Tami Weingartner Photography Blog

Dream Makers

2012-01-09T15:24:00.000-05:00

Wow 2012!

Can I get a Woot WOOT from my readership?

I've been so looking forward to this year. I've had this wonderful sense that this year was going to be a great. As I took time the last two weeks to really think and dream about goals for 2012 and tweak some existing long term goals, I thought back to some of the things that really helped me to grow as an individual, photographer and business woman. Sharing that feels appropriate...

Here goes:

creativeLIVE Awesome workshops that you can access online. Live! You can than purchase them to watch over and over if you choose. But while they are happening you can tune in live and soak up the knowledge....FOR....FREE!!!

chasejarvisLIVE It's Chase Jarvis (awesome). Free (again...awesome). Interviewing fascinating folks (once again...AWESOME).

The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle by Steven Pressfield I read this book. And made a decision. And I haven't looked back. End.

Visual Poetry by Chris Orwig Loved this book. Gets me thinking outside of the box every time I raise a camera to my eye.

Wedding Photography From The Heart by Joe Buissink Hello! I will never look a photojournalism the same again.

Annie Leibovitz: Life Through A Lens Buy it...Rent it....piece it togeather on YouTube...whatever...you must watch it from start to finish. Amazing documentary.

Fascination Horse by Gabriele Boiselle Equine inspiration.

My Moleskin notebook....sadly you can not purchase it....BUT I can share with you that the knowledge contained within is yours for the taking. Shelley Paulson, Jessica Claire, Gabriele Boiselle, Jasmine Star, Bambi Cantrell, Tamara Lackey, Matthew Jordan Smith, The Shutter Sisters, Photoshelter, Britains Best Photography, Ramit Sethi and Chase Jarvis. Some offer free content through blogs & free eBooks. Others offer books, workshops and mentoring.

2012 is the year that dreams are going to come true for me. I hope that they do for you too.

Frosty Hemlock

2011-12-18T19:01:00.001-05:00

Hemlock with a heavy cover of frost.

I hope that I'm not the only one for whom Christmas is coming way to fast. I was somehow convinced that I still had two weeks. My husband broke the bad news to me similar to the way he would approach one of the horses if they were loose....with great caution and trepidation.

I'm looking forward to getting the Charlie Brown tree in the house this week and the decorations unpacked. The beautiful wreath that my husband got from a friend is finally hanging and we were blessed with a bit of snow. It's going to be hard not spending Christmas Eve with my Grandpa Joe after 38 years of doing so.

Merry Christmas to all my blogging friends!

Afternoon Nap | New Wilmington, PA Pet Photographer

2011-12-11T16:26:00.001-05:00

JRTCA Redstone Charlotte aka Charlotte Pup Pup, enjoying a mid afternoon nap in front of window in my office. Dreaming of Groundhogs, I'm sure.

Sunday Stills

All You Need Is Love

2011-12-03T18:58:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you. But there is something wonderful about being with the person that you love, on the land that you love while doing something that you both love doing. Mr. Weingartner has grown so accustomed to the camera that now he rarely bothers to scowl at me. He has accepted that it's just coming along as an extension of me.

Holding On To Gratitude

2011-12-01T21:03:00.001-05:00

We got our first real cold snap of the season yesterday and Mother Nature gave us a thick layer of Hoar Frost overnight to celebrate it with. I love the change of seasons. The leaves have fallen off the trees. Pennsylvania has turned brown, tan and gold. And the nip in the air for the morning walk with the Jack Russell Terriers has brought out wool coats, Ugg boots, scarves and bright red mittens. I'm so thankful to be able to be outside exploring the end of Fall and the beginning of Winter.

First Sunday of Advent | St. Paul Cathedral

2011-11-27T23:39:00.001-05:00

1st Sunday of Advent at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh PA

Advent is such a special time. I was so happy to make the trip to Pittsburgh on Saturday night with part of my family for the vigil mass for the 1st Sunday of Advent. I'm looking forward to being able to take the next several weeks to reflect on this past year. To prepare for Christmas from a nonsecular viewpoint.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T02:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lifestyle Photography Tips | New Castle Family Photographer

2011-11-20T14:57:00.001-05:00

For Sunday Stills this week we were asked to share a Portrait Session and some tips to improve Portraits. This is a Lifestyle Session done with my Sisterella and her beautiful children.

Tip 1... Location. It's super to have the location either be the choice of your subject or relevant to their life in some way. This location was chosen because the children's father is an Engineer on the railroad.

Tip 2 ... Photos from behind. I love the above photo. Colin setting off and Anna following. A priceless narrative to where they are in their life right now.

Tip 3 ... Not all photo need a constrained crop. Frame for the subject/story NOT for the 'picture frame'.

Tip 4 ... If your subject is low to the ground. Then get down on the ground and shoot from their perspective. Alternately you can shoot from up high...I love my 3 step ladder (I always have it with me now).

Tip 5 ... Background. Before you press the shutter make sure that your background is clean.

Tip 6 ... Wait. Let your subjects breathe. Let things happen. I like this photo better then the one above it. And in a few years when Colin is all grown up, Sisterella will like this one better too.

Tip 7 ... Shoot the funny stuff. Mum with the 'props' makes a fun Facebook profile photo.

Tip 8 ... Be on the look out for the sweet stuff. It wasn't hard to see what was going to happen once Anna Sophia picked a couple of flowers and headed back towards Mum. My camera is to my eye the majority of the shoot.

Tip 9 ... Let the treasures be in the shoot. Colin had a Railroad spike and Anna had given Mum the flowers. They were equally proud of these found 'treasures' from our morning out. No use in asking to put them down and tempt a hissy-fit.

Tip 10 ... Move those Focus Points. Moving the Focus Points on the camera is now second nature to me. It wasn't always. But once I got used to doing it ... it stepped up my composition game. Yes you can focus and recompose, which I do frequently for my still subject. But for moving subjects or my fast moving Polo photography moving those Focus Points gets me a shaper better composed picture every time. It's second nature to me now...like adjusting Aperture and Shutter Speed.

Tip 11 ... Get a variety of lighting scenarios. Front light, back light, side light. Opportunities for flare or a silhouette shot add some drama to the Gallery that you present to your subject. And allow your artistic side to come through.

