Happy Fall!!!

Happy Fall Y'all!!! What is the first Fall activity you plan on doing this year?

Fall Countdown...1 Days To Go!

Begin the drum roll and prepare your farewell to Summer!!

Fall Countdown...2 Days To Go!

Can't believe it, just 2 days to go!

Fall Countdown...3 Days To Go!

Only 3 more days to sweater weather and pumpkin patches!

Fall Countdown...4 Days To Go!

We're on the final stretch, just 4 days to go! I can already smell apple cider and burning leaves!

Fall Countdown...5 Days To Go!

Don't you love waking up on a cool, brisk morning? Half-way there!

Fall Countdown...6 Days To Go!

Only 6 glorious days to go...

Fall Countdown...7 Days To Go!

Happy Saturday, only a week to go! This one was shot in The Aspens...

Fall Countdown...8 Days To Go!

It's over 100 degrees here in Southern California, but hope spring eternal (or would that be 'falls'? lol). The countdown continues...

Fall Countdown...9 Days To Go!

The countdown to Fall continues...

Fall Countdown!

Fall is only a little more than a week away...10 days to be exact...so, let's start a countdown!

Music For All Seasons

Just wanted share a project that both my co-author Kristin and I worked on together! A while back I completed a mini concept album called "Seasons". It contains 6 tracks that explore the 4 seasons and how they reflect different stages of life.

I recently put together videos for all 6 tracks, featuring gorgeous seasonal photos taken by Kristin in a New England setting. The only exception is the set of photos for "Summer", which were taken by me at the Great Lakes, Pacific Ocean & Atlantic Ocean. To highlight this glorious time of year I have chosen to post the entire set of videos from Seasons via YouTube. My greatest hope is that the lyrics will speak to you and bring to mind the elements of each season.

For more info visit these websites:
Jakki Jelene Official Website
Kristin Small Photography

Creating A Special Gift For Dad

Father's Day is this Sunday (June 20th), and if you or your children are looking for a unique, last minute gift for Dad I've got just the thing! Why not consider taking all your favorite family photos and making a Memory Book that Dad will cherish for years to come?

Unlike traditional scrapbooks, anyone can create a Memory Book even if they are short on time and resources. There are many businesses that offer services for customized books, but with so little time left between now and Sunday I recommend using Walmart's Photo Service. Not only for their easy to use software and affordable prices, but the in-store pickup is convenient as well.

If a Memory Book seems to be too big of a project to handle you can also customize calendars, clothing, mugs, cards, posters and much more! But ya better get on it soon...time is running out! Check out the website for more info:

http://photos.walmart.com

Photographing Spring Blooms

Spring is lovely everywhere you go, but for us northerners there is a special delight in viewing the world renew itself after a long winter's sleep. There is a physical response to the warmth of the sun and the sight of things green that we wouldn't appreciate and respond to so much had it not been for months of a white and barren landscape. Little dots of color in the midst of it all just add pure joy to the experience and wonder at God's artistic hand.

I am compelled to go outside again and take in deep breaths. I glory in the newness around me and dream and plan for the beauty ahead . . . spring and fall are the times I am most compelled to get my camera out and take shots of something besides my children. I MUST try and capture this beauty, and though my attempts are feeble, I never give up. Of course, sharing with others is another great excuse to try and I'm happy to have a forum here.

Here are some early, spring blooms -- some of the more common ones you'll find in the northeast. Of course, they are perennials and only last a little while (thus another reason for photos) and that makes their time even more special. Our first gifts and promises of more to come.

Our fist glimpse of color: crocus. Yellow or purple, they are very much welcome!




Then come the tulips -- my favorite perennial of all:

Little buds all over the bushes -- promises of green and berries:

Lovely tulip magnolia:

And the sunny daffodil:

Part of the fun of photography is capturing the essence of where you live. There are plants, animals, and landscapes unique to your region -- consider getting the camera out and making a small tribute album. It reminds us of what we love about our homes -- and if you don't love your home already, an album like that might change your mind.

Enjoy the remainder of our glorious spring!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

I'm happy to have finally gotten a chance to get out and take some pictures of our beautiful snow here in NH. We've been buried since December, but I haven't had a chance to really catch it when it's fresh on the trees -- you know, before the wind knocks it all down. There is something just lovely when it is fresh and still sticking to the branches.

I also got out early to avoid the harsh sun (even overcast skies can be harsh for photography) and I'm pretty happy with the results. It's a challenge to balance all that white sky, ground, and snow. As you can see, some of the pictures are converted to black-and-white; just another fun and interesting way to appreciate this kind of scenery (especially since the scenery has very little color anyway.)

The beauty of snow is the thing I love most about winter. It's so special to me that I cannot think of ever giving it up -- not even for warmer climates. Many people do not understand that because they cannot stand the cold. It can be very hard to take, but up here, it's just part of life and we make the most fun out of it as we can (skating, sledding, skiing . . .)

There is also nothing like snuggling up in a warm blanket by a blazing fire, knowing that the cold is being kept out and we are all safe and comfortable, confined and snug together.























These last two were a challenge -- I couldn't decide if I liked the color or B&W best! What do you think?





I hope you can get out and enjoy this special season. It is an extra-long one here in NH, but it still seems to go by in a flash!

Take Those January Photos!

