What do you like to shoot?

The other day, someone asked me what I like to shoot.  Immediately, I said, “Everything.”  I can’t help it.  There isn’t just one thing that I can focus on.  Just the other day, I took a ride to Rose Hills Cemetery around sunset.  The deer were having a fabulous time munching on the roses someone so lovingly laid on their loved one’s grave.  They didn’t mind that I was watching them.  They didn’t run.  I think they’re used to people.  After all, there are a lot of them around this cemetery.  Living in the suburbs doesn’t afford us the opportunity to spot deer too often, so it was a lovely sight.  I’m sure the homeowners in Whittier aren’t too happy when they hop the fence and devour their prize Mister Lincoln rose bush!!  For me, I say, “Let’s just all get along.”  Of course, I might think differently if they had my roses for dinner. For more info, please visit www.JoanDayImages.com

Macro

There’s nothing like a little rain to get me in the mood to take some pictures.  Sometimes we take joy in the sunshine and sometimes with the beautiful clouds, but now that I have my macro lens, I’m finding my inspiration in the little things.  I had macro capabilities with my older camera, but not with my SLR. After recently purchasing a used Nikon 60mm macro, I’m falling in love with macro all over again.  So I will make a point of putting this lens on, and looking at the world with a newness that truly brings me joy. For more info, please visit my website: www.JoanDayImages.com

Sharin’ the luv

I luv sharing my love of photography.  It’s so fun seeing students trying to understand the confusing fact that a large number means a small opening and vise versa.  It’s the moment it “clicks” in your brain that starts the sleepless nights going over the numbers and what creative results come from each variable combination choice that’s made in the exposure triangle.  I try to read a lot, gleaning from others as to the best way to explain it, so that someone will finally “get it.”  Some are visual learners, and some are auditory, but I’m always working on it. 

This week started the first of four lessons for a handful of new camera owners willing to take the time to dive into the buttons and menus in order to learn a new craft, experience the joy of photography, and see photographs in a whole new way.  I’m excited for them and wish them the excited feeling I had the day the light bulb went on nearly thirty-three years ago.  Wow!!!  Time flies.

Here are a few shots I took from the first two days.  Please come back and check to see if I added new ones to this post in the following weeks.

Today, we concentrated on portraits, lighting, and flash.  We had a great time with Jacquelyn, who is always so willing to help me out during my workshops and classes.  Thanks, Jacquelyn!!

The last of the workshop/beginning class are up.  Thanks Emilie, and Steve for helping us out.  We had a great time.  Can’t wait to do it again. For more info, please visit my website: www.JoanDayImages.com

Peter Pan

If you haven’t made time to go see a live performance this summer, may I suggest you treat yourself and a friend to an energetic, fun, theatrical play.  I was invited to opening night of “Peter Pan” at the Curtis Theater, in Brea, CA.  Of course I took my camera along to snap some pictures of my little friends, Sheyenne and John, who are part of the Brea Youth Theatre, under the direction of Stagelight Family Productions.  They looked so adorable as an Indian and one of the Lost Boys.  I didn’t know all the cast would be treated like movie stars as they rolled up in their limousines.  Out came the groups, for a photo taken by their photographer, then up the red carpet where they were greeted and cheered on by family and friends.  I managed to get a few pictures as I squeezed my camera between the heads in the crowd trying to avoid the excited parents.  Wow!  What a night.  As for the production, it was top-notch. The set was cute and professional-looking, as were the costuming and music.  Don’t wait; the show only goes on until August 7, 2011.  Scroll down to the bottom to see the slide show of the kids. For more info, please visit my website: www.JoanDayImage.com

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Cob-a-doodle-do

A trip to the local Farmers’ Market proved to be a winner, today.  I usually head over the one on Lakewood Blvd. in Bellflower, occasionally, on Mondays.  For probably fifteen years, I have been buying the day-old bread left over from the Sundays’ Farmers’ Markets around town.  The Old Town Baking Co. sells all types of bread at every market I’ve ever been to, but I love that I can buy the sourdough for one dollar on Monday instead of the regular price.  There is no sugar or preservatives in the loaves.  This allows me to buy the organic fruits and vegetables.  If I don’t grow it in my garden, then I purchase it here, if I can.  Today, I splurged and bought a beautiful watermelon (with seeds).  I truly believe it is the best watermelon I have ever eaten.  At $12.00, it better be.  Also, this large,  juicy melon was one of the smallest there was of this variety.  I had to ask the girl next to me, “Does this watermelon make my butt look smaller?”  She just laughed.