And finally...

Tip 12 ... When you are looking for a location. Scanning for the next place to move your subjects...your camera needs to be up to your eye. You need to be looking through your lens so that you can see what will be in the shot. See the environment from your lenses perspective.

Happy shooting!

Stumped with Wadsworth

2011-11-16T00:03:00.001-05:00

O hemlock-tree! O hemlock-tree! how faithful are thy branches!
Green not alone in summer time,
But in the winter's frost and rime!
O hemlock-tree! O hemlock-tree! how faithful are thy branches!
-From The Hemlock Tree by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I wonder if the little Hemlock that has sprouted in this spot has any sense of the of the tree that once stood where it is now growing? Maybe. Maybe not. But I like to believe that it does.

Mighty may it grow, protected as it is by what remains of it's predecessor.

Fuzzy Cow Belly

2011-11-13T15:49:00.001-05:00

This week at Sunday Stills the challenge was to shoot with a change of perspective. Then post one good photo and one bad. Sometimes a photo is neither good or bad and it's up to you to pick which shot you like best. When Im shooting I always think...'get the shot'. Then look for the shot within the shot or the new perspective or angle.

I shot the above photo first. I liked the sun position and the opportunity for flair and I had a bit of a soft spot for 923 here...she was very curious about my camera. I liked the photo and the angle but thought that I should change my position and see what else I could capture.

For the 2nd photo I just moved over from where I was standing (apron 10-12') and closed up the space between us with the zoom.

Once I got home and had a chance to look at both images on the computer I was happy that I took the time to take the 2nd image. I'm not sure which one I like better. For me I think I like the 1st maybe a tad bit better. I like the way her body is leading my eye right back into the frame towards the light.

Which do you prefer and why?

Tula | New Wilmington Pet Photographer

2011-11-09T20:54:00.003-05:00

Tula | Miniature Dachshund

I think it's safe to say that Tula is my smallest client yet! And is she ever an adorable seven pounds of energy. I love my JRT's but I could easily become a Doxie convert. More photos will be coming soon from this fun session with Tula and her gorgeous person Cindy.

Big Blue Silo

2011-11-04T06:49:00.000-04:00

Blue Sky Over Kemland Farm in Volant, PA

Fall Thistle

2011-11-02T09:55:00.000-04:00

Dried Thistle at Dusk

Polo Cornell vs Darlington

2011-10-31T10:02:00.000-04:00

Cornell vs Darlington | Darlington PA

The Railroaders Daughter

2011-10-28T08:32:00.000-04:00

My Niece, The Railroaders Daughter

Jay Maisel says 'that in order to take better photographs you have to become a better person'. That's a pretty powerful statement. One that bears more than just a passing thought.

It's the opening of your heart that allows you to drink fully of the human experience. We are given opportunities daily to expand our views. Choices to harden or soften our focus and understanding. We can acknowledge or embrace the views of others. We can share in the miraculous experiences of life.

We can open up our hearts to other people and we can let them into to our hearts. Let them see who we really are. Not hide ourselves away in fear that if we let people in that we somehow we will not be enough. That we will show everything and be found lacking.

For me the word "Namaste" is such a beautiful one word mantra that helps me on my path. It means "the spirit in me acknowledges the spirit in you". It reminds me that all creatures deserve respect. That we were created in love...and in love we must walk.

What about you...do you have a mantra that reminds you to stop and breathe and acknowledge?

Serendipity at Kemland

2011-10-28T08:17:00.000-04:00

Serendipity at Kemland Farm

Surprises wait just over the horizon. I was waiting for the Combine to make another pass at Kemland Farm in Volant, PA this past Sunday so I could get a picture of the sun setting over the back of the machine and floating into view comes this ballon. At first I felt a stab of jealousy, for what a wonderful evening to be floating in the clouds. Then I was thankful as they came lower and closer to be given the opportunity to take this shot. Serendipity is a photographers best friend.

Skywatch Friday around the World.

Being Authentic

2011-10-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

I could spend hours sitting in pasture fields. | Equestrian Lifestyle Photgrapher

I've have tried to stick with some sort of format for posting...with no success. Upon giving a little thought as to why that is, a conclusion has been reached. I didn't feel that this blog was an accurate representation of who I've become. It stopped feeling authentic to me.

That's a problem...obviously.

What does feel authentic is being able to write and share photography as I feel inspired to do so. Whether that is a photograph made for a personal project, a street photography shot, or something for a client. It makes no difference. It moved me in some way and if it moves me, if it fires the muse, I want to share it.

Solution...

I'm bringing this blog back into focus. Focus on me. My journey as a human being, as a artist, as a lover of life. The images that I will post here will be the images I love. The ones that move me. That inspire me to dig deeper...make better images. The ones that make me laugh, cry and think.

If your interested in seeing more of my work you will be able to check out both personal projects and work for clients on my website. I have Galleries and I will be building Portfolios as well.

Milestones

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Jordan and Haper | Newborn Photography Session | New Wilmington, PA

I always feel honored when asked to photograph a significant moment of someones life. The opportunity to ask through my lens..."Who are you?" and "Where are you going?". The chance to capture the most authentic aspects of a relationship.

The above image is the epitome of the relationship between Jordan and his newborn sister Harper. A soft tender moment between siblings that will forever stand as a testament of Jordan's love for Harper. Of how happy he is to have her in his life.

I hope that I have many more opportunities to photograph this little girl as she grows. But I think that this image will always mark a major milestone in my creative journey. That sometimes.. when something is at it's most challenging. That God intervenes and things come together. That the opportunity to capture a truly beautiful portrait will come. The subject will show you his heart. Hard work and the anxiety will bear fruit. Your vision will manifest into something greater than you anticipated and your client will have an image that will portray some of the miracle of life. And that some part of themselves that is hidden from the rest of the world will be revealed.

I believe that great images come from somewhere else...somewhere outside of artist. Gabrielle Boiselle who I had the great honor of shooting with last June said that "great images come not from the artist....but from God". I have to believe that as well.

Blue Skies Forever

2011-10-20T21:50:00.002-04:00

Fishing on the bass pond.

