Focus on Phoneography

Simple beauty, simple pleasures, simple joy, simple love, simple life. Thank you for sharing simplicity with us in July. Here is the final mosaic for our simplicity theme from Instagram.

Row 1 - @viv_halliwell @lansnap @littlestorystudio
Row 2 - @camillasphotos @magnoliamags @saurand
Row 3 - @gabrielabout @patinamoon @prairiegirlstudio

Thank you for sharing your pictures with us.

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A Simple End

by Judy

Simplicity.  Focusing on what is important and releasing the rest.  Like a deep breath - inhaling 'simple' and exhaling 'stress', 'chaos', 'clutter', the 'unnecessary.'

I hope you've enjoyed our theme this month.  We've found that it's not always easy to achieve simplicity, but I truly believe that even in the trying, we gain clarity of mind and purpose. 

As we move into August we continue our intention of simplicity, but in a slightly different way.  We will be joining many in the blogging world for an "August Break." 

We will still be here daily to share a photo, a favorite poem, a moving quote, or a story from our lives.

We're just taking it slower, easier, simpler.  

We do hope you visit us as you enjoy the waning days of the season, and please share photos of your 'August' with us in our flickr group, and on Instagram! 

Simplify

by Dotti

sim·pli·fy

[sim-pluh-fahy]

verb (used with object), sim·pli·fied, sim·pli·fy·ing.

to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier: to simplify a problem.

                                                                                                 ~ Dictionary.com

Have you enjoyed this month's theme as much as I have? It's the perfect theme for summer ... when the living is easy.

We've gone from 'finding simplicity' ... to 'simplifying our photography' ... to 'simply said' ... to 'simple joys' ... and 'simple story' ... right up to 'simply stunning'. And let's not forget ... 'easy reading'. Gosh, how many ways we can simplify our lives if we just try hard enough.

Ahhhh! That's the rub, isn't it? Simplify is a lot harder than it sounds. Maybe that's one reason why some of us never seem to manage it. We find it so hard to let go of  'stuff'. You know, stuff we don't really need but have grown attached to. 

The concept of 'simplicity' is near and dear to my heart. In fact, it's my 'word' this year. True confession time: I am lousy at this word thing. I don't even know why I attempt it each January. Maybe because I hear everybody else talking about it and I don't want to be left out. Well, true to form, I've been a dismal failure this year at putting 'my' word into action.

All those closets, drawers, cupboards that I was going to clean? Uh, no ... didn't happen. All those useless little knick knacks {not even good enough to be thought of as photo props} are still hanging around, if not on table tops and shelves then in the aforementioned closets, drawers and cupboards. 

But that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the theme and posts and photos this month! Really, they have just resonated with me. Even though I haven't accomplished that nirvana called 'simplicity' doesn't mean I can't think about it and dream about it happening.

Why, who knows? Maybe this fall all those closets, drawers and cupboards will get the idea and simplify on their own, without my assistance.

{Now ... wouldn't that be grand?}

PS - There is still one more week for you to show us your beautiful photos of simplicity. The Flickr gallery and IG photostream have been exquisite but there's always room for more.

Focus on Phoneography

we are wrapping our month of simplicity and, as usual, our photo stream was filled with beautiful images.

this week's collection celebrates simplicity in b&w. it's really a perfect way to simplify, don't you think? stripping the color from a photo puts the focus on the little details that often get overlooked. b&w photography puts the emphasis on shape, form, and line. b&w is elegant and timeless. 

above is just a small sample of this week's beauty. 

@prairiegirlstudio @javavenus @brmarincel 

@coppercurls55 @littlestorystudio @mhplinda 

@lynnejay @gabrielabout @anniestril 

thank you all for continuing to share your beautiful art with us!

Focus on You

by Judy

This week's delectable Focus on You photo is by Michelle Jefferies ("three times a charm" on flickr). Her capture of this perfectly simple summer treat almost makes my mouth water!  The lighting really highlights the texture of the cookie and the creaminess of the ice cream.  The colorful napkin that it's sitting on makes it fun! Now tell me - don't you want to sink your teeth into this treat?  

Thank you Michelle for sharing this simple summer treat with us.  You can see more of Michelle's photos in her flickr stream. 

There's one more week of our 'simplicity' theme, so be sure to post your photos in our flickr group, tagged with 'simplicity' or 'simple.'  We can't wait to see them!  

Happy Summer!

Telling a Simple Story

by Deanna

On Monday evening, with photo gear in tow, I headed for the Riverwalk for a family shoot scheduled for 5:30 PM.  I wanted to get there a little early and test the light and look for spots that had a good amount of shade. 

While waiting I spotted this young lady sitting on one of the many benches that surround the fountain.  She is a beautiful girl, peaches and cream complexion, red curly hair (which probably drives her crazy but I love it), and those long legs. It was a warm peaceful early evening with a slight breeze blowing and she had become totally engrossed in her book.  We have talked about how a picture can display a story without words….I thought this image characterized that very thought. 

