August 23, 2010- Day 54

I read a while back that I can use my 50mm lens as a macro lens. I tried it out and with a little time and patience I was able to get the image in focus. This was my dad's fortune from yummy Chinese. My fortune was to long, "Your magnetic personality will draw people to you this month."  Either way I like both of them!

August 22, 2010- Day 53

It's all about angles. That's what Tyra says on ANTM. For those of you who aren't addicted to TV like I am, that stands for America's Next Top Model.  Tyra always advised her models to learn their angles.  I think photography is very similar.  I'm trying to learn angles.

August 21, 2010- Day 52

Anyone watch Big Brother on CBS?  The show's motto is "Expect the Unexpected".  I feel like that should be my motto!  Today I went to Jefferson Barracks Cemetery with Kim. I wanted to attempt to capture the vast array of tombstones there. I wasn't getting what I wanted, just getting frustrated. Kim and I were leaving when we came upon a few deer. She stopped, I slowly got out of the car, and walked towards them quietly.  They watched me as they ate.  As my camera was clicking away noisily, they noticed and glanced up at me.  Doesn't he look like he's trying to tell me something, kind of like he's just been caught?

August 20, 2010- Day 51

I don't know whether to thank the STL police or be mad at them. After happy hour with some friends Kim went with me to Forest Park.  As we were driving down Kingshighway we noticed a lot of police. In Forest Park there were more police with flashing lights and a police van with a light shining into a pond. We knew something was up but kept driving. With sirens in the background I nervously got my shot below at the Welcome Center. We come home to find out suspects were on the loose in the park and their SUV was submerged in the pond. UHH thanks STL cops for letting us drive in the park with suspects running free. No warning or anything! I am thankful that I got my shot today, safely I might add.

August 19, 2010- Day 50

I don't know why but when I was taking the picture I felt like I was going to get caught doing something wrong. I felt rushed and I wasn't even near this place. I was actually positioned on top of a hill in a neighborhood. I was on a unfinished street with a ton of empty lots. I want to practice night photography. Everything is so still and quite. I like it. This was a 25 second exposure at f22.  I can't wait to try more like this. Stay tuned!

August 18, 2010- Day 49

I miss my grandma. It's only been a couple of months since she passed. Sometimes it feels like longer. I miss her laughter and hugs. I miss talking to her and hearing her stories. I'm sad to know she won't be here when I get married and have kids. This year will be the year of 1st's. I've already had my first birthday without her, 1st Fourth of July. Her birthday has also passed. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be hard. Even though she wasn't well last year, she was here. I want to forget when she was sick and those last days. I wish those awful memories would disappear.  Below here is a rose from her casket. It's been hanging in my room since May 10th, the day of the funeral. I miss you Grandma more then words can describe! 

August 17, 2010- Day 48

I was content taking a picture of some amazing cupcakes when my dad called me to check out this spider. Gross, I thought. After some trial & error my dad and I worked out a system. He held the flashlight at the right angle and I snapped away. This spider is huge and it's web extends from the chimney to the deck. The web's circumference is about 3 to 4 feet! I liked this first picture. You can see with the right leg that he is building the web. My dad liked the second picture. He said it looks like it has an alien head. Which one is your fav?

August 16, 2010- Day 47

When I was younger I loved reading. My dad would take my sisters and I to the library and we would check out as many books as possible. I loved being able to escape into another world. I remember one summer reading all the Little House on the Prairie books. How times have changed, now I go for boring books about business and resumes.

August 15, 2010- Day 46

My dad always said, "I know when it's time for you to go back to school." Then he'd show me these. Once they bloomed it was time to head back to Mizzou. Aww. Sometimes I miss college. 

August 14, 2010- Day 45

Rule #1- When going to a concert venue, research the largest lens they allow. Rule #2- Have you friends help sneak in your camera and lens. Rule #3- When asked by security how big your lens is, lie and tell them a number under the size of the largest lens that they allow. Thank you Kim for helping me lie & Crista & Maria for sneaking in my camera and lens! I was able to keep shooting at the BLACK EYED PEAS concert because I followed the rules listed above. The concert was amazing!!! It was high energy, fun, and a great show. We danced and sang the whole night. "I got a feelin...WOOO WHOO!!!!

