Friday's Quote: Mary Wollstonecraft

"The beginning is always today."---Mary Wollstonecraft

I've had moments in my life where I wanted to branch out and do more things that align with my own personal desires and feed my soul.  It may that be finding a new job, expanding a hobby, or moving to live somewhere else.  One of the biggest obstacles I come across is that I over think the situation, which leads to me feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to start.  At other times, I feel that I'm too old to start branching out.

Yet, I remind myself that it's never too late.  Each day is a new day and a new beginning.  Little steps, that's all it takes.  So, I try to set aside time each day to fine tune what it is that I'm trying to do.  I try to take a picture a day, research what it takes to start a business, or set aside some time to write (even if it is just ten minutes). I'm learning to be the biggest proponent of myself and to believe in myself.  Yes, each day can be the beginning of something new.

What do you have in store for yourself each day?  Do you believe that the beginning is today?

Running Water

I once knew a person who was able to photograph running water so that in pictures, the running water looked smooth, like glass.  This person was able to adjust the shutter speed and photograph without needing a tripod.  I once wished I had that skill to photograph running water in that way.

Well, I now am on my way to learning this skill, with each opportunity that presents itself and opportunities that I make for myself.  The two biggest "secrets" to doing this, knowing how to work the shutter speed AND having a tripod.  I've been honing my skills and I know I still have a LONG way to go, but I'm pretty happy with my results so far.

Let me know what you think.  How about you, are you learning any new skills?

Night Photography

In trying to better my photography skills and getting out of "auto mode," I'm experimenting with photographing in different light conditions.  A friend suggested that we try night photography, which we did, and it's proved to be quite interesting.  The following is a non-exhaustive and short list of what I'd recommend if one was going to try night photography:

1. Get a tripod.  I highly recommend a tripod.  Unless you are capable of being able to hold your camera still for a long time (even one second is a long time) or are happy with crappy blurry pictures, a tripod is a must.

2. Vary the time when you photograph.  Go out around sunset and stay until the wee night (or at least close to midnight).  The changing light conditions will force you to be flexible and to work your camera to adjust to the level of light available.

3.  Capture light in various ways.  Don't just take pictures of lit buildings and signs, but look for opportunities to photograph light and be creative.  For example, in the picture below, I tried to capture the reflection in a shallow pool.  I also tried keeping the shutter open at a much longer time, to play with the lights created by moving cars.  I still need lots of practice and make time to create more opportunities for night photography.

4.  Have fun.  Whether you are by yourself or in a group, have fun.  It's all about the experience and the journey to becoming a better photographer.

Did you partake in your own night photography?

Water Droplets

J4 Tourney

It's known by many names, but in the Hmong community, if you say "J4 tourney" or even "J4," most will know that you're referring to the sports tournament held in Minnesota during July 4th of each year.  This has been an ongoing event for as long as I can remember.  It's the biggest event for the Hmong community in Minnesota and draws people from all over the US and from other countries.  Not only is it a time to come and see various amateur teams compete against one another, but it's also a great time to catch up and to have fun.

It's often held on a Saturday and Sunday, but this year it was held on Friday and Saturday.  Despite the recent copious rain and flooding occurring throughout Minnesota, the last two days have been hot.  With the hot weather, every other person has an umbrella to help provide shade while watching soccer, volleyball, or football.  

There are lots of vendors selling a variety of food and drinks.  There are also vendors selling services (e.g. life insurance) and various wares (e.g. toys, clothing, Hmong instruments, etc.,).  All in all, it's a very busy and lively place.  I had a lot of fun walking around and just soaking in the atmosphere.  It was a wonderfully hot and sunny day.  Even though the festivities are over, I'm sure it'll be around next year.

Have you been to the J4 tourney before?  Did you enjoy it?  Did you go this year?

Friday's Quote: Khalil Gibran

"Life without liberty is like a body without spirit."---Khalil Gibran

Happy Birthday America!  Thank you for all the liberty you provide to me.  I know you're not perfect.  I still love so much.  Have a wonderful celebration.

Spices

Tuesday's Tune: Nothing Better

Today's song actually matches up with the Quote of the Day that appears to the right (which changes daily).  Today's quote is from Finley Peter Dunns, who said, "The past always looks better than it was.  It's only pleasant because it isn't here."  On that same theme, this song "Nothing Better" by The Postal Service is sung from the view point of a man and a woman who were in a relationship.  The man has one particular view of the relationship while the woman has a different.  One recalls the past relationship very pleasantly, while the other thinks that person's version is skewed.

I first heard this song when I was in graduate school in Minnesota and loved it.  The song is written as if we're eavesdropping on an intimate conversation.  I also love the hyperboles and similes used throughout this song.

Please let me know what you think of this song.  Do you think your past only looks better because it isn't here?

Kansas City

My friend's dining room.  I love her two glass jars of fermented mustard greens.

 I met up with my friends this past weekend in Kansas City, KC and Kansas City, MO.  This was my first time in Kansas and despite the many warnings I got about Kansas (which I won't repeat), it wasn't half bad.

The MacKay Building that belongs to Park University.

I had a lot of fun hiking and exploring both cities named Kansas.  I made my friends hike (we discovered Park University), watch Think Like a Man (the original and sequel) and they made me get a pedicure (a first for me). We had so many laughs between the three of us and continued to share laughs at a comedy club.

Do you like our pedicures?  Guess which feet are mine?

Aside from talking, the other thing we do well together is eat!  We got brunch and yummy cinnamon rolls from Strouds.  While visiting the City of Parkville, my friend found her favorite meal at Frank's Italian Restaurant, while I loved their tiramisu.  We waited for approximately an hour and a ten minutes for food at Oklahoma Joes.  We also ate South Asian Indian food (a first for the both of them).

Cinnamon buns from Strouds.

We shared a slice of tiramisu from Frank's Italian Restaurant.

It was super humid (I showered at least twice per a day).  It was exhausting (but in a good way).  It was fun.  In a blink of an eye, the long weekend came to an end and it was time to return to reality.

Spring Cave

Loose Park Rose Garden

I'm now missing my friends.  I'm so glad they made time to spend with me and were open to the things I wanted to do (such as making them walk so much).  If they're not too sore, hopefully we'll be able to meet up again next year.

Have you been to Kansas City, MO or Kansas City, KS?  What was your experience there?

Secondary Wedding Photographer

Last week, exactly last Sunday, I volunteered to be a secondary photographer at a wedding.  My friend, the main photographer, was related to the bride and asked if I wanted to help her photograph the wedding.  Since I've been wanting to improve my photography skills, she thought that this might give me some experience.  I readily agreed and I sure am glad I joined in because the experience really was priceless.

Not only did I further learn to use my camera, I also learned how to improvise (it started raining like crazy) and "see" a scene.  Through my pictures, I know that the best pictures I took are macro and still life, and I need to improve on my portraiture techniques.  I also forced myself to be more extroverted and social (which is really hard for me).

 

If you ever thought that being a wedding photographer was easy, it's not.  I'm so appreciative of my friend giving me a chance to shadow her and to also capture some of the beautiful moments at this wedding.  Hopefully, there will be more chances in the future for me to be a secondary photographer again.  Despite all the running around, it was fun.