Wow... did January go by fast for you like it did for me?  Can't believe it's almost February. I have to say though that I really enjoyed the month.  Jim and I took a break from our entertainment business... we did a few things here and there, but a good rest was in order after our hectic and crazy December.

On the other hand, January did not go by as uneventful.  I spent a lot of time doing in-home photography practising up on my skills for still life and my studio lighting.  I also, as mentioned in my previous blog, gave a still life photography hands on workshop.  I am now participating in four of Kim Klassen's online still life photography courses.  

Okay I do have a life other than photography.... we went for walks, joined a new church, spent time with family and friends.... and oh yes, Jim and I started watching... okay, I admit a little binge watching... White Collar on Netflix...  amusing entertainment and a distraction from everyday life.

Here are some photos taken this month!    

Breakfast Prompt for My Still Sunday Class

More from the Breakfast Prompt

Top Down Prompt for Be Still (One Year Wiser) Class.  As you can see I had a visitor while taking a photo.  Instead of The Tale of Two Cities...  in our home we have The Tail of One Kitty!

No Prompt... made a homemade pizza for our granddaughter after school one day this week.   I've been making this same recipe for over 30 years... it's a no fail crust!...  I should do a blog post dedicated to the recipe (with photos).... something for down the road!

This sweet little plate was gifted to me by my wonderful and amazing neighbour Barbara, who is also a photographer, so we have lots in common and I really enjoy her company.

Top Down Prompt for Be Still (One Year Wiser) class.  I had fun doing the word art in photoshop.  I am very interested in learning more about word art.... it's finding the time to do so.

More Top Down... just practising!

No prompt here either... When Jim and I were out for a walk around town this week, we saw there was a new florist just opened called Floretta.  We went in and introduced ourselves and welcomed them.  They were so nice and we bought this lovely crocus plant and two Gerbera daisies.  You'll see them in photos to come!   The gorgeous glass bowl is from my beautiful and dear friend Michelle.   She is so supportive of my work. 

Well that's it folks.  Hope you had a great January and wishing you all the best for February.  Thank you for stopping by.... it was so nice to see you here!

A couple of months ago I was invited to speak at our local camera club on still life photography.   During the presentation one of the lovely ladies asked if I would ever give a hands-on workshop to which I answered, yes I would.   Since then, the lady contacted me and that workshop happened this week.  I decided to do a one-on-one workshop with her and we had the most wonderful time together.  To top it off, Jim prepared us a delicious soup and sandwich lunch.  What was so special though about the workshop is that I made a new friend.... she is a beautiful lady and I look forward to getting to know her more.  In fact, I used to belong to the camera club a couple of years ago and with her encouragement, I am considering joining again. 

​Here are some of the set ups we did.  We worked mostly with side lighting, straight on and then some top down shots.    

Recently I bought two white framed canvas boards (thank you Kim Klassen for the tip). They work great.  Instead of using white duct tape, I use spring clamps attached to the back to hold them together to make a right angle (hope that makes sense).  I also bought two black ones.  The white ones are 24" x 24" and the black are 18" x 24".    

For this one, I draped cheesecloth over the canvas and used one of my favourite Anthropologie cups.

I asked Jim to pick me up a couple of muffins and he came home with this donut and an eclair (photo below).   It was so tempting but I did manage to restrain myself from eating it.  I must apologize for the drool though.   

My little heart spoon is one of my favourite spoons.  Thank you to our daughter who gifted it to me.

In this photo I was showing how to focus on the item closest to the camera.  If you ever get the chance to look at or buy the book  "A Life Less Ordinary",  it is the most beautiful collection of photos and writings.  

Jim actually did buy the muffins.... carrot ones!   

I saved this photo for last.  The antique postcards are from my very dear and special friend Ann Davis, who also sent me some magazines, an antique cookie press (you will see it in photos when I make my next batch of cookies) and a beautiful hankie with the sweetest little chickie and flowers on it (I will be using it for Easter photos).   I am so blessed to belong to a group of very talented, very gifted, very awesome and very creative ladies who inspire me daily.  It is through the amazing Kim Klassen, who through her on-line courses, has brought us together from all around the world.   With Kim's teachings and the inspiration, support and encouragement from all these beautiful ladies, I was able to speak on still life photography and then put on a workshop.  I definitely didn't do it all by myself.   I am looking forward to putting on another workshop in the near future as a couple of ladies have indicated they are interested in attending.  Who knows where this will lead.... I am leaving it in God's hands.  

Thank you for stopping by.... May God bless you and have a wonderful day!