{Personal Expressions} What do you see? - a photo is worth a thousand thoughts!

The great thing about being behind a camera is the creativity it sparkes. With an eye towards a good shot, you are constanting thinking about angles, lighting, subject, placement, emotion. The technical aspect of the shot are less interesting than the mood you want to capture, the emotion you want to evoke and the message you want to get across.

 

I am trying to tell you to imagine you are sitting in a quiant English cottage drinking a hot cuppa tea!

{Personal Expressions} A slice of Japan right here in Illinois - Cherry Blossoms

Who would have thought I had a little piece of Japan right in my front yard. I used to read about the famous Cherry Blossoms in Japan and always wonder how nice it would be to go see that. Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning to the sweetest smell and an explosion of purple/pink in my front yard.

This tree has gone from green buds, to red berries to beautiful purple-pink flowers in a span of days.

   

 

  I haven't had time to process all these changes and hence did not bother researching to see what kind of tree this was. But now the sweet smell and colors just pull me in and I want to bring the entire tree indoors. I had to make do with getting a small branch indoors - the color and smell kept me smiling the whole day :)
I do love spring and all that it has to offer - including my very own cherry blossom!

{Lifestyle Portraiture} West Suburban Humane Society August cuties

I routinely volunteer at the West Suburban Humane Society in Downers Grove - helping out by taking pictures of their adoptable cats and dogs for the website and other pet finder sites. The last time I went, there were so many cuties - my heart melted at the sight of all these beautiful pets just waiting for their "forever" homes.

I wanted to create a collage of these cuties - a way to showcase their beauty and grace. The expression on each of these guys is so adorable and precious!

UPDATE - most of these guys here have already been adopted! - Don't forget to check your local shelter first if you decide to get a pet - you never know which cutie will melt your heart! :)

{Personal Expressions} Dog gone days of Summer

With school starting in a few days, we are all taking a quick break from an action packed Summer to slow down and enjoy the mundane, lazy summer days. These slow days are going to be gone soon :( and will really be missed.

We have spent the past several weeks doing a variety of things...

We listened to concerts in the park...

I would love to go for a ride in these set of wheels - Summer bliss!

We perfected our riding techniques and stroller manuvering techniques :)

And most of us, especially the four legged one, enjoyed a good soak after a hot summer day! - nothing says summer more than water and sun flare!

{Personal Expressions} Eyes are the secret to the soul!

This is my entry in the "Beautiful eyes" contest at I heart Faces!...I typically dont post pictures there but could not resist this one :). When I see this picture, I see a soul so pure and innocent...has to be that of a child!

Go to I heart Faces to see all the lovely entries!

{Personal Expressions} Roses are red, violet, white and several shades in between!

I never thought I would get attracted to flower photography. I don't own a macro lens but somehow when I see roses in all shades and shapes, I get "click happy". I have posted about flower a couple of times - here and here. Now I adding one more to the list. A recent trip to my sister's garden revealed such an amazing burst of color!

The purple one was by far the sweetest smelling rose I have ever held/smelled! - simply stunning!


I am offering PRINTS of these and other landscape photos you see on the blog. Contact me if you would like to buy a print!

{Travel Log} Mountains are calling - can you hear?

I love the mountains...I really do...To me, they exude strength and inspiration. I love seeing them, climbing them, capturing pictures of them..did I mention gazing at them?

Recently I flew to the west coast and as soon as the terrain changed on the flight and I got a glimpse of the mountains below, I whipped out the camera and started clicking away! :)

How can you not get inspiration from these visions? Not to mention the desire to pack a bagpack and head out into the mountains!

Yes, this is the one and only Grand Canyon! :)

This is one of my favorites - the mountains seem endless!!!

What a contrast from the breathtaking scenery to a concrete jungle filled with cars!

The mountains are certainly more interesting to me!