Wacky Light

I am learning so much more about lighting and photography. It is really amazing to see the different effects lighting can have on a photo. These pictures were taken in candlelight, one of my favorite sources of lighting. There is something about candlelight that creates a dreamy and romantic photograph.

Candle waved underneath a margarita glass.

Candle passing through.

True Love

A Night in...

God Bless the Fallen...

A Visit to the Veteran's Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Cars on Cumberland

Cars on Cumberland


Welcome to Stein Mart

The Ghosts of Michael and Scarlett

Intentional Blur of the Pear Trees

Spring Splendor

I will be the first to admit that I am very afraid of the dark. Some find peace in darkness, but I find peace in the lightest of places. Yet, my short journey in photography has taught me to learn to trust the dark since night can produce an array of fascinating and interesting pictures.

Crazy Love

My Little Lion...

I was putting on my makeup this morning as I was listening to the Today Show. They were telling a story about two men who had raised a lion cub and then released him into the wild as he grew healthy. (If you are interested, there is a video on You Tube set to Whitney Houston's "I will Always Love You," which tells of the very touching relationship between these two men and the cub. It will make you cry!) After the cub was released, the men had the chance to visit Africa a year later to check on its progress. It is unbelievable, but the lion instantly knew who the two men were and he immediately pounced happily on the men and licked them from head to toe as if to say, "Gosh I have missed you two so much!"

I truly get teary eyed thinking about the story because it makes me think about how purely the lion loved the men. It makes me think about our dog Scarlett. She is the most loyal, loving, and forgiving animal, and she has brought so much joy into my life. I often wonder why in the world I can't love like she does or like the lion does. As a human, I honestly don't know how to fully love unconditionally. Yet, I admit that when it comes to her, I am almost able to love her without condition; however, I find it difficult to love my own husband or family members or friends in the same way I can love her. Isn't that crazy?

I know he would agree that his own love is somewhat of the same. For instance, he arrived home last night from a 4 day trip to Washington D.C. I knew he was excited to see me, and he lovingly gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, but I didn't get the hello Scarlett received. He grinned from ear to ear when she jumped out of the car, and he picked her up and couldn't stop telling her how much he missed her. I am reasonable enough to know that he loves me more, but why don't we as husband and wife or as human beings show each other the same love that we show animals? Instead, most of us are constantly fighting with one another or gossiping about the other.

I think there is a lot we could learn from animals. Scarlett teaches me to be more patient every day. She is happy sitting in a crate for 8 hours, so why should I complain when I have a job, a great husband, a loving family, and a great life? Maybe I should wag my tail more often!

Mondays

I spent a wonderful weekend with my mom who flew in to Tennessee this weekend. We did what all mothers and daughters do...shopped until we couldn't shop anymore! And although I got some really great spring clothes, the best thing about shopping with her was that we laughed more than I can ever remember laughing with my mom in a long time. It was really nice to let loose and have fun and laugh about stupid stuff that I really couldn't even tell why it was actually funny.

Another fun part of her coming was she showed me how to start making jewelry. I made some really amazing earrings and bracelets, so I guess you could say I am pretty proud of myself! As much as I like jewelry, this is a great way to be creative, look great, and save money! I am all about that! Plus, it is a great way to pass the time, since I need something better to do with my downtime than watch tv.

Welcome Spring!

Don't you just love butterflies?

If you were to ask me what is my favorite flower, I would instantly reply with tulip, peony, orchid, or even rose...but I realize that the daffodil is possibly just as beautiful though often overlooked.

November

I simply adore the spring! The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and people begin to smile. I can feel my spirit lifting with each flower that blooms, and my evening walks are so much more peaceful because the birds are singing and the warm southern breeze moves easily through the night, whispering its promise of summer. I believe I need the spring and summer more than ever this year because my first east Tennesse winter has been the coldest, most depressing winter I can ever remember. I have never prayed for the cold to go away as I have this year!

So if I love the spring so much, then why would I call my work "November Photography?" I have asked myself that question as well, and I have come to the conclusion that I don't have a catchy first or last name, and "Bella" has been taken by so many photographers... November has a deep personal meaning, and I believe it fits perfectly with my work. I am a November baby, my husband Michael is a November baby, and our precious Scarlett Belle is a November puppy. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, I love football games during cold, crisp nights in November, and each November I eagerly anticipate the always joyful Christmas season I never seem to grow tired of.

This Christmas, I was given my first SLR camera with the hopes of becoming a photographer and producing images of the beautiful world I live in every day. I have little experience in serious photography though I admit I have always been a serious snapper of point and shoot cameras. I am definitely a work in progress, but I am having so much fun! I hope you enjoy my work as much as I do!