WELCOME!

ELHS Lady Eagles Basketball

2011-11-03T09:04:00.002-04:00

I get the pleasure to shoot the lovely ELHS Lady Eagles Basketball Team today. Their season starts on Wednesday and I wish those 18 gals much luck with the upcoming season. Show some spirit and attend some of their games.

In the meantime, to see their photos, click on the GALLERY button above and find the Sports galleries.

(may take a few days to get them all uploaded)

A Moment to Reflect...

2011-06-26T17:27:00.002-04:00

My wonderful hubby bought me a reflector for my birthday. Why did I live for so long using only a white poster board to bounce light?

I ♥ reflectors.

Win an iPad2!!

2011-06-13T11:39:00.000-04:00

I'm trying for it and so can you!

MCP Actions Giveaway!

ILP-Shoes

2011-06-12T17:45:00.000-04:00

ILP-Macro-06/11

2011-06-11T11:36:00.000-04:00

ILP-Macro-06/10

2011-06-10T15:40:00.004-04:00

ILP-Macro-06/09

2011-06-09T12:04:00.003-04:00

Well, they want you to shoot one each day. So instead of stuff outside, I thought about something inside.

So I grabbed my DD's prom bracelet and a window. I loved the colors that were reflecting off the clear rhinestones. Did that "ole" hold the lens backward and shoot away. Why do macro lenses have to be so expensive?

ILP-Macro-06/07

2011-06-07T13:07:00.005-04:00

OK...so I don't have a macro lens. Bummer. But I had read about getting a similar look by reversing your lens. That's right. Just take that 50mm prime off of your DSLR, turn it around and hold it onto the front opening. Well, it's not that easy. Since your lens isn't "connecting" to the body, you have to shoot in full manual....meaning that you manually chose the f-stop by turning the ring on the lens, you manually focus by turning the other ring on the lens...and you have to set the shutter speed and ISO on the camera. And don't forget to find a subject and lots of light!!

So outside I went.

I need lots more practice...and maybe a lens reversal ring.

Calling all willing victims!

2011-06-06T15:00:00.003-04:00

Model Call. I need some girls/guys/etc willing to let me try out some new techniques etc. Help me out!

kathyjohnsonphoto@gmail.com

Animals - ILP

2011-06-01T17:35:00.004-04:00

Another photo challenge was to photograph Animals. Tried to do the squirrels around here but they were AWOL last night.

Bonus points if you recognize the words in this book!

Emotion Week #2

2011-05-29T17:28:00.001-04:00

Oops. I missed Week #1. Too busy with Prom stuff.

My DD has had quite the year of firsts. License, SATs, Prom, boyfriend, college tours, AP tests. 12 more months and she no longer lives with us full-time. Conflicting emotions....adulthood here she comes?

Prom Guys! - Classy?! :)

2011-05-24T17:22:00.001-04:00

Junior Prom

2011-05-23T17:24:00.001-04:00

After Prom

2011-05-22T10:52:00.001-04:00

Prom Angels

2011-05-21T10:56:00.001-04:00

Remembering the Past

2011-05-20T11:52:00.001-04:00

When I gave birth to my first child, I had an undeniable urge to know about all the people before her, who, through whatever hardships, challenges, luck, choices and successes came together so this little person could be here today. I became addicted to genealogy. Back before the internet was really a household name.

So to say I treasure old photos is an understatement. I do not have many from my side of the family, but my husband had a family that cherished photos. I've spent the last few days scanning and cataloging numerous albums from his grandmother and grandfather. Boy do I wish they would have labeled them all.

But I did run across this one.

1917...A bunch of young men hanging out. My children's Great-Grandfather is second from the right. He would have been 21 in this shot. It's funny though, when asked to pick out their relative...he was their last choice! HA!

Flag Banquet

2011-05-19T12:03:00.002-04:00

Tonight is the night of the flag banquet! I hope the ladies love the photos and the memory books.

Here is a link to the Sports Gallery

And a link to the coaches album

Woot! Brenna came to visit!

2011-05-17T11:25:00.001-04:00

A whirlwind weekend for a newly finished freshman in college. We took her to Frenchy's, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Honeymoon Island and watched a whole series of America's Next Top Model (minus 2 episodes).

Didn't use my boyfriend at all (Nikon). Just played with that cute little orange Canon.

Playing with Light

2011-05-09T11:07:00.002-04:00

My DD had an assignment for her photography class at the high school. She had a vision of playing with light. A quick tutorial on my part, camera settings adjusted and I sent her on her way. Add a good friend with patience and great fluidity and this is what they came back with. I puffy heart this!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T11:05:00.003-04:00

My breakfast...made by my teenagers! And they promised me a photoshoot with no whining!

Eagle Strong!

2011-05-02T10:58:00.001-04:00

Just finishing up the photos and the photobooks for the ELHS Lady Eagle Flag Football 2011 season. It's such fun to be down on the sidelines with these competitive girls.

April Mini Mentoring by Stacie

2011-04-30T22:16:00.002-04:00

A very generous professional photographer by the name of Stacie Turner offered her challenge and feedback on a forum that I frequent. I've been really wanting to steps forward in my photography and get feedback from those who really know their stuff. So I jumped in. The activity was to find an inspirational photographer, and "recreate" his/her photo. Then take Stacie's feedback and what you/she liked/didn't like about the first photo and create your own.

I was to create a photo with:

soft, warm tones
siblings looking like siblings
framing

Here is my final shot.

Ahhhh Prom!

2011-04-23T22:25:00.000-04:00

I know it seems late for Prom season. Many high schools have already been there, done that this year. My daughter's high school is having a late prom. May 21st. For a while, my daughter wasn't sure if she was going to attend her junior prom. At least with a date. Well, now she is.

