More Cute Kids {That Aren't Mine!}

I happen to think my kids are cute. I think all parents think the same way I do of their own kids. When I take pictures of any kids, I try to capture those natural, joyful expressions that are unique to them. Sometimes that is a toothy laugh. Sometimes that is a reserved smile. Sometimes that is a sly, mischievous look. And sometimes those expressions are not smiles at all. Whatever the look--I love it when I capture that twinkle in the eye that is unique to them. I think I caught that in some of these pictures. Warning: there are lots of photos!

Short Break

The flowers from last week only provided a short break for my kids from being in front of my camera. Last Friday, we headed out to capture a few more outdoor pictures before the cold weather moves in permanently. NOW, I am still hoping for a few more good days so that I can get some pictures in the fall leaves. We'll see if mother nature grants my wish!










This pose and location was her idea. I couldn't help but comply.


Now to decide which ones will get blown up big for the wall. Any suggestions?

Closer Still

As promised, I tried out my macro on the flowers from Monday's post. It was fun to have my macro lens back on my camera and a reason to use it waiting at the table. I never use a tripod when taking these macro shots (a real macro photographer would probably gasp in horror at that confession) and if you look closely you can probably tell. However, I am pleased with them and since I am the "client" in this case--that is all that matters.

My Flowers Are Back

BYU had their first home football game this last weekend. Guess what that means? My flowers are back. By MY flowers, I mean the flowers that my husband brings home after each football game is over. These were all taken with my 50 mm 1.8. It is the lens that has been on my camera for a while. I didn't have much time today to take these photos so I didn't switch to the macro lens, but if the flowers look good tomorrow I will probably just have to break it out. Enjoy!

Rejected!

Pretty much everyday, as I take pictures and upload them to my computer, I sort through and pick favorites and reject others for various reasons (usually technical issues on my part or subject problems such as closed eyes.) This is all very natural and part of the digital process that I have set up for myself. Today, I decided to see what I could do with some of the pictures I have sent to the "rejected" pile over the last few weeks. A little Lightroom/Photoshop love and I find them acceptable--despite their flaws.



Smiles are over-rated, don't you think?

Here Comes the Sun {flowers}

The LOVE the sunflower weeds that are so in bloom right now. I have passed this little field of sunflowers twice now without taking a single picture. Let's just say that I was in no condition to take pictures the previous times (one of those times included a broken tooth and cut lip--it has been a rough week.) Today, I knew I would be passing by and I came prepared with my camera. All were taken at f/2.2 (because of this challenge) except for this first one.

Texas

My husband and I got a chance to go to Dallas, Texas to see the BYU Football game vs. Oklahoma. This would be the first time that my husband and I had had been on a trip by ourselves in 2 years (mostly due to the cute one year-old that is sitting on my lap as I type this.) It was great fun and the fact that BYU was able to pull off the upset win was definitely the highlight. I am posting a few (okay--actually A LOT) of pictures from our trip.

We stayed at the Gaylord Texan. It is an amazing hotel with several acres of indoor gardens and walkways.




We were able to tour the new $1.3 billion dollar Dallas Cowboys Stadium the day before the football game.




The black streaks that you see on the field are little pieces of rubber that are used under the artificial turf to give it some bounce. While we were touring the stadium, there were several trucks on the field working the rubber into the turf and "vacuuming" up the extra pieces.



Did you notice the jumbo screen in those pictures? The HUGE HD display is 72 feet high and 160 feet long and spans nearly 60 yards. It weighs as much as a full jumbo airliner and uses 30 million light bulbs!!

We also toured the Texas Rangers stadium as well. They are both located in Arlington, Texas and within walking distance of each other.



These were taken from the Texas Rangers dugout.



The BYU v. Oklahoma game was Saturday evening. Here is the team warming up.



Max and the "Stretch Y" on the Jumbotron!



A play leading up to the winning touchdown.


The winning touchdown pass from Hall to Jacobson.


Jacobson's winning touchdown catch. I just love how open he is and the offensive line's immediate celebration!



The celebration after the game!



I also learned some photographic lessons:
1) Don't take a camera on a trip that you haven't used for over a year. You won't remember how to perform some vital functions on the camera despite the fact that you think it is pretty similar to your current camera!
2) Camera's manufactured prior to 2008 shouldn't be used at ISO settings of higher than 400. The result will be some really ugly noise!

I debated for several days before the trip whether I should take my older and slightly smaller Nikon D70 on this trip. I eventually decided to do this and upon taking my first picture regretted my decision for the above reasons. I got some okay pictures but with each click of the shutter I wished I had my current camera. If you are still reading this--thanks for sticking with me through ALL these photos!