or red wine.

I do not want to share too much of the experience and ruin it for people who may want to try it.  I will share a few thoughts.

1) The food was incredible.  All four of us loved our meals.  My sister and I ordered some surprise dishes (apps and dessert) and we were delighted with each one.  If you are going to go, try at least one surprise…it’s worth it to take on the full experience.

2) The service was incredible.  Gavin rocked our world!  He answered all of our questions, put us at ease and took great care of us.

3) It is as dark as dark gets.  Your eyes do not adjust.  You can’t see your hand in front of your face.

4) Most of my good eating habits and social skills are based on there being lights.  Fingers became a reasonable option.  Napkins were no longer a necessity.  (Until we neared the end and reminded ourselves we were heading back into the light!)  Poking people in the face was not frowned upon.  Well perhaps by the recipient of the poke but the other diners had no complaints!  PDA’s were not so public!

If you are up for an experience…DO IT!  Delicious food and great experience…totally worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Well…SKATE with the Leafs is not completely accurate.  In my case it was more like shuffle around the ice clutching the edge with the Leafs…lol.  I could skate at some point in my life…honestly!  I seem to have completely lost that skill but I did get some shiny new skates and will rekindle that skill this winter.

Seven of us went do to the ACC for an hour skate with some retired/current Leafs players.  I had a blast!  I’ve been a Leafs fan for years and I almost have Paul fully on board as well!  Maybe not totally but he loves hockey in general and he is starting to get caught up in my Leafs excitement…he even got himself a jersey!  I’ve got the rest of my life to turn him to the “blue” side!

Our 3 kids are not major hockey fans but they had a blast on the ice, skating with the players, getting signatures and being on the big screen…Jessica spent a lot of time on the big screen after a humourous tumble!

It was so fun to watch my friend’s son put on a great display of all his hockey skills.  He skated around like a little speed skater and showed off everything he’s learned at his hockey practice.

I did not trust myself with the D3 and me on skates so the big camera stayed home and here’s a few we snapped with the baby camera.  Head over to facebook for a few more! www.facebook.com/photographybykrista  Great day!!  GO LEAFS GO!!!