Monday's Musings: Life Lessons from a Morning Glory

by Mary Denman  @MaryDenman

I used to think morning glories were just a weed, a nondescript flowering vine to be pulled from a

garden. 

Now, I realize I love them.

Their colors.

Their leaves.

Their tenacity.

I've learned life lessons from morning glories as I've spent time photographing them.

Photo Tip Friday: Tips for Active Pet Photography

by Mary Denman   @MaryDenman

If you have pets, you know how hard taking pictures can be. They love to run and play and move fast. 

We're going to go over tips for taking active pet photos.

While stopping the action can be great, catching some of your pet's motion can reflect their personality. 

Let's get started.

Wordless Wednesday: Cute Cats

by Mary Denman   @MaryDenman

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday! 

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Last Friday's photo tip was: Shooting Family Gatherings in Low Light (click here)

This Friday's tip will be: Tips for Active Pet Photography

Here are my four cats...Each has a distinct personality.
Enjoy! 

Lady looking intently at a raccoon hat.

Monday's Musings: Ann Voskamp Quote on Always Being Thankful

by Mary Denman @MaryDenman

With Thanksgiving coming up here in the United States, our thoughts turn to being thankful. 

While it's easiest to be thankful for the good things in life, as Ann Voskamp says, "There is always, always, always something to be thankful for."

In the face of challenges, whether they be relational, health issues, or the loss of loved one, there is always something to be thankful for. We may have to look for it, but it's there to be found. 

And that's the key. 

We need to look. 

Photo Tip Friday: Shooting Family Gatherings in Low Light

By Mary Denman   @MaryDenman

Today's tips are for helping you shoot the best pictures you can at family gatherings in low light. 

With a little forethought and an understanding of low light situations, you can capture wonderful memories this Thanksgiving and at all you holiday events. 

I have a huge family. I'm one of 6 siblings and when we all get together, there are 37 of us. Even if a family or a few people can't make it, we have a big family gathering! And I love every crazy minute of it.

Let's get started with learning how best to photograph indoor family events. 

Wordless Wednesday: Last of the Fall Colors

by Mary Denman   @MaryDenman

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday! 

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Once it stopped being cloudy and rainy for about 10 days and the sun finally came out, most of the fall leaves were gone. 

However, I found a few leaves that were left...

Photo Tip Friday: 3 Tips to Help Understand the Focal Point in Photography

by Mary Denman  @MaryDenman

A friend graciously offered to take pictures with me to help teach you lessons about paying attention to the background in your shots. 

Why? So that you can understand how the focal point in photography makes a difference. 

She would take a picture first, not using anything she's learned from my blog, and then I would take a photo after her.  

Hopefully, you'll be able to see how just a little adjustment when you take a shot can improve your photography by honing in on the focal point of the picture.

Let's get started.

Wordless Wednesday: Foggy Sunrise

by Mary Denman   @MaryDenman

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday! 

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After my daughter's surgery, I had to drive her to her 8:00 a.m. class. 
I had an hour and was able to photograph this gorgeous foggy sunrise.
Enjoy!

Monday's Musings: Can One Person Make a Difference?

by Mary Denman  @MaryDenman

Recently, I thought about the question, "Can one person really make a difference in this world?" 

Or, more personally, "Can I make a difference in this world?"

Not long ago, I found myself in the small town of Bishopville, SC. We had dropped our son off at a Math and Science Camp and were headed out when my husband and I noticed topiaries down the median of the main street in town. Interesting, we thought. A bit unusual. But interesting.

Then, I saw a name on a sign as we drove out of the town. Pearl. 

I couldn't believe it. We had just driven by the road where Pearl Fryar lives. 

We turned around. 

Wordless Wednesday: Fall Leaves

by Mary Denman   @MaryDenman

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday! 

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It's been an odd fall here, the leaves had just started turning and we got hit with lots of rain...so most the leaves have been knocked off the trees. 

But there's still plenty of beauty.

Enjoy!

Monday's Musings: When You're not sure Where the Road is Taking You

by Mary Denman   @MaryDenman

Riding through the mountains recently taught me some profound lessons about life.

Have you ever been on a road when you're not sure where the road is taking you? Not the physical road necessarily, but the road your life is taking. 

You may have an idea of where you're headed. But the road changes or you make a wrong turn. Or maybe you're just along for the ride with someone else in the driver's seat. 

I know I've had times like that in life.