Day 12 Gratitude Project

Today I feel very blessed to have health insurance & prescription coverage. It is definitely something I don't take for granted in this day & age. I am thankful my doctor has Saturday hours, for my friend who drove me there & for antibiotics. I hope they start kicking in soon.

In the North Woods - Michigan and Ohio Environmental Portrait Photographer

When I discovered I would be photographing the beautiful DK, I was delighted. When I found the session would be in the divine woods behind her north woods home, I was ecstatic! In addition to the challenges of shooting in 90 degree heat (with equally high humidity) and the extreme light/shadows of a 3PM sunny day, I knew it would provide some very unique & personal portraits. DK is the owner and artistic force in her interior design and decorating company. She is also a nature lover and very much at home in the woods and wilds. And of course there is her fur child who delights her to no end!

What I love about environmental portraiture (on location) is that it really says something about the person being photographed and it is a very relaxing setting for the person (as relaxing as it can be with a camera pointing at you!). I enjoy forging connections - really getting to know people, and photographing them in their personal landscape.

I felt DK looked like a gorgeous wood nymph in her dress, and tried to photograph and process the portraits with that feel in mind. These are some of my favorites from the session.

30.16~ Trees

30.16~ Trees, originally uploaded by *ojoyous1*.

Trees…
They give so much & take so little…
Shade, home for critters & birds, nutrients from leaves, oh & the scrunching thorugh the leaves in the fall, fruits, beauty, a nice place to walk…

Thank you lesbrumes & ag artstudio for your beautiful textures.

14.30~ A Day Off

14.30~ A Day Off, originally uploaded by *ojoyous1*.

I had a much needed day off today - finally! I ended the day at my favorite haunt of late - the Bio Reserve in Granville. A regal 6 point buck kept crossing paths with Mags & me - he just strolled by! There were all sorts of fabulous birds foraging & calling. The day was a balm to my soul!

30 Days of Gratitude 2010/ Maggie May

Maggie May came into my life 8 1/2 years ago and I thank God for her every day. We rescued each other, & together learned to trust, love & have confidence. She is my family - it's just Maggie & me, and I couldn't have asked for a better companion! This past year, Maggie became acutely ill with pancreatitis. It was a slow road to recovery, but she made it. I look upon each of these extra days we have as a gift! Trail buddy, travel companion & confidante - she is the best!

FREE on the First ~ Wallpaper

OK, I just wanted to do something a little different! This month I'm doing a wallpaper for your computer screen! Click on the photo to save, or click HERE to bring up the image, then save to you computer. After that, just set as wallpaper!