Christina's Photo Display

New Blog

2010-03-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

To anyone still reading this blog. I am sorry to not update it more often. Life has changed greatly since I began blogging and unfortunately I do not post as often as I would like. I find myself in many new situations these days trying desperately to draw from previous experiences to make our lives successful.

One thing I know something about is photography, networking, and marketing. I am no expert by any means and I am constantly learning but I am trying to use those valuable skills/ideas to impact my husband's family's farm. Did you get that? Basically I married into the farm and now I am trying to fit in. :)

I honestly do not know if I will be able to add to this blog but one goal this year is to keep a weekly blog of farm life. We are striving to connect with our customers on a more personal level and that seems like a good idea. So I invite all of you to hop on over there and check it out.

http://ellisfamilyfarm.blogspot.com/

2009 Flashback - A Christmas Program

2010-01-06T17:00:00.001-08:00

I was THRILLED when Mat said he would take me to see my dear friends in their Christmas program. It was a very enjoyable trip and I was happy to take some pictures. I think maybe my dear husband is starting to get used to my jumping bean photographer tendancies. It is worse when he is with me because I just want to be sitting close to him but the urge to take pictures of such sweet children is hard to resist.

~wife and photographer...in that order!

2009 Flashback - Siblings at Christmastime

2010-01-05T16:25:00.001-08:00

My siblings and me that is. Yes, this is us + my husband at Christmas.

Mom wanted pictures so I handed over the camera. I am so not good at personal celebration pictures at the holidays...maybe when I have little kids....maye not.

~Christina

2009 Flashback - Christmas with extended Family

2010-01-02T15:23:00.000-08:00

Seeing as how it was a first year together at Christmas Mathew and I had a lot of options of who to celebrate with. It was a long weekend. As per usual I did not take many pictures. I love to just be a part of the celebration. ;) This sweet thing is my cousins little girl who brings a whole new excitement to the family gathering. At the top she is pictured with her Great Grandma!

~Christmas photographer

2009 Flashback - Married

2010-01-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

My favorite hoto of Mathew and I at our wedding on October 25, 2009.

Photo credit goes to Seth Haley @ sethhaley.com

Keep checking back for more updates in 2010!

2009-09-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Engaged!

2009-07-10T04:27:00.000-07:00

On July 5th I was engaged to Mathew Gelder. We are so excited and even though we are working like crazy people right now we can't wait to get married. We are tentatively setting the date for October 25th, 2009.

Snowflake

2009-05-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

2009-05-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

2009-05-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

Family Portraits

2009-05-05T04:43:00.000-07:00

Ever shot a group of people that don't really want their pictures taken?

This is that group. But they ended up cooperating very nicely and I am happy happy about how some of them turned out. I was a bit like a speed photographer that day...shooting 240+ in under an hour to try and keep things moving. Feels good to have some shoots again.

~fast clicker

Life in the Springtime-Full of newness

2009-05-04T17:57:00.000-07:00

2009-05-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

2009-05-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

2009-05-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

2009-04-30T05:53:00.000-07:00

Spring Creativity

2009-04-27T20:34:00.001-07:00

Life as it is being planned

2009-03-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

I guess that it is way past time to update my blog. Life has been crazy busy...what can I say.
Last night I was shooting the lighted St. Patrick's Day parade in town for the paper but when I saw this shot I knew I would have to share it. I love the drama it displays. To me it is creative and artistic. This is straight out of the camera actually and it was very dark when I shot it. Sometimes settings just come together.

Back to my business and excuses. I really don't have any good ones. Excuses, that is. I have come to a point in my life where I have to make decisions. Instead of just going with the flow and taking opportunities as they come I need to be focused and purposeful in the things I do. It is a learning experience for sure. Always in the past I have simply waited for jobs and helped out where needed as needed. This year I had to decide where I was going to spend my time and energy as I cannot do everything. So the focus is going to be mostly on farm work. For several reasons...not the least of which is the fact that I love it...I am going back to Stovers. This year I will hopefully have more consistent and structured hours and I am starting at the very beginning of the season. That is something I have never done and seems quite novel at the moment. I am also going to be working hard helping another friend of mine with some farming efforts as well as growing gladiolus with my sister.
As far as photography goes new equipment purchases are being put on hold. I am still trying to improve my skills but I have decided that taking on weddings and such is not where I am headed at this point. I am hoping to fit in some portrait jobs this spring, summer, and fall but I will not be setting up a studio or anything like that. I will use "on location" jobs to supplement my income and continue my learning.
The paper is not something I love completely but there are many aspects of it that I enjoy. I would like to keep on with about the same workload as I have now so as not to burn that bridge. I have a few larger assignments coming up and I am sure those will be fun and stressful. I do need to learn how to better schedule my time so that I am more efficient about completing assignments...and not being up until 2 am every Monday!
So there you have it. I may or may not be able to post during this coming farm season because those are my "work" priorities. Add to the top of that list my relationships with God, family, and friends. Then tack on my responsibilities at home and I doubt I will even have time to read other blogs! Life will be busy but I feel blessed and I have much to look forward to.
~Christina

Muddy Fun

2009-03-09T18:37:00.001-07:00

I actually think these pictures are pretty self explanatory. They all spell out MAJOR FUN!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-25T17:40:00.001-08:00

I got flowers for Valentine's Day but it was a few days later when I finally got around to photographing them. They are a bit sad but still beautiful. :)

Well, actually half of these flowers belong to my mom.
I decided to just take pictures of them all together...made an impressive display.
;)

They were so pretty. I am glad they are bulbs that I can plant come spring. I will undoubtedly be able to enjoy them for many years.

