smallroots Photography Blog

my 365 project

2012-01-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of 2011 I decided I wanted to take the 365, photo a day, challenge. I felt it was time. I thought it would help me to get to know my camera better (we're pretty chummy now). I was also curious to see what my life might look like over the course of a year.
So here's my view, while these may not be the most "amazing" photos these are the snippets of my life and therefore are pretty amazing to me.
It's over 7 minutes, so grab your favorite beverage and get cozy.

Or view my 365 project video on Vimeo.

I've been trying to put into words what I have learned from this project, but I'm not getting them right or I've written too too much. So maybe I'll leave it with an oh so well organized bulleted list of my thoughts:

I have learned to LOVE light. Oh how I love the light.
I have learned humility because there are some duds that I HAD to post.
I took some awesome photos, ones I love and want to frame.
I learned to use my camera (after a few of those duds you're kinda forced to learn)
I am leaving with confidence (I'm no longer intimidated by shooting indoors or dark situations)
My photography has improved (It's a daily practice, you've got to improve right?).
I spent LOTS of time on the computer (It was a constant need to play and play and play to get it "just" right - I need to work on that)
There were times that I wanted to pause - Not quit but pause, just for one day, just one little day. That didn't happen and I'm glad I plowed through it. I kept thinking "this is just one of those sucky days (weeks) that goes with life. That awesome photo is right around the bend, it's gotta be." And it was.
I finally gave into what it was. Don't fight the 365, don't try to control it or make it something that it is not. The photo is there. Right there, don't you see it?

My marathon is now over. I'm tired of it. I'm so proud of it!! I might even do it again. But not without a pause. I need that pause to recharge and get back into shape. Until then...

(ps - much appreciation goes to my husband and son who put up with the camera, the fourth member of the family, who came with us everywhere. Thank you both, you are my everyday muses.)

Gratitude Gifts

2011-12-20T00:07:00.001-08:00

This holiday season I had the opportunity to be a part of a "Gratitude Gift" exchange.
There were over 40 participants. Names were drawn in secret. My box came today.

The common thread between all of the participants is that we all love photography.My package was perfect!
First there was a camera keychain that flashes and clicks when pressed. Sweet!

Then there were the fingerless gloves! Perfect for taking photos on cold beaches.

Notice the shell buttons. I pity the fool who messes with my gloves!
I REALLY love my gratitude gifts. Thank you Lisa, my gratitude shutter sister -xo!

Savoring Fall

2011-12-02T21:55:00.001-08:00

Taking it all in before it is gone...

11.11.11 | 11:11 am/pm

2011-11-11T23:30:00.000-08:00

I believe in magic.
On 11.11.11 I made wishes at exactly 11:11am and 11:11pm.
Why not put it out to the universe? Who knows what might happen.

finding the light

2011-10-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

working hard at finding the voice to express what my eyes can see.
winds of change are blowing my way...

a little appreciation for the day

2011-08-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

while i am behind on posting here, i'm still working on my photography each day. Check out my other blog at iamhereproject.blogspot.com

spring blur

2011-04-08T23:02:00.000-07:00

blurry colors of spring. sometimes blur is good.

finding white

2011-04-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

looking up

2011-03-29T22:50:00.000-07:00

things will turn around. keep looking up.

poppy love

2011-03-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

spring has sprung

2011-03-03T17:40:00.000-08:00

the days are getting longer

2011-02-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

just a wee bit longer.

slug lovers unite!

2011-01-31T17:26:00.000-08:00

I was out shooting nature in my own backyard and saw this little guy. I took a few shots and they weren't too bad. He turned out to be a great model. hello little sluggy.

foggy start

2011-01-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

it's been a foggy beginning to the new year.

color of winter

2011-01-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

It's winter and we have no snow here. I'm in search of my winter. I found that this is what my winter looks like.

tis the season

2010-12-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

hope all is jolly where you are.

autumn leaves

2010-11-24T16:21:00.000-08:00

looking up and enjoying fall colors.

sunset

2010-11-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

the end of a long day.

fall color: spring green

2010-11-13T14:38:00.001-08:00

took on the photo challenge of finding the color "spring green" in the fall months (she was easy to find and looks lovely paired with the color brown).

catching the light

2010-11-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

Catching this last bit before the time change this weekend. I will miss the golden hour after work which will instead be replaced with darkness. I hate this part of the time change (however I will enjoy the extra hour of sleep in the morning).

orange pops

2010-09-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

"dwell in possibility"

2010-08-16T23:14:00.001-07:00

- Emily Dickinson

falling behind...

