Monday, April 8, 2013

Photographing Forbidden Locations

There is something about a huge “NO TRESSPASSING” sign that whisks up the curiosity in me. While some will take notice of the warning, for me it’s an invitation to explore what’s on the other side. Perhaps it’s due to that adventurous spirit that’s never truly left me since I was a child, despite now having to acknowledge these things called “laws” as an adult. For me, it’s not only an attraction, but also an opportunity to capture hauntingly beautiful photographs. These are all shot in HDR which means that there are 3 exposures of the same image one overexposed, one under exposed, and one under normal lighting conditions. The 3 are then combined in Photoshop to create what I think are stunning single images!

If a location is completely abandoned, normally I’ll just go and shoot it. Usually I’m more worried about running into copper thieves or tweakers than getting a trespassing ticket. A little bit of risk and uncertainty can produce enough adrenaline to get me into a heightened state of awareness, and I never go alone. Bottom line is this, I am DEFINITELY not your average yes woman. I don't want the photo's that EVERY other photographer under the sun has, I want mine to be original, to stand out. I see so much beauty where you may just see an eye sore, Urban Decay is my FAVORITE subject to photograph! I do a LOT of research on each location and a great deal of it is fascinating material! This location is up for demolition, and the clean up & demo is already underway, I captured these images before the structures ultimate demise, that is why I do this! Nobody else will ever be able to say they have these images, I think that is kind of awesome! I take only photographs, and leave only footprints. I am so glad that I made it here before the move to NC, hope you like them, I had so much fun working on these :)






















































Monday, March 18, 2013

Macro Lillies :)



I wanted to share some macro shots, as well as preserve the memory of my beautiful Peruvian Lillies bouquet Dan got me for Valentines Day. I used my macro lens, and the beautiful natural light coming in through my kitchen window, Enjoy & Have a great week!

















And then she turned ELEVEN.......


My Beautiful Destinee has turned 11!  I can't believe how fast they years have flown by.
She is so excited for her birthday that she has been reminding us every day. Were taking her to Sea World!! Desto has been a blessing in our home, bringing enthusiasm at every turn. 
Although she doesn't read my blog now, maybe she will someday.
I love you Destine Eve, it sure is good to be your mother.
Happy Birthday!!

Her BDAY gift :)

Build A Bear

Birthday Bucks!

Waiting for the bus to Sea World!

Me & the Birthday Girl!

A BIG OL Manatee ;)

 BeaUtiful Sea Turtle

 A very chilly but FUN day!

 Ribs, a Birthday Tradition!

 So much FUN!

 This whale was captivated by her toy!

 She had a photo op with Mario Ticlea of the Greg Warren Band!

 Her Grandmother made her this Surprise!

Daddy & Desto celebrating :)

Dessert MMMMMmm!

Sean & Kimmie

Just in case you were thinking I have been lounging on my couch eating bon~ bons these past few months enjoying the breeze in my hair and a tall drink of something sweet …. WRONG!  I have been running around like a chicken with her head cut off!  Between starting my last semester in school, and preparing to move to North Carolina in 2 months, as well as keeping up with all my other day to day stuff with Family & kiddo's, I have been trying to incorporate some shooting into my schedule! I ADORE seeing the people I love being Happy!  This is one of my Best Friends in the world Kimmie, and she has found her Prince Charming! They were not celebrating anything in particular, just each other, and looking for some updated portraits!  I didn't use any fancy strobes, or studio type lighting, mostly just available light & fill flash.  Here are a few of my favorites, enjoy :)