Find something that makes you happy

One of my friend's facebook status tonight was about finding a hobby or passion that you love and just doing it.  She went on to add about supporting those that you love that have found just such a hobby.  It sort of struck me.  I know I've been nervous about what the reaction to my photography would be.  I'm no where near even thinking of doing it as a "job."  However, it is definitely a hobby that I've fallen head over hills in love with it.  I love seeing the word hiding behind the camera.  It suits my personality to a T.  I can watch, observe, and document, all while staying in my bubble.

I know over this past year, I've found more of a style that I love.  I had friends mention it, but I did not really see the change until I looked back over the entire year.  I guess you can say my tastes matured?  I know over the next year I hope to keep learning more, especially the technical side.  Do I ever think I'll make it into a hobby that makes money?  Maybe, but not until I have a lot more practice under my belt.  Right now I love capturing my daughter's life, our world, sharing this hobby with her, and making pretty pictures.  I've also picked up some new friends from my photography on 365.  It's sort of like my gaming, a few more friends from around the world.  The perks of the online universe, ya know?

My latest photography love and find...black and white portraits.

A New Year, and Hopefully more blogging

So outside of my goals I've set for my photography (learning my camera more, getting a new lens, and hopefully making the top 20 on 365), I also want to blog more.  Lately on 365, I've gotten comments that the writing in my captions is very well done.  I've always loved to write, and well, I really want to keep this blog up to date for once.  So we'll see, right?

The husband unit has been on leave, so we've been enjoying some down times.  It's been a trial and error process on getting new routines established for Ali with us being back home.  Things are mellowing out now it seems.  She's a lot like her daddy, change does not phase them much.  I'm the one that goes "OMG PANIC!" at change. 

I've started Year 2 already for 365.  I'm a month out from finishing my first year.  I'm proud of myself that I've stuck with it, even if I had a month of filler shots due to a broke camera.  I still stuck it out.  Ali and I started a project for her, but her want to do it seems to have died off in the excitement of Christmas, Daddy, and the trip back home.  I can't blame her.  That's a lot for a four year old to comprehend and take in! 

Here are a few of my shots recently:



 





I also started a facebook page to show my pictures on for folks not on 365.  Moody Rainbow Photography is the page!  It's just to show things as I learn.  It's been a fun 11 months learning so far, so I can't wait to see what the new year brings.

Incomplete

(I posted this on my 365 project, but I wanted to share it here.  And I swear, I'm going to post more.  Things have been hellish lately.)



When I saw the theme for the week, I instantly thought of one person to take a picture of. Problem - that person is who knows where in a submarine. That person is my hero in more ways than I can share in the space this box gives. He made a choice 14 years ago come January to join the Navy. It was not a smooth ride at first, but he settled in his current job. He loves his job, stress and all.

I've been wearing this necklace almost nine years. It was a gift from him our first Christmas, shortly before our first patrol together. Over the years, he has jokingly called it my fidget device. I've rubbed the silver coating off of the front. His dog tags are on the necklace as well. And the dolphins are a pin that have made their appearance before in my project.

My husband helps keep me, our family, everyone safe. In trade for that service, he sacrifices time with his loved ones. Misses first steps, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. It can be hell some days. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have my loving husband, who has given me the world in our daughter.

And you know one of the best parts? Those videos of homecomings you see on T.V.? The ones with the over flowing waterfall of emotion pouring out of the loved ones? I've seen it. I've felt it. I've been there. Waiting on pins and needles on a pier watching for the sailor with red hair. Then getting that hug and kiss. Seeing the look on our daughter's face - The "Where the hell have you been?" one. And just wanting to keep touching his hand or his shoulder to make sure you aren't dreaming. When incomplete, becomes complete again.

And hearing him say my name. He always chuckles softly when that's one of my first requests.

If you've made it through this, thank you. I'll admit I've been crying during half of it, so I don't know if it makes much sense. This just felt like one of those pictures and captions that had to be done.
 

Who I am #3: Artsie Fartsie

When we first started dating, my husband jokingly called me Artsie Fartsie. It's sort of stuck over the years. I'm definitely the more artsie one of the relationship. (We are actually complete opposites if you look at the MTBI personality tests. hehe) He is way more science and math, where I'm happy in my colorful rainbow bubble with my camera, writing, and colors.

I'm grateful for artsie farstie outlets of creativity. =)

Artsie Farstie Mode: Activated

Today, my artsie fartsie side got a little boost. Talking with a friend, she asked me "Have you studied photography?" I'm like "Umm...high school." She goes on to tell me that's she's really enjoying seeing my 365 project.

*insert image of my artsie fartsie side doing a happy jig in my head*

Getting my new camera has done worlds for my soul. I'm not kidding. I need some kind of artsie outlet. As much as I'd love to scrapbook, lack of room prevents it. (Though, be damned, I'm going to find some way. I just might have to totally take over the kitchen. Time will tell.)

I also love hiding behind the camera. Ryan has always joked that I see the world differently. He calls it my "OH SHINEY!" disorder, meaning that I get easily distracted be quirky little things that catch my attention. I can just hear him now when he sees me take 15 minutes rearranging glittery heart stickers to get them JUST right. Or just snapping pictures of our daughter playing and hoping there is a really awesome shot.

I guess hiding behind the camera really lets me just watch. Be the quiet one in the background, observing the details of the world. Seeing something that might be overlooked by someone that didn't take that extra second. I find myself now thinking of different shots to try. I'm hoping by the end of patrol to atleast be practicing full time in manual.

Here are a few of the pictures I've taken lately:

Beautiful Imperfection



Love



Torn



I'm definitely having fun. It's neat dreaming up different ideas. Like I have a bag of rose petals in the fridge that is just calling to be some type of picture.