I love water shots. They are great opportunities to let your eye roam around and see the image within the image. Thanks to Skywatch Friday

The Shadow Side, New Wilmington PA Pet Photographer

2011-10-18T22:59:00.000-04:00

Clarice, Irish Jack Russell Terrier

Amazing light can happen anywhere. This photo was taken on the floor of my office. I love shooting from the shadow side...not just for dogs but people too.

Autumn Visit To The Woods

2011-10-14T17:19:00.000-04:00

Autumn Visit To The Woods

Something so incredible happens when I head out into the tiny patch of woods that is left on the farm. It always feels as if I could walk and sit and think forever here. Sometimes I go without my camera just to take the opportunity to soak in my surroundings to sit and view this marvelous bit of creation without having to do any actually creating myself.

On the walk back to the house I have simultaneous conflicting emotions. Sad...that I can not morph into an animal and live my life scurrying up and down the oaks, burying acorns and getting ready to hibernate for the winter. Happy...that my muse has lead me to just where I needed to go to recharge my creative energy and enjoy the creation of higher power.

Peace be with you.

New Wilmington PA Senior Session

2011-10-12T20:44:00.000-04:00

Maryah DeTiberiis, Senior Portrait, Wilmington Area School District, Class of 2012

One of the things I love about being a Photographer is the opportunity that I have to meet a variety of people. Finding out what they love and how they like to spend free time so that we can brainstorm a great session. Talking and getting to know them gives me the opportunity to learn, not only about them but to learn more about myself. To view the world through their eyes. What an incredible gift that is. With Senior Portraits I also get a look into our future by meeting the individuals who are going to be shaping our world in the near future.

As you can see from the wonderful light and color on this photograph of Maryah we are in the midst of Fall in Western Pennsylvania. If you would like to book either a Lifestyle or Senior Session with me and take advantage of the wonderful foliage I still have a couple of dates available.

Maryah, you are a beautiful young woman. I am so honored to have been given the opportunity to photograph you at this stage in your life. I can not wait to see how the world unfolds for you!

P.S. Please don't forget to get me that French phrase....I see the need to be able to mutter it to myself when I find my mind straying from my work....and I believe it will sound so much more chic in French!

Friday Night Lights...Polo Style

2011-08-12T15:37:00.000-04:00

Friday Night Polo in Darlington, PA

Saratoga Polo

2011-08-10T22:30:00.000-04:00

Saratoga Polo 2011

Polka Dots and Blue Skies

2011-08-05T00:35:00.000-04:00

Schroon Lake, NY ... Fantastic Adirondack Vacation

I had a fantastic long weekend in the Adirondacks with a wonderful friend and her beautiful family. It's so wonderful to escape to a destination like this. Crystal clear lake, sun, blue skies, mountains and fantastic companionship....a perfect weekend.

Thanks once again to Skywatch Friday.

Wedding at Camp Lutherlyn Amphitheatre in Prospect PA

2011-08-03T22:01:00.000-04:00

Wedding at the Forest Amphitheatre in Camp Lutherlyn, Prospect, PA

I was so honored to be the second photographer for Stephanie and Eric's wedding a couple of weeks ago. If you want to get married outside, I can not think of a more beautiful location that combines the best of what Western Pennsylvania has to offer.

Weekend Wisdon

2011-07-29T23:17:00.000-04:00

Have a great weekend....some words to ponder from George Eliot

Sand Crabs VS Jack Russell Terriers

2011-07-27T08:50:00.004-04:00

It's always so fun to take Charlotte to the beach. She's a well traveled Dog. She's been to Malibu on the West Coast and several beaches up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

Charlotte, JRTCA, Having a nice long belly scratch in the sand in Nags Head, NC

One thing is for certain...Sand Crabs are a big hit with Jack Russell Terriers. From our first walk on the beach about 20 minutes after we arrived she was on full alert.

Sand Crab - Nags Head, NC

Charlotte, digging for Sand Crabs, Nags Head, NC

Spooky Bodie Island Lighthouse

2011-07-25T08:21:00.003-04:00

Stormy Sky - Bodie Island Lighthouse - Outer Banks, NC

As promised...here is the 'slightly spooky' photo of the Lighthouse on Bodie Island. I'm hard pressed to decide which photo I like better. I think my Muse likes this one though. Looks like something straight out of a Scooby-Doo episode. Can't you just see the Mystery Machine pulling up?!? Or Nancy Drew...she would have gotten herself enmeshed in something or other here.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

2011-07-21T18:48:00.002-04:00

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks North Carolina

When I planned this evening excursion to Bodie Island to photography the Lighthouse. I had envisioned a glorious sunset with the lighthouse lens illuminating the sky.

Well it started out well...beautiful blue skies and wispy clouds. Chad put down the back hatch of the vehicle and settled in on the tailgate content to let me walk the grounds looking for the perfect vantage point and deciding on a lens. As you can see, the Lighthouse lens is covered for repairs...but "no worries" I thought, "the sunset would make up for that".

After about 30 minutes I could see Chad starting pacing around, it quickly became apparently what was making him nervous. This incredible storm was rolling in...fast. They don't call this area "The Graveyard of The Atlantic" for nothing. The mobile phones started ringing, our family calling to warn us of the severity of the approaching storm. My husband started to pack up. I belligerently dug my heels in. No way was I leaving till I photographed the storm. We compromised. It was worth the wait. I'm glad I didn't get the traditional sunset. This is so much better.

I'm going to post another shot from this adventure early next week. It's a slightly more spooky version. Please come back Monday to check it out!

Thanks to Skywatch Friday

Beach Bum

2011-07-20T22:45:00.002-04:00

Anna Sophia...Beach Bum... Nags Head, North Carolina

Heads up! The next few posts will be an overload of cutesy beach pictures. Including, but not limited to, children, Jack Russell Terriers and Lighthouses. If you have an aversion to any of these....or sand in general you may want to skip visiting here until next week.

