365 Project - Day 100

"If God had granted all the silly prayers I've ever prayed where would I be now? Someday we will be more grateful for the prayers that didn't get answered than the ones that did." C.S. Lewis

What a remarkable 100 day journey this has been. When I initially thought about the 365 Project, I did not imagine the challenge in front of me. I thought that simply taking a photo every day and posting it somewhere should be simple enough. As I began that first day, however, it felt strange just to posting a picture. I was compelled to say something about the photograph and the words, though difficult to come, needed to be more than "here is my photo; I took this because; this is the EXIF." I had more I wanted to say. I didn't know why. I am convinced that God was stirring me, unbeknownst to me at the time, into a greater service. Frankly, had I understood at the time, I might not have started. He knew, however, that I was committed to the project the first day I created this blog, but I think he also knew I wasn’t keen on the written blog. I got a little help the next day. A broken leg changes your perspective in a really big way, if you let it.

Society does a lot of self-checking after the first 100 days. Let's look back at what I have accomplished in the first 100 days of my 365 Project. While I have been on crutches for 100 days, my life and this journey have been about so much. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 I have often been anxious that I would exit this time with a fully healed leg, yet as the same person that fell down the stairs that day. To me, that would mean I had wasted 100 days.

In 100 days, I have taken 8,615 photographs! A normal day for me has been 20, with my high of 1200ish (70 cast members) and my low of 4 (at the gas station). I love that those were my bookends. Both were huge tasks to tackle. Only 20 days were actually shot away from my house. I've had very few days that were total failures, but have had a couple days when only 1 or 2 photos were worth processing. And, one of my favorite photos remains the one I took immediately following my fall, before I realized I had broken my leg. I was in pain and limping, but I was on a mission. Shortly after taking that photograph, I realized it was time to "be still." It is important to me to acknowledge that I managed my way through the first day or two after the fall with help from a small event on Light Stalking. I shared a photo I had taken earlier in the month as my first posting into their Shark Tank, a critiquing forum. I received lots of excellent constructive criticism coupled with lively banter. I was distracted during that time and I am grateful.

I have been incredibly fortunate during these 100 days. I rested and attempted meditation! I have had time to learn, to laugh, to love and to live, with little distraction, except my camera (and Lightroom). I have experimented, discovered and grown. I have come to understand the possibilities and limitations of my lenses. I believe that less is more and even less is better. And, some days, I just draw a creative blank. I am my biggest critic (which is nothing new) and one of the best feelings is to take a second look at my daily photos and think, "maybe that wasn't so bad after all." I have developed new skills in headshots, studio lighting, silhouettes, flower photography and still life, though not an expert, I'm making huge strides. My speed light is now my friend, whereas before it was a stranger. Christmas bokeh and event photos are much easier for me. I successfully created guidelines and taught ISO.

I am fearless!

I want to come back to the headshots. When I was shooting the cast photos, I realized I wasn't interested in only taking a good photograph. I personally had a dual purpose: 1) in the few minutes I had with each child, I wanted them to feel important, beautiful and talented in a way that was unique and special, and 2) I wanted to create a photograph that made them also feel so when they saw it. I had less than 5 minutes with each person. I was in a non-weight bearing cast and I was shooting 5 to 18 yr olds straight through without a break. It was impossible to deliver on this - but I wanted to come as close as I could. I wanted a sweeping victory. I felt God commanded it from me. We don't always get to choose our circumstances, but we always get to choose our attitude. "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

So, I will wrap 100 / 365 with this: I have selected photos to post both because I think they are among the best of the day and because they suit my message. When I embarked on this project, I didn't expect to become a quote hoarder, nor did I anticipate the Lord to taking over, but He is in control and again, I am grateful. Amen.

I often joke that I am the only person reading my blog. Now, I feel I am being pushed to ensure there is broader circulation. I am praying I'm ready. This could be why I spent 100 days with a broken leg!

"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; your mercy, O Lord, endures forever." Psalm 138:8

Blessings to you and yours!


Today's Photo: Perfected Perseverance

"And, when you want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." Paulo Coelho




EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
50mm
f8
1/180 (Paul C Buff Einstein Strobe)

365 Project - Day 99

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9 This first 99 days has been a fascinating combination of learning and stretching as I work through this process in the best possible way given a difficult situation. I am happier and stronger than I was 99 days ago, for certain. I know I have potential for far more than I believed 99 days ago. And this work, this passion, was never about impressing others, but about finding a path to helping others. While that hasn't come full circle yet, I feel more encouraged.

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 I am sometimes frustrated that the mission of helping others using this creative is not clearer, but I know that it is a work in progress and will come at the proper and appointed time. Until then, I have been granted this amazing time of patience, healing, reflection, development, gratitude and most importantly time with my family. And, that is huge. I am convinced that there will come a time when my world will be crazy busy again and I will want for a return to this solitude. So, for now, I cannot wish this away. I must enjoy and learn from and through it.