And this is how she was asked!

Motion Week #1

2011-04-15T22:12:00.000-04:00

Cheated here...posted an image I took back in November.

Hands - Week 2

2011-04-09T23:49:00.006-04:00

Even though she broke her finger and couldn't play football, she can still text!

Hands - Week 1

2011-04-02T23:12:00.003-04:00

My 27 Project on ILP. This weeks theme is Hands. I went around and captured what other hands were doing around my house. My hubby stole my computer, my DD is finally reading her English/History book that's due soon. My son wouldn't let me near him and his PS3 during online battles.

Taken in existing light with high ISO and low shutterspeeds.

Motion Week #2

2011-03-25T18:01:00.004-04:00

The Ghost of Childhood...

I wish I would have shot this in front of the solid garage door. But the teens have gone to the beach.

The Full Moon

2011-03-20T00:16:00.005-04:00

Had to go outside and use my new tripod with my new 70-200mm lens for this occasion.

f9 1/400 ISO 200 @ 200mm, shutter on timer, and cropped in PS.

Rules of Composition Week#2 - Leading Lines

2011-03-17T22:00:00.002-04:00

Motion

2011-03-15T22:00:00.002-04:00

Flowers Week #2

2011-03-13T17:00:00.004-04:00

Submission for the Flowers theme Week #2.

The Hibiscus are blooming!

Rules of Composition Week#2 - Framing

2011-03-12T17:12:00.002-05:00

Here is my submission for framing

Flag football is about to start. This was shot at practice through the dreaded tires they had to flip during conditioning.

Rules of Composition Week#1 - Negative Space

2011-03-07T17:16:00.002-05:00

Flowers Week#1

2011-03-06T17:02:00.002-05:00

Submission for Flowers/Plants Week#1

The Oak Pollen is in bloom, unfortunately for my hubby. ;)

Girls can rock too!

2011-02-09T14:53:00.009-05:00

It's that time of year again. Time for the annual Parent/Daughter Dance at the local elementary school. This year's theme was Rockstar...and "girl" howdy...did the girls and their dads/parents/guardians bring it. It was the busiest I have ever been...even with 2 stations.

There was dancing, food, contests and a fun atmosphere. I think the girls may have been a bit more wild than the boys.

But I think the Moms might have been more wild than the Dads. hehehehe

Girls just wanna have fun. :)

If you are here to see more photos from the dance and want to obtain more copies, please click on the EVENTS tag up above! There are 2 galleries. One for the Rockstar couple shots and one for the dance floor photos. Any questions, please feel free to email me at kathyjohnsonphoto@gmail.com or call me at 727 331-5931.

There are so many ways to skin this cat!

2011-02-01T15:13:00.004-05:00

I am re-editing some photos for my critique group. Man, photoshop has so many ways to "skin this..." ///edit photos. Doesn't help that I am listening to Scissor Sister's latest cd while I am doing this. It fits. I swear the beginning part of the "Skin this cat" song is whispering incessantly that I calibrate...calibrate...and also to "get it right." Such pressure.

Here is one that I have redone.

This face has matured so much over the past 16 months. I need to make him do another photoshoot!

“The one thing children wear out faster than shoes is parents.”

2011-01-24T09:51:00.008-05:00

I'm attempting to jumpstart my photography. Getting active on a forum, starting a critique group and working on a 27 Project (psst...it's where I have to come up with some creative shot, etc that applies to a certain theme...but only every other week).

The theme for this week's challenge was size/scale. I started with a guitar and a ukelele...and hated all my shots. It wasn't until I had to buy my growing teenage son some new shoes that I found new inspiration.

New Shoes/ First pair of shoes. Both Nike. His big toe fits in the baby shoe now. My DS went to school with the new pair today. Goodbye clean snazzy looking shoe! Glad I'll always have a photo of you brand new.

I don't wanna put my decorations away.

2011-01-04T14:24:00.000-05:00

plus I have to practice with my new tripod.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T14:17:00.001-05:00

We celebrated with teens, smores and fireworks!

Kiddo Stack - 2010

2010-12-28T14:08:00.001-05:00

Every time that my sister and I have our families together, we take the kiddo stack photo. Started when they were little (and digital cameras weren't everywhere). We try to update it often.

But poor eldest Brenna. She is starting to get crushed by all the growing people above her.

And this year, our brothers have added 3 more cousins to the mix. Next shot will have to include them!

Xmas Present for Daughter...Canon?

2010-12-27T13:58:00.001-05:00

Acck. What? I shoot Nikon. And I bought my daughter a Canon Point and Shoot for Christmas. What would Ashton say?

Well, I did some research...owned some Fuji's, played around with some others...and got a great deal on her camera.

So..yes..a Canon is in my house.

It takes some sweet pictures. SOOC (that means straight out of camera for you non-photo geeks).

Florida Snow

Florida Sunset

I couldn't get sand in my DSLR now could I...with all that wind!

Xmas Present?

2010-12-26T13:56:00.000-05:00

Seen on the day after Christmas...while driving to Frenchy's.

What is this? (That can do 220?)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T03:00:00.000-05:00

Camping at Fort de Soto

2010-12-22T13:39:00.000-05:00

Why have we not done this before? We always talked about it, but never just did it...until my sister came. We offered her...camping on the beach...or going to Universal. hehe

We thought they would pick Universal. But then, when you add up ticket prices, etc. My family loves nature...so we spent the night at Campground #13 and #15.