When An Image Doesn't Work But You Love It All The Same

2011-07-15T09:32:00.001-04:00

Last Sundays Engagement Sessions had so many photos that worked out beautifully. I will get those photos posted next week. But I couldn't wait to share this photo. I know it's not 'technically perfect' but I love it. It softens my heart. Brett & Alicia were amazing they had such a wonderful laid back vibe. And there is something wonderful about being with people who are so in love.

So, fellow Photographers, even if you don't nail your exposure, or a sun flare threatens to take over a shot...don't delete or hide it away...if you love it....if it moves something inside of you....if it feeds your muse....than please share it and maybe just maybe it will make someone else feel the same thing.

Goodbye Grandpa

2011-06-07T15:18:00.002-04:00

Snapshot taken January 2011 with HTC Android

I remember as a child telling my Grandmother that "When I grow up I'm going to marry Grandpa too!" My Grandmother, ever practical, didn't think that was going to be to likely. My Grandfather got a good chuckle out of that. Grandma passed on 20 years ago, Grandpa joined her Monday morning. And although I did not 'grow up and marry my Grandpa' he did set the standard pretty high.

I'm so incredible thankful for all the gifts Joseph Kapraly gave in his life. I reveled in his tales of his boyhood in West Pittsburgh. Somewhat rowdy antics with friends. Struggles with a stubborn milk cow. Delivering said milk for neighbors and customers. How he contributed to the care of his Mother and siblings.

Grandpa enlisted in the Marines during World War II. He fought in the 6th Division, 29th Regiment in the Pacific Theatre. The stories he shared of that time are nothing short of remarkable. The acts of bravery, heroism and descriptions of human suffering poignant. He shared not only his personal history but the history of the World.

It is through someones stories that we get a history of not only where they came from and the things they did but how they became the person that they are. How the events that they lived through shaped their lives and in turn shaped the lives of those around them.

I owe so very much to this man. The only way that it can ever be repaid is to live a life in example of his.

To always leave a place better than you found it.
To honor those who make personal sacrifices for our continued freedom and well being.
To have opinions and stand by them.
To read, grow & learn.
To be concerned about the feelings of the people around you.
To say "I'm sorry" when you are.
To use a 'Jitterbug' when you want to hook a really big Bass.
To be of service to others.
To look people in the eye when your talking to them even if it's hard.
To know when to keep your mouth shut.
To have a strong faith and live by the principals set forth in that faith.
To say "I love you".

The Tractor Shed

2011-06-01T21:18:00.001-04:00

The Tractor Shed at Kemland Farm, Volant, PA

Skywatch Friday at Darlington Polo Field

2011-05-26T20:09:00.001-04:00


Sunset at a Polo Match in Darlington, PA

My entry for SkyWatch Friday. As Friday in Western PA means POLO then I thought it only fitting to post an image of the Sun going down and warming up the crowd while they wait for the horses to take the field.

What Sparks Your Creativity?

2011-05-24T22:42:00.000-04:00

Anna Sophia getting her writing groove on at Starbucks.

Today I stumbled upon an article that claimed that vacationing is necessary for creativity. I just want to get on the record and say that I wholeheartedly AGREE with that statement. I always come back from a few days away feeling fresh and uber-creative.

The problem is....like so many of you....I just can not pack up and go on vacation whenever I feel my creativity start to wane. But as I was thinking about the article I realized that there are a couple of 'mini-breaks' that I take regularly that do fortify my muse.

Slow walk at the park with the Jack Russell Terriers
Fishing just before sunset...then sitting at the campfire till midnight looking at the stars
Laying under a tree in the grass on a blanket and reading the afternoon away
An hour or two at Starbucks laughing and talking with a friend
Sitting in the pasture watching my horse graze
Shootin' Safaris...when I get in the Jeep with my Camera...no destination in mind and just drive somewhere and shoot for the day

So what helps you to spark your creativity...what feeds your muse?

Weekend Wisdom

2011-05-20T17:37:00.000-04:00

What A Difference A Year Makes

2011-05-19T19:40:00.002-04:00

I can not believe that it has been over 10 months since I last blogged. I feel like someone should send me to bed without dinner. I have no excuse for myself other than I was busy...just like everyone else I know. So no excuses. I'm going to start making up for lost time....much writing and photograph posting to commence. I hope to see you here in a couple of days.

Motion Blur Shot of Glenn Watterson Sr., Darlington Polo Club

The Darlington Polo Club schedule for this season is posted. As always I'm so excited for the opportunity to catch up with friends and to spend some time behind the lens photographing these magnificently athletic horses.

Heaven Is A Bass Pond

2010-07-01T21:33:00.002-04:00

Skywatch Friday

Can you picture the Large Mouth Bass jumpin' and the Barn Swallow's diving?

The sun going down and the mist starting to roll in here on a little slice of heaven in New Wilmington, PA that I call home. Come on out and join me sometime for picture taking, Bass fishing or a glass of wine and a quiet chat....I would love to have you!

Tiznow

2010-06-29T21:12:00.004-04:00

Tiznow at WinStar Farm

Last week I got to spend a couple of hours at WinStar Farm in Versailles KY (winners of this years Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes). I'll get some of the 'beautiful' pix posted a little later this week. But for now I want to post two of the more humorous photos.

This is the world famous Tiznow, Winner of 6.4 million, 2 time Breeder's Cup Classic Winner, Inductee to the Racing Hall of Fame and a Horse of the Year title. And.....resident GOOF BALL!

I'm pretty sure that these photos are never going to show up in a Stallion Catalogue. Tiznow commands a cover fee of $75,000. That's right.....Tiznow is NOT in a state of recession. Every mare this hunk of love meets means $75k is going in the checkbook at WinStar. Mare owners want to dream of the future "get" commanding big bucks in the sale ring or winning races...not doing improv in comedy clubs....or in the horse world.....pony clubs.

Tiznow at WinStar Farm

Many thanks to the wonderful Shirley McQuillan for arranging this fun tour of WinStar.

The Measurement of Time

2010-05-20T16:04:00.005-04:00

Pre-School Graduation today for my Nephew!

10 Ways Which Time Has Been Measured This Week

10. My Nephew is 5 and is graduating from Pre-School. Huh wha...you were just a little baby like yesterday right. I attended your birth. You can't be 5 and having your first Graduation ceremony...it's just not possible.

