Thoughts – Staying Focused

June 30, 2019August 20, 2022 / Donna Robinson Photography / 8 Comments

My 52 Week Photography Challenge took a detour…….well it pretty much stalled. I have no clue why except that I just grew busy with life and other activities. It’s really ok because it served it’s purpose for jump starting my photography in 2019. And, it definitely gave my father something to do this winter when it was just a little too cold for him to venture outside and tinker in the yard (read my post here 52 Week Challenge: Week 2 – “My Everyday”). The remainder of the challenge list has some fun/interesting topics coming up so perhaps I’ll get inspired and hit the reset button…..we’ll see ;-)!

Photography Challenge or not, I am still (err) focused on my photography and continue to find other outlets and opportunities to broaden my skills. I finally pulled together my website (Donna Robinson Photography) and I have shot a corporate event and a newborn photo session, too! Plus, I have a part-time job helping a friend of ours (a personal trainer) with his social media, shooting his instructional videos and shooting other content for marketing purposes. So, yes, I’m still actively following my passion!

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And then there is always our backyard. Between the garden, the birds and the critters there is always something to photograph. The camera and “the big lens” as my husband refers to it, comes out every evening as we sit on our patio and catch-up about the day.

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This beautiful blue tipped hawk was out shopping in our yard one evening.

The squirrels are always entertaining at how nimble they are. But, we had to scale back on the bird feeders because they were devouring our supply too quickly!

My husband moved the bird bath to the front of the flower bed and the activity has definitely picked up! This little guy spent 2 – 3 minutes cleaning up!

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Let’s Ride!

But our favorite critters are the chipmunks! They are fast and efficient in how they gather their food. We’ve actually given three (3) of them names because of their consistent patterns for gathering food: “Lefty” because he comes out from the rocks on the left side of the house; “Malcom” because he comes in from the top middle of the wall; and the “Righty” because…….well you get the point.

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This little guy found water in the base of this lantern.

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Seriously?!?! When have you ever seen a chipmunk in a tree? Needless to say, he didn’t reach the bird feeder………but, he found the stash we left on the ground for him.

Michael’s convinced that he can get them trained to eat out of his hands by the end of summer. He may be right……one little guy is getting brave and comes closer to us every night!

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Now I know why some of my petunias didn’t make it!?!?

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The “Little Begger!”

How do you “stay focused” on your passion?

Until next time, Happy Summer!

Donna

Peddling Into The Weekend

May 3, 2019 / Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

Happy Friday, everyone!

Happy Monday!

April 15, 2019 / Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

May your day and week be as bright and beautiful as this Knock-Out Rose. Here’s to life and it’s possibilities!

Dad’s Backyard

April 7, 2019August 20, 2022 / Donna Robinson Photography / 8 Comments

Spring has arrived in Atlanta and it looks like it may finally be here to stay! Cool morning temps are leading to warmer afternoons. The tree pollen is EVERYWHERE and flowers are starting to bloom.

My Dad has been in the same house for 40+ years and his backyard is covered with red azalea bushes. He lets them grow naturally (no pruning or fertilizing) and they have become quite large but make a very natural backdrop around his driveway and swimming pool. They started blooming this week and since I’ve been looking for new images for a Spring collection of my greeting card line (“The Art of a Handwritten Note”) I decided to take my camera with me on a couple of my daily visits.

These were taken on Wednesday. It was late afternoon and full sun everywhere so it was difficult getting the right exposure. Look at all of the unopened buds!

There must be hundreds of blooms on this one plant

He’s had this ceramic pagoda for 50+ years. He purchased it for another house we lived in when I was a young child. I remember going with him when he bought it at a local garden center.

This plant is growing on the backside of the fence. A little bare and scrawny, but I love how the blooms look against the weathered wood.

Another perspective of the azaleas growing up the weathered fence.

The Dogwood’s are also in full bloom!

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Despite the ivy crawling up the trunk, this Dogwood is still thriving!

An upward shot of the Dogwood. I love how the pine needles and pollen peak through.

This next group I took yesterday. I couldn’t believe how much more they had bloomed in just a few days.

We’ve had a lot of fun in and around this swimming pool growing up!

A different perspective of the pagoda.

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Confederate Jasmine growing wild through the fence.

A Macro shot of the Confederate Jasmine bloom.

Growing natural intertwined with the ivy.

Macro shot of a cluster of blooms

As far as it goes with images for my greeting cards here are a few I may use. What do you think?

Another perspective of the azaleas growing up the weathered fence.

Happy Spring!

Donna

2019 Lunar Eclipse

January 28, 2019 / Donna Robinson Photography / 7 Comments

Last week’s Lunar Eclipse/Blood Moon brought a great opportunity to challenge both my photography and photoshop skills. Even the bitter cold (27 degrees) and wind couldn’t stop me. Although, I’ll admit because of the weather I wasn’t as diligent about planning and setting up my equipment (no tripod and I stayed indoors only to step outside every hour) as some of the other more skilled photographers.

After a few days of editing I finally landed on the following collage which depicts my view for the evening.

This was fun and challenging to pull together and I learned a lot both working in camera and in photoshop.