So, off I went to see what else I could find with my extra bread money.  Corn on the cob was $.50 a piece, and well worth it.  I couldn’t wait for dinner, so Tara and I each had an ear for lunch.  But, before I could microwave it in its natural husk, I had to snap a picture of it.  For a listing of a Certified Farmers’ Markets in your area,  click on this link.  For more info, please visit www.JoanDayImages.com

Franco Trattoria

Franco and Melannie’s smile radiate as they show off some of their tasty specialties at their brand new restaurant, Franco Trattoria, in Uptown Whittier.  Only open for a week or so, it’s showing signs of pleasing many customers.  Already with an “A” rating, they were excited  to share their Italian heritage with me and other guests.  Franco, previous owner of a Gelato store in the Inland Empire, has taken his talent and love of cooking great food to a new level.

Melanie shops the local farmer’s markets and other suppliers for fresh ingredients, daily.  The menu changes every day depending on what they have purchased.

Kaitlyn, my dear friend’s daughter, and I, met for dinner this evening, and we decided to split our meal.  That way we could try more items.  We started off with an appetizer, Bruschetta con Pomodoro.  The authentic Italian cheese is locally made fresh every day.  We, also, sampled Prociutto Parmacotto, imported from Parma.  We split a delicious Insalata Mista, and spinach ravioli.  To finish off our meal we had Macedonia di Frutta.  There was plenty of food for both of us, but if you are an Italian food lover, you will want your very own meal.

We had a great time, and plan to visit again, soon.  This gives me another reason to visit all the cute stores on Greenleaf.  Their address is 6717 Greenleaf, Whittier, CA 90601  Phone 562-696-1188. Their lunch hours are 11:00 am to 2:30 and re-open for dinner service at 5:00, and close at 9:00 pm.  They are open every day, but closed on Wednesdays to recharge their batteries.  It’s a lot of work running your own restaurant.

Summer Garden

What would you do with a basket full of fresh tomatoes from the garden?  Salsa, tomato sauce, pizza, sandwich, salad, juice?  There are so many delicious meals that can be whipped up in a matter of a few minutes with fresh juicy fruit, yes, fruit, from you vegetable garden.

Yesterday, I began by making a delicious pizza made with a half piece of Focaccia from Albertson’s deli.  I bought fresh ground turkey, fresh mozzarella, mushrooms, a little deli ham, pineapple, fresh sliced tomatoes, a jar of marinera sauce (not fresh, but still very good), Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh basil.  All these delicious ingredients ended up on our pizza.  It was so delish, that I invited my sister and brother-in-law over for an encore, today. 

While awaiting their arrival, I cut up a bowl of tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, brown onions, home-grown Serrano chiles, hot yellow chile peppers and a little garlic salt.  Now we’re ready for chips and salsa for tomorrow’s snack. 

I love growing many varieties of tomatoes just for fun, but my favorite is Goliath, from Totally Tomato website.  I grow all my tomatoes from seed, as well as many other fruit and veggies.  There’s nothing quite like making a salad and chopping up everything you can think of from the garden.  For more info, please visit: www.JoanDayImages.com

Smoooooothie

I hope all of you are planning a fun day with your family and friends.  We are having our annual 4th of July get together with family and friends.  A day filled with swimming, ping-pong, fireworks and food is sure to bring laughter to our guests.

I’m planning my menu, although it is a pot luck.  Barbecue pulled pork will be cooking away days ahead to give it a chance to marinate in all those yummy flavors.  Each family brings their favorite goodies, so we always have a variety of food and enough to go around to hungry guests worn out from the swimming and bocce ball.

Today, I’m attempting to finish some chores, but with the kids out of college for the summer, (Tara will attend summer school) boysenberry smoothies are a frequent treat.  With a sink full of dishes, and my hair in a scrunchie, I aim to please Tyler who really loves these berry-flavored drinks.

Hope you have a nice week.

Graduate to be Proud of!!

Brittany is a lovely, young, talented, accomplished, independent college graduate.  I have been lucky enough to know her since the day she was born.  Graduating from college sure feels great, and it’s worth celebrating.  We had fabulous time scouting out great locations on CSULB’s campus…my alma mater, also.  The Japanese Garden right next to the campus, actually on the campus grounds,  is a great place to shoot.  It’s small and intimate, and has a beautiful Koi pond to boot.  Brittany, I can’t wait to see you go on to have a successful career in your field.  I’m so proud of you!! For more info, please visit: www.JoanDayImages.com

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Back to Business

It’s been nearly a month since I posted.  It’s been a difficult month, but I really need to get back in the groove.  This is my new beginning.    Even though I’m well into picking my berries, I had some new blossoms, and some unexpected rain added to the beauty of pretty flowers that I love so much.

I have lots of stuff on my memory card waiting for my attention, so starting tomorrow I will be getting busy.  It would be easy to just give up posting every day, but I don’t want to, so I’m going to start slowly, then one day I’ll make the commitment again and post every day.

Thanks for visiting.