9. I broke my ankle 7 weeks ago...I thought the pain was never going to go away. Last night I managed 20 minutes and .55 miles on the treadmill. I'm so thankful for fast healing bones. But why can't I heal up faster?

8. We replaced the barn roof over the weekend.....it was put on 30 years ago. This fact just smacked me in the face. I remember them building the barn...how is it 30 years old already?

7. The scale. You know that thing you weigh yourself on. Ummmm yeah. It's going in the wrong direction like every year. I'm going to have to start paying strict attention to that one.

6. Thursday lunches w/my Grandpa. This is a revelation to me. I remember when HE used to pick ME up for dates. Now it's the opposite. The circle of life.

5. When my Mum was my age.....I was Graduating from High School. Ummm hello! I still don't think that I'm mature enough to raise a child and my Mum did so successfully by my age. Thanks Mum!

4. Last night I was going through some pictures that I have taken over the last 4 years. And wow they have got progressively better. I can not wait to see how my photography is going to change in the upcoming year.

3. Yesterday on the 4 Wheeler .... I was cruising the nursery checking out trees. And I thought ... Wow this field is about cleared out. How is that possible. I remember very clearly planting it on a Saturday morning. I was late for week and still a bit tipsy from the night before. (lol) The realization hit me then....that was 14 Springs ago.

2. Polo starts next Friday night....it seems like forever since I've been to a match. But it's only been 8 months.

1. The last 12 months with my husband have been AMAZING! The way I gauge happiness has been forever changed and I'm just amazed and thankful daily for my fabulous life. Thanks honey...I love you more now than I ever have.

What about you? How have you measured time this week?

Grateful

2010-04-20T21:02:00.002-04:00

Magnolia soulangiana

First the photo...this is a lovely old Magnolia at my fathers house. It really has no comparison, not that I've seen anyway. I can not remember a time that it wasn't this huge friend waiting in the side yard. It was my favorite hiding spot to read as a kid, a great climbing tree, and a solid friend to whisper secrets to when things weren't going good.

I'm very disappointed in the photo though...a bad in camera crop. And due to the ankle injury I neglected to back up and use that wide angle lens to get a shot of the whole tree. Oh well hopefully next year I can get a shot of the whole tree in all it's glory.

Second. The ankle injury has really made me take the time to really think about what I want out of life. In other words....having to slow down has been a good thing. A time to reflect on where I'm at. Where I want to be. And how to get there from here.

Bottom line...I want to spend more time doing the things that excite me and that I'm passionate about. I want more time to spend with people I love and the people that are positive and living life to the fullest.

Again...the question how to get there from here?

What excites you? What are you passionate about? And what are you doing to bring these things/people to the forefront of your life?

Skywatch Friday

2010-04-16T21:19:00.005-04:00

Skywatch Friday

I am lucky to have a four wheel utility vehicle to be able to haul me around the farm like a tough wheelchair. Anyway. The Sky. My Wheels. Crutches. Lovely blooming Pyrus calleryana 'Cleveland Select' aka Cleveland Select Pears.

Waitin' on Work

2010-04-15T21:32:00.004-04:00

Bobcat 863 with a 28 Caretree Spade and Grouser Tracks Waiting For Work.

The spring digging season is super short this year. For some trees the window to dig closed last week. For most of the rest we will be lucky to make it though the week.

Not that's it's overly important this year. The tree market is totally in the tank. We have friends in the nursery industry that are bull dozing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of trees. Unfortunately there is no way to stop production of trees. It takes years to grow them and the row spacing is set to sell them off in a certain number of years.

We have a few fields that will be seeing a chainsaw to every other tree in the row in order to save half of them. But for the most part our spacing is good. Hopefully the fall season will spell redemption.

Flyin' High

2010-04-14T13:57:00.002-04:00

Westminster College Brittain Lake Hill ... A sledding tradition for the sleepy little town of New Wilmington PA

Broken Ankle Blues

2010-04-11T15:39:00.003-04:00

Happy Spring Everyone!

I've been seriously short on free time over the last month and a half. My Mother-in-law (age 56) passed away suddenly about a month ago. And I'm laid up on the couch with a broken ankle as I am typing this.

I was stacking hay on Friday and stepped back to heave a bale up on the 5th row and my left foot went through a rat tunnel in the dirt floor. I of course went over backwards with the bale of hay. Fun times! So I have broken my fibula. I hate hay stacking with a passion now. And I'm stuck in the house with my leg elevated above my heart.

The bright side of this is that I can finally get to posting some of my winter photos and maybe learn Photoshop while I'm down. And definitely catch up on my blog reading. I've been reading along on my mobile but it's hard to post comments from it. See you at your blogs soon folks!

Snow Storm Cleanup

2010-02-09T21:32:00.004-05:00

Saturday the 6th of February

So if your in the United States...you know that were getting absolutely hammered with snow here in Pennsylvania. I'm not complaining, at the farm we just deal. Keep the roofs clear buy standing on loader buckets and scrapping them off with long handled brooms. Our little 'sugar shack' is a snug home. The commute to the office is a short walk thanks to hubby plowing me a path to the barn and office.

It does make for tricky internet and phone connections. And 60,000 homes in Pittsburgh are still without electric (since this past saturday) according to today's news. Brrrrrr....it's got to be cold in those houses. Hopefully they will not have frozen pipes. Pennsylvania is in a state of emergency but all is well out here in New Wilmington.

Companionship

2010-02-07T16:52:00.002-05:00

Bruce's horses Samson and Meg...long time companions.

Winter Poo

2010-01-25T16:35:00.002-05:00

Life in Pennsylvania sure is interesting.

Today for your viewing pleasure I'm presenting two photos. The first is a weeds. That's right folks....weeds.

And the second, well I'll let you see for yourself....

Poo! Or more correctly some type of animal scat. But we're gonna call it poo.

Now I'm sure that you want to know why in the world I took the time to take these pictures (and I'm sure more than a couple of you are wanting to know why I got so close to poo).

I'm test driving a new lens. How exciting, right! And I wanted to see what it could do and shoot stuff with the old and the new and compare. Especially sharpness which I thought was a problem on my old lens (and it is).

