Precious Hands

As you may have read on TwoPeas today, I went on my first shoot last night for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. It was a tender, touching experience to be able to preserve some precious memories through photography for a family saying goodbye to their tiny baby. Here is a tender shot. To give you an idea of how small this little baby's hand was, that's his 3-year-old sister's hand next to his.

Out of respect for the family's privacy, I'm not at this point sharing any photos that show the faces of the baby and his family.

I was overwhelmed by the support and encouragement that came from the Peas today. Thanks again to all of you. And again, if you've ever considered being a part of NILMDTS, I really encourage it. It touched me so deeply. It is so sad that some parents have to face the death of their infant, but it is such a privilege to provide some memories for them through photography.

That little family last night seemed so overwhelmed...and I know they will continue to feel that way for a long time to come. I only wish I could have done more for them.

In the Driver's Seat

Big milestone in our lives today! Parker received his driving permit! YIKES! They actually give these out to kids...mere infants really.... when they turn 15. Then, they can practice for a year with a very brave, responsible, heavily tranquilized adult in the passenger seat. Here we go! I was tempted to take my camera to the DMV today to document the whole ordeal...but, well, 15-year-old boys tend to freak out when their moms insist on whipping out the gargantuan SLR in public.:)

Just guess what the first thing was that Parker said to me as we walked out the door, his permit in hand?

"Keys, Mom?"

I almost hyperventilated, but I think I'm okay now. This will take a bit of getting used to! And 40 hours of driving time before he gets his license.

Well, I'm off to take a tranquilizer!

But, he does look happy behind the wheel, doesn't he?

Snapshots of Today

Here are a few shots of our day today.
First, here's my almost 15-year-old son Parker blowing out the candles. His birthday is Tuesday, but we had a little family get-together tonight because Nate, my oldest was home from college for the weekend.


Our neighbors had some interesting visitors tonight -- a couple of Stormtroopers straight out of Star Wars. Alex, my 7-year-old, was thrilled when the neighbors called to see if anyone at our house wanted to have their picture taken with a Stormtrooper. Now, who could refuse such an exciting opportunity? Not Alex, that's for sure. My husband took Alex and his cousin Katelyn right over.

And finally, here's Mallory, my 11-year-old talking to Grandma on the phone. Seems like lately, I see Mallory this way a lot -- with a phone plastered to one side of her head. I'm sure I'll see that even more as we get closer to those teenage years!:) Thanks for taking a peek at Sunday evening at the Evans house!

Fun With the Utah Peas

Today, we had a fun get-together with some of the Utah Peas. We discussed ideas for future get-togethers and talked about some different photography topics. Then, we headed outside and took some shots around the Salt Lake Public Library. I also had fun while we were inside trying out Laurie's 100mm macro. OOOOH! I really want that lens now!:)

Nature's Treasures

Now that some of our snow is melting, interesting things are beginning to be uncovered. My 7-year-old found these treasures while we were out doing his paper route today. Interesting shapes, I thought.

Thanks to those of you who responded to my request for people to interview for my article about babies and sleep. Hopefully you got my e-mail with questions. I look forward to receiving your responses!:)

Gotta Run!

Exercise has always been an important part of my day, but it was just a few years ago that I decided to take up running. My son and I have enjoyed doing this together. Now that he's almost 15, he's waaaaayyyy faster than me, but it's fun to see him cheering me on when I reach the finish line at the 5K races several minutes after him.:) My take on the shape theme is a representation of how I try to stay in shape -- by lacing up these babies and going for a run. (Usually on the treadmill this time of year). And as you can see, these shoes are not in the best shape. Time to invest in some new shoes. But who wants to spend money on running shoes when there is so much fun camera equipment to buy?:)

And here's something completely off topic.... but as I may have mentioned before, I'm a freelance writer. I'm currently writing an article about sleep -- particularly how to get your baby to sleep through the night.I know a lot of you currently have little ones, and I'd love to quote you in my article about things that have worked for you or frustrations you may be experiencing in that area. If you'd let me send you a couple of questions to answer, I'd really appreciate it. I was just assigned the article today and the editor wants it done by Monday morning. Kind of a rush! Anyway, e-mail me at margaretevans@earthlink.net if you would be willing to comment on this. Thanks!

Checkmate!

My 7-year-old loves to play chess lately. Seeing all the pieces set up on the board today, I realized how many interesting shapes there are.

Thanks for looking!

Knock, Knock!

I submitted this shot in the fill the frame challenge on Travis Cooper's photography challenge. I really love the texture in the wood.

