learning something new is just too fun

Self portrait

I have always snapped pictures, and loved photography. My family will attest to that. I have many pictures of my sons, as teens, that are a hand in front of the lens. I once survived a sail boat ride where I discovered I had a true phobia of being out of sight of land, by looking through my lens finder for the entire voyage. 

I rarely look back at the photos I have taken... like with most of the art I do, it is far more about the experience than about the artifact. using my camera makes me slow down. It makes me look. It makes me compose and notice and enjoy. 

The last few years, the photos that have been the most frequent have been my product photos. That was good and useful, but I am enjoying getting back to photo for fun!

I joined the Facebook group 365 for 2013. It is a group of people who have vowed to take and post a picture each day for the entire year.

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Sunday morning breakfast

 I joined thinking it would get me to take photos more often, but only a week into it, I realize it is far more than that I will get out of this group. 

Like many on-line groups, it is diverse. a wide range of experience, and expertise. Locations from England, US - including a Hawaii contingent, Australia, Gibraltar, and more.
What a great group of generous folks. 

They are all so willing to help and share information. 

the HDR filter really enhanced the cool natural light and warmed the halogen spot.

I love this shot of our breakfast nook area, I have shot it many times in many lighting, and this version, filtered with Snapseed is one of my favorites.

One of the things they have shared is info about editing programs. I have downloaded a couple of the onto my phone, and am I having fun! 

These images all started out as quick phone captures, but then I went to work on them. At this point, I know they lack finesse and are probably overworked, but nonetheless I am learning so much.

This old dog loves new tricks!