A new year...a new project!

For as long as I can remember, photography has meant a lot to me.  There is something so awesome about being able to capture time in it's tracks and save that moment forever.  I love it.

As a little girl (and still to this day), I have always enjoyed looking through the many, many photos my mom would capture of our everyday-childhood lives.
The memories in our old Pennsylvania farmhouse, doing home school in the sunroom, building forts in the woods and riding horses in the fields,  playing dress up as civil war soldiers and viking warriors (with 4 kids, we all had quite the imagination!), celebrating birthdays.... graduations...and now weddings, fun family vacations and simple everyday moments...these photos flood my mind with memories that I always want to remember.

Photos remind me of those special times that the journey of life has led me on, and the ability to savor those moments with photography is what has driven me to learn more and more!

So, although I have always loved photography--it was just over a year ago that I really became intrigued with learning more about this amazing art. I had a DSLR camera, but soon learned that leaving it on automatic mode wasn't producing the images that I was envisioning in my mind. I knew there must be more something more. So, off I went to google and started reading and watching photography tutorial after tutorial ...and in doing so, I eventually came across a website/forum that has really helped me along in my photography journey. This site is called Clickin' Moms. (and although I'm not a mom yet, the information on the site was just too good to pass up! ;))  I read their blog for quite awhile, then eventually decided to become a member and sign up for a basic camera workshop. Signing up for that workshop was the best step I could have taken in my photography journey. Not only did I learn the basics of how to use my camera in manual mode (and more!), but I also met the most amazing group of ladies that have encouraged and supported me along in my photography hobby. We've been learning together from the start and have become awesome friends in the process. I am so thankful for them!

If you've been following my blog for a few months, you'll remember that I attempted to start a 365 project last fall. (taking a photo everyday for 1 year)...well, that only lasted about 2 months!! I will say that in those 2 months, I became much more comfortable with my camera settings. There is definitely something to be said about picking up that camera everyday! So, although I would like to attempt a 365 again in the future, for this year I decided to go for a project 52! One photo a week. And, on the Clickin' Moms forum, there is a group of us doing this together. Each week there is a new theme to follow along with. I've really been enjoying it so far, and I know it can only challenge and help me grow!

So, here's to a new year...and a new project!

Week 1 (you)

These first few weeks have been topics that focus on getting to know each other better. And, the first week was a photo of yourself. I used a tripod for this shot, and tried to place an object in the spot I would be sitting so that I would have something to focus on. Then I put it on a self-timer mode with a 20 second delay so I could get in my place. Took several tries...but, here I am! 

Week 2 (house on fire)

This week's topic really made me think...what would you take if your house was on fire? (assuming all loved ones/pets were safe) When I asked Brandon, he immediately said the box with social security cards, birth certificates, passports and other important documents, so thankfully he has all of that covered since I am definitely more of the sentimental type! ;) After giving it much thought, I began to realize that so many things can be replaced--yes, even my camera, computer and lenses! So, it's the little reminders of special memories that I would want to hold on to forever--the reminders of the "real riches" of life. This photo represents the two things that I would want to take with me--my photos and letters from loved ones. 

Pictured here is our guestbook from our wedding day--filled with photos and sweet messages from those we love. 

This book, along with my photo hard drives, wedding album, and letters from loved ones are the things I would want with me forever. 

When I came across this particular page and read this quote, I thought the message was perfect for this week.

Week 3 (your favorite)

This guy, my husband, is my favorite! Dated for 6 years, married now for 2.5 yrs! My high school sweet heart and best friend I could ask for.  And, since we don't have any kids/pets in our life yet, he's also been my favorite subject to practice my photography on! Poor guy! He really is such a trooper! God has truly blessed me with an amazing husband and friend. 

Week 4 (your town)

While I grew up on a farm and am a country girl at heart, Brandon and I currently live just outside of the beautiful city of Nashville, TN. I drive past this skyline many, many times and it really is a lovely view! It is a great city...and the closest to a "country" city that you can get, after all! 

Hope you all have been doing amazing!! 

Thanks for stopping by.

xoxo