~Happy (very belated) Valentine's Day

Cute kids

2009-02-23T20:23:00.000-08:00

I was invited to a three year old's birthday party the other day and was inspired to take some pictures. Such adorable children. Fun stuff.

~negligent blogger

WInter continues...with some sunshine!

2009-02-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

Icicles like these can be found all oer town...although I imagine most of them will fall by tomorrow seeing as how it is going to be in the 40s!

City Hall

Yes, this picture looks cold. That is because it is cold out.

Lightroom presets are awesome! I love this.

~I am going tubing tomorrow!!! Yeah yeah yeah yeah...so excited =)

Exploring Lightroom

2009-02-03T12:43:00.001-08:00

Life has most certainly not been boring lately. Sometimes I wish it was .
It seems like one minute I am scared of what the future might hold and the next I am impatiently tapping my foot saying "let's get this show on the road!"

I got a new computer over the weekend so I am busy getting everything customized and switched from the old machine to the new one. I am grateful for the new one (with more hard drive space) but that is a chore and a new laptop takes some getting used to.
I also purchased a couple new programs I have been needing and yesterday a friend came over and taught me quite a bit in lightroom. Seth is a great photographer and I so much appreciate the hands on learning vs. muddling my way through trying to learn the program. If you have been keeping up for any length of time on here you will know that I would have continued to put off learning the program if he had not come to show me how.
Anyway, since he wanted to work with some "new" photos we did a quick photoshoot in the fading light before starting my lessons. Suzanne posed it up in the backyard for about ten minutes while we snapped like crazy and that is where the pictures of this post came from. I learned to edit "Seth" style but I am planning on working out my own system very soon.

I did edit this one all y myself today. Yay. Lightroom is awesome...you should try it.

~it snowed today...big surprise

Katrina Grace

2009-01-28T13:27:00.000-08:00

I got to go visit my dear friends yesterday. Friends who just happen to have a brand new baby. Happiness!

So I was inspired and grabbed a handful of pictures before the light went away.

So did her sister.

Christina and Katrina
:)

To view a few more you can go to:
Here

~baby lover

What if I said yes

2009-01-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

Mom bowling the other night when the skating rink we went to had no public skate that night.

Me at the bowling ally roasting in my beautiful and fuzzy sweater that shed all over everything.

There were 12 in our group and therefore we had a lot of balls.

Last night I was driving home thinking about all the times I simply drive past a good picture for reasons of time, laziness, safety or any number of excuses.
Here is how it generally happens:
For some reason I see the best scenery and photo ops from the driver's seat of a car. Yes, its true. I drive down the road literally thinking of different shots and blinking my eyes in a desperate attempt to at least document that scene in my mind. This may sound totally weird but when I blink I automatically think of the shutter sound as if I took a real picture. So why don't I stop and take pictures for real. Well...you see...I don't have time...not really...where would I park?...Isn't it illegal to stop on the interstate?...I could go watch the sunset tomorrow night...maybe. Boil all of that down and you have nothing of substance. Just a pile of lame excuses that mostly are not even true. I can't even begin to tell you the great opportunities to take pictures and even make money that I have missed because of excuses and laziness. Yesterday was no exception. More then once I kept driving when I felt like I should stop. I neglect to seize the moment, regularly. Then I feel bad. Guilty. Regretful. Irritated (with myself), etc. What a way to live. Doing the same thing over and over again even though I know the result will not make me happy. Does that make me insane?

So driving along thinking about these things I thought of all the times I have heard/read that the best way to reduce stress is to say no. No to things that are not as important and cause us more worry and less sleep. On the flip side I began to wonder what would happen if I began to say yes. Instead of saying no and feeling bad, or saying yes and not getting around to finishing it, what if I did the things I am prompted to do...right away?!?! Novel idea, I know, also a lot easier said than done, but...

What if I just pulled out a card and responded to a letter right away?
~I would probably have a much happier Grandmother and deeper relationships with others

What if I just picked up the phone when I felt the urge to call someone rather then convincing myself I was interrupting?
~I would be able to complete projects a lot sooner
~This would also enhance my ability to stay in touch with friends and build relationships (something I feel like a failure at)

What if I really got off the computer instead of clicking into facebook or google reader one more time to see if someone just happened to post something exciting in the last 10 minutes?
~I would be a better steward of the time the Lord has given me
~I could finish projects that I have looked at for years...literally

What if when mom asked me to walk the dogs with her I just dropped the trivial task I was so distracted by and went?
~I would bless my mother and make our relationship even stronger
~I would get fresh air and exercise (always a winning combination)
~The dogs would like me better then my sister...HA HA, that is a joke

What if I said yes when someone asked me to go out somewhere instead of over analysing it and becoming nervous about the possibilities?
~I might have more friends
~I would probably have a good time

What if I just did things when I felt an urgency to do them, when I knew I should do them, when they FIRST came to mind?
~I would probably get a ton more accomplished
~I would be obeying the God through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, as I am normally perfectly capable of discerning between right and wrong and I am talking about doing good and profitable things
~I would be healthier and happier

Now, so far this theory is simply intellectual I am speculating what my life could be like and I have the distinct feeling that I can't even imagine all of the possibilities and opportunities that would arise by living that way. I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that I must ask the Lord to bless me in an effort to develop self-discipline. These things will have to change slowly; one "yes" at a time.

