See you in 2010. Happy New Year!!
December 30, 2009
December 29, 2009
FAMILY.
And two camera-on-stool-set-timer-and-run shots. Yes, just two. Cause it was C.O.L.D.!
Whew. Everyone's eyes are open. ;-)
December 28, 2009
So ...
We're up in the Great Northwest again. Drove two long 14-hours days to get here. You might think from the pictures below that we drove thru a bunch of snowy landscapes. But we didn't. That snow below? We hit it just outside of Los Angeles. Not more than 100 miles from our front door. And never saw any more snow on our way here.
No white Christmas this year. :-( No sledding. No snowmen.
But look at this little doll. Can someone please take my adorable niece away from Big Dude pronto? I don't want him to get any ideas ...
Speaking of Big Dude ... This heard on the car ride up:
BD: "You all play nice now and take turns killing each other or we'll take those DS's away." ;-)
No white Christmas this year. :-( No sledding. No snowmen.
But look at this little doll. Can someone please take my adorable niece away from Big Dude pronto? I don't want him to get any ideas ...
Speaking of Big Dude ... This heard on the car ride up:
BD: "You all play nice now and take turns killing each other or we'll take those DS's away." ;-)
December 27, 2009
For My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation ...
[last post in series chronicling some of the witnesses to the beginning days of Emmanuel, God with us: Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, and this one with Simeon, Anna and the Magi]
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Luke 2: 21-40
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2: 1-12
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Luke 2: 21-40
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2: 1-12
December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:6-7
December 23, 2009
Backlighting + Natural Reflection
Ok. Here's a neat trick. You can see the sun/light is behind my son (backlighting), but his face is still nicely exposed AND the background isn't blown out (like it usually is when I expose for faces that are backlit). Wanna know why?
It's because I have a big, huge, natural reflector right behind me that is lighting his face (ignore my goofy, squinting face --I'm facing straight into the sun --, I just want to show you where I was and what was directly behind me):
The bright rock acts as a reflector. Look for such reflectors when you're out and about. It can be a large wall, sand, snow, mirrors, slides at parks, etc.
Here's another example of my youngest son climbing on a bright rock. It's reflecting light right back onto him. Natural lighting at its best. :-)
It's because I have a big, huge, natural reflector right behind me that is lighting his face (ignore my goofy, squinting face --I'm facing straight into the sun --, I just want to show you where I was and what was directly behind me):
The bright rock acts as a reflector. Look for such reflectors when you're out and about. It can be a large wall, sand, snow, mirrors, slides at parks, etc.
Here's another example of my youngest son climbing on a bright rock. It's reflecting light right back onto him. Natural lighting at its best. :-)
Orange County Family, Child, & Baby Photographer
December 22, 2009
December 21, 2009
Latest Books...
[and the view from my reading corner in my room]
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford - one of my top three favorites this year (along with Glass Castles and The Little French Girl). highly recommended.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - typical page-turner-thriller, fairly predictable, but fun. my only beef: it's one of those serial books that doesn't really have a satisfying conclusion, just a to-be-continued feeling ... (and the series isn't finished)
Ida B by Katherine Hannigan - delightful in every way. poignant, witty, a well-developed "voice" that harkens back to Anne of Green Gables but feels more modern. simple but powerful story. highly recommended.
The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - I liked Zafon's Shadow of the Wind. This was the continuation, and I hated it. One of those books where I kicked myself for reading to the end. A complete waste of my time. Felt like a sophomoric Faustian copy. ick. blech. phtooey.
I love this next author so much that I even read his cookbook cover to cover. He just has a beautiful way with words. Until this book, that is...
A title that is like a Direction of a Certain Infamous Street in a Rich Community in the South by P. Conroy. I can't even put into words how much I despised this book. I wish he'd never written it, because it has forever tainted Conroy in the corner of my heart reserved for my favorite Southern authors. Horribly contrived soap-opera-ish & distasteful storyline, grossly stereotyped characters (and in case I forgot each one's stereotype, Conroy hit me over the head with it over and over and over again), and a hugely implausible plot - so much so that I couldn't suspend my disbelief any more than I already had. So I'm not linking or listing the real name of the book, in some little way to protect Conroy, who, tho tainted, still has a tiny corner of my heart. But gosh, I really really wish he hadn't published this dawg.
So, of this batch of books, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and Ida B will be added to my Favorites list.
[and finishing with the view from my room. the fog was doing neat tricks this morning]
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford - one of my top three favorites this year (along with Glass Castles and The Little French Girl). highly recommended.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - typical page-turner-thriller, fairly predictable, but fun. my only beef: it's one of those serial books that doesn't really have a satisfying conclusion, just a to-be-continued feeling ... (and the series isn't finished)
Ida B by Katherine Hannigan - delightful in every way. poignant, witty, a well-developed "voice" that harkens back to Anne of Green Gables but feels more modern. simple but powerful story. highly recommended.
The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - I liked Zafon's Shadow of the Wind. This was the continuation, and I hated it. One of those books where I kicked myself for reading to the end. A complete waste of my time. Felt like a sophomoric Faustian copy. ick. blech. phtooey.
I love this next author so much that I even read his cookbook cover to cover. He just has a beautiful way with words. Until this book, that is...
A title that is like a Direction of a Certain Infamous Street in a Rich Community in the South by P. Conroy. I can't even put into words how much I despised this book. I wish he'd never written it, because it has forever tainted Conroy in the corner of my heart reserved for my favorite Southern authors. Horribly contrived soap-opera-ish & distasteful storyline, grossly stereotyped characters (and in case I forgot each one's stereotype, Conroy hit me over the head with it over and over and over again), and a hugely implausible plot - so much so that I couldn't suspend my disbelief any more than I already had. So I'm not linking or listing the real name of the book, in some little way to protect Conroy, who, tho tainted, still has a tiny corner of my heart. But gosh, I really really wish he hadn't published this dawg.
