Archive for '365 Project 2011'
Project 365 Day 365: Finish Line
Posted on 02. Jan, 2012 by maryanne.
Last Day
Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8 L, 6.3 aperture, 10 second shutter with a tripod, 320 ISO
We had a good time shooting this image with Katie, Annie and her sweet friend Kate all helping. (Even though we had a few mishaps.) A couple times they got the numbers backwards and the sparklers wouldn’t light or they would go out too soon. It was a challenge, but we got it!
Here are a few outtakes below 
Hmmmm
Nope
Let's Just Dance Around Kate
Often is it easier to commit to something than to actually do it. That has been my experience during this 365 project. I am delighted to finally complete this journey. There were moments I was sure I could not do it, but I have finished at last!
It has been both difficult and rewarding on many levels. I know my husband will be grateful I am wrapping it up, so he can see me again in the late evening hours. It has taken hours of my life to process photos, choose them, and then actually write something coherent and somewhat meaningful here on this blog night after night. Yes, I am grateful too. But although it has been a trying task, I am so thankful for how it has pushed me to become better, dig deeper and find more resolve than I thought I had. Most nights I know I crossed over my own limits and found strength that only God could give to complete another post. He met me, time after time, giving me beautiful images to capture and then the thoughts to share about them. I never intended to write about my images. I was just going to post photos, like most 365 projects I have seen. I discovered that I love to write as well and I enjoyed developing that passion during this project. You never know where God will lead you when you embark on a new journey.
I think my favorite part of this year has been the people I have gotten to meet, either by photographing them ( “Hi, can I photograph you for my project I am working on?” so scary) or the ones that have become so dear to me and part of my life by reading my humble posts and emailing me or commenting on the blog. I am so grateful that by opening myself here, I have gained friendships that I would not have had otherwise. I love all of you! Thank you for being part of my little world here.
This year, you embarked on a journey with me.
From that very first day, where I jumped in, and some of you decided to come along. Thank you. I shared some secrets that have helped my marriage shine, on many occasions. I tried my best to show you my best view of hope, and hope in the midst of darkness. Always hope.
I photographed my kids a lot. With their faces painted, riding dirt bikes, drumming with paint, and getting sprayed with water. And so much more. They are good sports. How I love my Katie, Annie, and Johnny.
I talked about my husband, as farmer, musician, and told our love story. He is my best friend, and my partner for life.
Oh, I could go on. The flowers, (too many to link!), the sunsets, bubbles, and water drops. I took you with me to Nashville, Indiana and Oxford, England. These are just to name a few.
Thank you for being part of my journey. Thankfully it doesn’t end here. I do not intend to stop blogging. Probably just not every day.
I am excited to see what God has for 2012! He is so good! I have put together a calendar from this year’s project. If you are interested, you may purchase it here, or by clinking the link in the header that says Calendar.:)
In addition, I have posted the images from this year on a Flickr Set, where you can view them all at once.
Blessings my wonderful friends. See you very soon.
~Mary Anne
Ephesians 1:16-19 ~”I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
Add your comment...
365 Project Day 364: Endings
Posted on 01. Jan, 2012 by maryanne.
Bokeh Melodies
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.2 aperture, 1/40 shutter speed, 500 ISO
Everyone has gone to bed. The house is quiet as I walk into the room where our Christmas tree still stands with all her lights shining. My chest tightens as I feel the weight of an ending coming into view. I begin to weep. I am not ready. I brush the soft needles of the frasier fir with my fingertips, as tears smear the lights into a dreamy blur.
It’s not the tree, I know this. It’s what it represents. Time moves on. Things come to an end. I reach up and touch Katie’s ballet slipper ornament. Each one holds a memory, each put on by the hands of those I love most.
I want to hold it somehow, but I can’t. Ornaments have to be put away. Children have to pack their bags and go back to school. Just when I got used to the laughter, the singing, the clinking of dishes in the kitchen and the slam of the mudroom door. I will miss the chatter upstairs of sisters sharing stories, and songs being written on the sofa in the light of this tree.
I am not ready for this ending. Tomorrow we will pack up decorations and discuss plans for a new season. I will write my last post on this 365 project. Time to move forward. I let the remaining tears I have been unknowingly storing up fall onto flannel pajamas and open hands.
I turn off the switch and the tree fades into the darkness. It is time to be brave and trust the One who turns the seasons with His gentle and strong hands.
For what are endings except the edges of new beginnings?
Psalm 33:20-22 ~”We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.”
Add your comment...