Thank you for reading, I am now going to shut the computer and read one of the books in my "stack" (books I have been meaning to read)

~Reforming time waster

Winter

2009-01-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

Winter often means far less picture taking for me. For one I am often unmotivated to leave the comfort of my semi warm room and two it is far more dangerous to take beautiful images in the winter. It's like this. I live in an area that is completely socked in with snow right now. Yes, in fact I am supposed to be typing up an article on how the local towns are running out of places to put said snow. Blue skys like the one featured above are rare but amazingly welcome. If I were to actually take pictures of what inspired me I would likely be dead. There is nowhere to pull off the road! I could get stuck, slid into, or who knows what! I gotta figure out a way to buy a snowmobile or something to capture this lake effect beauty. Don't let me fool you though, all in all my lack of pictures just boils down to the fact that it is cold and I am affected by the seasons and completely unmotivated!

~likin' icicles shots from this side of the window

Operation 25th Anniversary Surprise: Before and After

2009-01-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

My parents celebrated 25 years of marriage on December 31st and their children (of which I am one) wanted to think of a really special gift for them. We tossed around ideas all year and honestly some of us really wanted to send them a a fabulous trip. Too bad we hadn't saved enough money.
Right after Thanksgiving we started a series of sibling meetings and decided that what would be most enjoyable for all those involved would be to buy them the sectional sofa that dad has dreamed of for years. Yes, that would be expensive but there are five of us and we are adults...pretty much.
The project grew into a whole living room remodel and we planned as we desperately tried to keep it a secret. On their anniversary they left for four days and we got right to work. With the help of some great friends and family we were able to pull it off and mostly finish our awesome "new" room.

For more pictures and captions go to:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=80314&l=5fc04&id=789526947

~decorator girl

Christmas

2009-01-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

Is it too late to do a Christmas post? Well, I hope not. I rarely take very many pictures during the Christmas celebrations I am involved in (because I just want to live it) but this year I managed to snag a few shots.

Now I am trying to catch up from the massive holiday routine crushing. 2009 is here and my dreams and expectations of starting out the year with review and documented goals has dissolved. Looking forward to posting more when I get a chance.

~Christina

2008-12-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

I had to post because I was feeling guilty about my neglected blog. If you can hang on though some good things are coming this week! The above picture is one of me and my dad awhile ago...ok, a long time ago! I scanned it recently for one of the projects that will be featured in a post soon...ah, the mystery of it. Any guesses as to what we are up to?

Favorite Quote from yesterday:

Cynthia (my sister): Is it idiot proof?
Mat (our friend): uh...(pause)...you better let Christina do it.

I laughed so hard!

~Christina

Puppy's First Christmas

2008-12-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

Echo

We got them antlers. Sackett thought he should eat them.

Mom sweet talked him into wearing them. No, seriously she did.

Echo was definitely the best antler wearer.

~Puppy photographer

December

2008-12-15T18:45:00.001-08:00

Experimenting with tripod, camera, snow and Christmas lights.
It was officially cold outside...very cold.

Well, you wouldn't know it by my blogging schedule but this month has not been as busy for me as the last several were. But it is winter and the grey skys do nothing for my energy level...except maybe deplete it . So I am not really focusing on blogging at this time but I have some fun ideas for updates later on..towards the new year.

Did anyone even notice the extreme lack of updating?

~Christina

We're home again

2008-11-28T14:26:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord we (Suzanne and I) made it safely home from Arizona early (as in 2) last Sunday morning. I had missed the midwest. I have not taken a lot of pictures since returning but hopefully life will settle down soon and we will have a much need break from the stress and drama that has been a theme throughout the fall...but it is Christmastime now so I kind of doubt it!

These images are from the Old Mission in Scottsdale.

~Christina

Missing in Arizona?

2008-11-19T19:17:00.000-08:00

No, we are not missing. We just don't have the greatest internet connection. I am grateful, however that we do have internet...at Grandma's house! The beauty of close neighbors who have some technological clue!

So this is an ok picture of me.

Our Great Uncle was kind enough to take us to the Phoenix Zoo.

And Grandma took us to an old mission.

Suzanne looks fabulous...as always.

If I ever live in a climate that supports these flowers I will hopefully have a yard full. They are so beautiful!

Sun flare on purpose!

Hoping to be soon,
~Christina

National Cemetery of Arizona

2008-11-12T16:16:00.000-08:00

Is there frost on the pumpkins?

2008-10-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

Wedding

2008-10-28T16:23:00.001-07:00

I was privileged to attend a beautiful wedding last Saturday. I was so enjoying just "living in the moment" that I almost didn't get my camera out at all. In fact there were so many cameras I didn't think it necessary! Not to mention this particular group of people has never been real cooperative with my picture taking efforts. In fact it often feels like if I have the camera with me while with them I am an outsider that they don't want to associate with for fear of looking less then perfect. Ok, enough of that rant!
I ended up with the realization that the members of my family that didn't come would be extremly dissapointed if I came home with nothing. Most of theese images were snapped towards the end of the gathering while I continued to play with my 50mm lens.

Another precious family

2008-10-22T19:12:00.000-07:00

Little Boys

2008-10-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

(yes, the pumpkin boards are pretty much my favorite place to pose people)

At the beginning of the summer I benefited tremendously from the shoot and post everyday challenge I made for myself. That was, I believe, a huge turning point in my photography and I am so pleased with what I am learning and practicing. At one point I remember posting about all of the specific photographic topics I want to focus on and learn about. The list is overwhelming!
One of those topics was portraiture. If you asked me what kind of photographer I am I would tell you that I am a photojournalist. I love to document events and details! I do not consider myself a portrait artist. That is not what I wanted to do. I felt a need to be proficient in that area but I didn't particularly like my classes on it and therefore thought I didn't like that type of photography. The thing is, portrait tend to be profitable. Hmmmm? I have been pondering my reasons for disliking portraiture today and I have come to some interesting conclusions:
The perfection required in my classes was not appealing to me...I felt like I couldn't really succeed
Reflectors, tripods and stuff just get in my way and tie me down...and I thought they were required to take a decent portrait
Flash...no thanks!
Comparing myself with portrait artists whose styles I dislike
Photoshop...overwhelming and supposedly required (not to mention expensive)

All that said I am sure that anyone who follows my online life has noticed a serious amount of portrait shoots lately. And you know what? I have loved every minute of it! I am completely passionate about pictures and my favorite thing to do is look through them. I also LOVE it when people like my work and are affected by it. images of people they love are THE most emotionally impacting on this earth!