If you didn’t get a chance to experience it in person you might want to check out Space.com to see additional photos from other photographers around the world.

Donna

Week 3 Photo Challenge – Out of Focus

January 21, 2019 / Donna Robinson Photography / 7 Comments

I have to admit this wasn’t my favorite theme and it’s probably because I’m always trying to get really crisp photos. Yes, I have seen some incredible images where the subject matter is distorted. And yes, there are various techniques you can use both in camera and in photoshop to make an image dramatic and really stand out.

For the assignment, I started with a favorite photo I took several years ago on a very cold, rainy, winter day. This was actually taken from inside our car on a trip in the North Georgia Mountains. My husband spotted the building as we were driving past it, did a quick U-turn and pulled into the parking lot so I could get the shot.

I have been wanting to try the technique of shooting through a plastic bag, so I started with the basic approach of auto focus, a few extra lights (no flash) and a zip lock bag over the lens (I also used a tripod). As you can see, it was “just ok.” If I were to take this one again, I would definitely add a bounce flash.

Auto Focus

I then moved to manual focus (still using the zip lock bag), but kept the image blurry.

Close Up, Out of Focus

From there, I decided to adjust my white balance settings inside the camera. I left it on AWB, but applied a bracketing technique for white balance compensation.

0 Bracketing; White Balance Compensation A4, M2

-3 Stops Bracketing; White Balance Compensation A4, M2

+3 Stops Bracketing; White Balance Compensation A4, M2

Then, I opened the images into Photoshop and merged them into one (1). I also used the perspective crop tool to take about the mat. Funny thing the photo now looks like an old photograph that has faded with time. I use white balance compensation frequently, especially when shooting sunrises and sunsets. So it was fun to try the “photomerge” technique with these images.

I’m still not convinced that “out of focus” is a technique I will use in the future. But, you never know what photo lies ahead where this would be good to apply.

I’m looking forward to next week’s theme, “Shadows.” Fingers crossed the weather holds up and I’ll be able to get outside for some really fun shots.

Donna

52 Week Challenge: Week 2 – “My Everyday”

January 15, 2019 / Donna Robinson Photography / 7 Comments

So, the theme for this past week was all about “My Everyday.” It was a pretty good theme, challenging me more to think about “the story” of my everyday, versus really practicing photography skills.

Here’s a glimpse into “My Everyday:”

“The Workout” – I try to make it a priority to squeeze in 5 days a week, either through cardio or resistance training. These are my “indoor shoes” and my “outdoor shoes.”

“The Master Tinkerer” – I had some help with the theme this week from my Dad. He will be 91 next month and is still extremely active. I’m blessed that “My Everyday” includes spending time with him. He ALWAYS has a project to work on and I’m slowing catching on.

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“The Workshop” – The three (3) pictures above are of Dad’s workshop. He has a tool for EVERYTHING and every tool has an assigned space. Trust me, if he sends you out to his workshop to find a tool it will be EXACTLY where he said it would be!

The “End of the Day” – This is a pretty good representation of how most of my days come to an end. A refreshing beverage, a cozy fire, good music and long conversations with my husband.

Obviously, there is more to my “Everyday” but the above seem to sum it up the best. I’m humbled and blessed I have the health and the time to enjoy each.

The theme for Week 3 is “Out of Focus.” Wish me luck!

Donna

52 Week Photo Challenge – Time

January 7, 2019 / Donna Robinson Photography / 4 Comments

January has arrived in its usual form….a new year with new (or renewed) resolutions and a fresh, clean calendar waiting to be filled with appointments, birthdays, holidays and anniversaries. Yep! It’s here….2019 another year filled with 52 weeks and 365 days of possibilities.

I keep a running list of goals and projects throughout the year, January gives me an opportunity to pause and review/adjust my lists (yes, I said lists, plural). I won’t bore you with the details of each, but I will share that pretty close to the top you’ll always find “improve my photography skills.”

To jump start 2019, I decided one way to improve was to start a “Photography Challenge.” A fellow blogger, Anne – Slow Shutter Speed, gave me the idea last summer, so I finally decided to go for it. I have saved several “pins” on Pinterest, so I started there and found one that looked like fun: Project 52 Week Photo Challenge. I like the idea of a theme a week so that you have a chance to not only stretch your photography skills, but also your creativity with the theme.

The theme for Week 1 was “Time.” It was an easy one to start with as it seems like “Time” is everywhere and can be found in all shapes and sizes throughout your house.

Schweppes – Made in London

Up close Shot Using Macro Lens

Gold Tone Clock With Weights and Glass Dome

Up close Using Macro Lens

But, my favorite time pieces are the ones I found at my father’s house which he has lived in for 40+ years. So, in his house “time” has a way of documenting history.

The 1970’s “digital” Oven Clock. The oven still works.

There’s the “Golfer Clock” which commemorates a 1984 Golf Tournament Win

There’s also the timer which keeps the swimming pool running:

Notice the faded instructions on the metal box.

The dial has to be manually set and pegs are used to program the start and stop times.

