Project 365 {Week 4}

It's getting beautiful, sunny and warm here in Northern California.  We have been spending a lot more time outside.  I have been working in the backyard like a fiend prepping it for the warmer months.  Love watching the kiddos out there playing.  Lucas is obsessed with dining outside.  I am as well now that we have an actual table.  The weather was definitely a highlight of the week for all of us.  It just puts a smile on my face makes me want to be outdoors.

Project 365 {Week 3}

I'm not going to lie, I'm kind of proud of myself for keeping up with it this long.  I am still excited about photographing daily life and the momentum behind Project 365 is still there.  The last time I tried to tackle this project I was already burnt out and dreading daily photos by week three.  The things I find that are key for my success in this project is to try to get my images early in the day (which I mentioned before), carrying my camera with me pretty much everywhere, and a journal of inspiration/photo ideas for when I get stuck.  Also posting here and on my Facebook pages helps me stay motivated as well. 

Project 365 {Week 2}

Giving myself a pat on the back for making it to week two of Project 365.  I have actually been having a lot of fun playing with the images, editing in ways I don't normally.  I have even created some of my first textures.  Now I am constantly on the lookout for things that will trasfer well to textures.  The first big lesson I have learned is try to photograph as early in the day as possible.  This way I am not scrambling before bed in a feable attempt at creating something of interest.  That kind of pressure will make me want to quit in no time fast.  Dare I say it has even been fulfilling.  I am sure there are days ahead that I will not feel this way, but overall it has been positive and motivating.  And the best part?  I actually have photographs of my kids, my husband, and our life together.  Yay!

Some days have more images than others, just depends on what inspires me that day.

I am also posting them to my business page on Facebook.  Feel free to stop by, say hello, or look around:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pixel-Pages-Photography/103753276375840

 
*Please note all images are property of Pixel Pages Photography.  Do not copy or reproduce 'cause it's just wrong, rude, and illegal.

Project 365 {Week 1}

A couple of years ago I attempted this project and lasted maybe one month.  Maybe.  I quickly discovered it is not a project for the faint of heart.  Lots of time, dedication, and discipline.  I mean who really has the time to one photo a day, every day for a year when you are married to man who works crazy hours, running a business, chasing kids, and barely maintaining a household (who are we kidding between the kids, dogs, and my husband that is a losing battle).
Fast forward to to now and I am ready to tackle the enormity of Project 365.  Lots has changed over the past two years.  I am a photographer.  I am passionate about photography.  Most photographers are.  I can honestly say it is an integral and constant part of my life.  But something happens as your business takes off, you forget about why you started in the first place.  For many moms who started their own photography business, myself included, inspriation comes from our children.  As I looked back on our 2012 photos I realized the more photos I took for other people (clients, friends, my daughter's school and yearbook, local businesses, etc.) the less I photographed my family.  How sad is that?  My two little muses sort of got left behind (photographically speaking).  As I developed my brand and my style of photography I felt less compelled to play with photos and editing.  People hire me because they like my style, they don't hire me to experiment with their photos.  Of course I play around different angles during sessions and try a few new things in the editing process, but nothing too drastic.  If I am known for my rich colors providing a client with a disc of muted and hazy images is probably not what they were expecting. 
This is what has brought me to Project 365.  I want to not only get back to the roots of my photography, but I also want to experiment, play around, and just have fun.  My two little muses need to have documentation of their lives.  I want to focus on appreciating the beautiful and miraculous little details in the daily minutiae.  I'm pretty sure that this personal project will have a positive impact on my professional photography.  And that is why after two years I am going to take the bull
by the horns and tackle Project 365. 

Here is week 1 of Project 365:

No One Told Me...

...exactly how different boys are from girls.  I mean, we all know there are differences for sure, but nothing can quite prepare you for the energy of boys.  Girls sit still for longer than ten seconds.  My daughter has been a plant since she was born.  That girl could sit and play for hours.  And that whole no fear thing?  We've had stitches, a chipped tooth, scrapes, he's constantly covered in bruises, a near eye fatality with scissors, and lots of climbing.  Walking is a foreign concept, all he does is run.  That whole learning to walk phase lasted a mili-second before he was off and running.  There is no such thing as an indoor voice.  He speaks in two volumes:  yelling and screaming.
But then he sneaks into the cabinet to grab a brownie, breaks it in half, shares it with you, and melts your heart.