A few things must be said before you click play. First of all, I can't believe I'm posting this. There were several coughing attacks that I cut out because I'm sick. Also, it's a solid fact that I am an awkward talker and thus this video is awkward.
But here is your vlog - complete with camera lens hugging, plenty of um's, quiet talking and mumbling, photography terminology, forgetting how to say words, and screaming siblings in the background. And washed out skin. I promise I'm tanner and more alive in person. Nevertheless, enjoy!
*Turn up your volume at the end if you want to hear what I said.
Photoscape // email if interested in lenses
Also, new design. My design skills are severely lacking. I need help.
5.21.2012
5.18.2012
signs of summer
Everything is reminding me of summer, lately. Blame it on my tired school brain or the fact that this is the busiest and most exciting summer of my life, but I've been ready for summer since the beginning of May. Over here, we've been going barefoot for weeks, and the first campfire was enjoyed - complete with s'mores. Plans have been made for the first trip to the lake cottage. I'm flying by myself for the first time. Friendships will be strengthened and more friends made. The garden is planted. Shorts and bathing suits have been purchased.
After three finals and five classes on Monday, this summer will be mine. A job, photography sessions, gardening, traveling, lake house weekends. It's all on the very v e r y close horizon. And every time I think about it, I am overwhelmed with excitement, happiness and thankfulness.
Every thing has lined up perfectly so that these months are a perfect balance of fun, work, and fellowship. It's going to be a good few months.
5.15.2012
the house at night
5.09.2012
The Garden
The screen slides open with a creak, its wheels protesting the awakening from winter hibernation. It is the first sweet spring day, and they know what that means. He stands from his worn leather chair, knees and seams both groaning with age. She sits in the kitchen, sifting through handwritten recipes and magazine cutouts, looking for anything she could prepare for dinner that night...again. He climbs the step into the kitchen where she was. The place she always is, he thought.
They don't have to say anything - the scent of spring and the thought of what that meant was enough to stir the memory. Standing slowly and walking even slower, she retrieves his coat. Scratchy, worn wool tickling her delicate, but work-calloused hands, his still-strong arms find their holes as she helps him put the coat on. She gets her scarf, still resting on the piano bench from the recent winter outings.
The screen door takes some coaxing, but he manages to open it wide enough that both of them can go out together, supporting each other down the two concrete steps to the patio. Though the walk to the garden is only a short way away, she tucks her arm in his, and his scratchy coat brushes her wrinkled cheek. She smiles at that. He had always told her they were the perfect height for each other - her head resting on his arm and his chin resting on her head.
Their steps were slow...much slower than they used to be when they would chase each other around the house - just the two of them - until he would catch her and tickle her. Then, when their babies were born, they would play tag in the backyard, while the dandelions and clover glowed with evening sunlight.
They are headed for the bare patch in their yard. In the black dirt, not a weed is to be seen, for the ground has been so well cared for that weeds are afraid to come back. This is his and this is hers. This patch that looks so neglected and exposed - they have seen it full of life and provision. They have dug hands down into clumped ground, tossed seeds into hand-plowed rows, and pulled weeds for hours. This is the place where they taught their children to reap what they sow, and that hard work is rewarding.
The Garden. It is their constant in this physical life. It does not suffer from heart attacks or cancer; it does not lose its friends one by one; it does not forget its grandchildren's names and birthdays. This haven is their place of simplicity. Each day, the shoots become plants, and the buds become produce, while the planters grow weaker and their love grows stronger. And in the summer, when the green beans plants are tall and tangled, the hot wind blows. Those green bean plants whisper a song that he says to her everyday. Stay with me. One more day. My beloved. The garden sings it as well, for somehow, it knows that the planters are forgetting about their haven. It has had a good life.
*Photos of our early garden!
*Look for more fiction from me soon. I'm in a writing mood!
4.30.2012
rainy days + week plans
This past week has been gray and cold, while today was rainy and overcast. I'm not ashamed to say that I have no desire to blog at the moment. My summer plans are so near, but with nothing fully finalized yet, I've been counting down each day until school ends. (And I may have been looking at summer inspired photos a little too much.) I've always been one to look ahead to the future instead of live each day to the fullest. This week I want to....do a random act of kindness, wake up earlier, turn in that application (finally), finish school before the weekend, be a sister and friend.
