For the past month, I have carried a list of items around with me to photograph…all for the sake of the October 2010 Photo Hunt. Some of these items were more challenging than others, but I feel really good about my work this month. I’ve shared many of these photos on my blog before, but I did want to save a few surprises. Without further discussion, here are my items:
1. In Disguise

Is that a baby or a duck? Actually, remember this beautiful baby? Her mother found out that I would be in town on Saturday and asked if I would be interested in taking pictures of the girls before they went Trick or Treating. Absolutely! I’m just beginning to process those photos, but thought I’d sneak a couple of shots into the October 2010 Photo Hunt!
2. Crisp
The North Carolina State Fair offers plenty of fried food options, therefore, there is plenty of oil and grease to go around. Do you like your fries crispy? You’re in luck!
3. Fall Colors
Sure I could have shared any number of fall foliage shots, but the truth is that we have still not hit peak season, so I thought I’d re-share my favorite pumpkin shot taken earlier this month.
4. Jack O’Lantern
You’ll remember that I don’t carve my own pumpkins…I monogram mine, but I do love this plug-in Jack O’Lantern that I bought at Target earlier this year. I was at Target yesterday…everything is on sale and Christmas stuff is already on the shelves!
5. A Shot from the Ground
I debated on whether I should share this shot or a shot of a leaf. I went with the shot above because I was literally on the ground shooting up, trying to get a bit of sunflare. It actually looks as if the sun is dripping on the leaf.
6. A Landscape
I don’t normally enjoy spending extra time at the airport, but given that I was at the airport….and that I had my camera, I was thrilled to capture my plane coming into the terminal from the gate area. This also happens to be a tilt-shift shot taken with my new Lensbaby.
7. A Fall Tradition
Our wedding…now anniversary date happens to occur at the exact same time as the North Carolina State Fair. Last year, we were unable to attend because we were getting married and then going on our honeymoon. So, this year, I made a special request to go to the fair…see the animals…eat greasy fair food…and ride the ferris wheel. Also on that check list…take this photograph!
8. Books
Technically, this is just a book, but I spent a lot of time thinking about the composition of this shot and I’m pretty happy with it. Now, my husband wondered why I was carrying a green apple with me everywhere, but I think he’s gotten used to my unusual antics.
9. Dining
Again…at the fair. I shared this shot a couple of weeks ago for Scavenger Hunt Sunday. This is my husband eating a fair sausage with all the fixins. Interestingly enough, he wanted one after visiting the pigs.
10. Child/Children

I was prepared to share this shot of Dustyn until I was asked to take pictures on Saturday of the girls. Emma and Frances were UNC cheerleaders. I asked the girls if they would show me some cheers so Frances started jumping up and down. It was pretty cute, if I do say so myself.
11. Faces Formed in Nature
If you participate in Scavenger Hunt Sunday, you know that my first attempt at finding a face formed in nature was a major failure. It may still be a failure, but I tried out an action I found this summer from Lemonlight – click here. After playing around, I thought the center of the image looked like a face. What do you think?
12. Tilt-Shift Photography
To say that I’ve been enjoying my new Lensbaby is an understatement. “Tilt-shift photography refers to the use of camera movements on small- and medium-format cameras, and sometimes specifically refers to the use of tilt for selective focus, often for simulating a miniature scene.” Personally, I have not used my tilt-shift lens to create miniature scenes, but have used it for selective focus and to create movement in the photo.
I had several photos to choose from for this category (I could have even used the shot I shared above for a landscape), but I chose this particular photo because I love the color of the sky and the way the light pours in. It also looks as if the branches are reaching up to the sun.
I had several photos to choose from for this category (I could have even used the shot I shared above for a landscape), but I chose this particular photo because I love the color of the sky and the way the light pours in. It also looks as if the branches are reaching up to the sun.
13. B&W with Selective Coloring

14. Bokeh
I am really looking forward to using the star aperture disk that comes with my lensbaby for neat Christmas bokeh shots. On October 23rd, I was outside messing with my new lens…this was the outcome. I think it looks pretty cool and I love the starry bokeh.
15. Best Photo taken on October 23

16. Something from the Kitchen

I shared this shot yesterday. My mom collects antique children’s furniture (actually, she collects antique furniture in general)…she has this beautiful cradle in her store (she owns a children’s boutique). We had a great time processing this photo with texture and adding scripture. I love the way it turned out.
18. Something Creepy

I was totally stumped on this particular prompt. I don’t really celebrate Halloween with the exception of buying some candy and plugging in a store-bought jack o’lantern…so there isn’t a lot of creepiness around my house. I guess I could have photographed something at my parents’ house – my mom loves to decorate, but I didn’t think about it. Anyways, I used this shot that I took of Kitty Paw earlier in the month and turned her into a one-head, two-bodied creature. I think the texture made it extra creepy.
19. Something Golden
The leaves in North Carolina take a long time to transition…I mean, let’s be honest, we still had 80+ degree temperatures this past week. However, the leaves on the tree outside my office do turn a beautiful shade of gold this time of year.
20. Self Portrait
I am really pleased with this self portrait. If you want to see more from this session, click here.
So, those are my interpretations for October’s Photo Hunt. If you want to see more, go to:

If you didn’t participate this past month, but want to participate…November and December will both have ten items each. I will continue to build these prompts into my weekly Scavenger Hunt Sunday. I’d love to have you participate in either challenge. Have a great week!
If you’re interested in participating in Polka Dot’s Photo Contest, click on the link below.