I have discovered in these past few weeks that I can break the rules. I can combine photojournalism and capturing the details with portraiture. I can relax and shoot fast instead of attempting to control every aspect of my environment. I can make others happy and loved by bringing out my camera and computer to show off their lives. I can take great images and not even touch photoshop. I can get paid for something I LOVE doing.

Okay, its getting late and I don't even know if this makes sense. This particular group of pictures were shot today just before the rain started to fall. I have been begging the guys at work to bring their families by the barn for pictures and today one of them did! I was thrilled, it completely made my day!

He has gotten so big since I last saw him...on the move constantly and not very interested in the girl with the camera. The parking lot was far more appealing to this guy.

He is only three and yet it took him about 1 second to figure out what button to push on the back of my camera to see the different pictures. He would pose and then run to me so he could see the picture. He pointed and told me (in different languages) who was in the picture. So fun.

The shirt says it all! Notice the little brother running through the background.

Ah, my friend! I am so thankful for the friendship of this man. He is so kind and I respect him greatly. Not to mention he has an amazingly adorable family!

~farming and photographing

Engagement

2008-10-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Baby

2008-10-16T18:53:00.001-07:00

She is so beautiful. Such a precious baby. I was very grateful to get to dress her up and experiment with my (fairly) new lens. The aperture is amazing.

2008-10-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

Adorable

2008-10-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

My life...today

2008-10-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

In picture of course! I started out the day at my favorite farm with several school groups enjoying the beautiful weather.

After going to lunch with a friend and doing some computer work I headed to the homecoming parade to take some pictures.

Obviously my beloved camera and I are treated with utmost respect at the fire station.

Had to "shoot" the homecoming show.

Saw some friends. Came home and did chores and computer work.

~farming again tomorrow

I love October!

2008-10-08T17:15:00.000-07:00

So...I know I have been neglecting my little corner of the web. I have been incredibly busy. Life is just like that, you know?

Yesterday I realized that I have also been neglecting my camera. Not good! What to do but pull it out and remedy that issue. ;)

These friends just happened to drop in during my photoshoot with the pumpkins. Instant models. They are great fun.

What I was really doing was sorting out rotten pumpkins. Yeah.

Willy, looking very smart.

I want to learn how to drive the forklift. Then I wouldn't have to beg (as if Victor makes me beg!) for the guys to move the bins. :)

What?! I want to ride...but no, I must be content with sorting and snapping pictures.

Have you ever seen such beautiful apples?

Gee, I can almost smell the old broccoli just looking at the picture.

What a look!

Looking cool.

Pumpkins are so photogenic.

My fabulous new fall "look". I love looking cute and stylish. :)

~Lovin' my fabulous, farming life

2008-10-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

2008-10-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

2008-10-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

Church Building Dedication

2008-10-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

2008-10-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

All boys all the time

2008-09-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

So tonight I was grateful to have the opportunity to take portraits of this family. The weather and lighting was awesome!!!! And these few that I am posting are exactly like I had envisioned...love love love them! So out of 450+ you get to see 3...who knows maybe I will post more later. I am so incredibly happy that my images turned out so well. Praise the Lord!

Baptism

2008-09-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

This event was planned to take place in the river but since it had been pouring rain for days they improvised.

~Church Photographer

Cali

2008-09-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

And one that Cali took of me. I love it! Completely unedited.

So did you all think I was too busy to take pictures? It is more like I am to busy taking the pictures to deal with them! Gotta run...

Contentment

2008-09-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

Baby Dedication

2008-08-31T16:16:00.001-07:00

I am so glad to be back at a church where I can use my photography to bless others. Today I almost left my camera at home, forgetting the baby dedication but I left my bag instead and it worked out that my camera was fine without all that excess gear. :)
I told some of these dear people that I would post a sneak peak for them but I am not very good at just picking one or two images and simply posted almost everything I have.

Praying

Relatives

An adorable cousin

Baby hand inside the hand of a loving aunt.

Toothless brother.

Hope you all enjoy the photos. Thanks for letting me take them!!

~Christina

Peaceful and Joyful

2008-08-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

Today on the way to work I prayed for peace and joy and wisdom...among other things. You see, as I have mentioned before the farm is one of my favorite places in the world...and for the life of me I can't figure out why. It is not always an easy place to be. We work hard and we don't always see eye to eye. Lately it has been a trial for various reasons, mostly we are all just worn out and spread too thin. So today when I was sent out to the u-pic shed I was thrilled. For the last several weeks I have been working in the barn and have not been in the u-pic at all. I missed it badly, the u-pic is my favorite place to be. And so my day, for the most part was peaceful and I was so happy (see above picture for the happy version of me).

God is so wonderful. I actually feel rested for the first time in ages. I do still have a list as long as my arm to try and get done but I am not stressing at this point.
In between customers I actually read this week's Tri-City Record. Isn't it terrible that I don't even read the paper I write for most weeks?! I hate admitting that but most of the time I get to busy and shove it around until there is a newer version.

Everyone loves sunflower pictures. I grabbed a few of these when things got slow because I could still keep an eye on my post...and the money...from the field where these volunteers had sprung up. They are so beautiful.

