Don't Give Up On Me

I wanted to let everyone know that I have been taking pictures, but I haven't had time to edit them and get them posted yet. In fact, I've had two photo sessions since my last post, but I've been working on getting my pictures from China organized and edited before we see family next weekend. So keep checking--there will be some portraits to see soon!

Another Favorite

I forgot to include this picture in my first post from a couple of days ago. Not only do I think it is a good portrait, but it is probably the picture I am the most proud of from my Photo Dilettante project. I took it while visiting Mark's sister in China. I asked these men if I could take their picture (just by pointing to my camera and nodding, since we didn't speak each other's language), and they agreed.

M&M

One challenge in doing portraits is that I not only have to take the time to go out and shoot, but I have to get other people to take time to let me take pictures of them. We've had a lot going on in the last week and I didn't have time to coordinate with anyone, so I just took pictures of us.

These are nice pictures of the two of us, but they aren't anything special, artistically speaking. It was good practice though. Using these pictures I learned how to do some fun stuff in Photoshop Elements. I'm not sure I want to tell you what, though--can you tell what has been manipulated here? I tried to be pretty subtle with the changes, so hopefully they're not obvious.

I took some pictures of myself in front of a beautiful lilac bush, and even got brave enough to ask a nice couple walking by if I could their picture. I promised them I wouldn't show anyone, but I thought they did turn out pretty good. So, Mr. Y., if you happen to be reading this and would like to leave a comment giving your permission, I'd love to post your picture...

For now, though, here's one of me.