Fine your thinking....so go ahead and test drive (shoot)....but why poo (and for that matter...weeds)?

Well (and I can't believe that I'm going to admit this)......I'm genuinely interested in the poo. I didn't set out to be. But once I saw it I was curious as to whether it was Red Fox or Coyote scat. And it was as good a place as any to experiment how close I can get with the lens.

And the weeds. I was working on Depth of Field...and how sharp I could get the individual blades of grass to be. And seperating moving grass in the forground from the moving grass in the background. And yowser can the 70-200 2.8 focus fast. Like scary fast. Like I have to get a grip....fast! Needless to say....I can't wait for polo season to start. It's a whole need world with this lens.

The weeds....really it's some sort of grass....I'd like to know if it's native and what kind it is. Now that I took the picture and have been looking at it....it would be nice to have a name for it.

Oh and the poo.....I have no idea what kind of animal left it. I'm going to submit it to the poo picture place run by Cornell and find out. It's a free service. They keep the photo (they are more than welcome to it) and we dear bloggers get to find out what critter is living on the back 50!

Snow Angel

2010-01-19T13:18:00.003-05:00

Snow Angel's are fun to make.... apparently horses agree!

It's hard work though....

I've seen this look before.....on my husbands face! Looks like all the 'men' in my life and not so happy to have their pictures taken these days.

Saucy Redhead

2010-01-18T14:58:00.003-05:00

The Saucy Redhead!

This is Ms. Meg aka Nut Meg. She is one of my winter charges. I have a friend who works in Florida in the winter and his two horses come and stay with us. They are a welcome addition to the herd. Her personality is fantastic. And she is always up for a display of attitude. If memory serves me she is in her early 20's.

Pullin' My Heart Strings

2010-01-17T22:13:00.001-05:00

My entry for Sunday Stills.

Otis

2010-01-16T23:10:00.003-05:00

Sitting in the morning sun

I'll be sitting when the evening comes....

Winter Chores

2010-01-15T16:25:00.004-05:00

Charlotte geared up for a barn chores. I'm not the type to play 'dress up' with my dogs. But this little coat has made it through three JRT's and is still getting the job done on the coldest days of the year. It's certainly nice to have Charlotte in the barn for the 2 hour muck out on Saturday morning...this time of year the rodent population is on the rise and she is pretty quick on making sure that they are not going to make it out of winter alive!

Blue Skies in January

2010-01-13T21:52:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to me! All in various states of belatedness.

I've been a very naughty blogger. And for this I apologize. But I'm ok....no really I'm better than ok.....things are really good here in PA. I have many pictures to process and get uploaded and certainly much to say.

But for now.....I've posted a picture of my lovely boy taken this past Saturday....when for the first time in about a month we actually had blue skies. Which for Western PA in mid-winter is a cause for celebration in itself.

Fixin'

2009-11-23T14:29:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure what OHSA would say about this. But at least the job got done. For some reason the barn door hangings keep coming loose. I'm sure glad I have someone around to fix them!

P.S. Firefly...not my horse....but a picture of something loved!

Happy Grazing

2009-11-22T21:57:00.000-05:00

Hay you

2009-11-18T11:15:00.003-05:00

ATTENTION:

I am the proudest little picture taker EVER!

My photo titled 'The Old Bank Barn' won 2nd place in a photography contest. I have to thank everyone who comments on this blog for your lovely remarks about that particular shot...as it gave me the courage to enter it. You can view the picture with it's shiny gold star at Learn to Take Photos, which is a online photography school where I've purchased a couple of tutorials (one of which is helping me get over my 'photoshop disability') and taken two online classes. The school is run by two fantastic photographers, Laura Cotterman and Christina Handley. Check the school out and be sure to click on the Photography Tips tab. There is a bunch of easy to understand information about photography.

Anyway....back to me...... Thank you blog readers.... your critiques and comments are so helpful. And I so enjoy our interaction here and at your blogs.

A Happy Jack

2009-11-17T16:01:00.004-05:00

A very happy JRT enjoying our Indian Summer here in Western PA! Not the sharpest of pictures....but I love her happy go lucky face. Not to mention those short stout legs of hers.

Pattern

2009-11-16T21:00:00.002-05:00

Saving baler twine for a rainy day? Seems a bit crazy as we generate a never ending supply of used twine around here.

Little Man

2009-11-04T21:27:00.002-05:00

I've been neglecting little man. Poor pony. I snapped his picture tonight. Black and white pony gets a black and white photograph!

Bye Bye Black Fly

2009-11-03T21:15:00.003-05:00

The pesky black flies are all but gone now. A couple of hard frosts saw to that. The above picture is of a horse hair fly whisk to use while riding, to help with fly control, put away till next year....I'm happy to report.

Obie's Environment

2009-11-02T21:40:00.001-05:00

Another Sunday With Obie

2009-11-01T20:32:00.003-05:00

Obie sends a special 'Thanks' to Sisterella for being such a good sport today and helping him to behave long enough for me to get a couple of good head shoots of him!

Sunday With Obie

2009-10-25T20:24:00.001-04:00

I spent an hour hanging in the pasture with Obie today....just the two of us. It was a wonderful way to spend part of the day.

30 Days

2009-10-24T22:44:00.002-04:00

Today

Thirty Days Ago

The Old Bank Barn

2009-10-22T20:03:00.002-04:00

Harvest Time

2009-10-21T21:19:00.002-04:00

Fall is the season of massive farm machinery. And days like the last two our area has been a literal hotbed of harvesters zipping down the road moving from one farm to the next.

Soybeans, dried down and ready for harvesting

Fall Color

2009-10-20T21:01:00.003-04:00

Saturday while on my walk I made a mental note to come out to this field and shoot between these beautiful rows of Acer rubrum 'Franksred' aka Red Sunset Red Maple. I badgered my husband to no avail yesterday. But today he gave in and came out with me.

And he brought the lovely Clarice with him as well. And since I'm an equal opportunity blogger and I do not discriminate between long legged (JRTCA) and short legged (Irish) Jack Russell Terriers. I'm posting her as well.

