the space we call home

Now that summer is winding down, I find myself more and more at home. Am I the only one feeling an inward shift? Maybe it's because I moved that I'm feeling more of this season change. My home is new to me. Maybe it's because school has begun again that I find myself cozying it up, using the oven that sat so lonely all summer, playing board games, reading books, and making my familiar indentions on our beloved couch. I find myself looking around my house, finding new nooks i love to photograph, and seeking out the cozy corner of other homes as well.

Today, share with us a corner of your home. The space where you play, where you chat or work. It might be a favorite window, table, place to gather, or simply a place to relax. Today, show us the space you feel most at home.

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One Word Project update: We will still be honoring your faces for the next few days over in our flickr pool with the inspirational ladies from I Heart Faces and will be announcing a new word for Sept later this week! Stay tuned.

kiss the ground

"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." -Dorothea Lange

Many days we tend to rush around, head up, multi tasking, running errands, meeting deadlines, all hurry hurry hurry.  Photography has given me many gifts, but one I think I treasure most is the ability to slow down, take my time, really see.   We have all heard the expression "don't look down!",  as if something terrible may occur if we do just that.  I happen to like to look down.  I have found unexpected beauty in a puddle, messages from the universe, love, and  I have even found myself .

Today, lets slow down and look down, there may be something completely unexpected right at our feet.  

Show us what you find.

let's dance

Have you heard? Today is National Dance Day. I know! Who knew?

What could possibly a better prompt for a photo? So, how about it Sisters? You ready to have our own photo dance off today, right here? 

Let's dance, rock out, spin, shake it, jump, twirl, get Dizzy, and snap, snap, snap, and then share your action shots with us.

Pet Parade

He needed rescuing and our family did too after the long illness and eventual goodbye to our other dog months before. Although Bailey could never be replaced in our hearts, we are a “pet family” and that summer without one was odd, out of step, a little too quiet. So by fall along came Sam, a six year old golden retriever who was rejected because of his intense fear of thunderstorms. Although a bit skittish, the pool brings him joy and with a sweet spirit he moved into our lives for good at just the right time.

Fast forward six years and we are rescued again as my youngest daughter prepares to go off to college. While the “empty nest” is a happy, logical new chapter for us, the transition will be made a bit easier by my older daughter’s red cat.  Casey is staying with us this year while my older daughter works and lives where she cannot have pets. The new cat and dog duo get along well and have provided much laughter.  Pets seem to sense when they are needed most, a wagging tail , easy walks with now elderly Sam, a cat’s purr, batting at favorite toys, while both loudly asking for daily treats. 

Summertime is a season of change, but also parades of many kinds.  Along with my blog friend Gayle, we have periodically organized a simple online

 “Pet Parade”, inviting everyone to post photos of their pets.

Today as it marches here at Shutter Sisters, I encourage you to post a photo of your pet, all types, shapes or sizes are welcome. Or perhaps you might post one that you dream of having or even a photo paying tribute to a pet no longer here but held close in your memory.

Let the parade begin…

Image and words courtesy of Honorary Sister/ Guest Blogger Elaine Kean (known affectionately as ELK) of Red or Gray.

(Imperfect)Self Kindness.

This is the first summer that I am allowing myself a little self kindness and and giving myself permission to relax and have fun and not be the perfect photographer. Normally during any summer activity or while on vacation I always had to make sure I had just the right shot or did my best to make sure I had the correct angle, lighting and settings. I even found myself stressing on occasion because I just knew that people would be expecting these fantastic vacation photos from me so they had to be perfect.  I mean, what would people think if I didn't show them these amazing vacation photos? Would they think less of me as a photographer?

My husband has pointed out on more than one occasion that it's okay to leave the camera at home (never will that happen) or if I insisted on bringing the camera (always), then I should just have fun, snap pictures here and there and not try to get that one perfect shot.  It doesn't matter what others think, he has said before, do it for yourself. This is a family vacation, not a photographic vacation.  I have to admit, it did get exhausting at times.  Now? I'm not over thinking my shots and just shooting from the hip, both literally and figuratively (hence the little sand man above). I'm showing myself a little self kindness and turning off those negative thoughts.  This is my imperfect summer and you know what? I'm okay with that. Giving myself permission to not be perfect with my photography feels pretty darned good.

Please, won't you share your imperfections of summer with us? We'd really love to see them.