When those at the barn send people out to pick they sometimes make a big deal about my name and tell the customers to act like they know me so I will be worried about the fact that I don't remember them. Now I know that it is all a joke but it is interesting how jokes translate to people from different countries.
One of my favorite moments today was when a car pulled up holding a Eastern European couple and his parents (who don't speak English). The man said "Christina! Remember us?" I did recognize them so I said "Yeah, you came for cherries didn't you?" The look on their faces...it was great as they said yes and then moved on to what was available in the way of peaches. :) Then the wife had to explain something in another language to the poor parents in the backseat who probably couldn't figure out what in the world was going on.

It is so intriguing to me how different cultures come for different fruit. Many of our customers are from the Chicago Metro area and they come in large groups to u-pic. During cherry time the orchard sounds like the tower of Babel as we are over run with folks from the Eastern European countries. They LOVE cherries. Mostly tart cherries with the pits in them. They make many kinds of liquor. Polish, Russian (I love how they pronounce my name!), Czechs, etc.
Hispanics come for peaches. Today I had caravans of Hispanic families all in search of Baby Golds. They definitely know what they want. I had such fun with those groups. They were great. I really like how they pronounce my name too. Even though they can't always peak the same language as I do...smiles go a long way...I just need to find out which one in the group is the best translator. ;)
I am so amazed at the grace of God. Just a few short years ago I was extremely intimidated by people of different cultures. I got so nervous, scared even when they spoke in their own tongues. I know it sounds awful but I always thought they were talking about me or trying to get away with something. You can feel so small when you are the only one who can't understand what is being said. Now I look forward to seeing those crowds. They are mostly fun-loving people who probably are talking about the crazy girl who runs the u-pic! I have such a new appreciation for culture and a love for people that was never there before.
Christina is such a great name. It is a name that is pronounced the same in so many different languages. I love that they all greet me by name...

I am rambling. Sorry. Goodnight.
~Christina

Made me smile

2008-08-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry I missed you!!!

High School Football

2008-08-29T08:37:00.001-07:00

I am not a sports photographer...that area needs a little work. Maybe understanding the game would help with that...

Anyway, last night I needed to attend the halftime show at the local football game so I decided to grab some other cool images while I was there. I do like football and have the potential to get really into it but I don't really know what is happening through most of it. I was very tired so I didn't work it as much as I could. I rather enjoy this handful of images.

A lot of people play a role in the game. Band members. Cheerleaders. Players. Coaches. Parents. Community members. Photographers. Reporters. TV Crews. The list goes on...

Go Green!

(MY team won! I say that only because I love my town...I did not even attend that school!)

It's peach season...

2008-08-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

...and I am so busy my head feels like it is spinning.

~busy reporter/photographer/farmer/daughter/etc.

Details

2008-08-21T07:43:00.001-07:00

A few detail shots I liked from yesterday. I am currently trying to sort out the images I want to use but there are over 700 so it is quite the job! Check out that sharpness...I LOVE my new lenses. :)

What a day it has been

2008-08-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

I know that some of you are probably really want to see some images from the funeral about now but, well I am just not ready to post any. I am exhausted. I am praising the Lord that I got some great stuff that I think will look even better in the morning after being away from it for 8 hours. It was one of those times to "hurry up and wait" at one point so I grabbed a couple of fun shots of myself in mirrors and chrome and such. Note the fire trucks reflected in the corner. That school bus was just sitting there in my way! I was officially annoyed. It is interesting to me what kind of people I have become acquainted with through these last crazy months. Today I shook hands with the Under Sheriff, took plenty of close images of the Sheriff, teased the fire chiefs (and most of the fire fighters), chatted with hometown cops, and ate lunch with the Mayor, his wife, and a fire board member. Yes, my circle of friends is definitely expanding. Not to mention I attended the Festival Board Meeting as well this evening.

~tired photographer

Long Day

2008-08-18T19:14:00.001-07:00

Today was super busy for me. Got up early (courtesy of the tones), worked like crazy, and am still up past when I determined to get in bed. I didn't get many things done that were waiting anxiously in the wings with deadlines breathing down my neck, I didn't get my coveted nap, and I let many of my chores and routine slide to accomplish what I could.
The Lord blessed me however and I got a lot of important things done. I didn't cross off an entire list but I can go to bed knowing that I did my best. I am discouraged and exhausted when I look at the week ahead but I know that I need to give my burdens to my Heavenly Father...He will carry them!
One of my biggest projects today was planning for a very important assignment that is on Wednesday. I am nervous and feeling tremendous pressure about it...part of which is due, I am sure to my very weary body. I even wrote about it to one of the yahoo groups to ask them for prayer and advise. I showed them what I did at the last very similar assignment and wanted to know what I could do to make this experience even better. I was so encouraged by the emails I received. Some of them did give me very useful ideas and pointed out things I was forgetting. But some of them said I had done it right the first time. What a blessing.
I also mentioned my nervousness to another photographer friend who told me I would do fine. He was sure of it. Thinking about it later I realized that I am often very...oh what's the word...lacking in confidence concerning my photographic abilities. Sure, I have a lot to learn but the truth is that God has given me talents and gifts making me who I am and He will not just take all of that away during this assignment. I tend to discount what other's say (Grandma, Mom, strangers, etc.) about my photography because I compare myself to others amazing photographers and think I don't measure up. When this friend (thank you very much!) expressed his confidence in my abilities I brushed it off. Then later I understood that he would not lie to me and that I am a competent photographer in my own right.
I am still praying for wisdom, guidance, and perfect exposure but now I have remembered where I have come from and I know that the Lord is working in my life in a mighty way.