365 Project Day 363: Bringing in 2012 with Cowboy
Posted on 31. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Happy New Year!
Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8L, 55 focal length, 6.3 aperture, 1/80 shutter, 100 ISO, Alien B800 to to camera left at 1/16 power with large soft box. An additional B800 was used in the back at camera right at 1/32 power.
Cowboy wanted to see his public one more time on my 365 project before it is over, so I told him he could help me bring in the new year. He heard that many of you are requesting a calendar of just him and he is very flattered. He says he will be happy to help with that if I need him. I said I would let him know. If it involves pizza crust, he is definitely in.
Cowboy is simply the best dog model ever. I think he would do just about anything for me. He gets excited when he sees me setting up the studio. He just seems to know that I need him, and his golden retriever-loyalty takes over. Love him.
I pray for a blessed and wonderful 2012 for all of you. May you come to know the God who loves you so deeply a little more each day. May you discover the beauty in your life, and stir up gratitude daily until it soaks you in contentment and joy. May you receive countless blessings from the Father of Lights who delights in sowing desires into your heart, just so He can meet them. May you awaken to warm light, sleep under bright stars, walk with those you love, and discover deeper colors than you have ever known. May the kisses of God light upon your face until you radiate His love to the world.
You have all been such a blessing to me. Happy New Year from Cowboy and me.
Psalm 126:2 ~Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’ The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Cowboy's Serious Face
It's Time to Celebrate
This is Cowboy's Cute Face
Even Cuter
But Cowboy Getting Tired
Cowboy Can't Stay Up
Cowboy Done Now
Add your comment...
365 Project Day 362: Hunting Magic
Posted on 30. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Dancing into the Sky
Canon 5D Mark ll, 16-35 2.8L, 2.8 aperture, 19 mm focal length, 1/160 shutter alien B800 bare bulb at 1/8 power
I owe this very challenging project a great debt for teaching me some wonderful things this year. On many occasions, I have had to step outside of my comfort zone to complete my goal for the day. Driven to find the magic, I could not settle for mediocrity. If I didn’t know how to do something I have looked it up, or experimented until I got the effect I wanted. Gratefully, the old barriers that would stop me in my tracks in the past are no longer as formidable to me now. However, the worst (and best) part about that is, new barriers arise when old ones fall. This is called growth. It is often scary and painful, but so worth it. The colors of life grow richer and deeper as I continue to take risks.
I am learning to look fear in the face and move forward. It is a process, sometimes excruciatingly slow, but I am still moving forward.
When speaking with a younger photographer the other day, I encouraged him to never be afraid to experiment with lighting or angles when working with people. They can be intimidating sometimes, but they are just people. The truth is, they win when we take our time to find the magic. The magic presents itself in each of us uniquely. Only we know when we find it. If we skip over the process to cater to the desires of others, not only do we lose, the whole world loses. The magic in you was meant to be shared. It is God’s gift to the world. He will help you find it, craft it, and send it out into the earth.
Wait for the magic. Seek it like treasure. Experiment and work until it is in your hands. Don’t be afraid and don’t give up.
Tonight was a perfect example of this process. This being the last week of my 365 Project, I am feeling a little depleted. As the sun began to set, I knew my time was running out for any daylight shots. I have been sick this week and staying up late to finish my work. Katie, knowing my dilemma, sweetly volunteered to model for me. We headed out to the pasture where we could see the best view of the sunset. I did get the one shot above, which I loved, but I wanted something more. I just didn’t know what. I had the idea to pull the car around and shine the headlights behind her straight into my lens, while continuing to use my studio light. I had to shine a flashlight to find her face as the light was fading fast. The images below are the result. I think we found a bit of magic. Grateful for God’s provision once again, my heart can rest.
It’s a good feeling. Magic.
Ephesians 1:18,19 ~” I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
Seeing the Light
Beauty and Flare
The Stars Lining Up
She who is Katie
Add your comment...
365 Project Day 361: Love in Bloom
Posted on 30. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Happy
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L 2.8 aperture, 1/320 shutter 100 ISO
It was such a joy spending the afternoon with these two lovebirds, Anna and Adam. I have known Anna since she was three. Chris and I were in her parents’ small group when Katie was born. We have kept in touch with her family over time and she has commented often on my 365 project this year, although she is living in Louisiana. She contacted me last month and informed me that she and Adam would be moving to Korea after Christmas and asked if I would be willing to photograph them before they left. She wanted to be photographed in her wedding dress since she will not be taking it with her. She said she didn’t mind getting it dirty and mentioned horses, and that was all I needed to know. I knew we would have some fun. They have been married two years, but they still act like they just got married yesterday. They were so sweet together.
