Week # 3

Winter Hills

On Friday night I watched Willie Nelson receive the Gershwin Award for his contribution to the American Song Book. It was wonderful to see and hear so many tributes to this artist. Throughout the show Willie remained grateful and humble as he made his appreciation known to each of the artist honoring him. Near the end of the show Willie came down and performed with his sons and some of the other artists. As I was listening to the music I noticed that his guitar was not only scratched and banged up, but it was literally worn through in parts, leaving a large hole on the front.  Willie is an great artist not because of the instruments he plays but because of his artistic vision and his ability to touch each of us with his words and music. What a powerful reminder that it isn't about the "gear" but it is about an artist's commitment to their vision. Reminder to self - don't get distracted. One camera, one lens, one year!

Week #2

Newspaper and Hand

I've been thinking about ways to improve my photography this year and I've decided to only use one lens for all of my work. I'm going to use the new Fuji XF 35mm F2 that also happens to be my Christmas present from my wonderful husband. This lens along with my Fuji X-T10 should carry me through the year.

Valerie Jardin is a talented street photographer and teacher that talks quite a lot about the "power of limitations".  You can read her articles at the Digital Photography School . I'm hoping that by using one lens I will, slow down, take care to compose the shot, get it "right" in the camera, and develop muscle memory with my camera.

I'll check in as the year progresses with my thoughts and learnings as I move forward with one camera - one lens.

A New Beginning - Week 1

Miles and His Mom

Yesterday, while at the Farmer's Market, I met Miles. Miles is the son of one of our favorite vendors. While we were buying our apples, Miles said to me " I am selling something too".  I of course, being curious,  asked him to show me his wares. Miles was selling some of his original art work. After a few minutes of hearing all about his different works I chose the bright yellow ray with the smiling face. After negotiating a price of $1.25 I was the proud owner of "Smiling Ray".

This wonderful Miles original will be hanging up in my office this year to remind me that we all are original and creative. Thank you Miles for this beautiful reminder!

Week #52 Photo Challenge

Walking Home

Hard to believe that it has been a year since I started this project. My intent was to give myself  motivation to get out every week with my camera - and it did just that. My commitment to this project gave me some sleepless Saturday nights wondering which picture to use, was it really my best one, would it convey what I was trying to say, and would anyone care. In the end it all come together. I have learned much about photography this year and enjoy having my camera in my hands more than ever. 

I would like to give a special thanks to all of the teachers that have helped me learn to see with a "beginner's eye" this year.

Kim Manely Ort , Lee Ashland , John Ricca , Keith Walklet, and 

Miriam Hall have all shared their love for photography and have helped me align my eyes, heart, and hands. These are truly generous teachers and amazing photographers.

I am not sure what comes next and whether I will continue with this blog. If I do continue, it will most likely look and feel a little different. Stay tuned to see what 2016 brings.

Blessings to you all - Louise

Week #51 Photo Challenge

Lines and a Palm Tree - San Diego

When gifts are given to me through my camera, I accept them graciously. - Minor White, 

Week #50 Photo Challenge

Coronado Bridge

I've been down in San Diego for a conference this week. The Coronado Bridge caught my eye over and over again - loved how it looked at different times of the day, different lighting. I took this image early yesterday morning as the sun came up.

"Be still with yourself until the object of your attention affirms your presence."

Minor White

Week #49 Photo Challenge

Pittsburg Marina

"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever.... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."

Aaron Siskind