~servant of the Lord of Lords

I saw the sunrise today

2008-08-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday Picnic

2008-08-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

Farm Pictures

2008-08-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

This first one is at home but you get the idea.

My week

2008-08-14T07:30:00.001-07:00

08.08.08

2008-08-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots I grabbed while attending a wedding last week with my sister. I was NOT the photographer...and that was a good thing! It was very dark at the wedding and the reception and pretty much past sunset when they were attempting to shoot outdoor portraits. So...I experimented with my camera to see how I could add light without flash.

Sneaking in a few shots while the photographer did her thing.

Aren't those desserts amazing!

A moment during the toasts.

The bride is a coworker of Cynthia.

The girls I was with..watching the slide show.

By the way did you know it is allergy season! Yep, I can definitely tell.

~Christina...not really a fan of August

Some casual softball

2008-08-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

Lovin' the light on this shot

2008-08-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

Why I didn't get to bed until One AM

2008-08-08T10:03:00.001-07:00

Not allowed on the interstate so conveniently this wreck took place right near an overpass.

Awesome view of the fire trucks from my fantastic town. Yes, that is toilet paper spilling out of the top of the trailer.

Didn't want this hard working fireman to be left out of the pictures.

I was strong and went home. Then the assistant chief called to tell me they were going to lift it with cranes. What's a girl to do?
Traffic on the opposite side. This is a construction zone.

West bound closed for several hours.

Trying to pump the fuel out.

Took forever to finally get the cab up.

Now to work on getting that trailer upright...

Two huge cranes. I can't even imagine what the bill for this will look like!

Hard working tow guys.

And they did it!
I then went home. I was so tired. They were probably out there cleaning up for a long time after. Then Coloma Fire had an accident call. I didn't get up to go investigate.

~needing tips on night photography

Catching up

2008-08-07T16:04:00.001-07:00

So...my shooting/blogging everyday stride was seriously interrupted and at this point I don't know if it will recover. I have been trying to figure out my life lately and where God is leading me and well...its a lot to absorb.
When talking to someone (not even sure who) they asked me how my summer had been. I said Fabulous, because it has been. Then I paused and said Fast!, because again, it has been. This summer has been absolutely amazing and I have been extremely blessed. Yes, there have been some hard times. Very hard. But there have also been some wonderful experiences that I wouldn't trade for all those hard times.
I have grown so much. I have learned an unbelievable amount. I have truly and honestly lived life to the fullest. A few years ago I wouldn't have ever predicted this is where I would be and how I would be but I love it!
Talking to some other people I said this has been like a "bucket list" summer or something. Now, I have never actually seen that movie but it just feels like I am crossing things off on an imaginary list of things to do before...?
Well, anyway, you hopefully get the point. This weekend will definitely be another all out type of weekends. Tomorrow I need to go into the paper office, order flowers, do a million other "home" things, go to a funeral visitation, attend a wedding and reception with my sister and hopefully get some sleep. Saturday I have a breakfast meeting with some potential photography clients, "home stuff?", work at the farm, and...? Sunday I "think" we might go away to church again and then mom wants to go to a concert at a church nearby. Did you see any room for my nap in there?
Ok, I am bringing this to a close. Since I find it very

difficult to have a blog post without pictures these are some more that I grabbed on the farm a couple of weeks ago. I need to get them printed. YIKES! I am so behind with post processing. :)

~livin' and lovin' life

It is good to back!

2008-08-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

After two whole weeks of seeing this every time I attempted to even look at pictures on my sisters computer it is so wonderful to be back on my laptop posting images to my blog!

This is going to be quite the lengthy post as I attempt to catch up. I shot over 2000 images even though I was handicapped in downloading and ceased shooting everyday. Rest assured that there are plenty more images that I would love to post. We shall see...maybe I will have time the second Monday in the third week of the month...;)...or something like that!

Got to spend several hours, literally, sorting sweet cherries. Taking off the stems, picking out mold, washing them and running them through the pitter. The above picture is during a quick break at the end of a day.

We also met several friends and went blueberry picking. I was kind of bummed because I didn't get to stay long. I still need to go back get a lot more but we made a dent in our goal.

I actually beat the fire fighters to this call. It is a port a john on fire. Maybe I can post a few more pictures of that later.

Just days after my computer decided to take a vacation my phone got run over. Don't ask me how...I really don't know. I was really grateful that I found it, even as crushed as it was, and that I had a protection plan on it.

I was in a hurry so Suzanne and I rushed to the mall to buy a replacement. Unfortunately my contacts were not saved to my SIM card so I am still trying to replace them. (If I had your number maybe you should give it to me again)

Got to go to Shipshewana with a friend who was up here from Texas. This is her little sister.

We also got to attend the first service at Riverview's new building. It was wonderful to be there as we had sold a lot of pizzas and chicken for fund raisers.

Making it even more special was the fact that the Hitch Family/Simple Grace were there doing a program. We enjoy there music a lot.

We got to see many wonderful friends including this sweet family who let me take their picture for our prayer board.

I got an incredibly awesome new camera bag! More on that later as well...including, hopefully a better picture. I really put it to the test this weekend and it passed with flying colors...definitely worth the investment.

My grandma's sister in law died and Mom and Dad took Grandma and Al to the funeral. Dad also requested that Suzanne and I attend so we drove up to Battle Creek as well. This is grandma with her three siblings.

After the funeral Suz and I got to stay with our dear friends for a short time. I went swimming twice...first time I had been completely in the water this year. It brought back lots of memories of mom taking us to the lake and various pools when we were younger.

I covered the Glad-Peach Festival in our town this past weekend. Shooting dozens of pictures, walking all over, bumming rides on golf carts, volunteering at the steak fry, and attending most of the events.