What will you do this week?
ask me questions on formspring
4.27.2012
self-portraits & tips
I've recently had many people email me with question about my self-portraits. I don't put as many self-portraits on my blog as I do on my Flickr page, but it's something I really enjoy. Taking photos of myself often gets me out of my comfort zone, and it's also a way to satisfy that "photography need" in me when my siblings aren't willing subjects.
At the beginning of the year, I started a 52 project, where I take one self portrait a week. Many of these photos have concepts behind them, which is why they may seem a little "strange" to some people. What I love to do with my photography is convey a deeper message than a viewer may first perceive. Song lyrics, quotes, even a word can be translated through a photo in a unique way, in your own way.
Tip #1: Use a tripod. A tripod is one of my essential tools when it comes to taking selfies. It allows you to achieve the composition and settings you want, instead of dragging your siblings or parents around. Getting the right shot definitely takes time! And trust me when I say, you will never get the photograph you want in the first five shots. That's one reason a tripod is good - it stands still as long as you want it to!
Tip #2: Buy a remote. I was able to buy a remote from Kiley that I use very often. Remotes are cheap and easy to learn how to use. This is the one I have. There are so many reasons I love my remote. I don't have to run back and forth from the camera to my pose. Also, the remote will focus on you, so you know you are usually getting the focus you want.
Tip #3: Throw away the humble. I believe that humility is one of the greatest attributes in a person. However, I think that in the area of self-portraits, there is very little room for it. It's one thing to constantly take photos of yourself and post them on your blog or put them on Facebook. But, it's also important that you capture yourself like you capture other clients or family members. Think of it like this: If you take photos so that you can remember the good moments and people you love, why should you forget yourself? It's important to have photos of yourself, too!
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| song title: Feels so Close |
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| jumping that looks like dancing//even a failed attempt can turn out! |
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| song title: Is Anybody Out There |
Tip #4: Be creative. This is basically the simplest tip out there, but it's oh, so true. Try new poses. Shoot from different angles. Play around with lighting and shadows. If you don't have a tripod, find a chair, table, or box to set your camera on. Take a concept (i.e. Bible verse, song, definition of your favorite word, poem, quote), think about that concept and what it means to you, and then translate that meaning through a photograph. Find interesting props - hang them, hold them, throw them...you get the point. Do something different than the normal arms stretched, camera-holding pose. You'll love the results!
Last, don't be afraid to look like a total dork! I try to take my photos away from my siblings, who seem to think that photographing myself reaching for a globe is absolutely hilarious. You will look funny, I promise. You will take a lot of photos that you will immediately delete. Like I said before, self-portraits get you waaay out of you're comfort zone. But when you get that perfect shot of the scene you had in your head, it feels good!
I'd really love to see some of your self-portraits! Get out there and practice, edit and upload, blog about it, then come back here and link up!
psst...I got a Formspring. Ask away!
4.22.2012
a weekend letter to myself
REMINDERS:
+courage
+my future is still on the horizon
+be real
+stop trying to think it all through
+perfectionism cannot be reached
+true love waits
+inspiration isn't everything
+tomorrow never comes
Dear sixteen year old Olivia - Stop worrying about your future. Why is it necessary to have your life planned out as a sophomore? A lot can happen in two years - remember that. Those girls who have college plans and career plans right now...you don't have to be like them. Don't be terrified of your future. It's in better hands. And love? Stop thinking about it. This time is special. Why waste it by boy-chasing? Your significant other, "him", "the boy" - whatever you want to call him - he's out there, but he's not ready and neither are you.
You know how you've been thinking about inspiration? Well, it isn't everything. Life is inspirational. Live it. Watch it. It passes so quickly, how can it not be inspirational? Every day should be an inspiration to you. To go along with that, remember that tomorrow will never come. Stop pushing things off. Go take in that job application, kiss your sisters and brothers more, keep saving money for that car, call your friends. It's worth it.
Finally, be real. Have integrity. Don't be afraid to talk to people - pour into them. Random acts of kindness should be remembered. Laugh more. Stop being so sarcastic. Stop worrying about what people will think when you state your opinion. Just live.