2010-08-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

oh gosh i am getting so behind on posting.

this is my nature blog.
here is where i showcase my flowers and leaves and all things nature.
truth is...
i'm not always taking nature images (gasp!).

i'm taking pictures of other "important stuff"...

like images of gelato. i mean priorities right?

and blurry images of long walks

and girls giving high fives at the county fair.

see? i'm very busy doing important important work while not posting nature images on my blog.

(i'll try and be better this month. but i'm not making any promises)

summer lovin

2010-07-09T22:57:00.000-07:00

on an evening stroll

2010-06-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

i am here in smallroots

2010-05-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

this is me. a diptych of my love of nature and the i am here project.
if you haven't visited my other project take a look »

a hen...

2010-05-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

a "hen and chicks" plant. i had never heard of this name until someone made a comment on one of my photos. i love the name and i love this hen and her touches of pink.

red fiesta

2010-05-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

a spicy number for cinco de mayo.

pink party

2010-04-25T23:30:00.001-07:00

there is a tree that lives outside my door that blooms every April with these lovely pom poms of pink.

an army of one

2010-04-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

i love the colors of this one, the background reminds me of army camouflage. Attention! Sir, Yes Sir!

field of spring

2010-04-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

i love the fresh feeling that comes with spring. i was happy to stumble upon this lovely field.

wait for it...

2010-03-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

and it will come. Some days are definitely better than others, and sometimes you have to go through many shots before you capture a gem (i have a sweet spot for this particular gem).

today i wish...

2010-03-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

for bright days of warm sun.
Spring is almost here, can you feel it?
(i took this image today!)

flower lovers unite...

2010-02-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

I'd like to dedicate this post to my mom.
You see a few weeks ago she called me heartbroken because of this post, where I stated "I'm not a flower lover". Well she is... sooo that didn't sit too well. While I'm not a "flower hater" I'd rather be shooting prickly plants. So this one goes out to my mom (loves you mom xxoo).

Also a special thanks goes to the Bright, Bold and Beautiful blog who featured me on their blog today! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Definitely check out the colorful site and the blog post here »

I was also added to this beautiful collection of photos titled "Softly, softly". Check it out on flickr here »

Lucky me I am also featured on the "It's all about the Photos" blog. Check me out here ». Thank you PhotoPuddle!

stopping traffic

2010-02-14T23:03:00.000-08:00

Who says winter has to be dull? I love reds, yellows and greens of these.

love coming my way

2010-02-10T23:31:00.000-08:00

Everyday, on my way to work, I walk by this tree without giving it a second glance. Recently it has started to grow moss (a very pretty shade of moss). So I stopped to look. And then I saw it.
A heart staring back at me.
I apologized to the tree for not seeing it sooner and asked if she would grace me with a picture.

i heart prickly plants

2010-02-03T22:24:00.000-08:00

My heart has found a new love. In 2010 I am hearting prickly plants. (LOVE THEM) Anything prickly is getting all my attention. I love nature but for the most part I'm not a flower lover. After you admire my beauties below see what I hearted last year

happy anniversary

2010-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

one year ago I decided I was going to start a blog.
i wanted the blog to be a space where I could post anything "creative".
this blog would keep me honest and give me a place to turn in my creative work each week.
What a difference a year makes.
In the last year I have taken up photography wholeheartedly. I'm technically challenged at times however I'm improving everyday.
During the course of the year I discovered the subject I loved to photograph most is...wait for it....Plants!? What?!
Still seems funny to me that I would enjoy taking pictures of plants (who am I?).
but I do. and the pictures I take aren't half bad.
A year ago
I had no name, no logo, smallroots was just an idea.
Now smallroots is a website, a blog, a flickr account and is a seller on Etsy! (sorry no tweets)
I published my first calendar and had 20 orders in one month (not bad for a little idea I had last year).
I'm happy.
I'm happy with the progress I have made over the last year. Most happy about the work I have put into my "creative" space and of all the images I have to show for it (many you haven't seen!)
Last year I made a promise to start this blog - this blog which symbolized so much more.
And the only one holding me accountable was me.