It was a bit cold...in the 50s, but not bad. It's almost luxury camping. Pull up your car, hoist your tent, get a site with table, trees, electricity, running water. Bathroom with showers just a few steps away.

We kayaked earlier in the day. And had a steak dinner and smores with the largest marshmallows I have ever seen. A beautiful sunset. It was a great night.

Note to Self: 2 Boys together = Hijinks

2010-12-21T13:29:00.000-05:00

Yea! My sister and her family are here for the Christmas Holidays. It's been freaking cold here (for Florida) and the adults were sitting outside testing out our brand new fire pit. Unbeknownest to me....my camera was in use elsewhere.

Cool Cupcake Idea - Penquin

2010-12-16T13:25:00.001-05:00

Had to make some cupcakes. Found this cool idea for a penquin. Just thin mint cookies and marshmallows. And frosting of course.

Hint: Have a sharp serrated knife to cut the thin mint cookies. Or buy extras and snack on the rejects.

Target trees? No more ;(

2010-12-05T12:19:00.001-05:00

I am starting to not love Target as much as I did as a kid. They've been my "go-to" Christmas tree place for years now. Our family loves live trees, specifically Noble Firs. You don't find them readily here in Florida. But we could always count on Target. Until this year.

It seems that due to the poor economy, Target has closed all of their Garden Centers. My husband noticed this in September. Not to be clueless...and to maybe stir my local manager, I contacted Target customer support and queried about live Xmas trees for sale this December. Target nicely emailed me back. And said...no!

UGH.

So we had to search. And search. We did find a place that carried Noble Firs, but they were only 6 - 7 feet tall. We were hosting my sister's family this year and wanted a BIG tree. 9 people deserved a big tree. I think we found it.

This was the first time that the van couldn't hold the tree inside. Holy cow, this was a big tree. My hubby is 6 foot 1 and he was dwarfed. Even Carolina couldn't believe it.

We bought it from a roadside tent and I swear Rod Stewart sold it to us. He had the hair and the swagger. It is a Frasier Fir. Didn't want to drink worth a lick. Just wanted to drip sap in my stand. But it is doing it's job.

Holiday Lights....

2010-11-28T12:17:00.001-05:00

Getting ready for decorating!

A roof OVER my head?

2010-11-27T11:28:00.002-05:00

I got a strange request for a photo shoot. Being around teenagers, they have the most unique (crazy, wonderful, scary) ideas for photoshoots. It can be quite the challenge but I do love to try them.

This one involved a roof. Seems my daughter found some inspiration online and wanted to do a series of pictures on the roof. Now...our roof has some pretty severe angles and cuts...which makes for some interesting and basically scary foot-placement strategies.

We were up there for hours...I kid you not. It was overcast when we started and then the sun peeked out before it went away for good. I am sure my neighbors thought we had lost it.

Since it was so "out-there" the processing is as well.

Thanksgiving ...went to the dogs...literally

2010-11-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, food and football. The letter "F" seems to rule the day here. We had the all of the above...family, friends, food and football, but there were no "felines" in my house. Only my own 2 dogs plus a special visitor.

Bella the puppy!

Now you see, my dogs are approaching their "elderly" state and really haven't had much practice at "hosting" events. We weren't too sure what they would think of this young whippersnapper galavanting around their territory.

Case in point.

Mom...what is this "thing" in my house? Deal with it.

Carolina had the best way to deal with it. She decided to go outside (avoid) and enjoy the day.

I need to be reincarnated as a well-loved dog.

A Golden Session

2010-11-23T10:32:00.004-05:00

Ahhh love. It's all you need, right? My last photo session was such an inspiration. I was given the great honor of taking the 50th Wedding Anniversary photos of a wonderful couple. The session was so much fun. It was like sitting in on years of coupledom. The smiles, jokes, advice, bickers...were all part of the hour. By the end, I asked them if they would adopt me.

They are a beautiful couple and I hope I did them justice.

Hey now...you're a Rockstar!

2010-11-12T17:43:00.003-05:00

A short Animoto video of the CWE Rockstar Dance!

CWE Rockstar Parent Son Dance

2010-11-11T17:47:00.010-05:00

It is time for the annual CWE Parent/Son Dance. This year's theme was Rockstar and boy howdy, did those kiddos dress the part.

But I also discovered that some parents are hiding inner rockstars themselves.

If you are here to see more photos from the dance and want to obtain more copies, please click on the EVENTS tag up above! There are 2 galleries. One for the Rockstar couple shots and one for the dance floor photos. Any questions, please feel free to email me at kathyjohnsonphoto@gmail.com or call me at 727 331-5931.

Halloween - Creepers

2010-10-30T17:45:00.003-04:00

The Creepers on my roof....

Homecoming - ELHS

2010-10-30T17:39:00.003-04:00

A New Addition...and another food reference?

2010-10-14T11:16:00.000-04:00

Woot! Woot! Another baby is in my midst. My little brother just had his first son. But in Colorado of all places so I cannot do a photoshoot. UGH!

I've noticed though, that the latest series of babies have something in common. First of all, the set of twins are affectionately called the "Twinkies." The name of this latest young man is similar to a favorite Peanut Butter and Chocolate treat.

What's up? hehe

Rays and Rockers

2010-09-18T17:26:00.007-04:00

The Rays...(notice I captured Longo hitting the ball...and this was up in the nosebleed seats!)

The Rocker - Adam Lambert all glammed up for Tampa Bay.

I loved the blue lights on stage and the blue lights of the crowd's cameras and cell phones.

OMG! Watch the Roads....

2010-09-17T17:24:00.003-04:00

Just kidding!

It only took 16 years and 7 months to the day and she finally got it! My DD can officially drive now.

