Leather and Lace-framed

I got a frame for my mom's "Leather and Lace" photo.  I tried out the stickers for a title and they looked horrible! I kinda thought they would.  I love the frame I got at Michaels.  Such a nice mat.  My only complaint is that the cream mat makes the lace look cream.  In actuality, the lace is a very soft yellow.  I liked the yellow with the brown and the blue in the background.  I wish the image could have held onto that color.  I ended up getting a name plate from a trophy shop and it was the perfect addition.

 I took this photo to meet my challenge of "Illustrate a Song Title" and I knew all along I would give it to my mom since she loves Stevie Nicks and "Leather and Lace."  But, in addition to being glad I have this gift for my mom---I just love this photo.  It is deeply moving to me- with the worn, masculine leather, paired with the delicate, feminine lace.  Such a beautiful balance that can easily move me to tears at this point.

This photo is one of the few times I can say that I actually got what I was after.  I had an image and an emotion in my head.  Props, place, time, lighting- it all came together sort of miraculously! I see in this frame, what I felt in my heart,what I imagined in my mind.  It is very satisfying. :) I hope my mom enjoys it- though I am pleased, regardless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEYUXnPeFsM

I couldn't get around the glare on the glass- it looks better in person
16x20
 frame 20x24

"Home"

Nikki is a relative that lived with us during her teen years.  She is now in her early 20s and lives out of state on an army base with her husband and children.  She was visiting us in December and loved the black and white barn pictures in my bathroom.  More recently, she commented on the black and white "rain" photo I put on facebook.  She asked me for a black and white photo she could print on canvas for her bedroom.  As I talked to her more about it, asking what exactly she was looking for- she mentioned she didn't really care.. she just thought it would be so neat to have a piece of "home" in her home.  So, I looked through stuff I have taken, and though I like this shot better in color, I thought it was one that would remind her of "home" and there was enough play of shadow and light to make a decent conversion to black and white.  I added a text box with a quote.  She loves it. :)  It is rewarding to be able to give it.  Here it is:

the latest

I was asked Saturday morning to take some professional pictures for one of our contractor friends.  They offered to hire me, but seriously? No.
I smiled and agreed to the request, wanting to help out these great people.  But inside-- turmoil.  The fact that it was a professional thing rather than creative took some of the ache away.  Yet- I found myself still wondering if I could do it and wondering what it might cost emotionally.

Maybe it's going to be easy.  Though, for the analysis of it, the timing was pretty bad.  Friday night I seemed to hit a wall.  All the busy work of so many birthdays and special occasions, combined with going out of town, combined with all the emotion that seems to fly in out of nowhere and attach itself to all these events....it all added up.  Friday night about 10 pm I realized I had gone too far.  Too little sleep, too much emotion not processed, too many thoughts in my head.   The pain was so intense I wanted to scream or run.  Maybe both. The problem was I had a little boy with a birthday and 4 awake boys in my living room.  There was no escape. :) Thankfully, I was so exhausted that sleep finally came.  But, Saturday morning I was still trying to sort through all that rawness and then came the photography request and I felt my heart squeeze with pain.  So weird how it is connected like that.  Even weirder (if that's a word)- is that sometimes I think I can almost pick up my camera.  Like, I'm so close and my rational self says, "What's the big deal?! Do it!" And then, sometimes within an hour of that blissful lack of pain, those moments of confidence and rest- BOOM.  The weight and hurt of so many things tumble back in.  It's been catching me at the strangest, most unanticipated times.

A person at church said to me, "Dawn, keep taking those pictures."  I was touched by the encouragement but could only respond with, "I can't right now."  I think the biggest spiritual lesson for me these days is patience.  It applies to every area of my life.  And it applies to this photography stuff, and to the pain.  I want it to go away. NOW. But, I have to endure it and I need to be patient.  I yearn to be more patient in all things. So often, I need to remind myself to say, "Ok, Lord.  You have left it here for a good purpose.  I trust you."

One day, there will be healing and I don't think this hiatus is permanent.  I think it is a season.

Guitar print

I got my guitar print from the lab today. The linen texture plus the frame I picked up the other day- I love it.  The kids loved it too which is always such a sweet bonus. :) They truly are among my most avid supporters. What a gift.