52 on Fridays: New

I have enjoyed all that my hobby photography had to offer this year, but as Patrick and I look for a place to live after our wedding, I would really like to rent/own a natural light studio and take my photography career a step further.  I joined a forum called The Bloom Forum and have been learning so many new things!  To take it another step I am joining a blogging group called 52 on Fridays.  Each week there will be a new theme to stretch us as photographers and learn from each other as we (and you!) check out the full blog circle.   This weeks theme was "New."  Since this year I will be starting a new journey with marriage I decided to use my engagement ring on one of the vintage hankies I am using for wedding decoration. ( I know a vintage hankie is not new, but try to focus on the new journey for me :)   Next, check out Christa Paustenbaugh, Manassas, VA.  http://www.thepaustenbaughs.typepad.com and leave her some love!

Ryan and Kristen

I had the priviledge to take candid shots at my cousin's wedding this weekend. What a great way to celebrate the New Year!  Boy, did we ring it in :)

Kauri

This beauty was just 3 days old!  What a perfect Christmas gift!

Welcome back, Leigha!

I was so excited to see Leigha again for her 3 month pictures!

Seriously cute out takes!

These two gave me a WORKOUT this morning!!  They were so full of smiles and energy!  Sometimes my favorite pictures aren't the ones where they are smiling into the camera, but the ones that tell a story. I can tell that these two have many more adventures left to come...

I will post "smiling into the camera" ones next :)

Kingsley Family

We had the most gorgeous snowfall the other night, and I was so thankful we got to take advantage of it!  Thanks for lending me boots :)

Peeping Tom

The other day I was late for something for the usual reason. In case you're new to this blog that reason is either sunrises or hoarfrost :)  I took these pictures on the way to meet my sister and brother-in-law for Thanksgiving.  I pulled over on the giant hill before my house that overlooks the river.  There are five families that are lucky enough to live on this hill and have this amazing view.  Anyway, so I'm pulled over into this approach and clicking away when I notice a pickup pull out of the gravel road just north of me.  He's going REALLY slow and appears to be coming my way.  I continue clicking away and taking in the breathtaking view so I don't even notice he pulls up beside me. 

Guy in pickup:  "Miss, may I ask what you're taking pictures of?"    

Me (in my head):   Hello?!?  Are you blind?  Do you see the amazing sunrise?!? You think I'd rather be peeping in your window at you than at this amazing view?!? 

Me (after taking a breath and answering calmly):  "Sir, I'm just taking a few moments to capture God's amazing beauty.  Thank you for allowing me to use your approach."  

Yikes---anyway, here are the pictures, UNEDITED!!!!