Pets love Photography

Have you have tried to get your dog to smile?  I guess the challenge is to get them to just look your way.  As soon as they know you want them to look, they decide to play, want a treat, run outside.  It takes practice.  Inspiration struck me this week to shoot some nice portraits of the dogs with their mommy, Tara.  If you don’t care to do your hair or pick out shoes and clothes for the portrait, then it’s easy to get set up.

I took this picture in my son’s room…he recently moved out.  So, now I call it “My Studio.”  Anyway, it only took a few minutes take a few shots.  I have shot in this room previously, and I thought it would be nice to make the walls look a little different.  In my stash of textures, I found this cool one.  I thought it added some pizazz.  Let me know what you think?

To see more of my work, click on www.JoanDayImages.com

Downey Animal Care Center

We all want to do something with our talents or interests to help mankind or even animal kind.  Since January, I’ve been helping out with United Hope for Animals, an organization dedicated to helping find homes for many animals in the County shelters.  We have our own Facebook page in Downey called Downey Animal Care Center.

If you can find it in your heart to log on to Facebook and click on the link above, click “like,” click “share,” and you’ll do wonders for these animals that need homes.  There are bunnies, kittens, cats, puppies, dogs, and even a snake or duck or Cockatiel.  People lose their dogs, leave the gates open, have to move…there are all kinds of reasons these guys are hold up in their cells.  We can really see their personalities as we take pictures of one after another.  So many just need a good home.

We also need lots of volunteers.  Check out the County site and sign up to volunteer.  Here is the link if you would like to attend an orientation.  http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/cms1_154725.pdf  Also, there is a phone number on the Downey Facebook page.  Call to speak to an actual person.

Austin

What a joy it was witnessing the miracle of a birth!!! Even though it was 3:11 am, I was wide awake.  I had promised to stay in my little corner, but as the event progressed, I found myself moving to get the views that put the mother and baby in the “right light.”  As Austin entered the world so easily, the doctor called me to his side to capture what he had so professionally taken part in.  Mom and Dad smiled, cried and prayed through the most beautiful and natural event I have ever witnessed.

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Baby Bump

In three short weeks, Sean and Julie’s house is going to be filled with joy that only a new baby can bring.  With four children in their home already, they both needed an afternoon out just to enjoy each other’s company before the day in which sleep becomes a luxury they will have long forgotten.

As I watched the boys help Dad put the crib together, not really quite understanding what this little bundle of joy will bring to the family, I couldn’t help but share in their excitement.  I snapped a few pictures, then concentrated on photographing the expectant Julie.  What a radiant mom!!  Running after two young boys hasn’t hurt her, but has kept her in shape and on her toes.  With the couch cushions piled on the floor, kids jumping on them as they all do and Julie’s description of family time together in the living room, it made me anticipate the day all will be gathered around their new brother.  I’ll enjoy visiting them and watching the love they have for each other.

I, too, am anticipating this special day.  If all goes well, what a privilage it will be to witness the birth of their new son.  I can’t wait to actually see a baby being born…in person.  Yes, I was there for the birth of my two children, but the view wasn’t great from my end, and I was too busy screaming with my eyes closed to really see anything.

I pray all will go well in mid May.  Stay tuned………………..

www.JoanDayImages.com for my website

Prom

Whether you have a date for the prom or not, kids these days don’t want to miss out on a fun evening of dressing like an adult, renting a tux, putting on a fancy dress and make-up and, of course, shopping for the cutest shoes, ever.  Gals and guys will often opt for attending this memorable event in groups traveling in a huge motor home or rented limo, or they may just go with a good friend.

www.JoanDayImages.com for my website

Jimmie and Benjamin have known each other for many years, so it seemed natural that they chose this nearly final high school function to have a Coke together and head to Benjamin’s dance.  What a great opportunity to catch a few smiles from each of them before they drove away.

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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

Photography Workshops

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

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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