I also got to take a tethered hot air balloon ride. It was a bit of a disappointment but I did it. I think I want to go sometime when it is not tethered. :)

Mom ran in the 5K. Way to go mom!!! She finished 5 out of 10 in her age group.

Mom also dreamt up this darling arrangement for the parade. The puppies (who are getting big) pulled the "buckboard" with Cynthia and a young friend as cowgirls, another young friend was a trapper using Buddy as a "bear", and mom was an Indian with her "wolf".

The fireworks were amazing! The conditions were just right and I am so glad I stayed up to go to them.

Monday we were praising the Lord that my adapter finally arrived and I spent most of last night and all of this morning working to try to wrap up my Glad-peach assignments.

This is such a beautiful sight. I had been able to use a friend's adapter one day last week but I didn't have Internet then and they also live a distance away and I couldn't keep it. The advantage was I could download my pictures to that point and make sure my computer would indeed work when I got the new adapter.
So, how have all of you been?

~Christina

2008-07-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

Well I am afraid that posting must cease for the next week or so...because my power cord to my laptop fried and it will take that long to get a new one! I would be happy about this forced computer vacation but I am very dependent on that machine for all of the photography and newspaper work I do. I am so glad Suzanne is letting me use her computer but it is sssssssssssslllllllloooooooww, therefore uploading pictures could be a bit nightmarish. Look forward to catching up with everyone (who even reads this?) when I get my new cord.

~So grateful I bought the service plan and backed up all my images yesterday

2008.07.21

2008-07-21T09:20:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, after spending much time resting and studying my Bible, I was suffering from a huge allergy induced headache and reading a missionary biography when the tones went off. I had not yet responded to a call since I had been given a pager but I had quite gotten the hang of the routine calls. Last night it was the town next to us asking for a tanker from my town. I figured it must be for real and was probably a house fire. I was right.
I got there and found out that it was indeed a house fire but you could not see the house from the road so I only have a couple images of flames taken from a distance. I found out that I need to work on my nighttime photography but that fire trucks present an interesting challenge in the dark. They were still fighting it when I left after standing around for about 2 hours.

Believe it or not, as nervous as I was this was just what I needed to pick up my camera again.

~fire photographer

Taking a break

2008-07-19T19:16:00.001-07:00

For those of you who might actually be keeping track of my daily snapshots and ramblings of my crazy life, I thought I would let you know that I am taking a break. I don't know how long...probably only a couple of days but I am worn out and need to do some thinking. There is just so much clutter in my head that I am longing for quiet...real quiet so I can once again be strengthened to keep "running the race". I won't lie, I am struggling. I need to focus.
I will not be breaking very long however, because prolonged vacations from routine make it harder then ever to start up again. I have learned so much from this challenge that I feel to stop now would be selling myself short. I will keep going. God will give me the strength I need!

And since I couldn't post without a picture I dug this one out of picasa...

Photo of me taken by my youngest brother last month.

2008.07.17

2008-07-17T19:23:00.001-07:00

An evening chasing pictures at the van Buren Youth Fair

Me on a ferris wheel for the first time ever

That pizza looked really good...

~c

2008.07.16

2008-07-16T15:23:00.000-07:00

We worked hard today, mom and I. And we are sitll going.
Have I ever mentioned how beautiful cherries are?

~lover of gorgeous fruit

2008.07.15

2008-07-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

I like this picture.

Who knew that blueberries could look so awesome in black and white?

So just for fun I will tell you a few of the things that crossed my mind to get done today:

Clean and reorganize the entire house
Weed and revamp all of our gardens
Pick and freeze 200lbs. of Blueberries
Back up every picture I have ever taken 3 times and clean the hard drive on my laptop within an inch of its life
Make a plan to do something with just about every picture I have ever taken and do it
Read several books
Study the Bible in depth
Send cards and gifts to several friend
Call all my previous customers
Book some portrait sessions
Catch up on all my work for the paper
Well the list could go on but I think you now understand that there were some fleeting ambitious moments in my day. Needless to say what I did get done looks far more realistic.

~ceg

2008.07.14

2008-07-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

I went to the fair today. But the midway wasn't open yet. I was going to take my first ride on a ferris wheel. My heart just was not in the photography. But look at this picture, it actually looks like it was busy! How decieving. :)

~christina

My day at the farm

2008-07-12T18:41:00.001-07:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love this place?

If you haven't gotten your cherries yet you need to hurry.

~farm girl at heart

2008.07.12

2008-07-12T06:28:00.000-07:00

2008.07.10

2008-07-10T16:30:00.001-07:00

Multi tasking for me could be defined as talking on the phone with my sis to arrange dinner plans while taking pictures one handed as it starts to rain. ISO 1600 since it was getting so dark. Gee, my blog posts leave a lot to be desired this week. :) Maybe next week things will cheer up.

~christina elizabeth

2008.07.09

2008-07-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

I got this awesome idea from one of the blogs I regularly stalk. So today, when I was packing up all my fabulous Fiestaware I pulled out my pitcher and headed to the garden for some sunny blooms. It is now stationed on the windowsill to cheer up our now (thankfully) clean kitchen.

~homemaker in training

2008.07.08

2008-07-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

I promise these all are exactly how I shot them. No post processing.

Fabulous Weekend...Reality Monday

2008-07-07T17:48:00.001-07:00

This picture is from Sunday but I had such a bad day today I can barely get it posted.

Fabulous Weekend...Saturday

2008-07-05T19:09:00.001-07:00

I am completely living life to the fullest this holiday weekend and enjoying every minute of it! This morning I had to head out to the air show nearby because I am doing an article on our local airport and needed some cool pictures.

