This is virtually the same method I use for my meal-planning, so no need to re-write it. Just check it out!
“Mama, it’s cold in here,” February 27, 2010
“You gotta turn on the hotter!” ~Anja
And actually, no, honey, it’s quite warm today–in the 30s!
Visual Poetry: A Review February 25, 2010
After reading (somewhere, don’t recall where) that a photographer enjoyed Chris Orwig’s new book “Visual Poetry,” I decided to pick up a copy to read myself. Nursing usually affords me an hour or two of reading per day (during the day times when Anja isn’t awake or is playing nicely by herself), and I’ve read through this book in about two weeks.
First: I do not understand the cover image. Perhaps there is some personal significance to it, and that’s why it was chosen, but it is not a terrific photograph. The composition is mediocre, and the subject looks depressed. Weird choice.
When I was in architecture school, most of the professors, while well-meaning, had a very minute grasp on actual practice. They encouraged passion, creativity and originality. I graduated with virtually no idea of how to actually practice architecture. Orwig is a photography professor at Brooks Institute. He encourages passion, creativity and originality. However, he is also a professional who gets paid for his work. Despite that, he has not lost his love for the trade. Orwig’s outlook as a photographer is refreshing, even if his main foci (outdoor/adventure photography and portraits, from the looks of things) are different than mine.
Orwig thrives in the outdoors: surfing, hiking, camping…these are his passions. This is very clear in the photographs used throughout the book. His portraits (mostly surfers and musicians) are relatively strong, but his wedding shots (all from one event) are weak. If you are looking to get into weddings or family photography, I’d look for an author who has more experience in this realm.
The book is broken into three parts, one each devoted to creativity and technique, tips for the many paths of photography (portraiture, weddings, travel, etc.), and gear and becoming a professional.
I thought the strengths of this book were the inspiring anecdotes and encouragement to get out there and do what you love. The assignments given at the end of each chapter are great impetus for everyone, from beginners to those looking for renewed vision.
Weaknesses were the repetitiveness of content and the typos (oy vey, were there a lot!).
Overall, I think the book is worth a look-through. If you read a few of the anecdotes in the creativity section, you can probably skim the rest of them and move on to the last two sections. Orwig has a website that accompanies his book, so check that out, too.
Sherman & Friends February 24, 2010
I found Anja’s booster seat, with Sherman in it, on the kitchen table one day. I hurried to take a photo before she moved it, and when she saw my camera, she decided one of her other “guys,” Pooh, needed to be in on it, too.
I edited the photos two different days, which is obvious by their difference in saturation and clarity. Ah well. :)
15 Toy Rule February 23, 2010
Back in the day before I had children, I had lofty goals. One of these goals was that each child would be limited to fifteen toys. ”When a new one enters the house, an old one has to go,” I told myself. I think I heard someone speak about it on Focus on the Family, and I really thought it sounded like a great idea.
Yeah, not so much. Can you imagine keeping a busy kid (and Anja is very, very busy) occupied seven days a week with 15 toys? Yikes! I realize there are families who make it work with that amount or even less, but I think I would pull all my hair out within a matter of hours!
One of Anja’s “guys” (special toys) is Sherman. Sherman used to be mine, and he was long ago confiscated and now has a new owner. He is well-worn, showing signs of much loving. I read somewhere recently about a “100 project,” where you take one hundred photos of the same object in different settings. Right away I thought of Sherman, because I knew I wouldn’t even have to find the settings for him–he is always in some random, cool place. I can glean from my daughter’s creative play!
So here is the first of what will probably be many photos of Sherman over the coming year. Note the comfy “pillow” that came out of a jewelry gift box. Heh heh.
It’s Not That I Have Nothing to Say… February 22, 2010
It’s that I don’t have time to say it! Life has just been busy lately. And getting more than 5 hours of sleep a night (TOTAL, not in one stretch) proves to be a challenge. And it’s my priority right now. Miss you all, though!
Happy Valentine’s Day February 14, 2010
We still have an unfinished Valentine project, but that’s okay…we can spread the love around for weeks!
Frosted Sugar Cookies February 13, 2010
Should be outlawed in my house. We make them a couple times a year, and I cannot. keep. my greedy paws. off. them. I tried a new recipe for these, but they weren’t as good as Joan’s.