Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Welcome back to Scavenger Hunt Sunday. As I mentioned last week, I've had a busy week between a little cross-country traveling and Thanksgiving...but I have really enjoyed some time with my family the past few days. Just this weekend, I took advantage of my blog break and decorated my house for Christmas...and tried to take our Christmas card photo (tried being the operative word - we'll try again tonight). I've also been working on a few new things that I think will be ready to share shortly after the first of the year. It's going to be a busy month but I am truly thankful. 

Also, did you see that I'm bringing back Memories, Dreams and Reflections? If you participated last year, then I hope you will be inspired to once again take a walk down memory lane with me and share your favorites moments from 2011. If this is your first time hearing about MDR, be sure to click over and check it out - you can sign up  now and link your photos starting January 1, 2012. Much like Scavenger Hunt Sunday, feel free to write as much or as little about each photo. 

With that said, if you've been participating in the Scavenger Hunt each week, I hope this week's items inspired you. If you're new to the Scavenger Hunt...WELCOME! Next week's items are sponsored by Ida and Mikayla.

<center><a href="http://ashleysisk.com/search/label/Scavenger%20Hunt"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4795223164_aa1eb66c07_o.jpg"/></a></center> The rules are simple:

1. Anyone can participate.
2. You're encouraged to take five new photos this week for the challenge. Creativity is also encouraged!
3. If you get stumped, you may use one photo from your archive (although I'm not too strict about it - I do my best to take fresh shots).
4. Link up here on Sunday (or Tuesday at the latest) - you can use the button above.
5. Leave comments for at least five entries around yours (we have so many new participants each week, this is the only way I know to be inclusive).
6. Have fun!

Without further discussion...here are my interpretations this week:

1. Waiting

It wouldn't be a complete Scavenger Hunt if I didn't include a "stretch." This particular shot was taken on Friday during a family portrait session. I've been photographing these girls for a couple of years now. Their Christmas card last year was such a hit that we wanted to see if we could top it. I've just started editing, but photo is indicative of the calm before the storm. See the little one on the left? She's nearly two and this was about as calm as she would allow during our hour or so together. I'll share some more photos from our session a little later this week.

2. Foliage

This weekend, the Shades of Autumn challenge is wrapping up with their grand finale. I thought it might be appropriate to pull together some of my favorite fall foliage shots in the form of a collage - oh how I love all the colors: Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, Brown and White.

 

3. Candid

This is another shot of Brandon from last Sunday. My favorite "portrait session" moments are those candid moments that I could never have planned for. Not that this was a "portrait session," seeing how we were just goofing off...but I love it when kids (or adults for that matter) forget that the camera is on and just act like themselves. That's the best.

4. Knife, Fork or Spoon

I don't typically take a lot of photos during holiday meals - in fact, I didn't take any during Thanksgiving. So...the morning after, while everyone else went to work, I wandered my parents house for a good photo op. My mom has this small collection of old spoons that I thought were perfect.

5. Rule of Thirds

I tend to follow the rule of thirds in my photographs...or some close variation. So, I decided to use another one of my favorite shots taken while hanging out with Kat and her son, Brandon, last weekend. I love the sweet look on his face here.  

What were your interpretations of the items this week? I can't wait to check them out. Be sure to load your pictures on your blog (or your Flickr photostream) and link up at the bottom of this post. Feel free to grab a button to display on your blog along with your scavenger hunt items. The linky will be open until Tuesday night at midnight (EST). If you didn't participate this week, but want to participate next week, here are your items (these can also be found at the bottom of my blog each week):

1. Portrait
2. Nostaglic (Ida's suggestion)
3. Time (Ida's suggestion)
4. Full of Light (Mikayla's suggestion)
5. Motion (Mikayla's suggestion)

Again, thank you to Ida and Mikayla for so many great scavenger hunt items. If you'd like to contribute items to the list, just send me an email with your suggestions (I can better keep track of them this way). Each week, I will select one reader's prompt list, add those items to what is currently on tap and give the selected reader a shout out on my blog during Scavenger Hunt Sunday. Also, be sure to come back tomorrow for Shoot and Edit: Part 1, Week 47. The prompt/theme is "Thanksgiving." Happy Shooting!