No post of my husband would be complete without a demonstration of his incredible grumpiness! The contrast between his sweet tempered girl and himself is amazing don't cha think?

Can I Get An Amen?

2009-10-19T20:33:00.005-04:00

I have no idea what fixed this problem. I've deleted programs, reloaded programs...turned firewalls on and off....reset to an earlier date. Whatever it was it worked. Thanks for the suggestions everyone! One of them worked.

Now just to figure out how to best post my Project 365 back log. Maybe put them in my Flickr account and post the link.

Picture of Charlotte taken this afternoon in the pasture. Today was a glorious day in Western Pennsylvania.....weather wise and other.

Trick or Treat

2009-10-13T20:34:00.002-04:00

Trick or Treat?

It's a game me and my computer are playing.

I'm wanting to post pictures to my blog....I go through all the proper steps.

and.....

the computer plays a trick.

In the form of an error. I can not download anything to the net because of a firewall. I can download anything I want from the net onto my computer though........an example of which would be the picture over there that I hijacked from AllPosters.com ......

but I can not download to the internet.

Does that seem bizarre to you?

Do you have a suggestion?

I'm taking pictures everyday. I put them in my computer. But I can not post them.

Isn't a firewall supposed to protect ME from viruses? My firewall is working in the opposite direction. If I can not come up with a fix by this weekend. I will pack the computer up for a trip to the Geek Squad (money I don't want to spend).

Can anyone help me? I'm getting seriously backup up with my Project 365 Pictures. HELP!

Day 38 - Got Catz?

2009-09-25T21:34:00.002-04:00

A Jack Russell Terrier to the bone. She enters the barn flat out and searches all her favorite little hidey-holes for vermin. She only found a cat this day...and cats are strictly prohibited.

Although....I'm sure....that she thinks that cats are vermin!

Day 37 - Back To Work

2009-09-24T20:12:00.000-04:00

Day 36 - Fluttery Surprise

2009-09-23T20:37:00.003-04:00

I can not decide between the 3 Photos...so I'm posting them all.

The every lovely Monarch Butterfly.

Make that a pair of Monarchs!

Which photo is your favorite?

Day 35 - First Day of Fall

2009-09-22T22:59:00.002-04:00

Crab apples are a little confused. These guys are spring blooming flowers. That apparently do not understand what side of the equator they live on.

Day 33 - Thankful For Clean Water

2009-09-20T20:59:00.002-04:00

I'm so thankful for clean water....that is easily available. The farmyard is sprinkled with these lovely hydrants....inside buildings, outside buildings, in front of every bow house...and just in seemingly random places.

I don't take our water for granted. I am truly grateful for it everyday and I understand what a difficult existence it would be if it were not so readily available.

Day 32 - Hot Dog

2009-09-19T22:08:00.002-04:00

Day 31 - Out The Front Door

2009-09-18T23:51:00.002-04:00

Not overly impressed with the amount of grain shooting at ISO 800 or higher. But with out a tripoid shooting at really slow speeds is tough.

I will be happy when this cold is gone. This was a picture from the first day it hit me hard. I could only make it to the front door after dragging myself home from work. So this is the shot you got!

Day 30 - A Walk In The Woods

2009-09-17T20:26:00.002-04:00

My first attempt at zooming while exposing. Have you ever tried this before? Any tips?

I'm thinking that I need to set the camera on something stationery and maybe slow the shutter speed down a little more. The little squiggles of light are funny looking. Not really sure what to do.

It was very fun to come back and look at these attempts on the computer though. I Can not wait to get out there and try it again.

P.S. Sorry I have not been by your blogs. I have a wretched cold and the computer screen just makes my head and eyes throb. I'll be by soon. I miss everyone!

Day 29 - Happy On A Pony

2009-09-16T19:50:00.002-04:00

Day 28 - Orange Means Fall

2009-09-15T23:57:00.002-04:00

I took this at Sisterella house. No color enhancement here. This is what the sky looked like. Fall is on it's way for sure. We are having the most spectacular sunsets. Deep purplish pinks, yellow and orange. It's awe inspiring!

P.S. See Hubby....I told you I would get the shot....color and everything!

Days 25 - 26 - 27 Twitter Pictures Via Twit Pic

2009-09-12T14:45:00.002-04:00

Another Picture From Last Saturday...not part of Project 365. But I wanted to share it!

To see the photos for Days 25, 26, and 27 your going to have to go to my Twitter page. These three photos were taken with my camera phone. And I'm not sure how to download those to my computer. I'll work on that.

Anyway if your not familiar with Twitter. It's okay. It's easy. Just click on my twitter update box over in the sidebar. It will take you to my Twitter page. You can then either sign up for Twitter OR you can just click on my Tweet and you will be able to open the link with the picture.

If you want to leave feed for me just start the sentence with: @pawildwoman Then leave your comment and your message will show up on my page.

It's easy.

I hope you enjoy the next three pictures. And Day 27 will include a little bonus!

Day 24 - The Pump

2009-09-11T21:10:00.002-04:00

Day 23 - Hanging With The Girls

2009-09-10T20:55:00.002-04:00

Day 22 - Smooth

2009-09-09T21:06:00.002-04:00

Well....hubby took our suggestions into consideration....pondered on it. And when I got home on Saturday from my 'photo shoot' he was clean shaven. Thanks ladies!

Day 21 - Golden As The Sun

2009-09-08T21:26:00.002-04:00

I did my first photo shoot on Saturday....unpaid of course. But planned and executed. It was fun...really fun! As soon as I get a chance to edit (which could take a little while....due to the fact of my Photoshop Disability) I will post some more. But this photo is a little sneak peek of Susan and Peggy Sue!

Day 20 - Monster Teeth

2009-09-07T15:51:00.002-04:00

Anyone want to take a guess at what this is?

Day 19 - Black Fly Madness

2009-09-06T14:56:00.002-04:00

Ugh....well Fall is definatley around the bend. The Black Flies are driving the horses NUTS! Someone send 100 gallons of pestcide quick.

Obie has a fly mask....he scratches it off after about an hour or so. Why I don't know....I would think that wearing the darn thing would be more comfortable than getting eatin' up by hordes of black flies that know their time of death is near.