AND I DID IT.
(yay! me)
Happy Anniversary to me.

leaf your mark...

2010-01-17T23:05:00.000-08:00

So I am always out and about looking at the plants around me and am always surprised at what I find. This one however caught me off guard. These large plants were covered with carvings of people's names. I came across them while at a robust ranch in Texas, they were on a hill overlooking a lake and the dessert and mountains beyond. Beautiful scene. I kept thinking didn't these people have something better to do?

winter brushes

2010-01-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

I walked into this gang of winter brushes (I didn't get their names) and they were nice enough to sit for a few photos. Love their hard and soft edges.

Texas on my mind

2010-01-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

Images from my trip over the holidays. We had a glorious time.

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T00:42:00.000-08:00

Winner of the smallroots calendar is comment number 24!

Congrats Nicolian!

Thank you to everyone who participated! My first giveaway was a success and for me was a great way to start the new year. Thank you for posting your resolutions, I enjoyed reading them all. Special thanks to Audrey from Audrey's Giveaway Blog, who offered to post a link to this giveaway on her blog. (Who knew giveaway blogs existed?! I'm a newbie to this giveaway game!)

Great new things are in the works for smallroots in 2010 - I'm working on note cards, prints and other goodies. Please check back to see what's new. Happy New Year!

Calendar Giveaway

2009-12-28T22:19:00.001-08:00

In order to make someone's new year it's time to giveaway a smallroots calendar!
To qualify for the calendar giveaway simply leave a comment below and tell me what your new year's resolution is (I won't hold you to it). You don't have to leave your full name just make sure there is some way I can identify you if you should win. (Please one comment per person.) You have until this Friday January 1 at midnight to enter.
The winner will be selected by random drawing and will be announced Saturday (January 2). Check back then to see if you are the lucky winner. Cheers and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

smallroots resolution is: To put things back where they belong (sounds simple but the cereal box never seems to put itself back in the cupboard) and to get my shop in order (lots of new prints and note cards are in the works!).

What is your new year's resolution? Click on COMMENTS below.

lone star state

2009-12-22T22:07:00.001-08:00

Here is the door to my home away from home. I am happy to be here celebrating the holidays. Happy Holidays to everyone! - xxoo

character marks

2009-12-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

I like looking at the unique markings on leaves who are settling into old age.

it snowed!?

2009-12-07T20:51:00.001-08:00

Today I woke up and was shocked to see that it had snowed! (what?!) It very rarely snows in my neck of the woods.
While most of it was melted by noon, it was nice to have it stop by for a short visit.

reasons to smile

2009-12-06T08:49:00.001-08:00

1. Just had my first holiday gathering last night (very fun filled)
2. Just sold my first calendar (to someone I wasn't related to - yay!).
Thank you to the special someone in Oregon, hope you enjoy!

(p.s. - cookies above were created by me. Fancy, right?)

smallroots 2010 desk calendar

2009-12-04T13:49:00.001-08:00

yes, you heard right I created a calendar!

As I say in my calendar description...
"My resolution for 2009 was to get out and take as many photos as I could. During my photo sessions I became drawn to taking "portraits of nature". This calendar is made from some of my favorite shots. I hope it inspires you in 2010 as much as nature inspired me to create it. Happy New Year."