August 13, 2010- Day 44

I had great time at the Cardinals game. Thanks Dad for the tickets! Kim, Manny, Melody, Maliyah, and I went.  I had a great time even though it was pretty hot. The Cardinals played against the awful, terrible, sucky Cubs. Of course the Cards won!!! What did you expect? Cubs SUCK!! It was an awesome game. I think Maliyah had a great time too. Isn't she the cutest Cardinals fan ever?

August 12, 2010- Day 43

 Taking pictures at night isn't easy. I know I have a flash and all but I think I prefer daylight! 

August 11, 2010- Day 42

I went driving for my picture tonight and found my inspiration while driving. I highly recommend NOT trying this at home or in a moving vehicle. I simply set my camera on my dashboard and took pics with while driving. Yes, while driving. Trust me I was careful, however when before I pulled up to a stoplight I had luckily already pulled my camera down. Good timing because there was a cop next to me!

August 10, 2010- Day 41

Yeah! Happy hour today with Tarisa & Kim. Cold beer was so good today! Have I mentioned how 270 at rush hour completely sucks!?!  I was happy to make it to Friday's!

August 9, 2010- Day 40

What a beautiful sunset today. On the way to the grocery store I saw my photo opportunity. I don't know about you but I don't want summer to end! I love beautiful sunsets and warm summer nights!

August 8, 2010- Day 39

I wanted to mix it up a bit today and try something different. Shooting indoors can be tricky. I want to work on it more in the future. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be!

August 7, 2010- Day 38

 I feel so relaxed. I can hear the water softly flowing over the rocks and birds chirping. It is so peaceful here early in the morning. This was the beginning of a beautiful day of sitting in the water with a drink in hand, tunes on the radio, and friends & family providing great conversation.

August 6, 2010- Day 37

Hey all! Had a nice trip to the river this weekend. The water is crystal clear and cold! It was nice to get sun, have a drink, and just relax! I also wanted to capture the beauty of this river. Hopefully I was able to come close!

August 5, 2010- Day 36

I can't believe I got these shots today!!! That's right I was there at the premiere in Chesterfield for the new movie, The Other Guys starring Will Ferrell & Mark Wahlberg!!!! It all started off a little rocky when I stepped up close to the fence to get in a good spot for the pictures. I heard this old woman loudly say, "Well we'll just step in front of her." She kept going with it til finally I looked at her and said, "I did not shove your daughter out of the way, I stepped into this open space. There is plenty of room here for everyone. I don't see what the problem is." As her jaw dropped, I turned around and waited for Mark & Will! Shout out to the lovely ladies chatted with me!! Mark Wahlberg & Will Ferrell were literally a foot from me. I am completely star struck.

August 4, 2010- Day 35

Go Dad! My dad had his last softball game tonight. He has been playing ball for years and he told me last night that this would be his last game. Somehow I don't believe him because he loves the game and he is good!  See my picture proves it. Look at that catch!

August 3, 2010- Day 34

I don't know about you but for me it feels like there are never enough hours in the day. I think I manage my time well but somehow I am always up late working on something. The picture below is how I feel a lot of the time, no pun intended.

August 2, 2010- Day 33

This is in the park that I frequent on my lunch breaks. When it's not to hot I grab my blanket and have a "picnic' lunch. Read, eat lunch, and enjoy my free hour from work!

August 1, 2010- Day 32

Today was a challenge. I wanted something different. I drove around looking for something specific. When I didn't find it I headed home. It's funny how things work out. I took a detour and came across a flooded field. Standing in the water I saw this beautiful white bird. I slowly approached, focused my lens, and the bird took off. It wasn't the shot I originally planned but then again, I love that I got action.

July 31, 2010- Day 31

My plans changed today. I wanted to chill by the pool all day today but the overcast partly cloudy sky destroyed that plan. Kim and I decided that a nice day outside with a bottle of wine would be perfect, and it was.

July 30, 2010- Day 30

Today I learned how to light paint. All I needed was a flashlight and tissue paper along with a lot of practice.

July 29, 2010- Day 29

Ahh...The Landing. I've been down these streets a time or two. And trust me guys, navigating across these cobblestones in four inch heels after a few drinks is no easy task. Luckily, today I didn't have to worry, no drinking and no heels. Had sushi today with a few girls! Mmmmm! Wasn't it good girls?

