Opportunities

Opportunities to capture a moment do not happen at scheduled times. You always need to be ready. Sometimes, you encounter something you know your friends won't believe unless you have the picture as proof! Such a moment came along when we were driving to the mall one busy Saturday morning, we stopped at a red light, and did a double take when we saw the motorcyclist in front of us.

No photographic cred to this point-and-shoot photo through the windscreen other than to always have your camera with you!

Flash off!

Sometimes, turning off your flash can make all the difference to the tone of your photo!

Doesn't this picture of Sebastian snoozing in his momma's arms just make you want to reach for those cheeks?? I was drawn to this kiddo, as he reminded me so much of our chubby little Jared when he was that age.

Photography Rule #1: There are no rules!

I'm an absolute rookie photographer. I take pictures by the seat of my pants. I take a million photos and sure enough, I know which ones speak to me ... But I try to be better all the time. I read, I memorize, I practice, I experiment. I strive for the tack sharp image every time. And then this happens:



I took this picture by accident. I was trying to capture some nice pictures of my 2-year old daughter Jamie doing her skating lesson. I was fiddling around with some settings and I actually think I took the shot just to release the shutter.

Everything is wrong with this photograph... exposure, camera shake, composition ... But of all the tack sharp, traditional shots I took of Jamie skating that day, this remains my favourite. I love the colour contrasts, the unusual angle, and especially the blur. Oh how that blur reminds me how fast those precious little feet moved behind the shopping cart that day. I can picture all the beanbags she snatched away from the other kids and loaded in that cart.

I smile when I see this photograph. And that means it's a damn good photo.

Yellow-bellied cooter

I caught this little guy blowing bubbles at me in his pet store tank. Judging by this yellow-bellied cooter's price tag - $96 - I was obviously the target of his ridicule, as there is no way I will pay that for something that will probably become cat food in our house! And it's 40 year lifespan in captivity is more than this Gemini soul can commit to!

More colours of huh ... winter?

Anyone who says that winter is a grey, dreary place in Vancouver, has clearly not been in the city during this El Nino year! There are crocuses and daffodils everywhere ... the mountain ash berries are clearly not the only source of colour this winter, although they still provide a great view at eye (and camera!) level.

The eyes of a child

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

Early spring in Vancouver

This year, Vancouver's winter was pretty much non-existent, with absolutely no snow so far at street level. Not the greatest thing to happen when we have to host the 2010 Winter Olympics, but hey, with a bit of ingenuity (and loads of snow being trucked and flown in from the interior!), we managed to pull it off.

With temperatures in January and February matching typical April temps of 10-13 degrees Celcius, spring has sprung weeks early, and there are blossoms and blooms everwhere, like this patch of crocus in our townhouse complex.