--off now to go still my heart and figure out how to pay the increase in car insurance.--

The Older Sibling

2010-08-14T10:39:00.002-04:00

During the twin shoot, it wasn't hard to notice that the older sibling was having some issues. So...I took some time to shoot him.

If only we could read his mind.

The Twinkies

2010-08-13T17:41:00.006-04:00

SQUEE! I finally got to take some baby photos! I've been patiently waiting for an opportunity and my first attempt was with TWINS....affectionately known as the "Twinkies."

It was so much fun, and so nerve-wracking as well. They were little bundles of fun and we had many helpers! Here is just a small sampling of this family's uber-cuteness! (And no, I am not biased. ;)

Summer Son

2010-08-03T17:16:00.004-04:00

Hope you had a Happy 4th!

2010-07-08T17:14:00.003-04:00

New York New York

2010-06-18T16:49:00.007-04:00

Hehe. The benefits of a road trip to DC include a possible side trip to NYC. Since we had already done the DC trip itinerary 2 years earlier, we planned on adding a destination that 2 of us had only been to once and the other 2 had never been.

It took numerous hours but we arrived! Spent my birthday on Times Square and at the Top of the Rock. I know, such the tourist. We saw an Improv Comedy troop, rode the Staten Island Ferry, walked the Brooklyn Bridge back to NYC, visited the Met, hung out at Central Park. But I didn't get to go inside any of the famous photography stores....B&HPhoto or Adorama. They were closed. AARRGGHHHHH!!!

Smithsonian - Here We come!

2010-06-15T16:39:00.006-04:00

For our summer vacation, we had originally planned to stay in some remote cabin somewhere or go on a houseboat with my sister and her crew...but... Enter a lifetime opportunity for my daughter.

It seems that her exhibit board about the Marine Chronometer she made for her AP History Class and for National History Day made it through the school level, the county level, the state level and now she was eligible to compete at the National Level in Washington DC. So...a road trip was planned.

The four family members, plus a really large exhibit board made the drive up to the University of Maryland. My DD was able to experience her first dorm and see how serious people take this competition. Woowee! There were some impressive exhibits.

Yet, my daughter's exhibit was picked to be displayed at the Museum of American History on the National Mall. Woot. Woot.

Look! C3PO is right behind her exhibit!

Wanna get some action?

2010-06-02T16:39:00.002-04:00

Check out this amazing giveaway of Life. Camera. Actions. at

http://www.photographercafe.com/?p=1914

Happy Sweet 16 My Daughter!

2010-02-17T18:50:00.001-05:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

These boots were made for...

2010-02-12T13:00:00.005-05:00

Daddy and daughter.

Awww. I am serious. Any man that will wear hot pink platform boots to match his daughter is a true Valentine. I loved their ensemble.
And wonder where he bought those boots. hehe

And if you are here looking for extras from the CWE Dance, click on the EVENTS tag above.

Grooviest?

2010-02-10T12:25:00.001-05:00

iWanna x 2

2010-02-07T12:16:00.002-05:00

Phew! The Parent/Daughter dance at the local elementary school went well. It was the first time in years that we didn't have really long lines. Reason why? (Well it could have been the rain..;))

Actually I think it was something that iWanna'd. I finally convinced them to have 2 backdrop stations. That did wonders for moving the couples along and getting them back out onto the dancefloor. Just need a cardtaker/giver and things would be almost perfect. Well, strobe lighting would make it even more perfect, but with that many little people and the activity level, I envision bad things.

There was something else that I found that iWanna.

That darn new iPhone. Boy was it everywhere...being aimed at people. Case in point.

Quick ninja snap.

And to think...that thing is also a phone. ;oP

Off to edit more photos.

Groovin'

2010-02-05T16:23:00.001-05:00

Tonight is the annual Parent/Daughter Dance at the local Elementary School. Not so groovy weather, but hopefully the outfits will be trippin'. Off to take the "couple shots."

Peace out!

Are you READY to get LOST?

2010-02-02T19:48:00.003-05:00

YES!!

No Coverage for YOU!

2010-01-31T18:33:00.003-05:00

No Coverage for you. That is how I feel. I feel like the "Soup Nazi" has deemed me unworthy of the goods. I live in this little pocket of electronic NO-whereland. Case in point.

See this map. I live at the green arrow...in the only light section in the entire 2 county area. So cell reception at my house is a bit tricky. We are not a big cell phone family. In fact, I believe we are part of the 5 - 15% of adults that do NOT have a cell phone for themselves. I know, we are weird.

But I do feel the need for one. But I don't want to be tied to contracts. So I search and search. Prepaids, Straight Talk, Page Plus and Metro PCS. And when I think I have found the best solution in the right price range....my map looks like this. So...what's the point? ARRRGGHH!!

Any Palm Harbor/EastLaker's have any good stories of coverage with Straight Talk or Metro? I'd love to hear.

Perigee Moon

2010-01-30T17:01:00.001-05:00

I knew there must be something about it. No one else around me did though. On Friday, it just seemed bigger and brighter. I was stuck in a car wondering about it. With no camera. :( Watching it rise like a big FL orange in the sky. The first 2010 perigee moon.

By the time I got home where my boyfriend Nik was resting, it didn't seem so big and so bright. But I went out anyways. And didn't bring the right lens. And boy, do I need a tripod for these shots.

It's technically crappy, but moody in a way. I practiced my technique for hand-holding at lower shutter speeds. Key is to brace yourself. Let out all your breath and then hit the shutter. It is nothing like this shot on Flickr which is what I felt I was seeing when I was stuck in my car. With no camera. And too many errands to run. Ahhh...c'est la vie!