See more pics of the calendar here at my smallroots etsy shop ».

leaf portrait

2009-11-27T23:14:00.000-08:00

I love these colors together, red and blue-gray. (This was shot in its natural environment, the background really was this shade.) I love to find interesting palettes while out and about.

sweet surprise

2009-11-21T08:48:00.001-08:00

While searching for the perfect pumpkin at the pumpkin patch we discovered a pomegrante tree. Who knew?

colors of the season...

2009-11-09T19:16:00.001-08:00

It was about time that I paid tribute to some of fall's beautiful colors. love this season.

tahoe piers...

2009-11-05T23:21:00.001-08:00

all of these piers were very cooperative while getting their pictures taken.
(oh how calm and peaceful our getaway was.)

assignment

2009-11-01T09:13:00.001-08:00

Our first assignment was to shoot a black and white image. I like the photo but I don't think it was what the instructor expected.

wishes

2009-10-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

i am so fortunate. this birthday i wish...

into the trees

2009-10-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

For our weekend getaway we decided to head to the mountains and into the trees, stay tuned for images of what we found on the other side...
Below are a few snapshots from our trip (all taken from inside the car). Thanks to rollip.com for the "polaroids".

road trip. we're on our way...

2009-10-22T21:52:00.001-07:00

semi-hit

2009-10-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Today I was out experimenting with my camera. There were lots of "misses" and not very many "hits". This is a "semi-hit" since I like the colors in the background.

photo class: day 3

2009-10-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Black and white photography was on the agenda today. We viewed slides by Edward Weston and his son Brett Weston.
Visit the Weston family photography website - it goes beyond just these two members, so much talent in one family!

lovely light

2009-09-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

oh sometimes magic happens, when the light is just right and the subject is looking their best. i love the colors on this plant, the soft pinks and purples mixed with the greens and hints of yellow.

photo class

2009-09-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

I've decided to get serious and take a photography class.
It is my first photo class ever. It's about time to see what my little camera can do (apparently it does more than I knew, and yet not enough as everyone else's).
Today's lesson? Aperture - old school style.

sunshine on a gloomy day

2009-09-12T08:57:00.001-07:00

woke up to gray skies and rain today. needed this happy flower to brighten the day.

left the cap off...

2009-09-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

I love that each leaf has its own distinct markings that remind me of a marker that has gone dry.

zoo plants

2009-08-29T20:29:00.001-07:00

I love finding interesting plants while out and about. This week while at the zoo I came across this one. The red and green contrast caught my eye as well as the horizontal lines in the leaves.

nature inspired no. 4

2009-08-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

This is one of my absolute favorite patterns in nature.
I found the little guy on left hiding behind a tree stump and was happy to take his picture. To the right of him are two interpretations of his simple shape.
The middle image is of a canvas piece titled "Leaves 2" created by Katja Ollendorff. View more of her work here. The leaf tea towel on the far right is for sale at elisabeth bentz's shop (she's got lots of other color combos to choose from!).

i wasn't kidding...

2009-08-15T16:43:00.001-07:00

This time in the Presidio, I AGAIN found lots of purple in bloom.

pretty in purple

2009-08-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

I love taking walks in Berkeley because I always capture so many interesting plants. Today was no exception. Out of the many photos I took I realized there was a common theme, purple! Purples are currently in bloom, here's a little sample.

bells of summer

2009-07-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

pretzel plant

2009-07-18T08:01:00.001-07:00

hydrangeas

2009-07-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

happy 4th

2009-07-04T22:47:00.001-07:00

red, white and blue "fireworks" for the 4th! cheers.

earn your stripes

2009-07-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

i love the colors of these stripes. There are light blues, purples and browns mixed with several shades of green. an inspiring color palette! (would make a nice color combo for a little boy's room, no?)

nature's pearls

2009-06-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

I found tall blades of grass sporting orange pearls. Wonder where they were going dressed so fancy?

nature inspired no.3

2009-06-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

These Omelle "Catia Petal Flat Sandals" may be inspired by the petals of a succulent plant like the one I photographed on the left.
If you'd like to have these jems on your feet you can buy them here while supplies last. Omelle makes unique footware that caters to the true shoe lover. Just beware, these shoes ain't cheap!

