Into the light

Thank you for all the kind comments you left on my series of NYC photos. Those images were different than what you’d normally see on this blog and it’s fun to switch things up now and then.

Today on the Photography tab on PW’s blog, I read a post by Jessica Claire, whose work I adore. A highly sought-after wedding and portrait photographer based in California, her images are taken in natural light and they’re nothing short of magical. Jessica’s challenge for the month is for readers to give up the flash – at least during the daylight hours. What you need, she says, besides a camera that allows you to control when the flash goes on and off, is light - whether it be from a window, your open door, or outside in nature.

And a subject who will sit still.

She goes on to ask that readers post their results in the comment section, and they’ll highlight a few to share. Here’s the post:

Give up your flash for Lent, by Jessica Claire




It’s not hard for me to give up the flash because I rarely use it.

Remember, it’s all about the light.

Late this afternoon, on a cloudy day, I shot these photos when I went for my walk. I knew I needed more light, so I chose my 50mm 1.8D lens. This lens lets in a lot of light and I love it.

And George loves to pose, you know. The cat would never stay still like this.




I shot the photo above on the Aperture Priority mode, using the widest aperture. I processed it with one of Red Leaf Studio’s Vintage Soft Actions, called ‘Ceres’. I also used a texture called ‘Brushed Topaz’ from the Florabella Collection. I thought it made the red barn really pop.





I shot this on the Program mode, also processing with the Ceres action. In fact, I think I used Ceres on most of the shots here.

My husband has been preparing the garden area and planted peas the other day. I know, you’re super excited.




Shot in the Aperture Priority mode, if I remember correctly.




This is George’s angel pose. I mentioned yesterday that he’s driving my husband a little bit crazy with his antics at nighttime.

He wants out.

He wants out at 1 AM. And then he wants out again around 4.




We don’t know why. But we do know who gets up – and it’s not me. George knows who to ask. (I would tell him to Go Lie Down). But my husband’s afraid there might be an accident, so he does the dog’s bidding.

And then complains about it the next morning.

So that’s all it is.




The wind is beginning to howl and the rain is really coming down. It’s supposed to pour all day tomorrow, but you know what? It’s March.

This is what it does in March ~

Have a beautiful day, all. Thanks for stopping by.