I Did 52

Last year, one of my big goals was to learn more about my camera {cannon rebel xs}.  I wanted to learn more about shooting manual, and more about editing.

 I got Photoshop at the end of 2010, and started stalking some photogs on Facebook.  I decided to try a 'challenge' set forth by one of them, called "Let's Do 52".  The idea was to challenge yourself to take a fresh photo each week.  It was a great way to make sure I got my camera out each week and to make sure I challenged myself to try new ideas and techniques.

I'm really happy with my progress in 2011.  I learned a lot, and I feel comfortable with my camera.  I've even had 6 different people pay me money for photo shoots!  That's something I never thought would happen.

So if you've got the time, check out my 'Let's Do 52' tab.  Here are some of my favorites:

I'm not doing a specific challenge this year, since my camera is already a part of my daily life.

How about you?  Did you complete any goals in 2011?

Let's Do 52: Handwritten

A few weeks ago, the prompt for "Let's Do 52" was 'handwritten'.  I immediately thought of this lovely stack of letters that I have in a box in my cloest.  I keep most cards/letters/notes that I recieve, espeically those that are meaningful.  I pulled the box down to find a good 'handwritten' object for the photo, and found these gems:

My stack of letters from MacGyver while he was on his mission.  For those of you not familiar with our story, we dates for about 6 months, and then he left for a 2-year service mission for our church.  We got to talk on the phone only 4 times in the two years, but we were able to write letters each week.

Looking at the stack of letters brought back so many memories of watching my mailbox like a hawk.  I'm sure my college roommates remember it well, too!  It was tough to have such strong feelings for someone, and then be limited to letter-writing for two whole years.  In the end, it was one of the best things to happen to our relationship.  We got to learn about each other and were able to develop a good friendship.  And we'll always have these letters, which I know we both treasure.  It's really fun to read them and remember what our 19-year-old selves were like.

So I thought I'd share why this stack of handwritten letters is one of my favorite posessions.

Happy Monday!

Let's Do 52: Week 3

Well, all I have on the brain is photoshop.  Sorry, folks.  So here's week 3.  Abandoned or doors.  It's a stretch...we're outdoors.  Have I mentioned I love editing photos? 

This week's theme is blessings or tiny.   Luckily, I have lots of blessings in my life.

Let's Do 52: Week 2

The theme was togetherness or metal.  A tough one for me.

At least the izze bottles make me smile.

Let's Do 52: Week 1

I'm doing Paint the Moon's Let's Do 52 this year.  You should, too!