Until that time, I am thankful for the incredible life I am living - every bit of it. And, I am thankful for the one that is on it's way as "God weaves together all the circumstances of my life into a beautiful tapestry." Such an awesome way to think about it, right? "Enter with the password: Thank you! Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him." Psalm 100:4.

Praise God!

A note about this photograph - I chose this for 2 reasons: 1) its heavenly / upward tilt and 2) as I mentioned yesterday, in the run-up to Day 100, I chose (though unplanned when I shot these photos) a photograph that illustrates a new technique. So, while I have been shooting floral for a few weeks, the processing for this is different. I saw a reference to a photographer who shoots monochrome and creamy tones with his florals. I looked as his work and it's lovely. I tried to imitate to suit my taste, a little less creamy and a little sharper. (NB - I will add his name - need to research)

Best wishes.


Today's Photo: Until Then

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4




EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
50mm
f8
1/2s

365 Project - Day 98

While I did less today than I had planned, I may have done more than I should have. I am making excellent progress in healing my broken leg, but I spent too much time standing on it today and it hurts.

We had a photography club meeting this evening, designed to allow people who have new cameras to join us and learn more about the fundamentals. We had a larger turn out than expected. Yay! I co-staffed the ISO table and had a ball. It was fun being in a leadership role and helping people again. I had forgotten how good that feels. Plus it was nice to test my skills.

My approach to today's photograph, therefore, is about skill. Given I am nearing the end of my first 100 days in this project, I felt I should select a photo that demonstrated knowledge of a skill I did not have when I started. And, while this photo was taken 2 days ago, I am selecting not my favorite or the best photo of the day, but one that that illustrates a new technique (and is a decent photograph as well).

My husband was kind enough to shovel the walkways, including a few paths for me. I walked out into the backyard on 2 solid for the first time in over 2 months. It was liberating, albeit cold. I was confined to a few snow shoveled paths, but that was enough for me. I have taken photographs of the sun before, but have not managed to capture a starburst. I had to properly position myself and ensure the sun was positioned slightly behind the trees to capture this. Success meant setting my mind on the possibilities, not the probabilities.

When I was working, I often pushed my teams to think about the art of the possible. In doing so, we could abandon small minded thinking and move on to create much stronger solutions for our clients and partners. We would also collaborate with colleagues to innovate new ways to solving complex issues. It often meant that we accomplished more than folks believed we could and sometimes we surprised ourselves. One of my favorite poems on the art of the possible is Emily Dickinson's, "I Dwell in Possibility". I should note that I have a less insular, more literal interpretation of the poem! I think it's a brilliant take on the extension of a person's world when they dwell on possibilities - it creates many new windows and doors; opens up a world in which the best of everything is possible; the sky is the limit with blessings from heaven; you do what you have been destined to do. Ah hah!

Best wishes!

Today's photo: Bursting forth with new possibilities

"I Dwell in Possibility" by Emily Dickinson

I dwell in Possibility -
A fairer House than Prose -
More numerous of Windows -
Superior for Doors -

Of Chambers as the Cedars -
Impregnable of Eye
And for an everlasting Roof -
The Gambrels of the Sky

Of Visitors - the fairest -
For Occupation - This -
The spreading wide my narrow Hands -
To gather Paradise -





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
50mm
f11
1/180

365 Project - Day 97

My children are delightful, funny, creative, talented, wise, energetic, kind, beautiful, brilliant and exasperating! Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "A child is a curly, dimpled lunatic." And, I am proud to say that have two of those.

Most believe it is a lucky break when a photographer has children and pets. They have ready subjects to photograph and thus to practice with any time. This is simply not true for me. I have beasts that absolutely do not wish to accommodate my requests for sitting for photographs no matter how I might bribe them. I try nearly once a week to coerce them into a photo session and fail every time. This time was different. We were snowed in and they were getting bored. They had seen my Rembrandt style self-portrait taken immediately following my time in Creative Live's Studio Lighting 101 course with Lindsay Adler. (Can I say again that this is one of the very best training sessions I ever attended? You can't help but learn. Fabulous!!) I suppose they thought it looked okay, but they still refused the first few times I asked. They knew I would persist, however. This time I was armed. I promised to deliver the harshest possible photograph with minimal light (well, they are teen boys). I promised only shadowy Rembrandts, split light and profiles. I promised I would take only 15 minutes of their time. I promised they would have the coolest photos ever! Yeah, I was on a roll and they bit.

I set up a small makeshift studio in the basement with the Einstein strobe and dug around to find my silver reflector, which before the class, I had no clue how to use. I had originally planned on using my tripod, but Lindsay doesn't so I put it away. I had also thought about trying to build makeshift barn doors for my speed light, but felt I was overcomplicating things and adding more light when the objective was as little light as possible.

