Day 180

June 29, 2011

     First sighting of the baby today! Too bad baby Mourning Doves are kind of funny looking. But I am still so proud.

Day 176

     Today was a good day. I heard a bang out in the kitchen, and being the only one home, wondered what in the world it could be. Aphelocoma californica. One of the hatching year Western Scrub Jays that's been hanging around in our front yard ran into our window.
     At first I was heartbroken as I guessed it was lying there dead. I've been watching these guys. There's three of them that like to hang out in the front yard, calling at each other with what almost sounds like a little boink. So to see this guy on my deck dead was terrible.
     I then noticed that his wing was slowly moving up an down as he breathed. Because he was in the direct, hot sun, I decided it would be best to move him in the shade, over by his siblings, in the trees that they frequented. His foot looked twisted and mangled, and upon worrying that he was broken, I examined him closely, feeling for any fractures. Thankfully, everything felt healthy. I wrapped him in a blanket, covering his eyes, and made the short trip. He heard his pals calling and peeped and wiggled for a second, but then calmed, relaxed in my hands.
     I put him down in the speckled shade of a tall pine. And he just sat there. Sat there looking at me.

Day 159

     Having celebrated my camera's birthday recently, I thought it would be fun to take baby pictures of my camera. Or at least my first lens.

     And yes, newborn photographers, I am taking a mild stab at you. And your love of baskets.

Day 105

"Good Looks courtesy of Mom"

     On portraits, I don't believe in eye sharpening or skin smoothing or selective saturation. That being said:

In other words: this little boy really did look like that! With those same beautiful eyes!

BONUS! I just wanted to share an extra. Even though it is not as sharp on his face, I just love his adorable expression.

Day 93

     Got to go to my cousin's house for dinner today. And of course that means, lots of cute kids. It was hard to decide which little one to feature today. But I decided on the charismatic Leo. He was sitting by the window, and turned towards me as I walked by, staring straight into my lens for a good minute. He's got to be a natural model. With big beautiful eyes. And awesome parents.

Day 46

    Baby Tori is such a beautiful girl. And boy has she grown in the last few months! No, she's not mine, but I kinda wish she was! She is such a big girl, so incredibly smart and sweet. I even got a little raspberry on my cheek after giving her one on her belly. And she's not even talking yet! I love her cute little sprouting pony tail, her gorgeous blue eyes and her endearing little chin dimple, just like daddy. I hope she is always loved, wherever she goes, cause I know that she deserves it.
     Lighting was tricky tonight, in a poorly lit apartment and a restless baby, but I still had fun shooting. I tried a lot of things, but neither aperture nor ISO could save me tonight. I finally caved and tried with flash. Gosh, I hate on-camera flash. Someday I'll be able to afford a nice hot-shoe attachment.