On Friday I mentioned that I’m in a creative rut. I’m still blaming the heat and humidity. However, I also think that by saying it “out loud,” (“out loud” = via my blog) I am motivated to push ahead. I really do need to be more intentional with my camera though. I recently read an article at the Digital Photography School called “3 Stupidly Simple Reasons Why Most People’s Photography Does Not Improve.” This article totally called me out…
The rules are simple:
- “You can carry your camera around with you 24/7 for the rest of your life but unless you learn to slow down and to look at the world a little differently you may never actually use it.” – I do carry my camera around with me everywhere, but I don’t use it often enough.
- “They take their camera with them and they even slow down enough to see the photographic opportunities around the – but there’s just something that stops them lifting their camera up to frame the shot.” – It goes on to say that these people are often embarrassed to use their camera in public. Again…GUILTY. Growing up, I was a bit shy. My mom forced it out of me by getting me involved in all kinds of activities. Then, when I went to college…I made sure to sign up for more activities that would force me to be around people. Perhaps I need to do something similar here. It’s becoming way too easy to hide.

- Anyone can participate.
- You’re encouraged to take five new photos this week for the challenge.
- 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).
- Link up here on Sunday (or Tuesday at the latest) – you can use the button above.
- 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).
- Have fun!
1. HOT HOT HOT
I mentioned the other day that summer is here – I don’t understand why North Carolina can’t enjoy a longer Spring or Autumn…instead, we just have to jump straight into 90+ degree temperatures and 100% humidity. It isn’t right! In the event that you think I’m lying, I decided to document the temperature one afternoon this week. It was actually 103 degrees when I got into my car, but started to “cool down” once I turned on the AC.
2. Finding Form
This particular shot was taken last summer during my Scott Kerby Photo Walk (speaking of which…I just checked the website. This year, the hunt will take place during the fall – pencil in October 1-2). In all fairness, I still had the RAW image, so I re-processed it. I like the lines and contrast of light (although I’m not sure that this is exactly what Kat had in mind with “Finding Form.”). If you want to see others interpretation of finding form, either click on the button below or HERE for the Flickr Group.
If you want to be inspired by some of last year’s Photo Walk “Best Photos,” click HERE. Of course, if you’re anything like me…your mouth will drop and you’ll be reminded of how much you still have to learn.
3. Front Page of the News
I took this photo last Sunday. We don’t usually take the newspaper (I read the news online or hear it on the radio), but my husband bought one for some reason. In North Carolina, there’s an ongoing discussion about teacher assistants. One of my friends is a teacher assistant so I really hope they don’t cut her position! Also in the news…Scotty McCreery won American Idol. Okay, so I guess that isn’t news anymore…but he’s from Garner, NC which is very close to where I live. Go Scotty!
4. Chore
Well this shot isn’t going to win any awards. However, I noticed on Friday that we really needed to do the laundry. I mean, it was literally spilling over. No worries – by the time I got home, the laundry was already done thanks to my wonderful and domestic husband.
5. Beads
This one is pretty self-explanatory…just one of my necklaces. I believe this one is called Costa Rica by Premier Designs Jewelry. Love it!
What were your interpretations of the items this week? I can’t wait to check them out. Be sure to load your pictures in 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):
- Long Exposure
- Shape(s) (Ginger’s suggestion)
- Green (Ginger’s suggestion)
- Fruit (30 Day Photo Challenge June 7th Prompt/Flickr Group)
- Childhood Memory (30 Day Photo Challenge June 10th Prompt/Flickr Group – could also be a “flashback” photo or a “Then and Now” photo as suggested by Elena at Selfie Magic)