take a look at nature inspired no.2 and no. 1

at the ladybug picnic

2009-06-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

2 is my favorite number

2009-06-18T22:10:00.001-07:00

taking a break to celebrate someone's special day.
we celebrated with cheerios and mini cupcakes...

this mini packs a punch!

oh happy day!

shades of green

2009-06-15T23:52:00.000-07:00

spring stems

2009-06-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

surprise in the garden

2009-06-07T22:54:00.000-07:00

found this flower behind some leaves in the garden this morning. hello little flower.

fireworks in june

2009-06-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

bark

2009-06-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

reminds me of...

2009-05-31T11:57:00.001-07:00

I came across these "stringy" plants yesterday. I admit there is a lot of muppet show watching at my house and these plants definitely reminded me of one of the characters.

spring's snow

2009-05-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

leafcycle

2009-05-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

winter, summer, fall and spring...

along my morning walk

2009-05-13T22:13:00.001-07:00

nature inspired no.2

2009-05-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

Pillows make a great canvas for nature. These reminded me of the image I shot on the left. I found these at a site called LoooLo at looolo.ca. Rest your head on these lovely nature inspired pillows.

ttv experiment

2009-04-27T22:10:00.001-07:00

Trying something new. What do you think?

happy easter

2009-04-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

colored egg + cookie monster = irresistible for little hands

tree bouquet

2009-04-09T20:54:00.001-07:00

Here is a spring bouquet found on a branch of a tree. Each of these blossoms are about the size of a quarter.

frayed tulip

2009-04-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

complimenting opposites...

2009-03-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

It's amazing that the images above are all from the same plant. This plant was the welcome mascot on someone's front porch. It was maybe 2.5 feet tall and was strangely intriguing. At the base I found thick strong appendages with bold green and white markings. Separated from the bottom, connected by a very long smooth brown stem, was the gray, orange, yellow and green striped mini-capsule tops. The bottom and tops could not have been more different and were complimenting opposites indeed. I can't wait to see what babies blossom from those capsules in the future, I'll keep you posted...

nature inspired no.1

2009-03-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

most of the time the images i shoot remind me of something else. here is an example of nature inspiration. i'll be exploring this idea more in the future. stay tuned...

bird nest

2009-03-27T22:20:00.001-07:00

if i were a pink bird this is where i would nest.

flower biscuit

2009-03-19T23:08:00.001-07:00

the other day when I was shooting these mutliple layered flowers I kept thinking what do these remind me of? then I realized, they reminded me of layered biscuits. I know it's odd but if you have ever eaten these biscuits you know what I'm talking about. the kind I am referring to are the refrigerated pre-made Pillsbury grand flaky layers kind and honestly you can't help but peel the layers when you eat them (even our friend below can't help himself).

crocodiles love peppers

2009-03-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

I was strolling on a sunny day when I came across these crocodiles. I wouldn't want to be caught in those teeth.

fall leaves on a spring flower

2009-03-12T21:44:00.001-07:00

here's a spring flower wearing some fall leaves. she's setting her own trends this season.

i heart succulents

2009-03-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

there is an abundance of succulent plants where i live and i have found i love to shoot them. they are the "manly rose", with their beautiful shapes and hard exteriors. put together their good looks and non-high-maintenance and you've got the perfect plant. i need a bumper sticker that states - "i heart succulents '09" (who knows what i'll heart in '10).

anyone know the name of this tree?

2009-03-07T22:43:00.001-08:00

wind swept

2009-03-04T21:40:00.000-08:00

i found this little flower getting her hair all messed by the wind.

rain rain go away...

2009-03-02T22:17:00.000-08:00

it's still raining outside. this was taken through my window. forecast is calling for another week of rain. ho-hum.

so much rain...

2009-02-28T23:15:00.001-08:00

it has been raining for four weekends in a row. the weatherman said today is the only break we're going to get and another huge storm is rolling in tonight. i took advantage of this non-rainy day to get outside and take a look at what the rain has caused. These were taken in my backyard.