aim high

These days all photographers seem to let loose and aim high at the sun, letting the light sip into their pictures unapologetically. Let's face it. We all love flares! I wonder who was that first guy though, that broke the rules and showed his pictures with streaks and dots on it, just for the sake of sharing a pure feeling versus a well practiced technique. I'd hug this guy, wouldn't you? 

This made me think about real life too, and the fact that it might be nice to break some of our own self imposed rules once in a while. Even if it is just to see what happens, like in a photo experiement. It could turn out surprisingly beautiful and moving. It is our audacity after all, that brings on innovation and (dare I say...) more beauty to our lives and the world.

So I wonder, what sort of rule, small thought or confinement, you could choose to break today? Be playful. Be bold. Aim high. Whether you are aiming with your camera or just your heart, choose to do something that will bring you a godly feeling.

Then join us with a flare shot today, so we can all share in on your magic.

Remember to tag your images with #shuttersisters so all sisters can find and enjoy!

orange

Lately I've been embracing the midday sun and exploring ways to capture the feeling of a hot summer day. I love the way this orange slice transforms into stained glass art when held up to the sky. And as I play along with color month here at Shutter Sisters, I've been reminded of my days in art school spent studying the color wheel. What's across from orange on the color wheel (in other words, its complimentary color)? It's blue! A match made in heaven.

Please share your pure orange photos with us today. Keep in mind that tomorrow's color is yellow orange, so save those shots until then!

Don't forget to add your photo to the the OWP pool on Flickr or on instagram and tag it #sscolormonth! Remember that by playing along, you are automatically registered for a chance to win an Epiphanie camera bag!

sparkle and shine

Happy April everyone! Is it me or does the energy of the season seem palpable? I love this time of year and from what I can tell from the spring buzz, everyone else does too. Because we, along with Mother Nature are bursting at the seams with excitement, beauty, hope, color, growth ( I could go on and on) we've chosen to celebrate with two words for our One Word Project this month; sparkle and shine.

Whether you find your inspiration from the light of the sun, spring showers, morning dew, bursts of bokeh or fantastic flair, for all of April we encourage you to join us as we seek out everything that sparkles and all that shines.

I for one, will be singing this little ditty from Steve Earle all month long.

Help us celebrate spring and all the sparkle and shine you can find today for our OWP (and Best Shot Monday if you're so inclined) here in the comments...and all month long in what will be a very shimmering OWP Flickr pool. Your sparkle and shine just might be featured here! Fun!

equal day. equal night.

It's official: today is the first day of spring! The equinox, a day of equal length to night. And what a welcome day that is here in New England. Right now we are knee deep (literally at times) in mud season. And although there's still snow on the ground around these woods, the sun is shining more each day. What's it look like in your neck of the woods?

Lately, we've been finding ourselves outside more, happy for the sunshine and season. We perform circus acts in the yard with hula hoops and big straw hats. We laugh and capture the flag from unknowing opponents. Cats go adventuring into wooded fairyland and we follow along behind, eager for the after school adventure.

How will you spend your time today? Be mindful of light and dark as you move throughout your day, and please pop in here to share your images. We'd love to see what the spring equinox looks like to you!

just a whisper

In the Beyond Layers group we've been sharing whisper images this week. I'm amazed at the beautiful photos one simple word has evoked. 

When I think of whisper I think of light, airy, white.......a gentle breeze.... I think of the quiet voice I often hear in my head.... soft whispers of a new idea.......or a quiet warning...'kim, something is not quite right' Over the years I've learned to listen to the whispers.... It's been a good thing....

How 'bout you? What thoughts and emotions does the word whisper stir for you? I'd love to see a whisper image.... Please share with us today.