1 Week Until LOST is Found

2010-01-26T15:22:00.004-05:00

Oh my. It is almost here. Months, years, of waiting, wondering, wtf?. Yes, LOST Season 6, the final season will be here in 7 days. Woot Woot!

You see, LOST is a family obsession, starting years ago. At first, only my husband and daughter watched the show. After the 3rd episode, they told me I better come in the family room to watch. So I did. Then the youngest dude wondered where we kept disappearing to...and sat down and got hooked as well.

It is our family tradition. We don't own a DVR or whatever, so we park ourselves on the couch, with blankets, turn off all the lights, turn on the surround sound and get LOST. No talking is allowed...only during commercials. If you try to call us on the phone, we will NOT answer. During commercials, we debate what we have seen.

During the off season, we watch past seasons to refresh our memories. Yes, we are hooked. AND we try to be spoiler-free. We even cover our eyes and sing "lalalalala" when LOST commercials come on or teasers for the following week show. I know...it is a sickness.

But we do it together! Live together or Die Alone. [/geek]

System Restore

2010-01-23T17:52:00.008-05:00

Nothing like seeing the black screen of death on your computer screen. I don't know about you but it sends thousands of nasty tingles throughout my internal system. And why does it always seem to happen right after you've been cleaning your files to get ready to do the backup....right before. AACCKKK!!!

After spending hours online with "customer support," there only response was for me to pay for their elite service. Uh...why can't you help me? I am still under warranty? So, I googled and googled. And tried and tried. Finally, I took to heart one post about sometimes, the inner components get off kilter....so I picked up my CPU, bumped it around a bit, turned it back on...and wouldn't you know it....the computer started up just fine! Now, I don't know if I would recommend knocking your unit around next time there is trouble, but it might not hurt. It saved me some major dough and heartache.

Oh and yes, I am backing up my files as I type. hehe

Speaking of files, I haven't shared my latest family shoot. It included some people very dear to me. I have known the mom since we both were in a local MOMS Club 15+ years ago. Our eldest daughters were like glue and stuck together through playdates and preschools, etc. Years ago, the family moved to Ocala but we have stayed in touch, watching our young girls grow into incredible young ladies.

We planned the photoshoot during that wonderful cold snap a few weeks ago. It was quite cold and by the time we got to the beach, it was freezing. Not conducive for the shots we were invisioning, but this is Florida. We will shoot again!

Dog Allighty

2010-01-21T15:38:00.003-05:00

Ok. So I tried to put some of the things I learned yesterday in Rosanne Olson's lighting webinar to work today. On the only "willing" subject in my house. My tri-color sheltie. The fact that his face is almost entirely black didn't help my situation. It is hard to light a black dog with dark brown eyes without it looking all wonky.

So here was a short session. As his patience doesn't last very long.

Yes, I had to torture him with a sock.

First of all, YES I know, I need to get my flash off camera. I am planning on doing so soon. Since I have that cheetah stand...and my lovely SIL got me a photoclamp and umbrella for Christmas!!! But alas, not for today's photos. So bear with me.

Overall, photo on the right has nice overall light, but lacks any spark in the eyes. There is some reflection of the light from the floor into the eyes, but not much. You can tell from the shadows (under the chin) that the light came from up high. So around a 12:00 arc of light position (Olson's reference). Too high for even a highlight to be found in the eyes.

The photo on the left has spark in the eye. Light comes in from around the 2:00 arc of light position, high enough for a highlight to be seen in the upper portion of the eye. My best guess would that the source would be coming from the 3/4 position in the circle of light. (Again more Olson terms). It just means that the light is about 45 degrees from the front center. Overall, you notice with more side lighting, that you see more texture in the photo as well. Notice (or try not to) all the hair and dirt on my wooden floor. Shows up more in the side lighting vs front overhead lighting huh?

Which lighting scenario do you prefer?

Light the Way

2010-01-20T15:48:00.002-05:00

Just finished watching Week 2 of Rosanne Olson's Lighting from A to Z Webinar. It covered Continuous Artificial Light. Makes me wish I wouldn't have missed Week 1 Natural Lighting. UGH.

1 Month from 16

2010-01-17T17:45:00.001-05:00

Accck! I cannot believe that my first born is only 1 month away from being 16YO. Where have the years gone? Where is my little pipsqueak who would squeal when asked a question and bounced around all the time? Where are the freckles? Oh wait, there are still some there. She is becoming a beautiful young lady. It is exciting and exasperating having a teen girl around. She keeps me young and yet makes me feel old as well. hehe

She is quite the young lady.

But neener, neener...she cannot drive a car by herself until summer!!!

Stay tuned.

Like Father Like Son

2010-01-16T17:35:00.000-05:00

Or is it the other way around?

See this post from last year. It didn't take long for another male in my house to try to burn it down. With paper plates again, but this time it was a stove top vs. the oven and father vs. son. Maybe I shouldn't buy either of them paper plates anymore. Take away the temptation. But they are sooooooooo convenient. The plates or the guys...not sure.

P.S. Neither time was the house in any true danger of burning down. I just like to make examples of the dudes in my house. hehe

Pants on the Ground

2010-01-15T11:22:00.005-05:00

Yup. Internet sensation. 100's of mashups, interpretations, ringtones, etc. Many listings as facebook status. Don't know what I am talking about? Nah.

American Idol is in their first days of auditions and as usual, along with the undeniable talent and the unfortunate delusionals, a standout emerges with an original song. General Larry Platt, age 62 or 63 (depending on your sources) performed his original composition for the judges. This may be the best one ever. If you haven't heard it in it's original form, check here.

