Holga Images

I have been meaning to post these pictures for a while. Last May I picked up a new pinhole camera called a Holga. It shoots on 120 film and is really fun to play with. I am still getting used to judging distance with it, and figuring out how the focus ranges are best judged, but here are a few images from my first excursion with the camera.


I took this one while riding the Colossus roller coaster at Lagoon. I was a chaperon for the senior sneak last year and spent the day riding rides and avoiding kids. It was great!















This was the entry way to a ride. I was playing with double exposures. One cool thing about the Camera is that you control the film progression so if you want you can take several pictures all on the same film plate. Kind of cool!












Another double exposure experiment. I liked the way this one came out and the ghost
















This is Alex, he was one of the seniors that went on the sneak. I thought it was interesting how I got a bit of a light flare just over his left eye.
















This is an image of Aiden and his Cousin playing in a puddle by my parents house. Aren't they so cute!















This is a great image of my mom sitting one her porch swing with three of her grand kids. I though it was very cute.















This is a picture of some dude that I saw at Animal Kingdom one of the Disney theme parks in Florida. He was exactly what I imagined a Buffalo Soldier would look like on his free day. I loved his intensity and am hoping to write a character similar to him into one of the books I am working on. I also like the fact that I feel like where's waldo in this image. Can you find me?











Here are a few images from the beach in Florida. Holgas will do interesting things wiht colors because of the type of film that they are shooting on, and because they are pin hole cameras. One of my favorite features is the natural gradient that it throws around the edges of the image. They are shadows from the camera's apature. My favorite is the shadow self portrait. I am enjoying taking pictures of myself in interesting ways. Reflected in sunglasses, shadowed, as a pair of feet, Photography is too much fun!

The Time has Come!

Well, after seven years the time has come...Matt and I are expecting our first child. We went to the doctor today. The baby was hard to see as he/she was laying in a strange position but there was a very strong, healthy heartbeat. We are expecting our new addition in April. Matt is extremely excited. I am still getting used to the idea that I am now in charge of someone for my entire life!!! We think Molly is going to have the toughest time with the transition - she is my baby right now and expects my FULL attention when I am at home. Any bets...boy or girl???

My Beautiful Models

When Sarah and Heidi were in town last weekend, we went to Wheeler Farm to take some pictures.  I think they turned out so cute!  I put a ton of them on my photo blog if you want to take a look.  I'll send you each a CD next week with all of the pictures.  It was fun visiting with you.  You are both such patient, cute, smitten mothers.  It's always so inspiring for me to observe so much love and dedication.  Love you guys!

Peppermint Brownie Recipe

Jeri asked me to post this recipe. I made them for Max's Blessing (i didn't have peppermint so i just used mint and green food coloring instead) and I think they're FABULOUS!!!

P.S. The (parentheses) below are from Megan Morris

Megan’s Peppermint Brownies:
from Amber Morris
Brownie:
3 cups flour
3/8 cup powdered milk
3 cups sugar
3/4 cup cocoa
1 rounded teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Mix together and then add:
2&1/2 squares (1&1/2cups) margarine or butter
4 beaten eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 cup water
Bake in a greased 12x18x2 inch pan at 325 degrees for about 30-35 minutes. The middle may be slightly moist, but the edges should come out clean and the whole surface should be firm. Let brownies COMPLETLY cool, then frost with peppermint butter cream frosting.

Peppermint Frosting:
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 lb. powdered sugar (3&3/4 cups)
1 capful peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-2 drops red food coloring
a little milk to make it the right consistency for spreading
Let this set in the fridge for a while, then top with chocolate layer.

Chocolate Layer:
12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cube butter
Melt together in microwave checking every few seconds and stirring until melted. Stir until really smooth and shiny. Quickly spread it over the mint layer. Let it all set in the fridge for a while. Take out of fridge about 30 minutes before you want to cut them. They freeze nicely! (I think they are easier to cut when frozen or cold)