July 28, 2010- Day 28

More greenery!! I can't help it. It is my favorite color. I was looking around today thinking, what is interesting around here? Trees? A pond? Then I took a closer look at everything. Can you smell the pine?

July 27, 2010- Day 27

I had a good time tonight! Went over to my Uncle Bill's & Aunt Carole's. He was so funny tonight! And Uncle Bill I hope you are reading this. I taught you how to check my blog and don't forget to show Aunt Carole! This is their cat, Tyler. He is like a dog, literally comes when you call him. I've never known a cat to listen to anyone before.

July 26, 2010- Day 26

Beautiful day today! I enjoyed lunch outside. I know its hot but I love being out in the fresh air. It was nice but I must admit I was afraid I was going to get stung! Or lean over to far and fall in the water. I managed to avoid both!

July 25, 2010- Day 25

What a great day with my sisters! We went downtown to a bridal show which was a lot of fun. The bridal fashion show was awesome. Afterwards we enjoyed the wonderful weather by eating outside. And we couldn't resist the gelateria across the street.

July 24, 2010- Day 24

I can't believe that Jayden is one!! He celebrated his birthday today with wonderful friends and family. It was a great day. We had snowcones, cotton candy, and fun games for the kids. I'm friends with his momma. I met Ms. Ebony back in elementary school! Love ya Eb! It was so good to see you, Jon, & Jayden today!

July 23, 2010- Day 23

I must admit, I love shoes. I met up with my friend Jen last night and she is always so stylish. Are these cute or what? I think I need to go shopping with her!

July 22, 2010- Day 22

Welcome home! After the day I've had all I wanted to do was go home and relax. It was a long day at work and I didn't get much sleep last night. But I knew I couldn't let you down! I had to get my pic in for the day.

July 21, 2010- Day 21

I can totally understand the paparazzi's addiction to photographing the stars. Here I was today @ Ronnie's theater and I was nervous before he even showed up. I didn't know why. Then after 30 mins of waiting his black SUV pulls up. Hundreds of girls are WOO-ing and shouting. Then the crowd pressed in. I was being pushed and smashed. It was crazy! I just started snapping away. Meanwhile older women are behind me cursing at how its their turn to see him. Sorry ladies, you should have gotten here earlier. Thank goodness I'm tall! Afterwards I was shaking, my heart was pounding, and I felt dizzy. It was like an adrenaline high and totally worth it. Zac Efron, you are hot. I wasn't a fan until today! Wow, I could melt in those gorgeous blue eyes!!

July 20, 2010- Day 20

Go CARDS!!!! Thank you work for the tickets to the game in the Champions Club!! I had a good time! Good food, good people, good drinks!

July 19, 2010- Day 19

Do you know where I was? One guess.......STL's Little Italy, The Hill!!! I've always loved these fire hydrants. On my dad's side I'm Italian so I've always loved the Hill and it's history. I remember being amazed that someone painted the fire hydrants. Now they still make me smile.

July 18, 2010- Day 18

Yumm! Bob's Drive-In!! This is an Arnold treasure. They serve the best ice cream, burgers, and fried pickles. It was the perfect treat to this hot summer night!

July 17, 2010- Day 17

You know what this is St. Louis!! Funny enough, I was going for a completely different shot but it didn't work out. So I improvised and switched it up. I got some other nice shots but wanted something a little different. It was a beautiful day today, I couldn't have asked for more.

July 17, 2010- Day 17

So I admit it sometimes, I'm a bit of a procrastinator. Today was a perfect example of that. I had to work late so I was already tired and I hadn't gotten my pic for today. I waited until about 8 to do something about. Picked up my mom and little brother for some support and headed out to find my pic. I felt pressure because the sun was going down, I was losing light but in the end I think I did ok.

July 15, 2010- Day 15

"I see the moon and the moon sees me. Please Mr. Moon don't tell on me." I remember learning that when I was young. I thought it was funny but at the time didn't know what it meant. I asked my dad and he told me, "It means your doing something that you shouldn't be doing." Trust me though, tonight wasn't one of those kind of nights!

July 14, 2010- Day 14

GO GREEN!! Well it is my favorite color!! I feel peaceful here. Sometimes I like to get away from everyone and everything. And after a day of sitting in front of a computer, its nice to get out and breathe. Away from noise and away from thinking too hard!