Photography = My Latest Hobby

For Christmas, I told Kyle I wanted to take a photography class. With work and everything else, it seemed an online class would be the most convenient. I got a digital SLR camera for graduation from my parents back in 2007, but I left it on the "Auto" setting most of the time. I didn't feel like I was getting the most out of the camera I had. Sharon Clark came along and changed that! I took one of her workshops and really enjoyed it! Here are some of the photos I took during the class. {She's offering the next online workshop in May if you're interested!}


I learned how to achieve bokeh (or wonderfully blurry backgrounds that make the subject really pop).



I love the creative ring shots that wedding photographers take, so I decided to try one of my own with a play on Kyle's nickname for me, Egg.


Kyle was excited for me to take the class but not as excited to serve as the subject matter. ;)


I can now shoot in fully manual, and I know how to have control over the camera to get the look that I want.


Now I just need a new camera and a new lens or two! Isn't that the way technology works these days? :) But I'm trying to be patient, at least until next Christmas.


Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers.
Exodus 35:30-35

God has given me the desire for all kinds of crafts. Growing up, I enjoyed drawing, painting, cross-stitching, and making collages. When we first got a computer, I spent a lot of time in Paint creating and printing designs. I had a Barbie house, which I loved, but I spent more time rearranging the furniture and making pillows and blankets for it than anything else. In college, I had the opportunity to take classes in so many things, and I don't think I've met a creative subject that I don't like. There is certainly a desire within me to create, and I can't imagine living in a time without the technology that we have today!

(Belated Post) Advent at Vintage 21

I love that our church has a design team, that our God is a creative god, and that I have the opportunity to serve with the gifts He's given me! For the Advent season, the design team worked to incorporate our version of Christmas decorations, to tie in with the sermon series and help visitors feel welcome. A few pictures I snapped in the sanctuary are shown below.


This idea started with Christmas stories that often begin with ornate drop caps. (For inspiring daily drop caps, click here.) As we worked through the concept, we settled on using the text of the scripture to create the words peace, joy, hope, and love.


We wanted the design to be interactive and to encourage others to remember the life of Christ by loving others, just as He did. The "Christmas tree" served as a drop off for cans of food, to be donated to those in need. Words that speak of the spirit of the season emanate from the communion stations.


The lobby functions as an art gallery each month; photographers in the church took pictures to illustrate the words used in the series.


Acrylic letters surround our painting of the Raleigh skyline.


What a beautiful season it was!

Friends Since Birth

My dear friend Isabel got married about a month ago in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I was so disappointed that I couldn't be there - we were born only a day apart, and we've known each other our whole lives. (I spent the whole weekend taking a prep class in Charlotte for the NCIDQ - not nearly as fun!) Here we are about three years ago, playing with the wedding ring favors at her sister's wedding.


And here are a few pictures from her wedding day by Ashley Merritt Photography:


Beautiful!


The church has striking architecture!


Such a cute couple! And isn't her ankle-length wedding dress gorgeous?! I finally got to meet her husband Wyatt this weekend at their reception in Shelby at the Owl's Eye Vineyard.




Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Bradford! It was so good to see you both!

And We're Back

After a blog hibernation this winter, I'm back on the bandwagon (thanks to a little encouragement from Lisa this weekend). We have been busy over the last few months with weddings, birthdays, Christmas, a cruise, work, classes, church, community group, and more! I'll try to go back and blog about some of it over the coming weeks.

To start things off, we were in Greensboro yesterday celebrating with Ryan and Lyndsay Semchenko! Their wedding was absolutely beautiful and such a testimony to the work that God is doing in their lives!


The reception was held at the LEED certified Proximity Hotel, which I loved!


Asian details reflect their mission work and where they started dating. The Chinese writing on their delicious cake says "Love." They will return to Asia later this year, but we're excited that they'll be in Cary as they raise support before they leave.


And here's Daniel, who told me that he is keenly aware when someone is trying to take a candid picture of him - and he makes a face like this. I took it as a challenge. I got a few candid shots when he wasn't looking, but I had to be so quick that they turned out blurry.


I also headed to Shelby for Isabel's wedding reception - I'll post some pictures from that soon. And now that we're back - is there anything you'd like to see me blog about?