If it wasn't for this month's challenge...I would NOT have taken as many pictures as I did last night!  I have attempted firework pictures before....but they were never anything I loved.  Last night I tried again!  I will share what I did---nothing too scientific---maybe you can try some new things tonight!  If you have already had success with firework pictures---please share your tricks we would love to hear them!!!

All of these shot were taken on my Canon 5d, 24-70mm 2.8L @ f 9.0 and ISO 1600.  I used "B Mode" or bulb mode.  Bulb mode allows you to have full shutter speed control.  **Bulb mode is found in most SLR cameras.  If you don't see it with your regular mode settings slow your shutter down until you see a B or BULB!** The shutter triggers and releases as long as you hold down the shutter button. 

These first two were taken with a 1 second shutter (which really is holding down and releasing):

These last two were taken with a 4 second shutter (which feels like forever when you are holding it down):

I loved the sillouettes of people on these and the glow of the low light all around.  There was a man next to us who had a tripod set up hours before the sun went down.  I was introspectively making fun of his photog nerdiness...BUT as you can see by the moon blur I had a lot of hand movement...so the tripod would have eliminated that and the people would be less blurry.  Next time I might bring a tripod- but sneak it out after the sun goes down so nobody is making fun of me...at least for my photog nerdiness ;)

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am currently reading 1776 by David McCullough- which has put President George Washington to the forefront of my mind. July is a perfect month to remember all things patriotic here in the United States of America. SO...patriotism it is!!!! For July the challenge capture patriotism all around you! I can't wait for the opportunities. I hope I will seek more out because of the challenge!

(Cherries came to mind as I thought of George Washington. I went to the internet to search out the story I remember from my childhood...and learned that it is a legend and most likely fiction! WHAT!!!!? I liked this answer to whether it is fact or fiction- "The answer lies is in the heart, which does not always distinguish between fact and fiction but always knows what it cherishes.")

Read more: http://americanhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/washingtonscherrytree#ixzz0K4SJjWT2&C)

Enjoy a wonderful and safe Independence Day!!!!!!!

I can't believe a week has gone by!!!!!!  June 20th was another wonderful {CREATE} Beautiful Images Workshop!  It was unlike any of the previous workshops...because we had rain most of the day.  Fortunately--it made for some unique learning opportunities and our participants and models were the best sports...EVER!

The workshop season is flying by for me!  March and June are completed and the first homework assignment is already out for August (which is full)!  It has been such a priveledge to teach so many talented photography lovers how to utilize their cameras!  What a rewarding experience!  Thank you to all of those who have attended any of these workshops!

A few pictures of some of our participants being GREAT sports in the rain....

I will post images of our models next week!  It has been difficult to squeeze in work with all of the summer fun going on!!!!  :)

Lens debate posted on {CREATE} blog...I would love to know what you think...

How do you thank someone who...

cared for you since birth, always believes in you, "integrity" is his middle name, an amazing example of generosity, and who loves you no matter what????

A beautiful tribute to a father found here:  http://theapronstage.com/2009/06/16/average-communting-time

I do everything I can to keep them out of my yard...

but dandelions are so beautiful when they are found in the hands of a child~

a blessing of motherhood indeed.