Unlike Kim who posted earlier in the week how she purposefully approached a stranger which led to a delightful encounter, I did not approach this lovely young lady.  I decided that the image could express its own simple story. 

I imagine that she left her residence (I suspect that she may be a college student since North Central College campus bounds the Riverwalk on the east side) earlier in the day or is planning on staying out later in the evening, thus the jacket on the bench.  She has been walking for a while, which prompts her to remove the boots but notice how neatly she places them under the bench which makes me think that she is tidy, much to her Mother’s delight.  She has brought something to eat and drink and now that she has consumed her small meal, probably very healthy, she has opened the book.  When I zoomed in really close on the image I could make out the word LOVE in the title.  Hmm, obviously a book for pleasure.  She appears to be immediately submerged in it, her toes even begin to wiggle (which you can’t see, but trust me she was wiggling). 

I love capturing people in their element.   Sometimes it is tricky because I don’t want to be obvious, and believe me, it can be difficult becoming unobvious when you are walking around with a big lens.  Give it a try sometime and then write their story. 

Simply Stunning

by Linda

Sometimes, when you're out running errands, you just have to pull over and take a picture (or 50, don't judge!) of a field of sunflowers.

Don't you?

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Simple Joys

by Leigh

"As I have practiced it, photography produces pleasure by simplicity.  

I see something special and show it to the camera. 

 A picture is produced.  The moment is held until someone sees it.  

Then it is theirs." ~Sam Abell

One day last summer . . .

by Kim

One day last summer, at a sunrise . . . 

This I believe . . . there are no coincidences in life.

Things happen for a reason.

I hadn't been to the sunrise in months, and had a really bad nights sleep, but for some reason I felt the need to go on this morning. And this woman doing Tai Chi, she usually goes to the park, but said she felt the need to be by the water.

As I walked by to leave, I wondered to myself if she would mind that I took her picture, and at the same time she turned to ask if I could take hers with her phone. And after talking for a few minutes I offered to snap some shots and send them to her, and she offered for me to join her in the class she teaches for free.

She practices slow movement to revert the core to stillness, to collect energy from our surroundings. Yes!

Two strangers brought together on a not so random morning to help each other . . . and when we said goodbye she grabbed both of my hands into hers and there was just this incredible connection.

Never underestimate and be open to your encounters with others, with strangers. That was my reminder one morning last summer, at a sunrise. 

"Meeting a stranger can be totally fleeting and meaningless, for example,

unless you enter the individual's world by finding out at least one thing

that is meanfingful to his or her life and exchange at least one genuine

feeling. Tuning in to others is a circular flow: you send yourself out

toward people; you receive them as they respond to you."

 - Deepak Chopra

Simply Breathe

by Judy

We have the best intentions....to slow down and enjoy the summer.  To simplify our lives and savor each moment.  But life can get in the way. We are all busy and sometimes, sadly, simplicity doesn't come easy.

Today I'm sharing with you a simple breathing technique that I've been using this year.  It calms, it soothes, it takes away the craziness for awhile.  You can do this anywhere, and afterwards you may just find it a little easier to find simplicity.

I learned this technique from  Dr. Andrew Weil's  website.  Dr. Weil calls this technique "a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system."

After you read through each step, I invite you to close your eyes and complete the breathing exercise.  

And now, my little gift to you:

This is called the 4-7-8 Exercise, or sometimes called the Relaxing Breath.

1. "Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.

2. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.

3.  Hold your breath for a count of seven.

4. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound, to a mental count of eight."

That cycle is considered one breath.  Believe me, you can not do this too many times.  Repeat as many times, and as often as you'd like.  The more you do this breathing exercise, the more relaxing it becomes. Ahhh simplicity....what could be more simple than just breathing?

Simply Said...

by Susan

Short. Sweet. To the point.  

With simplicity being our focus this month, I've decided to also scale my post down to this simple image and quote… but one that gives great thought.

With that said… what is your gift? How do you give it meaning… purpose?

Such a private question… an important question… to ask yourself.  

Ponder away…

~ xo

Ripe with Inspiration

by Kelly

If you are looking for some fresh inspiration, well then look no further than your local farmstand or farmers' market.

Or maybe even your own backyard!

Summer is here, and with it comes a glorious array of color and shape and texture.

A season so ripe with sweet inspiration...pun totally intended.

Summer's bounty is the perfect subject for photography.  And the very best thing about it is that once you're finished photographing it, then you get to enjoy it! 

Now that's what I call inspiration! 

How about you?  What summer fruits and vegetables are inspiring your photography?  We would love for you to share with us in our Flickr pool!

