The Glass Chapel

Yesterday, Ben and I went walking to the chapel in the woods. Because we wanted to be spontaneous and do something we haven't done yet.

I took my camera along... :)

Tomorrow we're going kayaking and swimming in the lake!

Christmas self-commissioned painting

With student teaching and the other craziness life threw at me since my last post, I hate to say that I have not done that tender mercy project. BUT!
On Saturday, I painted something for a close friend of mine. I didn't know what to get her for Christmas, so I decided on an inspirational painting. Some people think homemade gifts are lame, but I wanted to do something thoughtful for this particular friend.

I need to paint more. It was a joy!

I wanted to do a black mountain silhouette with black words and frame. Next time, though, I'll know that black is just too dark. I still like the finished product though!

Tender Mercy Project

I have been wanting to do another project. Something meaningful that will bring me joy. Today, while studying my scriptures, I had this thought hit me, "Do a tender mercy project." This is something I can work on off and on while I finish school and do other things that I love.

My focus will be on tender mercies. Tender mercies are little signs from the Lord that He loves me and is watching over me. Signs that He is there and that His presence is in my life.

Every once in a while, I record all my recent tender mercies in my journal. Photographing them will be another way to record and share how I see the presence of God in my life with others.

Sightseeing

Our latest adventures were to DC, Philly, and NY

Here are some pictures from our trip with brief descriptions!

Inside the dome of the Capitol.

This was the original senate chamber.

World War II Memorial

Independence Hall. Photo courtesy of Ben, actually :)

Original 18th century chandelier. Inside Independence Hall.

Independence Hall

Chinatown gate

View from 18th floor of our NY hotel

Cirque

Boardwalk

More pictures and details can be found on facebook and at kbluthi.blogspot.com

Katrina and Erik II

Cliche barn door foot pop

Lamppost!

Katrina and Erik

So I don't actually own a photo processor. I just go to campus and use Lightroom in a computer lab. When I went on Saturday, the labs were closed. I guess I haven't ever gone to edit pictures on a Saturday before. I totally expected a lab to be open.

I usually use Lightroom because that is what my professor preferred and taught us on. Before today, I have had no experience using Photoshop. So, because I needed to get some pictures to Katrina so they can send out announcements, I asked my friend Paige to help me. She taught me the basics of Photoshop and some cool tricks. Thanks to Paige, I could get the photos to Katrina on time! Thanks, Paige!

Here's to a beautiful bride!

Reminiscing on Photography Class

 This post contains some of my favorites from my photography class. I learned so much and gained a newfound passion for photography. Some things I learned were, first, how to use my camera. I call it a "real" camera. I also learned how to work under pressure; the importance of lighting, exposure, and focus; the importance of "real" images, meaning they look natural (being a fly on the wall...). Most importantly, I learned that I love photography. Through photography, I can portray the real world around me. I can do that with painting and drawing, but it's way different. It's hard to explain how I feel about it, but the camera vs. the paintbrush or pencil provide different ways of looking at things.

Another thing I learned was to be aware of the world around me. To be picky about when I press the button. And to follow my heart.

 Assignment #1: Scavenger Hunt

Assignment #2: Numbers

 

 

 Assignment #3: High Key/Low Key

Assignment #4: Color Theory

Assignment #5: Color Portraits

Assignment #6: Black and White Portraits

Assignment #7: Night Diptych

Final Project