Mary Denman: June 2012

6.27.2012

Wordless Wednesday

Okay, so much for wordless. How about a Wordy Wednesday? My 84 year old mom had to have emergency surgery a couple of Saturdays ago. My husband and I left SC to drive the three hours to get to the hospital in NC. The doctor prepped my dad and mom that anything could happen in surgery. Let's just say several of us in the family were scared.

Mom was already in surgery before we got to the hospital. The surgery was to take a couple of hours. We had talked to daddy who reported they had found the problem. We breathed a sigh of relief. But she still wasn't done with surgery. We pulled into the hospital parking lot and started walking across it. A hawk flew directly over us. Its huge shadow made me look up to follow it. Straight into the sun. As I shielded my eyes from the direct sun to keep watching the bird, I saw a rainbow around the sun. There was only a haze and I was floored. Of course, I had my camera in hand and took this shot.

But, oh the peace I had. I knew mom would be okay. And an hour later, she emerged from surgery, ready to start her recovery!

That rainbow was a reminder of God's love. And now I share it with you.

6.25.2012

Happy Monday

Big Smile

Just in case you needed a lift today, here's something to make you smile. Just because...

6.21.2012

Photo Tip Fridays

On Fridays, I will post photography tips. For today, let's examine the why of photography.

Part 1

What is the Purpose of your Photography?

My adorable niece

When you love to take pictures, the answer may seem obvious. We take pictures to capture something on “film.” To remember a moment such as a family get together, or to remember the beautiful sunset we saw on vacation.

While these may be good reasons, I want you to stop and think about the deeper reason. The purpose of you shots.

Why do you take them? Why do you try and improve? What can you do with photographs besides just looking at them and maybe sharing them with your family?

I simply love taking photos. I think I may be addicted.

I enjoy the challenges of composing the shots, getting the lighting right, looking for a fresh way to view my subjects.

But I’m learning that photography can be a blessing and a ministry. Not just to me, but to others. That gives my picture taking a very different feel. It isn’t just for me anymore.

How did this come about in my life? Well, I started by sharing my talent. It meant giving away a photo that meant something to someone else. Not just with family but with others.

Often times, when I’m out and about and I see someone taking a family picture that doesn’t include the photographer, I offer to take the shot for them. Most of the time they accept it and are thankful. And many times, they exclaim what a great shot it is. Then I give them a quick lesson on framing a shot.