But my favorite is this old GE Clock Radio. It’s one of those items that has always been around. My parents had it on their nightstand and Dad would listen to “Paul Harvey” every night before drifting off to sleep.

Time has passed and it is now prominently displayed in a guest bedroom with the furniture my parents bought when they were first married in 1950.

What I didn’t know about the radio is my mother originally purchased it while attending Georgia Baptist Nursing School in the 1940’s. After graduating, she carried it with her to Batty Hospital in Rome, Georgia where she and Dad eventually met. I just assumed the clock was something they purchased early in their marriage and it just stayed around because it still worked. But now knowing the story it has become a sentimental reminder of life, love and family.

I suppose you could say that “Time” is more than just the instrument which keeps track of the hours, minutes and seconds. “Time” becomes the memories captured throughout our lives as the clock ticks away and the calendar pages are turned.

Week 2 of the photo challenge is “Your Everyday.” This should be interesting………

Happy New Year!

Donna

Giving Thanks Over The Desert Rose

November 22, 2018November 22, 2018 / Donna Robinson Photography / 6 Comments

The following is a post from Thanksgiving 2016. As the Holiday Marathon begins, it’s a great reminder that Thanksgiving is more than the food on the table or the anticipation of the “black Friday sales.” It’s about taking the time to pause and being grateful. It’s about putting differences aside and remembering the importance of family, creating memories and showing your appreciation for your loved ones near and far.

My heart is full……..

“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 NIV

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I have many fond memories of my childhood. And, like most everyone else some are good and some are not so good. But, one of my favorite memories (which my sisters would also agree) is not of one particular event, but rather of multiple events centered around our mother’s dishes. These were the dishes that brought us together as a family every day at dinner time; these were the dishes where we chatted about the events of the day; these were the dishes that remind us of home, family and of her.

“Desert Rose by Franciscan” was the name of the pattern. With four (4) pink and white embossed flowers circling each plate, they were connected by their leaves and stems eloquently forming scalloped edges. The dish set came with everything you can imagine….there were dinner plates, salad plates, dessert plates, cups and saucers and the list goes on. There were even salt and pepper shakers in the shape of unopened blooms.

We don’t know what happened to her dish set. It’s almost as if when she passed away the dishes disappeared as well.

But, something strange and wonderful happened this year……..The dishes found their way back into our family. Well, not exactly the dishes, but a set just like them. As my husband and I were wandering through Tuesday Morning, I stumbled upon a knock-off set, took a picture and sent it to my sister. Within about 10 minutes she sent me a photo from an e-bay email link she had just received of an authentic set of the dishes. After about 20 minutes of texting back and forth with our other sister, we realized that it was the 40th anniversary of her passing. Perhaps our mother was speaking to us through the dishes?

Fast forward to Thanksgiving……Dad’s favorite holiday a time of the year he especially enjoys having the family together. Our typical get togethers are “buffet style, sit where you can find a seat kind of meals” leaving everyone scattered throughout different rooms. And so, this year my sisters and I decided to make Thanksgiving extra special by transforming the living room into a dining room in order to seat everyone at one table. Not a small feat to do, but we did it (thanks to the help of my husband)……..everyone had a seat at the table. And, at every place setting was “Desert Rose.”

With Dad seated at the head of the table and his grandchildren and great grandchildren intently listening to his every word, he proudly told the story of how the dishes came back into our lives. And then, just like the original dishes, they became the dishes we said grace over; they became the dishes we chatted over and caught up with each other about all that is happening in our lives; they became the dishes that now meant family, home and reminded us of our mother and “Giving Thanks over the Desert Rose.”

“The Art of a Handwritten Note”

November 18, 2018November 18, 2018 / Donna Robinson Photography / 3 Comments

For quite a while I have been mulling over the idea of creating a line of greeting cards featuring my photography. So, when the opportunity for early “re-wirement” (i.e. retirement) landed in my lap, I knew it was time to put a plan into motion. After all, how many times had I told myself: “When I retire I will have time to do this or I will have time to do that.”

That time arrived in early May and with the “wiring” of Corporate America still running through my veins the planning process began. Having already selected a few designs I was ahead of the curve, but several tasks still needed to be done: selecting the right paper, packaging, establishing a good price point, photographing the cards, building inventory, branding and most importantly finding the right outlet to sell them.

I may not have stayed completely true to my timelines, but I followed the process. Yes, there were weeks when I didn’t lift the camera, or do any research. But, as with any passion that burns deep within us, I was always “thinking” about the collection.

Finally, with all of the tasks completed, I am excited to introduce to you “The Art of a Handwritten Note – A Greeting Card Collection.” Those of you who have followed me for a while will recognize a few photos from my previous posts……below is a sampling of the cards.

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IMG_7648 090518 North Georgia Wildflowers copyright

I don’t have any wild expectations from this journey, only to have a little fun and perhaps to brighten someone’s day either through my photography or the personal notes written on each card.

If you would like to read about “the story behind the story” or purchase the greeting cards through my Etsy storefront, you can follow this link to my “project page” The Art of a Handwritten Note

Thank you in advance for taking a peek at my collection. 🙂

Donna