Playing with fire...

Okay, so I feel like I really have to qualify this post a bit. It's TOTALLY out of the norm for me. It's crazy different. Really.

It all stemmed from a photography challenge, of sorts, that I've been given. I've been asked to create a photograph that embodies the idea of fighting for your family, protecting it. So, while the wheels have been turning, my idea kind of morphed into this crazy, emotionally disturbing vision. Well, actually, it wasn't as disturbing in my head as it now seems to be. The more I look at it, the more it really bothers me. I don't know. I'll quit going on about it... Either way, I'm absolutely positive that this photograph is in NO way what I've been comissioned to do. Ha! But, it was fun to be challenged into creating this. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and continues to do so. It's probably evoked more emotion in me than almost any other photograph I've created. And, not the good kind of emotion, either.
Everytime I look at it, it creeps me out more. Of course, the FIRST thing out of Curt's mouth when he saw it was, "ooohhh... fire in my hand!" So, yeah:
Doesn't he look creepy, too?!? I told you this was not my normal stuff. I'm off to have nightmares, now.

One of my most favorite people in the world...

Seriously. This guy is hands down one of the funniest guys I've ever met. Justin was one of Curt's students for several years until he graduated a couple years ago. There were times over the years that he drove me absolutely insane. I literally told Curt I wouldn't be going to any school functions anymore if this kid couldn't get his shenanigans under control. It wasn't just an irritation. He actually made me angry. All the time. It's like... he had an INSANE amount of energy, and he didn't understand boundaries or personal space, you know? And, for a football season, it was directed all towards me. Oooohhh... drove me nuts! He evened out & quit that nonsense. Thank goodness.

Anyway, he's got this personality that everyone just loves. You can't NOT like this guy. And, because he was so likable, he'd get away with murder. I swear. The rules applied to everyone but him. And, it made me nuts. I tried to teach him about integrity. Not that I'm the highest integrity person... I'm not saying that by any means. I try, though. Justin did not. Ha! I'd tell him, "just because you CAN get away with it, doesn't mean you should." Or, "just because no one enforces the rules with you, doesn't mean you should take advantage of that. Follow the rules. Have some integrity, Justin!" He heard it a BILLION times from me, I'm sure. It's not like he was doing anything terrible... just taking a lot of freedoms that the other students didn't have. He never listened to me.

So, like I said, he graduated a couple years ago. I really adore him. Thankfully, he must be fond of us, too, because he comes out for visits occasionally. And, can I say, he gets me laughing until my side hurts just about every time he's here. Curt always seems really irritated with his antics, but I think that just encourages him. It's like, Curt has dealt with him and his over the top personality for years. He's learned to tune him out & not laugh. I guess when you're the teacher, you can't be encouraging behavior like this in class, so Curt would NEVER indulge him. It's just stuck with him. He still rarely allows himself to laugh at Justin's insanity. I, however, think he's hysterical. And, it amuses me even more when Justin is being absolutely OUTrageous, and Curt is standing in the corner shaking his head in disbelief with NO hint of a smile on his face. Is it bad that I think it's funny when people harass my husband!?!

So, yeah, he came back tonight for a football game. It was great to see him... entertaining, as well. Much of the reason that I love Justin is because he's just... himself. Often times, I find myself thinking, "my gosh... who would behave like this!?!" Him. And, I love that about him. I love that he's just comfortable being a total maniac all the time in front of anyone. He's always in a great mood, always really upbeat... just a fun, fun guy.
And, yeah... I have NO idea why. Why anyone would do this:
This is what he called his "wedding-on-the-beach run."
Oh man, so yeah... entertainment. For sure.

But, for the sappy part. The part that makes me feel like a proud mama... he told me a story tonight about how he was recently "accidentally" given a privilege (in da club) that is not appropriate (a.k.a. legal) for his age. He said that he thought about it briefly but decided to follow the rules, though no one would have ever known any better. He'd remembered that I'd harped on him about it for years, and he knew I would be proud. He had integrity. And, he knew it. :) Yay! Though I was most often doubtful that the seeds planted would come to fruition, they did! At least once, right!?! Haha! I'm proud of him, and I'm so delighted to know him.

Bonnie Berry

Okay, so I had the privilege of meeting the most fantastic photographer back in April. Bonnie attended The Lab Workshop, and I was immediately smitten with her work. I just think it's so real & refreshing. It's just... unique.

Not only is she a fab. photographer, but she's also just a really cool person. I had a great time getting to know her a little back in April, and we'd talked about trying to get together at some point to hang out & swap photography. You photographers out there know how it is, right? You know... you might as well not exist according to the photographs?

So, we finally got she & her family out for a visit earlier this month. I LOVE her family. Her boys are just amazing & sweet & fun. She & her husband are both just so intelligent & witty. Josh is A-MAZING with the kiddos... so patient. Anyway, it was a good time. I think we both took TONS of photographs over the weekend. Here are a few of mine:

Obviously, the next two are not in focus. I don't care, though.

So, uh... is it okay to post a bunch of random photos with little to no commentary?

Because, well... I'm falling further and further behind. If I can't just blog a bunch of photos without having to blog an explanation, well, it's never gonna get blogged at this point. :)

So, first up... a super sweet family that I had the privilege of photographing last week. LOVE this family. These kiddos were SO stinkin' sweet!






And, next up... the band from my church did a live recording this past weekend. It was way cool. They asked me to photograph it, and it turned out that I had a really, REALLY good time. It was out of my normal, you know? Obviously, the lighting was HORRENDOUS, but it adds to the mood right? (wink, wink!) ISO 3200, anyone?








Okay, and finally... I took these quickly today in the back yard. I was just testing out a lens. We'd been to the Stockyards again shooting some senior pictures, so Emma was QUITE dirty.

On this next one... eh... who knows?


Though I ADORE the last one here, the verdict is still out on this lens (Canon 50mm f/1.4).