General Platt sounds like an all-around interesting individual with quite the history in Civil Rights. I do hope that if anyone makes any money off of this song, it will be him. I did read that he is entertaining offers.

While listening to mashups, I found this photo on a youtube video. I love it.

I think it should be made up as posters and distributed everywhere.

In middle and high schools!

I love this message. hehe

As I always say to my daughter, in my generation, we knew what men's legs looked like. Even their tush. I wonder if guys know what is their true pant size? But I have seen a new trend towards skinny jeans...and not just for the emo boys. Might this baggy trend be finally falling to the wayside? One can only hope.

Stop looking like a fool with your pants on the ground!

Even Neil Young says so.

(I never knew Jimmy Fallon has such a phenomenal Neil Young impersonation)

Cupcakes!!

2010-01-14T13:33:00.008-05:00

I saved these pictures for today. Today is the birthday of the individual behind I Heart Orange. And she loves cupcakes. I wish I could send these to her. Maybe she should just come down here to get them. hehe

My DD and I made these cupcakes for another birthday girl. I think we found the idea on the Kraft website. Very simple. Just sprinkle the cupcakes with a colored sugar, cut a large marshmallow into 4 slices to make the flower petals and put a peanut M&M in the middle. Sticky, sticky but fun.

Happy Birthday!!

Online Edumacation - Gaddarnit! Part 2

2010-01-13T14:16:00.000-05:00

Well, the gaddarnit this time was that I MISSED the Rosanne Olson lighting webinar today. ACCKK! What was I thinking? It was covering Natural Light and Continuous Lighting with your photography. What WAS I thinking?

Actually, I was at the local high school finding out that my daughter had won 1st Place in her High School AP History competition. Woot Woot!! Holy Cow. All those late night, big messes, splinters, paint drops, printer issues at 1:00 am, tears, endless trips to the library, Home Depot and JoAnn's, encouraging words, etc paid off.

Many of her friends also placed high in other categories. Now it is off to the County History Fair February 20th! Not exactly what she wanted to be doing her 16th birthday weekend, but not bad.

Frozen Precipitation

2010-01-12T13:13:00.000-05:00

Yup. That is what the metereologists are calling it here. Florida has been having some record cold temperatures for the past 9 days. It has been wicked cold...for Floridians. Seriously, I cannot remember my son actually wearing pants for more than 2 days in a row. But these temperatures require more coverage than the typical shorts.

Northern parts of Florida did receive some frozen precipitation aka sleet and snow. We didn't get treated with that around here, but have had many nights of frost. The yard and plants are looking quite pathetic. I view it as nature's pruning. ;)

I have always found it strange that when other parts of the USA are covered in snow, etc. we have leaves turning and falling from trees. We rake while the rest of the world shovels.

What photographers do when alone with the tree

2010-01-01T13:27:00.000-05:00

Very Merry

2009-12-24T14:02:00.004-05:00

A very merry to you all!

A wonderful gift

2009-12-23T14:20:00.008-05:00

Today, I had the pleasure to shoot 3/4 of a family for a Christmas present. Earlier in the year, I had photographed their daughter in a great series. It is still one of my favorites to date. And now I got the chance to capture the family. For Dad.

We had some fun hanging around local fields. I do believe that almost everyone we knew seemed to have the psychic sense to drive by just as we were posing them. It made for some challenging shots. ;0)

Beautiful family....and full of life as well. They are a joy to know!

Their sheltie is the quietest sheltie I have ever met in my life. And I have owned 4. I have always said that if I could chose to come back to life as something....I would choose a well loved dog.

That would be the life!

Deck the Halls with Funky Bokeh

2009-12-20T13:29:00.000-05:00

Ok...since it is hard to get people to pose, especially those in my own house...I play with inanimate objects. hehe

Here are some attempts at playing with the tree lights.

O Tannenbaum O Tannenbaum

2009-12-18T12:45:00.003-05:00

Some favorites while decorating the tree.

Note the Princess Leia slave costume ornament.

This one with Carolina Blue is HUGE. She hates the camera with a fear so intense. She thinks it is lightning. Just turn on the camera and she makes haste. So I felt giddy when she just hung out and actually looked at the camera. I think she likes Noble Firs too.

Treehuggers

2009-12-17T11:18:00.001-05:00

Ahhh...the smell of a freshly cut tree. I am not sure what can top that for a holiday aroma. Well, maybe freshly baked cookies. Or a baking pie, or.... Man, this time of year can smell great.

We finally went on our family trek to get the Johnson family Holiday tree. Over the years we have tried numerous road side stands, only to find they aren't there the next year, etc. Some years we have had great luck with our choices, other years not so much. But luckily for us, we have found our favorite type of tree here down in Florida. It is a Noble Fir. Not too green, not too olive...branches spaced out for ornaments, needles rarely drop. We had a hard time finding them the first 15 years down here, but then Target came to the rescue! Yes...my local target carries fresh Noble Firs. And the price is not bad...so we can get the really tall ones. Case in point!

This one even had my hubby needing a ladder. hehe

Oh and this shot.
This is what happens when you don't have pockets and hand the camera to your teen son. Can't lose my Nikon lens cap.

Learning and Yearning

2009-12-16T22:49:00.011-05:00

Ok....so the webinar thing was interesting. I found some great inspirations for new photoshoots, but the real info is to come later. This was just a "teaser" introduction webinar. Arrghh! Like I said, this obsession doesn't come free.

In the meantime, I decided to play with my camera while the neighborhood kids played outside this weekend. I need to dig up some old photos, because these used to be the little kids in the neighborhood...always hanging outside the front area of my house playing football, baseball, tag or anything they could think of. Killing my grass. At least that was always our excuse. Heavy foot traffic and shade. Not a good combination.

