one sweet shot - november 2008

The feeling that I get from this image is unsurpassed. I feel a freedom and lightness that fills me with hope. The perspective makes it seem like we’ve happened onto something intimate and almost sacred as this bird takes flight right before our eyes. Of course, it makes it that much better that it was captured my lovely and talented sister (as in birth sister and shutter sister). Thanks Jessica for sharing it with us today. It is certainly one sweet shot!

And here are the other honorees this month:

Shawna of Bella Luna is honoring this shot by Maine Momma

Jessica is honoring this shot by vivacreativa

Karyn is honoring the shot in a post called River by Mary Carroll

Jenny Rebecca is honoring this shot by seasassyme

Ane is honoring this shot from Linda

Celia is honoring this shot and this shot from brenda magos

Jen Lemen is honoring this shot by goddessleonie

Georgia is honoring the first shot in a post by red or gray depends on the day

and Joanne is honoring this shot by Misty Mawn.

Inspiring work for sure. Enjoy the creative clicks.

To help capture some exciting and surprising images, you have the opportunity to win a super-cool and stealthy spy lens courtesy of the amazing Photojojo. The stuff they have in their store is awesome and the spy camera is no exception. Can you just imagine what kind of sweet shots you could capture with that little gadget? For your chance to win it just leave a comment here. And if you’ve got a sweet shot to honor you can leave a link in the comments as well. Good luck!

Styling

I think that many of us consider ourselves to be photojournalists. We strive to capture moments as they happen, careful not to pose our subjects too much. I know that I tend to be drawn to a style that shows life in its natural state. But sometimes I think we need to give ourselves permission to do a little “styling”. I took the above shot on Thanksgiving Day, while on a hike along the river with my dad and husband. I found that big leaf on the beach and before I knew it, I was picking it up and heading for the shoreline. I gently laid it on top of the shallow water and snapped away as it started to sink. I love the end result and I’m glad I allowed myself to create a scene without any guilt.

Today's giveaway involves two lovely items. The first is a print of your choice from Paige's dad, Steve Geddes Artworks. She has written about his artwork on Shutter Sisters in the past. The second item is a set of 8 notecards designed by Paige using her own photographs. Click here to see what they look like. Just leave a comment here to be entered in our random drawing. One lucky winner will win both items!

lensbaby - a resource and a giveaway

I am beyond giddy to tell you that we are giving away a Lensbaby today.  I know, you're jumping up and down too, aren't you? isn't it so exciting?

Ever since I heard about the amazingness of Lensbaby Lenses it was instant infatuation. And then I got my hands on one and it's everything I had hoped for and more; the ideal photography partner of the most fun and creative kind. Each time I use it I am delighted by beautiful surprises and irresistible unpredictability. I can only liken it to photographic poetry. Look at that bokeh up there. Are you swooning yet? And what about how well it translates to black and white? Sigh. I even take my baby on vacation with us. That's how much I love it. I'm just sayin'.But you don't have to take my photo word for it. It seems there are some Lensbaby fans in our Flickr Pool too. Check out these gorgeous images by Lifeography, Jamza, Donna and work2snap. Wow!

Of course, a lot has changed since the birth of theLensbaby a few years back. They have a brand new site that is a pleasure to explore and a variety of babies too. Not to mention cool accessories. Everything you ever wanted to know and more about what Lensbaby is all about is offered at the site. If that's not enough to have you yearning for your very own baby, I'm sure today's giveaway will.

One incredibly lucky reader will get a $270 credit to spend at the Lensbaby web store any way they'd like. It's heaven I tell you. Just leave a comment here to be entered in our random drawing.

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And for another slice of heaven, pay a visit to Design Mom today. She's featuring Shutter Sisters as she kicks off her 12 Days of Christmas and hosts a giveaway that's near and dear to our photography hearts.  For a chance to win a Shutter Sisters Flash Bulb Necklace or an All in One Wireless Printer by HP click over and leave a comment there as well. It's like the best pre-holiday celebration ever, isn't it?

sudden find

When I first started photoblogging, my intent was to upload a post nearly daily, to force myself to pick my camera up and fire the shutter as often as possible.  I figured that if I made myself pick up my camera frequently, my photography would naturally have to improve.

I was right.  What I didn't bargain on, however, was how difficult it would be to find subject matter to shoot on a daily basis.  In addition, by making the results of my efforts public, I was forced to not only ensure that I had an image to share, but that there was variety in what I shared.  I mean, I think my kid is the cutest thing in the world, but even she got bored of seeing herself constantly on my site.

On one particularly frustrating day this past May, I grabbed my camera and decided to go out into my garden (again) to see if there was anything interesting to shoot (again).  Our home is 50 years old and has a very mature garden -- my husband and I have contributed very little to its foliage.  On this day, I found myself going into a dark little corner I'd never investigated before ... and came upon the blossom you see above.  I'd never seen anything like it, and was thrilled with all the colour and texture that was right there before me, waiting to be captured.

These days, as we beginning counting down to a new year, it dawns on me that perhaps I should consider adopting the same approach in all aspects of my life:  maybe, as I contemplate my goals for 2009 (and beyond), achieving them might just be a matter of (a) sticking with it, and (b) daring to explore experiences and opportunities I'd never investigated before.  Hmm.

Something to think about.  Perhaps I'll keep the image above near me as a reminder.

 Today's giveaway is an 8x10 print of the image of the iris above.  Simply leave a comment on this post to be automatically entered for a chance to win!

Congratulations are in order

Just catching up...

Congratulations to the five winners of the Zazzle cards –

Stephanie at Time Slides By, Christina of Momology, Kristin of MaineMomma, Shawna of Bella Luna and Buttercup Yaya.

And also to Kate at Little House Monday for winning the Nina and Tom certificate and last but not least Jen/Beebee Mod for winning that last of our America at Home books.

Enjoy!