Yes, I know, after Christmas there probably seems little need to keep pulling the camera out -- but not so! There are many wonderful photo ops for January, especially if you live in a snowy climate. Of course, January is also a good time to just commit more to your photo hobby. Check out supporting websites and blogs like 365 Days Photo Project and Project 365. (I know -- it would have been nice to hear about this by Jan. 1, but it's not too late!)

Here are some fun, photo topics for the month of January:

* New Year's Eve/Day Party or family time. (Of course, if you were in NYC, that's even better.)

* Snowmen. (Oh, those are fun!)
* Kids bundled up to play outside (those are usually very colorful and fun.)
* Winter in tropical or desert climates (in order to make others drool)
* Sledding, snowboarding, skiing . . . . you get the idea.
* Icicles hanging off your roof.
* Fresh snowfall on trees. (And that means soon after the snowfall before the wind blows it away.)
* Family around a cozy fireplace.
* Plates of cookies, muffins; bowls of chili, soup; colorful cups of hot co-co.
* Family game or craft nights.

These "every day" things make some of the best, most memorable photos for your albums. It's the little things that grown children love to remember and talk about.

I do want to caution you that taking photos in bright snow can be tricky. I could say more about basic photography skills that will help you, but I'll just offer a few basic tips:

* Check the settings on your point-and-shoot camera. Often there is a "scenic" or "creative" mode that allows you to fine-tune your settings for things like "snow." (Or "foliage", "fireworks", etc.) This greatly aids you in exposure and white balance (so you won't get that blue snow.)
* Be careful that you do not "shoot" into direct sunlight. Make sure the sun is in front of your subjects -- or better yet, wait for early morning or evening or overcast days (just try not to get the overcast sky in your photo, it could really mess up the exposure, esp. with snow photos.)
* If you have a point-and-shoot camera, and use creative modes, make sure you put the setting on "action" for sledding or skiing shots. This will increase your shutter speed so you can capture the action (instead of getting a big blur.)
* For indoor shots, place your subjects as close to a window as you can for natural light -- then you can turn off the flash. It's harder up north (where it is so dark), but it makes for better-looking photos. Bring in extra light if you cannot use a window and if your flash is too bright, go into your flash settings and just turn it down.

I hope these tips inspire you to keep those cameras clicking during this beautiful time of year!

Get Out The Camera This Holiday Season!

Most people are quick to get the camera out for major holidays and birthdays and there are many good reasons why. These are the times of our lives! But there are many photos opportunities that we miss as we focus on the bigger events and, as a long-time scrapbooker, I have learned to focus on the little things that make these seasons bright.

Here are some November photo ops you won't want to miss:

* Fall decor. Take a picture of the nice displays you set around your house and outside -- the mantle, table, shelves, entry-way, doors, yard, and more.

* Foliage. Or the lack thereof. It's easy to grab the camera when colors are at peak, but remember what the landscape looked like when it was bare and before snow comes. You might even want to include your barren garden and fall berries. Also, don't forget the raking and jumping-in-the-leaves shots

* Arts & Crafts. You know you got 'em! Your kids are bringing home from school or creating (if they homeschool) fun pieces of art in honor of the fall season and holidays. Some you might keep, but many end up being tossed out. Memorialize them forever with a photo!

* Wildlife. Birds at the feeder, geese flying south, squirrels digging in the yard . . . you never know what you might see this time of year when everything appears to be falling asleep.

* The farmer's market. The harvest is in and it's fun to capture the scene!

* Election Day. If you are anything like our family, politics are a big part of November (and the rest of the year!) Campaigning, holding signs, passing out literature, meeting candidates, or just voting are all photo-worthy!

* Family portraits. If you haven't gotten your Christmas photo taken yet, now is the time! Gather the family outside -- the natural light is very nice this time of year. You might use colorful foliage as a backdrop or put on hats and mittens. Make it fun!

* Fall sports. Don't forget your little football player, cheerleader, or band member.

* Veteren's Day. Did you know that there are one a handfull of World War I veteren's left in the world? Our World War II veterens are going quickly, too. Don't forget the veteren in your family or photos of your family honoring this day.

* Baking. Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming fast. As you bake, document the process (you might even want include recipes in your albums.) Surely the sights and smells of fall cooking invoke some of the happiest, homiest memories.

* First snowfall. For many of us, that happens in November (if not October!) It might be a groan-worthy occasion for many, but for our kids it doesn't get much more exciting than this!

* Thanksgiving. A no-brainer, but do you remember to take close-up shots of the food? How about the kids setting the table and the beautiful results? Other things to think about -- the Thanksgiving bouquet, watching the parade, kids in Pilgrim costumes, the family sitting together at the table, and gathering together to watch football or play games. There are many traditions connected to this day and, in addition to the photos, you may want to have your family and guests write down their thanks for the previous year to accompanying them.

* Black Friday. This is a pretty big part of our seasonal traditions nowadays -- it's fun to look back and remember how crazy (and fun!) it can all be.

* Decorating for Christmas. For many, the weekend after Thanksgiving is when the tree and other Christmas decorations go up. You might want to consider taking individual shots of your favorite ornaments. Your family will always look back fondly on those photos.

Once the month is over, keep your photos organized and ready to print and display for years to come! They won't be worth much stuck in a memory card. My favorite means of sharing are scrapbooks and they can be paper or digital, but any kind of album will do as long as the photos and memories are available to share.

If you have more ideas for November photo-ops, please share in the comments section. Happy November!