A Spoonful (or more) of Sugar

Happy Valentine's Day! Today I helped with my son's class party. What a blast! I was helping the kids make cards... Took a break for a minute to see what was happening at the cookie decorating station. Today's shot is a prime example of what happens when you let 7-year-olds loose with sugar cookies, frosting, sprinkles, M&Ms and other sugar-loaded goodies galore! I get cavities (and a stomachache) just looking at this creation! None for me, thanks! I'll just stick to mint chocolate truffles!

I appreciate those who gave me great advice and encouragement regarding my photography slump. Thanks!

February Roses

Can you say slump???? Wow! I've had a major photography slump the past few days. Until today, it had been nearly a week since I even touched my camera. I'm still not feeling that motivated today, but thought I should force myself to get in gear and take some shots of something. I've really been feeling down about my photography abilities lately. I feel so mediocre.:( Sorry to be a downer about that. I'd appreciate any advice from my photog friends on how to get back in the groove again!

But...... I also have some ultra-exciting news to share! My husband and I celebrated our 20th anniversary yesterday! I can't believe how quickly the years have flown by. Here we are... four children, numerous cars, four apartments, one condo, three houses, four cities, one cockatiel, a handful of short-lived goldfish, several California vacations, gallons (well, maybe not gallons, but lots of) children's Motrin, too many diapers to count, tons of laughs and more love than I can fathom.... later. It's been quite a ride! I look forward to the next 20...and the next...etc.!

Let me just tell you a little about my wonderful husband. I've never met anyone who is more hard-working, honest and full of integrity. He's sensitive, kind and my best friend. I am truly blessed.

My shots today are of a rose from the dozen I received for our anniversary yesterday. I took it outside and put it on the snow-covered patio table. The first shot is with some tweaks in RAW, and on the second I ran Jess' Acid Wash action.

Thanks for looking!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

One of my favorite things about Valentine's Day is making and delivering Valentines. Twice a month, I'm in charge of activities for a group of 8-11-year-old girls from my church. We've made it our tradition over the past couple of years to make and deliver Valentines to some of the widows and other single women from our congregation. It's just a small gesture, but one that has brought a lot of joy to people who might otherwise be forgotten on Valentine's Day. As we drove around delivering the cards today, I was so touched as I watched one woman smile in delight and then walk out onto her porch to give each of the girls a big hug! Smiles and warm hearts all around, I tell ya! Here are some shots of the Valentine-making process today.

GNO -- Girl's Night Out

If you (or your daughter, if you aren't willing to admit it) are a Hannah Montana fan, you'll understand the title of this post. My daughter and I just got back from our little GNO -- Girl's Night Out -- to see the Hannah Montana 3-D movie -- only in theaters! (Until Disney decides they want to make a bazillion more dollars and they release it on DVD, that is!) We had a great time, so I had my son take a couple of pictures of us with our 3-D glasses when we got home. (Now I know why the tickets were $15 each.. You get to keep the 3-D glasses. Woo hoo. I feel better now!)

So nothing technically great (no offense to my son!) -- just some fun shots!

Ginormous Icicles!

We've had so much snow and ice here lately. And yes, it's getting a little old. I've watched this icicle grow......and grow.....and grow.... on the corner of our workshop for the past several days. It's supposed to get warmer this weekend, so I thought I better get a shot of it before it melted away...

I don't think you can truly appreciate the ginormity (just had to use that word...my kids use it all the time) in this photo, but seriously, it is large!

I think these shots qualify for the aperture theme, too. I took them all at f/2.8.

BRRR! Anyone for some hot chocolate?

Meters -- But Not The Camera Kind

I found this row of meters while wandering around my downtown area. Thought it made a good aperture shot. The first one is SOOC, the second is with a few textures.

Edwards Family

Wow! Yesterday was a crazy busy day, and I never did get around to posting! I'm sure all you loyal followers of the Margaret Evans Photography blog were absolutely devasated, but not to worry. I'm back!! :) I had a blast photographing one of my favorite families ever! They have been friends of ours since we moved to our neighborhood almost 8 years ago. I think their favorite moment of the whole shoot was when I took a few steps back and almost slid down the snow-covered hill behind me! I'll do anything to get my subjects to smile! I've posted some of my favorite posed shots, as well as some outtakes -- with them just being crazy and having fun with each other!




Thanks for looking!

Baby Baby

I had the wonderful privilege of doing some newborn shots today. What a fun day! Adorable little baby and cute little family.

Thanks for looking!