A Time for Change

To visit my new bloghome ~ www.sherrybolesblog.blogspot.com





I'm an extremely sentimental person. I started this blog for personal reasons two years ago. During that two years, my life has changed so much and this blog has grown into so much more than I anticipated. I've been working on some changes and decided that it was time for a change in this blog...or a move as the case would be. I'm very hesitant to make the switch...but hopefully this will help me to be found a little more easily. :)

To visit my new bloghome ~ www.sherrybolesblog.blogspot.com

Backyard Sunset

Yes...another sunset!
I've often seen a beautiful sunset from my back door and thought "I wish I could capture that." Unfortunately, I'm surrounded by power lines, houses and trees...not a very nice set-up for pretty picture.
In early August, I couldn't help myself. My hubby called me outside to see a fiery red sunset. Before the sun could finish its grand exit, the moon was already shining above it...yep, with power lines and all.



Here's a more dramatic image featuring a bright planet glowing from behind tree limbs. The planet's glow (which was actually neon green) was converted to black and white to keep it from totally dominating the entire image.

"5 Things"

Recently some friends (and fellow photographers) and I participated in an activity through which we helped each other to "define our styles" (by listing 5 things that we thought of when we thought of each other's images). This week, I finally had time to really look at the information. I noticed three areas with three fitting descriptive words. So I grouped and defined the areas. Then I created a blog header [see above] featuring an image (from recent sessions) which fit into each category.


What is intended? (what is the purpose)
* From nature to natural light photography to theater, I have a wide range of subjects which I enjoy photographing.
* Sometimes I photograph to "define a moment in time" (also known as storytelling). I want to allow the viewer to see a story behind the image.
* Sometimes I just want to be a little adventurous! :) I enjoy both creative angles and creative processing.


What is seen?
* vibrant popping tones/color
* relaxed yet strong subjects (images with a "peaceful strength")
* technique meets artistic interpretation...While I have studied MANY hours learning proper techniques, I also enjoy using creative interpretation to take an image from a portrait to something more artistic.


What is felt?
(This was my personal favorite category. Images can be simply reflections of an moment in time but I'm more drawn to images which stir an emotion...happiness, sadness, anxiousness, etc.)
* soulful
* moody
* thoughtful/emotive


Yeah...so that's how my friends describe my images. I thought it sounded much better than any of my feeble attempts to define my style. (Thanks, y'all!!)

Exciting!

I've had several projects going here and haven't gotten around to blogging in awhile...which is sad because I actually have images just waiting to be blogged about. *sigh*

I think I'll start with sharing this...
Yesterday I got some exciting news. I've shared this image before but this time is even more special. "Sucker!" (as I titled it) was chosen as a July finalist and third place winner at PhotoShowdown (an international online photo competition)!!!

"Sucker!" ~ 3rd place winner ~ people category

Fairytale Beginning

I had been looking so forward to this wedding ever since this couple got engaged. These two are such beautiful fun people to be around...I knew that their wedding would be something special. I was absolutely right! I don't think I've ever seen a happier bride and groom! :)
Every detail was gorgeous! The bride was glowing...and the groom was enjoying the day! The cakes, the candles, the flowers, the location...everything was so beautiful! Even the minister's words were so special...and meaningful...

~ The beautiful plantation ~

~ The bride getting ready ~
I saw this arrangement in the girls' bathroom...
Even the collection of cell phones, keys and flowers looked as if they'd been carefully placed to be beautiful.
The bride...who was ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!

"She waits..."
This big window was just calling me to do a silhouette.
It overlooked the actual ceremony location and she was catching a peek as the first guests were arriving.
"The Guys"
These were the most entertaining groom and groomsmen I've ever photographed!
I was having so much fun laughing at their antics that I had to keep in mind to click the shutter. :)
~ Some of the many beautiful details ~
After the ceremony, we only had time for a few fun images as the night was quickly falling.
I have actually had the idea for this image in my mind for years
but I had to find just the right couple to fit with it... :)
The reception was lit with candles.
Vases of flowers captured the candle light in the darkness.

Mr. & Mrs. W ~ I want to thank you so much for including me in your special day! I was truly honored to be able to spend this time with you and your wonderful families. I hope these images fill your mind and hearts with as many beautiful memories as they do mine.

Happy Birthday!

Today's an extra special day
A most wonderful day to me
'Cause it was on this date years ago
That God gave you to me

I never knew until that time
That I could love so much
Nor did I know at that time
That love would grow so much

No matter how old you get
You'll always be special to me
So on this very beautiful day
I wish you Happy Birthday!!

~ sherry boles (aka...Mom) :)

A New Beginning

Today marked the beginning of a new era in our family. Our youngest one started her first day of Kindergarten today! :)
She's not in just any class...She is in a class of her own (literally). After a very agonizing year and a half (and more), we decided that it was best for her to be home-schooled (at least for now). So, as her older sister headed off to her first day back in school this morning, we got ready for our own day of learning. As a former teacher, it was interesting to once again be filling that role. Thankfully, I had a wonderful student!

And after the day of study, here she is sporting her "extra special" sticker for good behavior!!

Oh, well...I guess it's official now.
Summer break really is over. *sigh* :(

Waiting...

Military families spend a lot of time waiting on their loved ones to return...and missing them so much. I have so much appreciation for their sacrifice.
Words can't express the emotions...so here's my attempt at expressing those emotions in a few images.