Now, they are the "big" kids. They don't play outside as much, yet the grass is still not in great shape.

It is amazing how many times a kid asks you if you captured their outstanding play. It is amazing how hard that can actually be to do. Zoom just right, hit the shutter almost before it even happens, make sure the focus point is on what you want it to be on, make sure shutter speed is high enough to capture motion but not blur, frame it all correctly, etc. Taking these shots is quite the challenge with my ole boyfriend Nik. He's not that quick.

So I yearn for a faster frame/second camera (maybe even a grip to better the odds) and some fast telephoto glass. I rented the 70-200 2.8 last year. WooHOO! was that a fun lens to shoot with. Hey, I'd even settle for an 85 1.8. I hate to not "catch" the shot.

UGH. I am not able to get this collage to upload in it's full capacity. Feel free to check out all the photos here.

Online Edumacation - Gaddarnit!

2009-12-14T16:56:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow I will "edumacatin'" my mind. I am signed up for my first "webinar." I am gonna get all smart about light. ;)

At least I hope so. It will be a 2 hour seminar on Lighting...from A to Z. One of the big keys to take photographs that have great impact is to know how to use light. How to find it when it is right there and/or how to add to it with strobes, etc when necessary.

I've read Strobist and have played with my SB-26's. I yearn for Alien Bees and Softboxes (to put on my new Cheetah stand). I really need to watch Zach Arias's One Light DVD (don't have the money for it just yet). I could go on and on.

Boy howdy this photography thing ain't cheap.

Poor grammar used throughout this post is not indicative of the blogger. Mostly. heheh

Holiday Light Dismay

2009-12-12T15:52:00.005-05:00

No...that isn't a typo. I have Holiday Light Dismay. My holiday light display isn't as elaborate as in years past. Heck last year, we didn't even put out lights in the exterior. But doggummit, I wanted to have some cheer this year. So I dug out all of our old strands, boxes and boxes. And it seems that after 8+ years of hanging around, they just didn't all want to glow anymore. So off to the store I went...and found.....

NOTHING!

I mean....the barest of choices. I swear. I went to 4 Targets, 2 Walmarts, 2 Home Depots, 2 Lowes, and Robert's Christmas Wonderland store. I even checked CVS and Walgreens. It was only December 10th and there was nothing that could decorate a whole house. It took me 3 stores just to find enough strands to cover our house. I know...you are probably saying...why? Just give up. What's the big deal?

The big deal is that I don't want to have to shop for Christmas lights during Halloween. But that is when the retailers put out the stock. Valentine's was even out on the shelves before the New Years started. I mean...I am all for not procastinating, but I think that 15 days before Christmas is not procastinating. Can't there be some happy compromise?

I found these unique ice crystal c9 strands...5! Enough to cover the house. So up they went. Not completely sold on the look...kinda reminds me of an old time movie marquee, but I wanted the lights to not clash with the existing snowman, etc. The new LED lights are cool...yes...cool as in white balance too and they don't match. But there weren't enough of them to buy either.

So...being the camera geek that I am...I researched the best way to photograph outdoor light displays. I found some hints at the Strobist site. And out I went with Nik.

Turns out the best time to photograph outdoor lights is before the sun completely sets.

You get some wicked color skies. And with my old Nik, well, he isn't quiet. And doesn't sit still that well.

Dodge and Burn

2009-12-06T22:33:00.006-05:00

Hehe. The weather has finally been giving us glimpses of "winter." Well, what winter means in Florida. Which means temperatures that can be as low as the ...wait for it....50s. Brrrrr. I know I know, my family and friends in other climates are laughing with disdain at my definition of cold. I used to feel the same way when I lived in places that had 4 seasons.

The benefit of the colder temperatures means that we can use the fireplace. The smell of burning wood...oh so nice. I missed that for years in Colorado...due to the wood burning bans. No such bans down here. So...we burned some real logs...and some new flalootin' Color burn logs. What can I say. They were on sale.

So...since I haven't had many humans volunteering for photos...I sat myself by the fire with my old boyfriend...Nik. (He's 50).

Here's what we saw.

Some turquoise, purples, blues and obviously orange.

Lots and lots of orange.

Inspirations? Posing Ideas?

2009-12-01T11:20:00.008-05:00

Portrait photography trends come and go. It is always interesting to see which styles have come and gone, which styles continue to stay and which ones should probably stay away forever.

To recognize trends or discover new directions, a past photography teacher suggested that I look at cd covers for inspiration. Especially for the young/senior/fashion market. So I surfed on over to iTunes and went browsing.

Hmmmm....what did I see right on the home page.....

Seriously...It was right there. In the New and Noteworthy section. Ok....Trend November 2009....closeup shot cupping face with hands. And I found even more with not much effort.

Now these aren't technically "cupping" hands...but it is hands to the face.

And you know what....I think I started this trend. Yes, me.

Taken on my birthday, June 2009.

Please forward all artistic fees to my accounts overseas. Just kidding. ;)

You know... Susan Boyle has a better smile and Adam Lambert has better makeup and lighting. Kid Sister looks like she has a tooth/ear ache. But none of them are holding a paper towel and have sunglasses permanently stuck on their head. Hmmm. Off to discover "new" trends.

Playing with Light

2009-11-27T15:47:00.009-05:00

Yesterday was a pleasant yet strange day. It was the first Thanksgiving in many years that I did not host or cook the whole meal. I felt strangely disjointed in a way, but much less stressed. :)

My father-in-law wanted to host this year, so the family went up to Ocala to partake of turkey and such. It was a simple meal and very delicious. I am sad that we have no leftovers to munch on today. But I am sure I will be put back to cooking duty for the Christmas meal.