Day 18 - Pink Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend

2009-09-05T23:28:00.002-04:00

I had to go back and take some more pictures of the lovely Pink Diamond Hydrangea....the field just keeps getting pinker and pinker.

Day 17 - No Harm

2009-09-04T20:41:00.002-04:00

Disclaimer: No Children Were Harmed During The Making Of This Photograph.

Seriously.

Sisterella was feeling a little bit low regarding the re-homing of Diesel. So I thought it would be nice to have her and the kids over for dinner and a mini photo shoot. And it was going well....it really was.

This was our second location. By the lake. And if she had been in real trouble I would have stopped shooting.....

But she wasn't, just her arms were in the mud... Well that and the hissy fit.

Sisterella was sitting beside me.... She went to the rescue....

I kept shooting. I mean wouldn't you....we got a lot of great images...but these. These images are the ones that 10 years from now will make us laugh and smile!

Day 16 - Waitin' For A Ride

2009-09-03T00:05:00.003-04:00

Diesel Waiting For His Ride!

As some of you may already know....Kit over at The Crazy M put out the call that she was looking for a Mastiff puppy. And as fate would have it Sisterella was looking for a home for her Mastiff puppy, Diesel.

So within' four days or so we were able to head to Ohio to start Diesel out on his trip to Texas! I'm so glad that this worked out for Kit, Sisterella, but especially for Diesel who will have a great home with the Crazy M pack!

Day 15 - Weaned

2009-09-02T22:29:00.002-04:00

Sad day for the little camo kitten. She/He was the only kitten to survive kittenhood here at the farm....probable due to the fact that he blends in to everywhere. Anyway Mama cat declared her independence and that was it. Milk supply cut off....weaned the hard way.

He was absolutely pathetic for about 3 days. Sitting out in front of the barn crying and looking just terrible. I tried to catch him a couple times so that I could show him to the feed. But he was to quick. One of the other strays took charge of the situation though....he was in the barn eating at tonight.

Day 14 - Riding With Dad

2009-09-01T16:16:00.002-04:00

Clarice....she has to be on the go. In the truck, jeep, 4 Wheeler and now the tractor she is turning into quite the boss.

I'm having a real problem converting from RAW to JPEG. I'm losing a crazy amount to detail....especially sharpness. Can anyone help me out with that, cause I'm doing something wrong?

Day 13 - Puppy Dog Eyes

2009-08-31T18:30:00.002-04:00

Day 12 - Big Boy

2009-08-30T13:25:00.002-04:00

Can you guess which project is about to start? Hint....Barrack did not come through with funds. We are on our own.

As an aside...I just want to say that Photoshop makes me feel pathetic, useless, and like I need a nap, snack or a slap. I wanted to recover some of the lost highlights on this photo mainly on the top of the boom where the yellow is washed. The original is shot in raw..... anyone willing to take a raw copy and make SOMETHING happen then tell me how you did it....so I can try to duplicate?

Day 11 - Cultivated vs Wild

2009-08-29T13:00:00.002-04:00

The beautiful Pink Diamond Hydrangea aka Hydrangea paniculata 'Pink Diamond' competing for attention with Goldenrod (Solidago something... not sure which one exactly). You can see which one I think the winner is.

Day 10 - Hoofin' It

2009-08-28T12:05:00.002-04:00

You know how people take picture of there childrens hands and feet being held by a parent or adult.

Well...I don't have children so I thought I would practice this type of shot on the pony. Scout didn't mind but the Farrier was a little uncomfortable about the camera at first.

Low light handheld shots are challenging. Stopping the motion was tough. Could have cranked up the ISO a little more. I'll try it again the next time the Farrier comes back.

Day 9 - A River Runs Through It

2009-08-27T15:24:00.002-04:00

Dear Mr. President Obama (if that is the wrong salutation I apologize),

Please send money....

We have crumbling infrastructure here at the farm. The main line from the Well that feeds all our homes and buildings is slowly deteriorating. I woke up this morning and went out to walk the dogs only to find that the 'Sugar Shack' now has a mote. That's right.....a mote.

Please do not send Home Land Security, ATF, NSA, FBI, or the CIA.... we did not plan the mote. It is not part of a farm home security plan. We have a busted main line.

Please send some 'Infrastructure Funding'. You know that bill you passed to fix up the roads, bridges, dams, electrical grid, water ways.

Do not send a team of engineers, OSHA, DER, DEP, Prevailing Wage workers and supervisors, the operators union, a host of brand new shiny equipment. We don't want to turn a $80 job into a $80,000 job.

Just send the check.....80 bucks will do......I'll be waiting.....

Sincerely,

Pennsylvania Wild Woman

P.S. It's the only money were asking for.....we've been bailout free since 1902.

P.P.S. Of course if you decide to extend the 'Cash for Clunkers' program to include farm machinery our 1948 Hi-clear sure could used replaced....we bought it new, paid cash too, it still runs....it's just a little rough.

Day 8 - Keepin' It Real

2009-08-26T14:26:00.002-04:00

My husband just does not like my camera....no that's wrong.....

My husband does not like my camera pointed at him.......errrrrm still not quite accurate.....

My husband does not like my camera pointed at him when he is trying to deliver a serious safety message regarding firearm safety to me.

He says I don't pay attention.

I do pay attention....but I'm a woman...and therefor can multi-task EXTREMELY well.

I still love you, you grumpy bugger.....even though you growl and scowl at me.

P.S. If you don't accept my multi-tasking capabilities as normal...I'm going to make you go to couples counseling....trust me....you won't like it there. They will make you talk about your FEELINGS. That's right....feelings....no more mind reading and body language interpretation for me. You will be required to talk about what your feeling. Are you scared...huh huh are you.....you should be. LOL!!!

Day 7 Got Mud?

2009-08-25T14:56:00.002-04:00

Saturday I went out to Pearson Park to JeepFest 2009. What's JeepFest you might ask? It's like a Jeep Jamboree. I was under strict orders from Hubby that I was not to participate with our Jeep.....I was going as a spectator only.

It was unfair....but in the end I kept my wheels on the asphalt and just had a little fun with my camera. Meet some great folks and I will be back next year to have a little fun in the mud!