D-129 & D-130 Fear . . .

The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”
Sven Goran Eriksson

I let a great opportunity slip by me because of fear. It would have been an awesome boost for my business, but fear paralyzed me. So from here on, I promise myself, not to let fear stand in my way.

How do you deal with your "fears?"
Yesterday after work we took Isabella to the beach. We had a great time.


We took her to Navy Pier in Chicago today. We had a great time! The USO put on a great program for the Families of Military Personnel.


My reading corner:
I read this book "America's Heart & Soul, based on the film from Walt Disney" by Louis Schwartzberg. Just quotes and pictures, but the pictures are stirring. Great coffee table type of book.
This quote was on there also:
"You can't think about fear. Fear causes hesitation. Hesitation makes your worst fears come true." Biker Sherlock, Street Luger
Nikon D-300 User's Manual Pages 43-47
Getting Things Done by David Allen Pages 87-91
The Nikon Creative Lighting System by Mike Hagen Pages (none)

Images Viewed: Kiss the groom

D-80 Isabella Dress up

Isabella and I played all day today. She's fighting off a cold or something but was in good spirits after a couple hour nap.
Then she played dress up all day. I think I counted a total of 5 outfit changes. I played with my flash. I'm still trying to learn all of the different programs and numbers in it. Since she was moving all around the house I didn't want to put an umbrella or diffuser on it. I'm hoping that reading the book listed below helps me understand these "hot shoe flashes" better.
This first one is my favorite





Images viewed: Chrismphillips' Flickr
Other inspiration:
Pages read in the The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes by Joe McNally 28-31

D-79 David's portraits

David after work yesterday.
Processed today. Mmm mmm - Looking good!


In full sunlight (late afternoon) used flash fill to combat the brightness of the sun.
Pages Read in The Hot Shoe Diaries - big light from small flashes, Joe McNally :23-27
Inspiration: Tasra Mar & coffee shop

D-77 Izzy's Senior shoot Part 1

I wanted to start out this Senior Session with "Night Photography" I'm learning how to use my SB800.


The shadow is intentional to add to the drama of the fallen helicopter.



Inspiration today comes from: Kaleidoscope

Pages read in: The Hot Shoe Diaries - big light from small flashes, Joe McNally 17 - it's been a busy non-stop day since 6:45 am. It is now almost midnight.

37/38 Update

Had a migraine yesterday so even though I took the picture yesterday I was not able to upload until today. So here is Saturday's image. Ms Isabella,




Today I went duck shooting ;) for my nature images.

Duck, duck, Goose or goose goose Duck!

The 23rd Day - Updated

Saturday's theme
We went out to dinner with our Family, it was my Sister-in-laws birthday. The lighting was not very good - but I had my 50mm. I want to share all of the pictures but I'm tired, so I'm only sharing my Sister in Law and her immediate family.
Happy Birthday Lisa



The ever artistic Lisa, Mike, who can measure, sort and build just about anything and whatever he builds will last forever and their beautiful daughter Sarah - She's grown up way to fast!

These are just some snapshots taken at the restaurant.
Here's the rest of them



My beautiful Mother In law, Jan
My awesome Father in law, Alex
The third is our Fun Aunt Pat (forever young) and her husband Knowledgeable husband Jerry.
The middle one is the whole group (I can't take credit for that image)
Then we have the Mischievous Nephew Adam (it's so funny to watch Dave and Adam together, never a dull moment), Our Beautiful Niece Sarah, who's grown up way to fast and last, but not least our Bother in law Bobby - who can find anything you're looking for, but he does it legally!
We were missing my Brother in law, who will do anything for any of us and Adams wife Laura, who is so much fun to be around and of coarse our children were all missing.

The storyboards are from the awesome Coffeeshop website.

Friday's post is about Love - Puppy Love

Don't tell me my dogs aren't vicious looking, even ferocious.
Off camera flash that didn't go as planned.


This is Reesee, she's going to be 7 years old in April.


This is Twix, she's gonna be 5 years old in March. This is Miss Personality and the loud mouth.


I couldn't help posting another one of Reesee