photography 101

One of my goals for the new year is to make time to study photography.  I really feel a passion for capturing those little moments of life that are so fleeting...the moments so tender, even life-changing, but easily blurred into the grand pool of our past or altogether forgotten.  I've noticed that through posting photos and blogging about them, I recognize and remember those special moments better...and so do my children.  They read and re-read the blog...they get giddy over their photos and the stories behind them.  I know they won't forget the essence of their childhood, because I've captured it through a series of photos and vignettes.

I've had a Nikon digital SLR camera for about a year (which I am frankly in love with) and I carry it around everywhere.  But I'm just now really getting a handle on the manual settings (but thank you, dear "auto" setting, you've served me well, my friend).

My former BYU roommate and good friend, Jami, has inspired me to work on sharpening my photography skills.  She gave me a quick tutorial last summer while our kids swam at her in-laws' pool, and that set the ball rolling for me.  She really is an amazing photographer.  She has worked hard for years to learn skills and practice them, attending workshops and classes, and just taking thousands of photos!

She took these photos of us in the fall at a local apple orchard (as well as the photo in my blog header):

And guess what?  She's teaching a Photo 101 class in Draper on January 30th.  For more information, go here.  If any of you locals are interested, leave a comment here or on Jami's website .  I'll be there, and I'm hoping to see some of you there as well!

I'll be posting new and improved photos in 2010...just wait and see!