Until next time,

Kelly

Focus On You

by Judy

This week's 'simple' selection is from M.E. Rawl.  This simple, yet simply beautiful, photo of the delicate curtain and dreamy light really drew me in.  What can be more simple than the magic of light? Simply lovely!  

Thank you Mary for sharing this with us.  You can see more of Mary's work in her flickr stream.  We look forward to seeing more of everyone's 'simplicity' photos this month, so please share them with us in our flickr stream, and be sure to tag them "simple" or "simplicity."  

The goal of life:

by Kim

. . . simple but not empty.

- Terri Guillemets

Simple....it's a state of mind.

Not complicated, and not always easy, but definitely not empty.

It's making sure we know what is and what is not absolutely necessary and giving permission to redefine those choices as needed....and there will be days it will be needed.

Simple is the ability to let go and be content with what you have.

"Reduce the complexity of life by eliminating the needless
wants of life, and the labors of life reduce themselves."

-Edwin Way Teale

Focus on Phoneography

Simple beauty for you from Instagram. 

Row 1- @heinoes @echie52
Row 2- @prairiegirlstudio @lostasock

Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!

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Finding Simplicity...

by Susan

'Out of clutter, find simplicity.'  -  Albert Einstein

{this months theme: simplicity}

That's me, in the airport... waiting.  I'll be there again next week, the week after that and so on... and so on.  There is a reason... a purpose...

"Life is simplified when there is one center; one reason, one motivation, one direction and purpose." ~ Jean Fleming

Life is busy... especially when trying to simplify it.  Simply put, I'm exhausted from trying to simplify life.  Working long hours, weekends, traveling... and keeping up with writing... is taking it's toll.  Do I quit... give up... let exhaustion win? Not if I keep the goal of 'simplifying life' a priority.  To simplify life means getting through all the clutter... the flights, the shows, the maintaining of 2 separate studios across the country.  One day, the 2 studios will become one, in one location, one workspace... less clutter... simpler {sweet sigh}.  It's been a work in progress and it's finally happening. The vision is a reality and all that hard work will have paid off to make life a bit more simplified... for everyone involved…

Finding simplicity... making one's life less chaotic and simplified... takes a lot of hard work.  Achieving a life of simplicity is far from simple.  Think of people who work all their lives for retirement... so they can afford for life to be... well, you know... simplified. 

To do: Name 'one center' of your life where simplifying could benefit yourself and those around you. Write it down... make a goal... achieve it. Remember that simplifying isn't always easy. Maybe your goal is to retire by age 60 and that will take a lot of hard work, saving money and patience. Maybe it's living simply in your home, which also means working-to-clean-up-the-clutter.  Either way, have a goal, write it down and begin living a life towards simplicity...

... and the 'rest' will fall into place... pun intended.

Permission Granted

by Kelly

It always happens at least once….

This past Friday, the day got away from me and I forgot to take a photo for my 365 project.  Luckily for me I had taken the above photo with my iPhone.  But still.  I was a little bummed. 

It’s this time of year though. And it’s totally OK…summer is just like that.  So much stuff going on.  Good stuff!  Yet sometimes it’s hard to make time for all it AND work on my photography. 

During the months of June and July especially, I find that it is a little more challenging to manage the delicate balance between cultivating and nurturing a good life, which is the creative fuel for my photography.  And cultivating and nurturing my photography which for me is, in part, a celebration of my good life.

It can be a real conundrum.

But the good news is that there is no 365 police ready to banish me from photography because I missed a day.  And so what if sometimes I just phone it in a little?  And take an easy shot?

Who really cares?

At the end of the day, I am still taking pictures.  I am still practicing my craft.  So what if not every shot knocks my socks off?  I mean real life isn’t like that anyway.

Please, don’t get me wrong….I love photography.   I love learning and growing and practicing and experimenting.  And I want to continue to do just that.  But I also want to sit with my family on the back porch and visit about family history.  I want to enjoy alfresco dinners with my friends.

It’s OK to put the camera down. 

I find that in my own art, the less pressure I put on myself, the better my art is.  And the more fun I have.  Because photography is supposed to fun. 

I sometimes have to remind myself of that fact.

So with that in mind, I am here today to grant you permission to take off your “Photographer’s” hat.  I give you permission to take the easy shot. Or snapshots! Or shoot with your phone camera.  And if you’d rather watch a sunset without worrying about exposure, fine!  Don’t shoot at all if you don’t want to. Take a mental picture instead. 

It's funny...it happens more often that you would think.  I actually had most of this blog post written Sunday before Dotti's post from yesterday was published...totally on the same page though. Keeping things simple. 

(Reason #1,467 why I love being part of this wonderful group of women).  

So if you're on the same page with Dotti and me, I am giving you permission to cut yourself some slack  Let's make wonderful memories first, then beautiful photos second.

Until next time, Kelly