So, I'm a super duper procrastinator. I seriously dislike that in me BUT I have to say these two weeks ("Shoot Through Something" & "Frame Your Subject") were SO hard!!! I didn't procrastinate this time...REALLY! I promise! It literally took me this long (until today) to do this. I've brainstormed lots of ideas, been to the beach, been to parties, photographed my daughter...it didn't matter. Nothing could inspire me to do these challenges. So, today I just went outside w/ the dogs, some cookie crumbs for the birds and set out to photograph an animal. I was definitely going to shoot through some tall grass or into bushes. That was it. And then I was going to get SUPER creative and make sure that WHILE I was shooting through that tall grass or bush, the limbs or blades of grass would frame some beautiful cardinal or my cute little yorkie giving me his lopsided look he loves to give. Well, this is what I got....

Lots of birdies, grass, and yorkies right? Well...no. And are these my favorite images I've ever shot? Ummm...NO. lol But what I do love about them is that I just went outside and shot. I didn't worry about the sun being perfect or my child smiling just so or any of it. I just walked and walked and....walked until I felt inspired. :) So I shot through water...Our canal is super low in the winter which is cool b/c you can see the bottom unlike in the summer. What's not cool about that is there are no crabbies, fishies, jellies, or whatever usually lurks under the dark water in the summertime to gaze at! But this is still fun. I love the crustaceans & if you look close enough you may see a few little minnows (out of focus lol). And the framed picture is probably a little stretching of the topic. I actually just took this picture b/c I love this view and noticed on the computer that the two pines on each side seemed to frame the photo :) 

Like I said, these two challenges were super tough but I'm already thinking about my next topic: shadows! We have a fun & rare weekend w/ the husband OFF both Saturday and Sunday so cold beach trips and maybe even a little zoo time are in the plans! The wheels are turning and I can't wait to try again!! 

I always want to learn and hope that this challenge will help me do that. I'm definitely learning that being near the water is my comfort zone <3 but also that I shouldn't be so hung up w/ having an idea BEFORE I shoot...I should just go out, camera in hand, and explore. You never know what you can find! :)

Oh...and I'm learning from the happy little chirps all around the house, that birds love cookie crumbs right outside their favorite bushes ;)