Through the Lens

Today, I have a story for you... just to change it up a little. Way back in 2006, Tom got me a "nice" camera for our anniversary. I was super excited to get it and was thrilled to be able to attempt to take nicer pictures. I think the passion I have for trying to take nice photos and capturing images runs in the blood. Two people that may be the reason it is in my blood are my dad and my Grandpa Alexander.

My dad took photography classes when he was in college. In fact, one inspirational woman he learned a lot from was Sister Noemi Weygant (yes, Noemi, not Naomi!) at the College of St. Scholastica.(where I went to college) She was a nationally acclaimed nature photographer and a photographic arts instructor. I don't know all the lessons she taught my dad but she must have been pretty special. Hence, partially the reason I am named Naomi. I can just remember as a child my dad always snapping away on summer vacations. I also enjoy reminiscing and looking at old photos so every now and then I would come across some pretty amazing shots my dad took of out west of old barns and fences, the mountains, etc... Pretty neat.

My Grandpa Alexander also has a keen photographic eye and has enjoyed photography as long as I can remember. As a child, I remember hiding in his dark room. What a concept these days--a dark room! :) I remember photo shoots outside with my sisters and watching slide shows of all of the photos he took of his many trips to England when he taught abroad. I am lucky to have a couple of these displayed in my house! They are even enhanced with Photoshop which I think is quite impressive. I've noticed that if you didn't grow up with computers the harder it is to learn so I think that's a great accomplishment. Photoshop isn't easy in my opinion! He has a great talent.

What a couple of great mentors and inspiration I have in my life!

So that leads me to today...in the past few years with this new camera I have literally taken thousands of pictures. Of course when Owen came along, that number increased significantly. :) There were times when I would put the camera down for a while because I wasn't feeling inspired. But then I'd pick it back up again. I wanted to do more with my photos so last year for Christmas I received Photoshop Elements--a great editing program. But, it was so confusing to me and I didn't have the energy to sit down and really learn it. Then I was enlightened (here's a little shout out to Stacey--thank you!) Did you know the internet has many resources??! Ha. I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner! I thought I had to sit down and read a book or take a class. The internet has been great. I now am capable of doing a little more on PSE than just the guided editing. Talk about exciting! Plus, this year for Christmas I also received a new lens that is great for portrait taking. I really wanted some lights and backgrounds so I could do photo shoots with Owen or for friends but this lens was highly recommended (by one of Tom's photog friends) over that. He was right--it is a great little lens. I am learning more and more each day.

OK, this is turning into a long story.
The point of the story is....now that I discovered all that you can do with PSE and what my new lens can do I am obsessed and addicted. I cannot stop taking pictures. But, one other thing I've noticed I've been doing is really observing the world around me much closer. Little things I may not have noticed or seen the beauty in I am now really looking at with a whole new viewpoint. If I'm driving or doing whatever, I think, oh that would make a great shot. I see moments...Yesterday at the park (I didn't have my camera for once!) Tom pushing Owen on the swing and Owen smiling ear to ear. That was a moment I wish I could have captured.
Two grandparents at the park with their little granddaughter walking in between them talking about her last day of school. That was a moment to be captured.
There is so much beauty in the world around me, big and small. So many moments to capture so people can look back at them and reminisce and remember...like I do.

Here are just a few shots that made me think, that would make a great shot or that is a moment that needs to be captured...

An old rusty, building--beautiful in my eyes

Dirty knees on my little boy--something I want to cherish forever

A daily ritual. Reading books and having a popsicle--something I will want to look back on and remember when he no longer wants to sit and read books with me

Clovers---they are pretty much weeds and have seriously taken over our yard. But with morning dew on them, they are beautiful and smell divine!

Flip flops in the yard--even silly ol' flip flops can look neat! There is something nostalgic about them--just reminds me of nice summer days.

Owen and his bubbles. Such simple fun. But what a great moment to capture.

So, you see, through the lens.... I have discovered a whole new world. And there is so much more to discover.