So, of this batch of books, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and Ida B will be added to my Favorites list.
[and finishing with the view from my room. the fog was doing neat tricks this morning]
December 19, 2009
The Glory of the LORD shone around them ...
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
Luke 2:1-20
December 18, 2009
It's Constructive Criticism Friday ...
at I Heart Faces.
Here are my fixes for this round. The first picture in each strip is the SOOC. My editing instructions are posted in the comments at the originating site.
From Tracy at The Journey
From Lisa at Dayspring Photography
From Amelia at Hooplah!
From Monica at Photography Fun
From Shrockinator
From Jenna's Jargon (SOOC is 2nd this time)
Here are my fixes for this round. The first picture in each strip is the SOOC. My editing instructions are posted in the comments at the originating site.
From Tracy at The Journey
From Lisa at Dayspring Photography
From Amelia at Hooplah!
From Monica at Photography Fun
From Shrockinator
From Jenna's Jargon (SOOC is 2nd this time)
December 15, 2009
December 13, 2009
Christmas Tour of Homes
Isn't this a fun idea? The Nester is hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes! And you don't have to brave the elements, or get stuck in traffic, or leave your muddy shoes at the door. ;-)
Here's a peek of some of the decor here at Casa de Kellers... look closely and you'll see Middle Dude's arrangement of "his band" of musicians. Littlest Dude liked that whole theme idea and clumped all the airplane ornaments in close proximity. He called it his "ARMY of Jets." And to my credit, I've not rearranged any of their ornaments (NO! it's not because I'm lazy; it's because I'm soooo mature!).
Click on the button below to enjoy more of the tour ...
Here's a peek of some of the decor here at Casa de Kellers... look closely and you'll see Middle Dude's arrangement of "his band" of musicians. Littlest Dude liked that whole theme idea and clumped all the airplane ornaments in close proximity. He called it his "ARMY of Jets." And to my credit, I've not rearranged any of their ornaments (NO! it's not because I'm lazy; it's because I'm soooo mature!).
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Click on the button below to enjoy more of the tour ...
Joseph, fear not ...
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Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this is come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us.
And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS.
Matthew 1: 19-25
December 7, 2009
Really? For me?!?
Last week I photographed Middle Dude's School's Golf Tournament fundraiser. Before I set out to snap pictures, the fundraiser organizer called over one of the golf club staff and said, "This is our photographer. Can you please set her up with a golf cart?" Can I just admit how giddy it made me to get a golf cart of my very own? I felt like I had "arrived" somehow in some way. Like a real adult. Like someone who was totally responsible enough to be trusted with someone else's golf cart (ha! little do they know I have NO sense of direction. I coulda ended up in Tijuana, not knowing how to get back, and they'd be out one golf cart. But they didn't know that ...) So off I zipped in my own little cart ... like a real grown-up ... a giddy adult ... without a care or responsibility in the world.
Well, ok, one responsibility: chase down all these guys on the back nine. :-)
If I go back next year -- and really, if they want me, all they have to do is dangle another golf cart before me -- I'm totally going to zip all over the front nine to flag everyone down. Rumor has it there's a lake out there... :-)
Orange County Portrait Photographer
Well, ok, one responsibility: chase down all these guys on the back nine. :-)
If I go back next year -- and really, if they want me, all they have to do is dangle another golf cart before me -- I'm totally going to zip all over the front nine to flag everyone down. Rumor has it there's a lake out there... :-)
Orange County Portrait Photographer
December 5, 2009
My soul glorifies the Lord ...
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her ...
And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Luke 1: 26-38, 46-55
My soul glorifies the Lord ...
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her ...
And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Luke 1: 26-38, 46-55
December 3, 2009
Glorious Sunset ... Orange County Family Photographer
... with a beautiful family. A beautiful family raising four fine young men who are poised, thoughtful and delightful to be around (a reflection, I'm sure, of their parents with these same characteristics).
Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
I can't help but believe that these boys will grow into fine men.
Thank you, B Family, for giving me the privilege of photographing your wonderful family. :-)
Orange County Family Photography
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Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
I can't help but believe that these boys will grow into fine men.
Thank you, B Family, for giving me the privilege of photographing your wonderful family. :-)
Orange County Family Photography
December 1, 2009
The Slow Lane.
That's where I like to live. Metaphorically speaking, of course.
But for the last 10 days I've been decidedly in the fast lane -- a super-fast-paced-outrageously-loud Friday night LaserQuest bday party, two photoshoots (5, if you include my parents and both my boys' bday portraits), visiting family, a day at Knotts Berry Farm, 2 birthdays, the Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving dinner at my house, taking down the Fall decor and putting up the Christmas decor, and topping it all off, photographing a golf tournament and getting my Christmas cards in the mail! It's been fun! And hectic. But mostly, fun.
Whew. Ok, now that we're all caught up, I'm gonna head back to that slow lane where I belong and finish editing all those Yosemite pictures. :-)
But for the last 10 days I've been decidedly in the fast lane -- a super-fast-paced-outrageously-loud Friday night LaserQuest bday party, two photoshoots (5, if you include my parents and both my boys' bday portraits), visiting family, a day at Knotts Berry Farm, 2 birthdays, the Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving dinner at my house, taking down the Fall decor and putting up the Christmas decor, and topping it all off, photographing a golf tournament and getting my Christmas cards in the mail! It's been fun! And hectic. But mostly, fun.
Whew. Ok, now that we're all caught up, I'm gonna head back to that slow lane where I belong and finish editing all those Yosemite pictures. :-)
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