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Four Favorites, Two Purchases and One Award. What's next?

Bless me, Professor, for I have neglected any writing of any sort for the past 10 months. It's been really hard allowing the totally literary worthy thoughts to come and go and not do a freaking thing about it. Who has time to write down every word, phrase or paragraph that in the twilight hours of the day seem like the next best seller? For sure, it's not me. As much as I love it, my time has been divided among other things that have surfaced to be much more important. And, you may guess, it's photography.

Recently completing many months of Photography classes at the only licensed photography school in New Hampshire, I can honestly say was worth every dime and every minute spent focused on the material. Somewhere resident within me, I knew that having a foundation of technical knowledge would somehow be a benefit. So, finding a school that had a philosophy that matched what I was searching for was a gift. C1M Academy was, in part, a solution to my technical understanding deficit.   Walter was an excellent instructor and the classes were practical and informative. At the end of the second class, we celebrated each others work with a Photography Showing, each person displaying what they felt was their four best photography pieces. Walter provided the appetizers and the champagne punch, the music and the awards. We invited friends and it was a wonderful evening.

My four submissions were these below. It was a difficult process choosing photos that I felt were worthy of being printed, matted, framed and hung on a wall to be previewed by people I didn't know. Way different than just snapping a thousand pics on the cell phone and syncing them on my computer. Viewing a piece of art hanging on the wall is much more rewarding than just flipping through them on my iPhone. And an exercise I was thankful to complete. Now, I have a real hankering to order more prints and hit Hobby Lobby's half price sale for frames. This could be dangerous!

Cerulean Celebration

This photo was one of my favorites. On our recent vacation in Bermuda, I noticed the simple, weatherworn architecture, together with amazing hues that were surely inspired by elements like the sunset or the ocean. A constant theme throughout the island, it was impossible to resist taking photos of every one of them. This photo of a door with a cork wreath, simply because of the color blue, I named it Cerulean Celebration. I think Bermuda will be one stop I will make frequently, if for no other reason than to photograph more of the island.

Window Relics

Last year, February, we visited Williamsburg. History just oozes from every corner and crevice in that place. Some of the most amazing attributes were the dark, rich wood, the frosted glass and the pervasive Colonial style. It's classic New England combined with pilgrims, crafters, apple cider and a drum & bugle corp, complete with a cannon. Besides being absolutely freezing and snowy the days we were there, it was a great place to visit. Ducking into as many little shops, stores and coffee houses as we could to keep warm I noticed that in nearly every place was this incredible lighting. Natural, soft ambient light sought after by anyone with a camera. This window was particularly interesting in that it the little miniatures sitting on the sill were very useful back in the day, as this was an apothecary. Looking out the glass windows, you wonder how many others had looked out the same, and who were they. However, what was significant was on the inside, not the outside. This photograph was one of two that were sold that evening at the Photography Showing.

Winter Veil

The second photograph that was purchased was this one. I called it Winter Veil. This was actually outside in our yard last spring, during a snow. It was the perfect time of day when it wasn't yet dark, but very overcast and cloudy from the snow. It was also not the coldest day and there was a layer of fog covering the neighborhood. The outline of the trees was a beautiful contrast to the weather around  them. You can almost feel the moisture in the air and smell the cold and snow.

Quiet Play

The rim light on her hair, the soft background and muted colors create this amazing photo that won a 1st Prize. Thanks to the beautiful model, the warm summer day and the sunlight falling from behind. I will never get tired of taking photos of my grandchildren. It makes my heart happy and my spirit soar. Thanks Walter for the award for this photo. I'm honored.

So, what next? I am continuing to capture all things beautiful that I see. My focus over this next year will be portraits. I love taking photos on vacation of doors with wreaths, ocean waves or window relics. But what I truly love is capturing photos of people. And for sure, I know that photographing newborns, infants, and children are to be in my plans.

A Big Ask: 

I also know the only way to get better is to take more photographs, so what I need from you is this. If you know anyone who is expecting a baby, please let me know. I am booking for maternity shots as well as newborn photos within the first two weeks after they're born. Short amount of time but the best time to get those picture perfect shots of that sleeping little precious jewel.

My dining room has become a small studio and it is quickly filling with all things babies. It's pretty exciting. And the best part is for the first TEN photo shoots that end up on my calendar, your session will be absolutely free. You will be able to preview all of your photos on my photo share site. As well as order any prints or enlargements at a super discount.

Tell your friends, family and I'll be truly grateful! This is an exciting adventure that has already begun. I'd love for you to be a part of it!

Simply in Awe,

Debbie Daniele






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