My girls both assisted me on this shoot and it was fun for all of us. We even got out the the rain-maker in 50 degree weather! They were brave souls. We had horses, old books, beautiful sun flare, feathers flying in the air, and rain falling from a tree. Oh, and an amazingly sweet couple. Sounds like perfection to me.
Blessings, Adam and Anna. We wish you well on your new adventure together. May the Lord bless you keep you. Thanks for spending the day with us and helping me log another day onto my 365 project with your sweetness.
Numbers 6:24-26 ~” The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Sharing Interests
All Day with You
Focused on Her
Embrace
Perfect
No Place to Go
Surprises on both Sides
Horsey Hug
Pure
Horse Girl
Beauty
Carefree
Spontaneous
Dance
Fire and Ice
Add your comment...
365 Project Day 360: Dreaming in White
Posted on 29. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Behind the Veil
Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 2.8 aperture, 1/125 shutter, 100 ISO
*This post is dedicated to my friend Mia. She loves tulips because they remind her of growing up in Sweden with her mother, who would set out bouquets of them every Christmas. These are for you, sweet Mia.
I fell in love with these lovely white tulips at my local grocery store this week and brought them home with my 365 project in mind. I wanted to photograph their softness. They have such an ethereal quality. Most of my photos are bright and bold, and I felt a little intimidated about truly capturing the sweetness of these flowers. Still, I wanted to try. I see a lot of amazing soft photography on pinterest but I don’t see that quality in my own work. So, in an effort to stretch myself, I decided to try something a little different with these lovelies.
Aren’t they simply wonderful? Their delicate, almost-sheer petals fascinate me, looking like a veil between earth and eternity. I see my Creator God here, his strength and glory revealed in the fragility of a flower. Even the flowers know how to worship, bowing their heads under the weight of his glory.
I want to be more like them. Frail, and yet made perfect in the hands of my Creator.
Ecclesiastes 3:11~”He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Falling in Worship
Singular Beauty
Trust
Ethereal Beauties
Delicate Shadow
Bathed in Winter Light
Dreaming of Spring
Weight of Glory
Add your comment...
365 Project Day 359: Finishing the Race
Posted on 28. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Suiting Up
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 3.5 aperture, 1/60 shutter speed, 160 ISO
This post is for anyone who is finding themselves on a difficult journey. Some days you may feel like you won’t survive it, or that you just want to quit because you are so tired.
You can do it.
This being the last week of a 365 project, I am feeling like I just may make it now. There has been a lot of crying, some anger, deep frustration, and much fatigue as I have bumped into the edge of myself again and again. There are has also been joy, a sense of accomplishment, a new awareness of what I can do, new friendships and relationships made, and higher levels of learning and vision for my craft.
I am grateful for this project, mostly because I have learned that I can finish something difficult. I will, however, give props where they are due. I am quite sure I could not have gotten past the first week without the encouragement and support of my family and the relationships I have developed through this blog. I cannot count how many times I have gotten an encouraging email or comment from someone at just the right time saying, ” Keep going, you can do this!” Encouragement is a powerful force. And so, I want to thank every single person who has ever commented, on or off my blog to me and encouraged me to keep going. What seemed like a silly project became a powerful lesson in perseverance and digging deeper within myself to stay on course. Thank you, all of you, for being part of that.
You do not have to be doing a 365 project to be in the middle of a difficult journey, however. Truthfully, the places in which many of you are walking may be much more exasperating than a blog project. However, the lessons I have learned during this short (and also very long) year apply to many circumstances. I would like to share a few.
Eye on the Prize
- First of all, place whatever it is in God’s hands. He alone holds all things, and He will be your help and your strength. Pray and ask Him for his help. In His kindness towards me He has shown me beauty in unexpected places over and over again, when I had absolutely nothing. He cares about the details of your life too. Every single one of them.
- Take it one step at a time. You do not have to finish the entire goal on today’s provision. He will give you what you need for each step of the way. I cannot count the times I found fresh manna and new mercies every day.
- Keep walking. Do not quit. Pray, and keep walking. Put one foot in front of the other.
- Receive the encouragement of others. I strongly encourage community and letting others help you. We were not meant to walk this life alone. You might have to reach out to find friendships. Don’t let pride keep you from finding relationship and community.