As we got started, the boys were each a mess, cracking jokes, texting, shifting in their seats, making odd faces and doing everything except sitting still in the chair. I kid you not, they are the worst possible clients. I would rather a 2 year old over my own children. One of the things they complain about is how long it takes for me to finish a photo shoot with them -- no wonder. I cannot get them to sit still long enough to get started and get through the shoot. Once they finally settled in, though, a funny thing happened. I started to show them the photos on the back of the camera and they became more agreeable. When they realized they were actually going to get what they paid for (their payment being stillness and silence), I had their undivided attention. No phones, no squirming, no joking. And for that payment, I delivered a new set of social media profile photos. That's how happy they were.

Looking back on that session, it would have been easy for me to get really agitated with them. I must instruct and discipline, yes, but yelling at them only agitates me, not them. They are in their own world. As much as I would prefer to have obedient children who always succumbed to my wishes as soon as commanded, that is not what I was granted. I have children with huge, wonderful minds of their own. If I am patient, we will come together, eventually. I know we were made for each other. So why allow them to make me crazy?

Best wishes!

Today's photo: (a daily double) To each his own...

"Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord." Psalm 127:3

365 Project - Day 96

"Keep me away from the wisdom that does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children." Khalil Gibran.

I have to repeat myself. These children are awesome. It is wonderful to witness them performing beyond their years, training and experience as they execute talent to their maximum potential. I wonder, perhaps, if music is the fuel that drives this push to overachieve. Music can flood our senses and sensibilities, intensifying feelings that exist or causing us to integrate new ones. And, it has the unique ability to give wings to an ambitious soul or refresh a broken one.

In this photo, I hope you'll agree, the former is at work. So much energy, such joy. I believe this is reflective of Bach's intention when he said, "Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul." All I can say is, "Bravo!"

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Children - The joy of music!

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." Plato




EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 1600
70mm
f2.8
1/125

365 Project - Day 95

I have these amazingly talented children who seem to get a lot of joy out of surprising me by their roles in each. They prefer that I do not see the rehearsals nor know much about the shows before opening night and while that makes for an exciting evening, it also makes for an anxious mom. Brooks' performance of Schlomo in Fame, Jr. was outstanding, but I had no clue he would be leading the finale, starting out on stage alone. So, as I casually sat in the audience with my camera in my lap enjoying the show, I was stunned when he stepped on stage. (I suppose I could have read the program!) As usual, the show was terrific. All of the kids were wonderful and we were blessed with three musicals in a single day. I cannot imagine a more delightful way to spend a Saturday! Life is groovy.

My son's signature song, Bring on Tomorrow, is a poignant one. If our youth (and adults) embraced these lyrics and felt there was a calling to make a difference, utilizing the talents they were gifted, I believe they (we) would be stronger physically, mentally and spiritually. I have this discussion with my children rather regularly, "please do not forget that the talents you were given are intended for you to change the world." (aka not just for fun)

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Fame!

"We have arrived at a moment in our lives, when the future passes into our hands, we can find out, are we really strong enough to fulfill what the future demands? ... Bring on tomorrow, let it shine, like the sun coming up on a beautiful day, it's yours and mine, we can make a difference, it's not too late." From Bring On Tomorrow, Fame! The Musical




EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 1600
130mm (70-200mm)
f2.8
1/250

365 Project - Day 94

We had the joy of witnessing another round of youth musicals this weekend. The kids are amazingly talented and always deliver energetic performances that warm us on these chilly winter evenings. Their talent and passion exudes from every pore. The photograph below is from the performance of Company by the older kids. I love the energy and passion displayed by my son, who played the role of Larry.

Passion has long been one of my cornerstone principles. I am convinced that passion can carry someone further than talent alone. And, I am sure that without passion, our breaths and steps shorten, making progress slow and uncertain. I'll share a few favorite quotes on passion: "Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn." John Wesley; "When you catch a glimpse of your potential, that's when passion is born." Zig Ziglar; "It is your passion that empowers you to be able to do that thing you were created to do." T. D. Jakes

I am passionate about a lot of things, but as you can read in my "about" post, I was unclear as to my true passion until recently. Since discovering, I have been hesitate to embrace it fully. A funny thing happened today, though. I knew I wanted to write about passion, given the evidence of it in this photo. I have been reading a single chapter in two different books each morning and evening. Today, those two chapters both spoke to the same bible verse with each also stating that God was the one who puts the dream [read passion] into our hearts. This was an exciting revelation for me. It does come with responsibilities, however, to ensure the fire of passion is stirred. Confirmed by a third reading tonight, "we will always harvest what we plant." (Galatians 6:7) I encourage you to live, fuel, and harvest your passion!

Best wishes!


Today's Photo: The harvest of passion

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8




EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 1000
150mm (70-200mm)
f2.8
1/90