One of my airport contacts managed to get me a ride in this World War II plane!! (Thanks Jim) Would you believe I loved it? Totally stoked about taking Ariel photos!

Me in the mirror. What can I say I love convertibles on the ground, why not in the air. The only time I felt a little shaky was after he did a couple of things like go straight up and then to the side. After we straightened out I was a bit unsure of which way was really up!

After hanging out for a good long time my wonderful Uncle Ron took me for a ride in his plane.

This would be him leaving the fly in after our ride.

And a quick picture of my awesome town from the air.

Later on I went out to eat with Grandma and some other family down in St Joe. It was great and I grabbed some quick pics of my cousin's toddler, they have yet to be uploaded.

~Flying high

Fourth of July

2008-07-05T18:35:00.001-07:00

I am in the midst of a fabulous weekend and did not even get home yesterday to post. I left the house at 8am and worked 10 hours at the u-pic. Loved every minute of my time there, considering it is one of my favorite places. Then after supper with Grandma I headed out to the beach for fireworks. I actually braved the crowds, saw friends, and had a great time. My pictures didn't turn out quite like I wanted but I got a few that are okay.

~mustang girl...did I mention my convertible is finally insured? Happiness!

Its My Birthday!

2008-07-03T17:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I did NOT get all those beautiful dishes for my birthday. Here's the deal: I got 10 place settings of Fiestaware for Christmas a few years back and it has been part of my "hope chest" ever since. (Basically it has been packed away under my bed). But my wise Aunt once told me that it left unused for too long the items in a hope chest turn into a despair barrel! About a month ago I decided that was true and determined for my birthday we would eat on my gorgeous dishes for the first time ever. Now I have to pack them all up again! Ugh.

A cheerful flower I picked yesterday for the kitchen windowsill.

Grandma always makes my totally yummy strawberry birthday cake!

Candles courtesy of my Aunt Cindy. Yep, we pretty much never remember candles and she pretty much always does.

Laughing at me taking pictures of the cake.

Such a fun shot. I love it!

If you want to know how old I am count the compliments on this completely awesome card from by wonderful brother.

~birthday girl

2008.07.02

2008-07-02T14:28:00.001-07:00

2008.07.01

2008-07-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

VICTORY!

All the laundry. Clean and folded. And several piles put away. Now doesn't that look wonderful. I love clean laundry.

~christina elizabeth

2008.06.30

2008-06-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is what the laundry room looked like after the weekend...including Suzanne's return from STEP. Apparently they don't do laundry in Texas. The laundry was caught up on Friday. :)

This is what the clothes line looks like after you sister returns from STEP Advanced.

I was hoping to make these into an essay with victory pictures on the end but alas I spent the evening at the fire dept...mostly, long story...so I didn't quite finish. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

~loving the laundry chore

Doug and Suzy

2008-06-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

I had an engagement photo shoot tonight that was great. I am very pleased with the results and I guess all of that prayer and the hours spent looking at engagement photos on blogs paid off. I had a hard time picking which photos to post, even after just a quick run through.

It was great to meet Doug tonight...and Suzy is absolutely beautiful. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know her a bit over the past several months.

2008.06.27

2008-06-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

Quite a few of us have been spending a lot of time working out at our new friends new house...did that make any sense?
Anyway, today I was out there for quite some time with my brothers who were working on the fence. I hung out with the girls and cleaned, unpacked canned goods, took the guys drinks, etc. I also borrowed some of Seth's beautiful models for my own portrait practice.

A candid moment.

My Quilt

2008-06-26T16:52:00.001-07:00

I think I have mentioned in the past how much I enjoy my quilt, it is a great comfort to me. I had always wanted a quilt for my bed but I did not have one until I found this one on the ground at a neighbors rummage sale and bought it for a dollar. To me it appears handmade and the worn spots and stains that came with it (or I added) just speak of time and love. I sometimes wonder at who made it and its history but I will probably never know.

Today when I was contemplating that it was evening again and I had yet to fill my photo assignment I looked over and saw beautiful window light pouring onto my quilt. Unfortunately I was interrupted and did not get back right away.

For several years I fought against the discipline of making my bed every morning. I thought it a pointless exercise and would argue the well-used point of messing it up every night anyway. Then I did it because I had to. But sometimes I would forget. You see, I am not much of a morning person and it is a struggle to get out of bed each morning and be kind to those around me! *I am working on that for sure!* Then I realized through some things I was reading that I should not move away from the bed at all in the morning until it was made. I set out to make this a habit and succeeded well. Every morning when my feet hit the floor I immediately turn around and straighten my sheets and pull my quilt over them to make up my beautiful bed. This habit is now very well ingrained and I am so glad I worked to make it so.
The bed is like an anchor in my room. It can help to make it look clean...or not. In fact, if my room were a disaster area...rarely, these days...the first thing I would do to try and rectify it would be to make my bed. It makes all the difference in the world. Now, after years of laughing at my mother for her obsession in making her bed, I find that I am just like her!

~

2008.06.25

2008-06-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

Another self portrait...and an example of what back lighting does in a mirror. Love it!

Dad wanted pictures of this awesome bike for ebay. My attempt at awesome "out of the box" images.

Couldn't go to bed without shooting this darling flower...could I? Nah!

~everyday girl

2008.06.24

2008-06-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

My favorite puppy...

2008-06-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

...just don't tell Echo. ;)

Happy Birthday!!!

2008-06-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

To my brothers Jon and Josh!

Tea Anyone?

2008-06-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

2008.06.20

2008-06-20T17:42:00.001-07:00

Its late

2008-06-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

go here
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43478&l=27ead&id=789526947
to see what I did today

~