ABC Photo Challenge

I spent my first 26 days of February  involved in an ABC Photo Challenge sponsored by Levi Moore on Google +.  Never did one but it was fun and I got some great shots throughout the month.  I helped me think outside of the box and I got to view work by other photographers that was simply amazing.

One photographer did the challenge with all food, another with his sax and others with games.  It was truly inspiring to see all the creativity with each letter.  I think the next time one of these comes up, I will pick a theme.

This is one of my favorite shots from the month and you can find the rest of the shots in my Google + ABC Challenge album just by following this link....

Samantha's ABC Challenge 2013

Now I know my ABC's, next time won't you sing with me!!

Week 8

The prompt for Week 8 was Other Photographers.  I don't know many true photographers that are local to me and the one I do know, yeah, she took off on vacation.  I was asked by two friends to speak at their Girl Scout meeting about what I do as a photographer.

I share with the girls the different type of camera's I use.  I even had them look at some photos and see if they could tell which one I used to take the photo (cell phone, point and shoot, dSLR, etc).  I talked about being creative, keeping your eyes open as you don't know when a photo op will present itself.  Answered questions and talked about some of the photo challenges I am involved in and how they keep me on my toes and always thinking!

Then I got them all together and told them to give me their BEST photographer pose and this is what the final result was!  I can't wait to join them in April as we all do the same photo challenge.

Thank you GS Troop 54315, you were awesome!

When people ask me what equipment I use - I tell them my eyes
~Anonymous

Week 7  - Shadows

Some weeks I feel it and some weeks I don't.  With not a lot of sun and tons to do, getting out to capture shadows was a real challenge.  It came down to the final hours and I spotted a favorite candle holder and I was pretty sure it was going to give me some Shadow Magic!

I was not disappointed....Partylite to the rescue.  Sometimes it's easier to keep things simple.

If you don't have any shadows, you're not in the light.
~Lady GaGa

Treasure Hunt - February

This weeks challenge was a self portrait in Black and White that showed Joy and Happiness.  Now, those of you that know me well know I don't like being in a photo and I like self portraits even more.  I did not want to "fake" it so I had to find something that truly made me happy.

Baseball was the key and with the nice weather we had this weekend, Dan and I headed down to PNC Park to do the shots.  I wanted the ballpark entrance in the background and Dan was my trigger man.  I set up the shot on the tripod and got in the photo and Dan was there to hit the remote!

We took about 2 dozen shots till I got something I didn't hate....LOL

The only thing fair in life, is a ball hit between first and third.

Week 6 

This weeks prompt for the Weekly Photo Project was Signs.  Now there are tons of typical street signs all over but I wanted something different.  I knew we were headed to Cleveland and dinner at the Hard Rock (talk about iconic signs) so there were options.  I ended up choosing this shot because I loved all the colors.  Most of my night shots are lights and darks but not colors.

On our way to the Cavaliers game in front of the Q.  It was a great came for the kids 1st Pro Basketball game even though the Cavs lost.  I hope we can do this again.

One for all.  All for one!

Treasure Hunt - February

Well the Treasure Hunt photo challenge started again and the first round required a person, a balloon and window.  We had a 50th Birthday Party to attend and I made sure our gift wrapping included a balloon.  Windows were a plenty and I took more than a few shots but I liked the perspective of this one.  I also liked that I got my daughter in a picture as she usually fights me.

A very Happy 50th to our friend Lou and I made it to Round Two!!!

High mileage, low maintenance!
~Lou the Birthday Boy!

Week 5 EYES

This weeks challenge was eyes.  I found myself using mine every day, everywhere, looking for the perfect set for my shot.  Since we were Winter Camping with the Cub Scouts I was hoping for some long lashes with snow flakes but what I got was even better.

This is Justin.  One of the Cub Scouts that joined us this past weekend at the Heritage Reservation.  I took shots of his brother and father as well, but his eyes won me over!  When I shared the pictures of both boys with his father, he told Justin's agent would be calling....HA!

Look into my eyes and hear what I am not saying, for my eyes speak louder than my voice ever will
~Unknown

Treasure Hunt (Final Round-January)

This was my contribution to the Photo Treasure Hunt I am participating in.  Our Challenge was Hollywood with one of three sub-themes: 1980's, Horror or Glamour.  With this round being so wide open it was almost impossible to pick something.  So I had 4-5 options that were shot but this one was my favorite.  Thanks again to my very cooperative co-worker Jon....you did an amazing job!!!

This is my rifle. There are many others like it, but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy, who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will. Before God I swear this creed: my rifle and myself are defenders of my country, we are the masters of our enemy, we are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace. Amen.

Private Joker: Are those...live rounds?*
Private Pyle: Seven-six-two millimeter...Full metal jacket.