Another round of winners

(Drumroll please) 

 Kal Barteski’s Love Life Book goes to Karyn

 JodyAngel won the Chookooloonks 8X10 print.

 The winner of the Lensbaby is Lu of Art Slam

 Jeana Marie won the painting by Steve Geddes and the notecards by Paige Balcer

 The sneaky Spy Lens from Photo Jojo goes to Jag

 The winner of the HP Compact Printer is Claudia

 Aimee / Greeblemonkey’s cool calendar goes to Vanessa

 and Jen gets the print from Traci of Bliss

Hooray for all of you!!

Joy to the World

All year long I've been telling stories on Shutter Sisters about Rwanda and my dear friend Odette who has been separated from these dear girls for three long, excruciating years.  Though no one knows for sure, this morning feels like Christmas as we're getting little bits of encouraging news about the girls and the future of this amazing family.  If you've been following this story and want to spread a little Christmas cheer, stop by here and help us make a little more magic happen as we continue to make a way for the little house that love built.

Our yummy giveaway today is a handmade sterling silver bracelet from the Friends Association.  The bracelet, designed by Portland artist Eliza Saucy has the inscription:  Isn't it amazing what one woman and her friends can do?  You can see this lovely bit of goodness and read the inspiring story behind it here.

As always, all month long, leave a comment and get a chance to be the winner of this beautiful bracelet.

quiet celebration

Typically when I think of the holiday season I think of festive, boisterous, falalalaing. This year I have changed my tune a bit. I have learned to find the beauty in the quiet of the holidays. The peacefulness, the unspoken love between families, the loveliness of nature this time of year. Perhaps the key is to learn to appreciate both. Take the time to celebrate with loved ones, but also take time to enjoy the quiet- take it in.

This photo reminds me of my newfound appreciation for quiet. Walking through my neighborhood alone I happened upon this cluster of pink sticks, perfectly framed by an evening sunset. Escaping the joyous noises of December is just as important as partaking in them. Capturing them can be equally festive.

Today's giveaway consists of 2 8x10s from my etsy shop, you choose. Pink sticks is a recent addition. Comment to be entered to win and good luck!

Words, Photo and giveaway graciously offered by the blissful and beautfiul Traci French. Click over to be enraptured by her blog Bliss.

Yin and Yang

 Sometimes I feel like I have bipolar disorder when it comes to photography. I have two great loves, nature macros and people portraits. In many ways they seem so different, but when you really start to dissect it, maybe not so much.

Partially because, when I shoot people, I end up all up in their faces, in their eyes, trying to catch the intimacy of the moment. I don't go telephoto like many photogs do when they are shooting people, because they don't want to crowd their subject and make them feel uncomfortable. For better or worse, I use a shorter lens and crawl around, up, down, and on top of the people I am shooting. Luckily most of the time they are children, who seem to tolerate my antics better than adults. I make faces at them, or in desperate times, even pull out the silly noises from behind the camera.

All of which I don't have to do when shooting nature. When I am rolling around in the dirt, I enjoy the silence. The calm. The fact that I have to control my breathing to be absolutely still since I don't use a tripod when shooting very close macros. It almost becomes meditative. Zen like. Peaceful.

Such different experiences, but both essential to making photography such a rich part of my life. The laughter and the peace. The yin and the yang.

Thanks to Aimee aka Greeblemonkeyfor being our gracious guest blogger/honorary sister today and for sharing her perfect photograph and words with us. Aimee has also offered one of her stunning 2009 calendars from her etsy shop today for our giveaway. Leave your comment for a chance to get your hands on it! It's one beautiful way to keep track of your New Year. And be sure to visit her blog for yet another super sweet greeblepix contest this month.

The Glow of Good

Sometimes the planets align and everything we put our time and energy into comes together even better than we could have imagined. There’s really no way of knowing when a plan might happen like that but it’s always and pleasant and welcome surprise when it does.

A few weeks back a group of some very special Southern California women gathered in a loft in LA and enjoyed a night of crafting (see photo above), conversing, savoring, and sharing. We talked about photography, creating meaningful (and affordable) gifts and living a life that makes a difference in this world. We feasted on tantalizing delicacies and divine music but above all else, we sincerely enjoyed one another’s company.

During the rush of the season, I wish you evenings of memory making and magic where the glow of good company warms your heart.

 

In light of the goodness that was shared at the memorable LA event, HP is giving away one of their adorable and super-fun Compact Photo Printers to a shutter sister. You know the drill; leave a comment here to be entered into the random drawing. Good stuff!

And... speaking of the magic of a great event, if you think a Shutter Sisters gathering would be something you'd like to attend in the future, let's hear it. I think a Shutter Sisters Summit in 2009 sounds pretty good to me, what about you?