So what does a photographer do since she is not cooking/cleaning dishes on Thanksgiving? Why she paints with light during the car ride.

And no...I wasn't driving while photographing. hehe

Wow, Wow and just WOW!!

2009-11-17T16:25:00.005-05:00

Monday, Monday...so good to me.

I wasn't so sure at first. Luckily I left my house 1 1/2 hours early to go to the Scott Kelby Photoshop for Digital Photographers seminar at the Tampa Convention Center. I did so thinking that I can look around at the vendors, etc. But an unfortunate accident on Hillsborough Avenue ate away 40+ minutes of my commute. Alas, I still made it on time. Hmmm. Maybe I should have just carpooled with Mr. Kelby. hehe I know he or someone at Kelby training lives nearby. I see a car with NIKON plates pretty often around Oldsmar.

I learned some great things from Scott Kelby and about Scott Kelby.

From:

Camera Raw and 7 steps can make ok into AWESOME.
Photoshop them to look 14...and then pull it back.
I need to go shoot panoramic shots. CS4 has a great application.
Take 3 shots, cover 20% and reseat.
I still need to read the workbook 3 more times to get it all.

About:

Mr. Kelby has an aversion to pointy bicuspids.
Also to "Boogs" aka nose effusions.
Mr. Kelby likes to make "starwars" sounds when he edits. ;)
He has a great sense of humor.

It was a good day filled with great information. Luckily Mr. Kelby includes all details in the workbook so if you have an addled brain, it just takes a quick glance. I've been meaning to check out Kelby Training online and their video classes. The amount of topics and coverage seems out of this world...for a photo geek. I just don't know where to start.

Other highlights of the day were meeting a cool young photographer named Felix Kunze. Such a personable fellow from London who seems to be a fast rising star. He was ever so helpful talking Nikon with me and sharing his latest photo opportunities. He recently shot Juliette Lewis. Check out his website.

But the biggest surprise of the day? Woo to the HOO! I won a door prize! Me, Kathy Johnson, whose mother wins all kinds of contests, but has never really won something herself, was awarded the Cheetah lightstand. Oh I know you non-photographer types are going, "huh?" But it is this ultra cool (I sound like I am 12) light stand that collapses when you pick it up. Why is that neat? It makes it easier to move around people, objects, etc for portable lighting. No more balancing and clamping for me. Well...I may still do that.

Hope you had a good Monday too!

We don't need no education - NOT!

2009-11-15T18:00:00.002-05:00

I am pretty excited. I just was able to clear my schedule to be able to attend a seminar given by Scott Kelby, the Photoshop guru. I hope to leave with my brain fully maxed out on all things layers, masks, adjustments, curves, etc.

Note to self - Start early

2009-11-14T14:30:00.000-05:00

Note to self. When IRONMAN is in your area again next year, get out early. To be able to take photos...;)

Too many other obligations had me driving the long detours and missing most of the action. Not next year.

PSA - Don't adjust your dial

2009-11-11T11:30:00.010-05:00

Halloween is over, isn't it? All scary things should be packed away and they are, except the spider hanging in my entry way. But there are some scary things lurking in the household.

.....what could it be....

Now...that doesn't look too scary. It actually reminds me of that commercial on TV, where they find all these "faces" in everyday objects. But....

Do you see why I found this scary? And I am addressing a public service announcement in this blogpost?
You see, I have a teenage son. And as teenage sons go, he can be quite hungry all the time. His major food groups include pop-tarts, milk, chicken noodle soup, chips, and anything microwaveable. (I know...another PSA could be said about his nutrition). Well, the other night, he was in the mood for a snack/dinner #1. He found some Bagel Bites but wanted them to be crusty instead of microwaveable mushy. So what does he do? He gets a paper plate that he uses to microwave and puts it in the oven.

YES, the oven.

Now, many questions run through my head as to why.

Hasn't he seen me numerous times pull out the baking sheet or pizza stone? Although, I will admit, living in Florida and during the hotter months, I barely use that appliance. Makes the house too darn hot.

Did I never say to him..."no paper or plastic in THIS oven?" AACCKKK!!!

What have they been teaching him in Home Economics for goodness sakes? But he informed me they aren't at the cooking unit yet. It's embroidery right now. hee ;0)

So let this be a word of warning to you. Tell them everything. Make them read the box. Sign them up for Home Economics classes. I am emailing this picture to his FACS teacher to beg her to start the kitchen section. hehe

And P.S. He loved his Bagel Bites. Maybe it was the smoky flavor.

Monday Musings - Ritz Fudge

2009-11-09T16:49:00.009-05:00

It's a bummer when you can't find the little things anymore.

I've been editing some pictures from the local Groovy dance at CWE and bemusing the fact I ran out of some little things. What could they be?

Ritz Fudge Covered Limited Edition Crackers...that's what.

You see, I have an affliction for sweet and salty. Give me chocolate and pretzels and I could live on a isolated island. If only that combination of wonderful foodstuffs could actually be healthy for you. But no. And I am not saying that Ritz is any healthier. But I thought.... hmmm... chocolate...crunchy...salt....might be good.

As even the package says....

I found this culinary treat at the local Publix. It was on the shelves right before Halloween, hiding way up high. I was Ritz shopping anyways so I put one box in my cart. Now, just a few weeks later, no sign of the treats at my local store. How's that for limited? If I was desperate, I could buy them on ebay.

But I'd rather have chocolate covered pretzels.....thank you.