Reclaiming my passion...

Over the last month or more I have been in a major rut. I have felt uninspired and so busy to even want to create anything. Then I got sick and really didn't feel like shooting. Over the last week I've realized summer is ending and I missed out on capturing our last month of summer. I'm a little disappointed in myself for not sticking to what I started.  So now that I am beginning to feel better, I really want to pick up where I left off. Photographing our life, our every day. The beautiful, chaotic, messy, full of love, life that we have. 
So tonight I already had dinner made in the crock pot. We rushed home, finished up homework and ran outside to play. (And take photos, my kind of play)  So here's a part of our evening completely shot for me. Not every shot is technically perfect and I always come back to the black and whites. I love the emotion and feeling each one gives.

Until next time... xo

August 30 Minutes in the Life , Warrenton, Virginia Photographer

Well it's that time again for our monthly 30 minutes in the life post. This month we have some new amazing photographers joining our group and I am really excited to get to know each of them and follow their 30 minutes each month. 
This was not my original plan for my post... Originally I chose to post a trip we took to the river a few weeks ago. It was sort of my default because this month has been so busy with preparing for school to start and just enjoying the last bit of summer we could. 

So this evening we were on the way home from picking up the older kids from their Dad's and we found a turtle in the road. Well, Mariah begged for us to go back and get it... So we did. She was so excited! All of the kids were.  So we raced back home with the turtle in this little container.  I ran in and grabbed my camera and here's our first 30 minutes with this little guy.  They decided to name him Michaelangelo. (Mikey for short) 

Be sure to check out my sweet friend Sharleen's post by clicking here. She always has some amazing nature photos from the beautiful Florida.

Thanks for taking the time to share in 30 minutes of our life tonight.  I'll be sure to share the river photos in another post, but tonight the kids had so much fun and enjoyed this little guy so much, that I wanted to share this as our 30 minutes.

Until next time... xo

30 Minutes In the Life ~ July ~ Warrenton, Virginia Photographer

Wow, I can't believe it's been a year since we first started our 30 minutes in the life group.  It has been so wonderful to get to know these lovely ladies in our group and look forward to seeing their 30 minutes each month.  This month I chose to document a July evening at home. It is hot here in Virginia. So on this evening we were just outside enjoying a few minutes playing with sidewalk chalk before dinner. All the kids were outside doing something together, so those moments I love.  Be sure to check out the rest of the circle and see what everyone else is sharing this month. Next up is: Mary Slone, I love following her work.

Until next month... xo

Day 38 - Day 45 Our Beautiful Life Warrenton, Lifestyle Photographer

Day 38:  July 1st:

So in to the Where the Wild Things are movie. You have watched it a few times this week. I'm not going to lie, I love that you love this movie.

Day 39: July 2

Tonight I was making dinner, and I came around the corner and I caught you two doing this and making faces at each other through the glass. Thank goodness my camera happened to be right on the counter, because this moment was quick but so beautiful. We went out on the porch and you guys were being lovey again, so I went with it. 

Day 40: July 3rd

Tonight we were on the go, We had to drive to Front Royal to pick up Ethan and everyone was excited about the 4th of July.  So I only got a quick cell phone shot tonight.

Day 41: July 4th

Today we went to Messick's Farm market to pick sunflowers and blackberries. It was some nice girl time and I enjoyed all the fun we had playing in the sunflowers and trying our best to stay out of the huge mud puddles. I love our moments of just you and me when it seems the rest of the world doesn't matter.

Day 42: July 5th

Today we went swimming at Maw Maw's. I took plenty of photos, but wanted to enjoy the day with you guys in the pool. Such a great day!

Day 43: July 6th

You were my model for my workshop. I love when you pull your hair back out of your face. Your eyes are so beautiful.

Day 44: July 7th

It's quiet here, Shawn and Mariah are at their dad's for the week.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss you like crazy already.

Day 45: July 8th

We were waiting for the storm, and you kept covering your head with the blanket peeking outside. Those eyes... They melt me every time. <3

While I was putting this post together we got this quick storm.  Afterward the sun came out and then the sky became so absolutely amazing. I tried to capture it with my big cam, but my lens was not wide enough.  So my cell phone did most of the work tonight. These were all edited on my phone. I love using my iphone. So here is the last few minutes of what my eyes see in this beautiful light filled sky tonight.

Until next time... xo