- Pile up rocks. This is what the people of God did when they wanted to remember the things God had done for them. They would pile up stones in a place where He moved on their behalf, so they could come back to that place and tell their children about the his mighty wonders. We do not have to do this literally, but finding ways to remember and be grateful is good for our hearts and encourages us that God is with us. Sometimes my images can be like this for me. I can go back and say, “I remember when God showed me that when I was at the end of myself.”
- Finally, keep your eye on the prize. Don’t forget your goal and where you are headed. You will go where you set your gaze. Keep your eyes fixed on your goal. I love this song by Sara Groves. It will encourage you if you can take the time to listen to it.
And now, to the finish line!
Where Intention Meets Action
Finding New Levels
Finish Line Ahead
James 1:2-5 ~”Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Add your comment...
365 Project Day 358: Empty Vessel
Posted on 26. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Shining in and Through
Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 macro 2.8, 2.8 aperture, 1/125, 400 ISO
My mom gave me these lovely seltzer bottles yesterday. I love their color and character. I set them on my kitchen table when I came in last night before I went to bed. Chris and I both went to bed feeling a little sickly last night and then woke up with full blown colds this morning. Both of us are exhausted, and now we are sick too. We try to take care of ourselves, but this has been an extremely busy season for us.
Time to rest. We no longer have a choice.
While I was refilling my hot tea today, I saw the bottles illuminated by the afternoon sunlight from my kitchen window, casting their colors across the table. They were beautiful, their glory shining in the light of day. They hardly seemed like the same bottles that I brought home the night before. Mesmerized, I walked over to them, studying them. Empty vessels. Was I like them? Empty and poured out? I am certainly poured out, but not as empty as I need to be, not to shine like that. Just tired. I feel the debris still rattling around inside of me. Fragments of busyness and selfish ambition that rush in to fill the ache of emptiness. I found myself in an immediate quandary over this truth. In order to be filled with the things of God, his light and love, I need to be emptied.
The problem is, I do not like to endure the ache of emptiness, and so I continually occupy myself with anything but. I want the fullness of God, but I do not like to let go of what is familiar and comforting.
And so, I pray. He says to ask Him when I need something. Even if what I need is his help to reign in my own will. My stubbornness. ” Lord, please empty me.”
I can no longer bear the rattle and battle of all the other things that so conveniently pour in to fill even the smallest of voids in my spirit. “Empty me, and fill me with You,” I pray again. I want to be like these bottles, filled only with your light and the colors that they have been given by their maker.
“I will endure the ache, if You will fill me with Yourself.”
Matthew 5:6 ~”Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
2 Corinthians 4:7 ~”But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;”
Ready
Color and Character
Filled with Light
Open Heart
Made for This
Iridescent Heart
Add your comment...
365 Project Day 357: A New Generation
Posted on 26. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
Sweetness
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 1.4 aperture, 1/40 shutter speed, 1250 ISO, on camera flash bounced off ceiling set to ETTL
My sweet great-nephew Wyatt had his first Christmas this year and the family gathered around to ooh and ahh over his chubby cheeks and pudgy toes. We could not get enough of him. Babies bring so much life and joy into a home. He had lots of people waiting in line to rock, feed, and snuggle him to sleep today. He didn’t seem to mind. We were all hypnotized by his efforts to express himself with his little sounds, as he shaped his perfect baby lips into circles and smiles.
The children’s table is now another grown-up table as life moves on and comes full circle again. Change can be difficult and wonderful all at the same time. This table is now full of talented, compassionate and witty adults that I am proud to call my family. I see the beauty and grace of the Lord in each of their faces. Kingdom seeds have been planted in each one, and the fragrance of the presence of God rests on them.
This is true wealth.
Wealth and Riches
I especially loved watching Annie feed Wyatt. She will be a marvelous mother someday. She has a special connection with children. I have seen it over and over again. I captured some sweet moments of them together. Love his little pudgy fingers wrapped around his bottle. Any mother knows, this is the best place on earth. We were made to hold our babies next to our hearts. It’s the letting go that is a little more complex.
Here are a few more of Annie and Wyatt together.
2nd Cousins
Finger Kisses
Family Joy
Baby Toes
Isaiah 59:21 ~” ‘As for me, this is my covenant with them,’ says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on forever,’ says the Lord.”
Add your comment...
365 Project Day 356: Merry Christmas
Posted on 25. Dec, 2011 by maryanne.
The Best Gift
Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 3.5 aperture, 0.4 shutter speed, tripod, and 580 EXll off camera at 1/64 power to right of subject
Merry Christmas everyone. God is with us. May you feel the His light and love today.
Luke 2:1-20 ~” In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria). And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
’Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
