How to Wear Pigtails Without Looking Childish

How to Wear Pigtails Without Looking Childish

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Letting the trains roll through the hills, I can feel the wind rush out from under the spinning orbs, beating my face and whipping my braids backwards. I feel free.

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Are You a City Girl or a Country Girl?

Are You a City Girl or a Country Girl?

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Dress: Free People//Boots: Betsey Johnson//Sunglasses: Forever 21

What a day. I started with my hair up to beat the heat, then I decided I looked weird with my hair up so I took it down, and then, thinking I was done with fashion photos, put on my combat boots to go hiking. However, soon my husband began snapping away under the speckled tree lights as they played on my back and face and I couldn't help but love those pictures too. As I glared at the screen deciding which set of pics to share, it got me to thinking: am I a city girl, or a country girl? Is my fashion sense based on how I think it will look next to downtown alleys or against wooded arches?

As much as I always want to live in a big city, I always find myself sneaking off into nature settings for photographs. In fact, the whole reason I set up in front of the gray alley wall was to try something a little different. Something that made me uncomfortable. I wanted to challenge myself.

And I was uncomfortable, somewhat. I love the city, the hustle and bustle, the lack of silence, people everywhere, but for pictures... I'm still not sure. Woods are fun and I feel like I can work more efficiently in the solitude they provide. I admit that I feel like photography in the solitude of the woods or open fields has given me a sense of security in my photos. Maybe I just like that the scenery does half the work for me. Maybe I'm just too comfortable.

You see, there is so much to see in this wonderful city that I feel sad not sharing our glories with the world. We have beautiful architecture and brightly painted brick walls and lovely coffee shops and I love showing that Kentucky is not a state full of people missing teeth and drinking moonshine, but a state with cities full of artists, musicians, and a love for life. But then reality hits. People gawk at me as I hit my remote, as I jump up and down in a 2 second time frame hoping to catch the perfect shot... I don't mind their curiosity, but I do find it distracting. Can it be possible that a part of me needs pieces of both worlds? A place to work in quiet as I frame and hit shutters and a place to drink coffee in noisy cafes while writing stories about strangers? Maybe it is. But what will I do if I ever move to a big city? What if there aren't woods around for me to sneak off to?

I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there, because for living, I'm pretty sure I'll always be a city girl. I can't imagine waking up and not hearing the clatter of lives birthing a new day. I need the sounds of people starting their cars and coffee cup clinking against kitchen counters at 6 am and neighbors discussing what to pack for lunch. If I lived on a big farm in the middle of nowhere, or even in the suburbs, I know in my heart that I would be sad. I thrive on being in the middle of everything even if I do enjoy spending an hour or two in the woods once a week. What about you? Where do you find your soul fulfilled?

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All of the Lights

All of the Lights

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Maybe I got a little carried away on some of our late night walks. Maybe. It's just that nightlights are possibly the most fun thing to photograph. The contrast and colors of bright lights draw me in... it's a whole new life out there guys. People laughing, people celebrating, people loving. The concept of sitting under a neon sign with people you hold dear, even if just for that moment, is magical. Love is real and alive under the moon and under bright bar lit signs and in late night pizza slices. Love is like breathing air, "if you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around." Seriously, get to an area full of night life, follow the laughter, and just snap away at the bright signs. It will feel amazing.

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Into the Wild

Into the Wild

Thursday, May 28, 2015

It's so so hard to capture wildlife with a kit lens. Someday I'll invest in better equipment, but for now, I'll be satisfied with what I can get. The challenge is actually kinda fun!

That said, I'm not sure I have ever seen so many birds here! Like, my apartment complex is overrun by birds. So far they aren't bothering us, but they aren't afraid of us either. Just the other day robins (yes, plural) just pranced across the sidewalk only two feet from Jaycee (my dog). I still can't believe little Robin above let me get so close... It's kinda fun to watch them dig around for bugs though. At least we know we won't be overrun with worms. Now if only we could get some mosquito eating critters 'round these parts.

In addition to being overrun at home, Roger and I have been enjoying the wildlife reserves in town. It's so peaceful to watch the turtles and bullfrogs at McConnell Springs. They do like to keep their distance though. Apparently dragonflies and monarchs are less concerned with human interaction.
By the way, monarchs are nearly endangered y'all. If you have the space, grow some milkweed. We can't let these beautiful creatures die.

How have you been enjoying nature lately? If you are into photography, what is your favorite spring/summer thing to get elbow deep into?

P.S. Dragonflies look terrifying when you get up in their face. I mean, that guy looks like evil incarnate. I feel like a part of my childhood has been violated. Are these really the same creatures that fairies ride around on? Are these the same dragonflies that are supposed to be this mystical being? Dragonfly, thou hast failed me.

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Practice Sessions 1.1

Practice Sessions 1.1

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Playing with contrast and learning about low light/indoor photography. There is so much to learn and so much with which to play. That poor little finch couldn't figure out how to get back outside... the window was closed. I assume he made it out eventually as he was gone when I returned home from work. The rest are random photos. I saw some beautiful opportunities at Coffee Times here in Lexington while stopping for a coffee and some reading. I swear, that place is the best. Best coffee, best store front, best environment. If it paid a living wage, I would quit my office job to work there! Those little tins are candles! Aren't they incredible? And of course you can find horse paraphernalia all over town. I mean, it's Kentucky.

Everything else are things I put together just for fun. My favorite cookbook, my favorite mug, my favorite hairpins, my favorite boots, and my favorite teacup. Life is better with a few favorites.

P.S. Zeke wouldn't leave me alone when I shot the boots, so here's his face when I told him to step aside. Even his attitude is handsome.

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