My Favorite Images of 2009

Looking back over the year, it is filled with so many good memories. So many moments I'm glad I've captured. Here are my Top 10 Images.

10. Shea's Thick Brick Stout - Part of My Beer Documentation

9. Lance - One opportunity to grab him as he raced by. I'm proud of this shot!

8. Reflected Reflection - this took a few attempts to get it right, my favorite self portrait!

7. Justin's Ironman Finish - An amazing day, I could easily post 6 others from this day!

6. I was attempting a different shot but Ian did what he does best, exude personality and pull me out of my comfort zone! A One Little Word pick at Shutter Sisters!

5. The kiddo has the strangest ideas! He wanted to be a mummy. Dad obliged. Ian asked for photos! Perfect.

4. Hopscotch. I saw this right before it happened, I love that. It was a POTD on the Maternal Lens!

3. A bike ride to the Capitol, a wide angle lens and a boy who must perform!

2. The Essence of Ian - A good day, a balloon hat and great light...that's all I ask!

1. Discovery - This was different for me, but as soon as I saw him in the fading light, I knew the shot I wanted. This made Explore on Flickr but more importantly is a family favorite. It was also a daily click on Shutter Sisters, a HUGE honor.

I will continue to take photos everyday in 2010. Thank you for your kind comments and perspective. It simply boils down to not being able to imagine not having my life documented in such a visual way. I want to remember the details. And with a four year old in the house those details seem to be screaming by me at an unbelievable pace.

Thank you for sharing the last 365 days with me! Can't wait to see what develops in 2010!

What If I Didn't...

I've taken a photo a day every day this year and for over half of 2008. Every day. Without fail.

What if I didn't next year? What if I didn't pick up the camera as I walked out the door? What if I stopped wearing it as the accessory to complete my outfit?

I think about it sometimes. Contemplate what I would miss. Contemplate what I might experience, seeing the world through two eyes instead of a little black square.

Would I enjoy photography more? Would I begin to see the world differently?  Or would there be a deep unmet need burning at my very core?

I'm just wondering. What do you think?

A Letter To Santa

I asked Ian if he wanted to write a letter to Santa. He excitedly replied yes! I transcribed his words into an email to the big guy.

Dear Ian: (obviously some confusion here, but he is 4 and who am I to correct such cuteness)

I wish I had a toy bike.

Love, 

Ian

And then on second thought he got a bit more specific

real bike colored red and grown up wheels and grown up pedallers. 

and then again

dear ian:

we're not going to be home. 

and then he needed to revise again

dear ian:

love ian and we're going to be home tomorrow but not on christmas day.

that's it 

I hope his message makes it in time! 

Naughty or Nice, Four Year Old Style

There is a lot of talk around here lately about somebody watching. The excitement is building! He's asked Santa for a red bicycle. We'll just have to wait and see if the big man delivers!

POTD 122009

POTD 122009, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

Things have been a little busy around here! Work, my first tutorial in the DesignerDigitals store, visits from family, and our annual Holiday party! So much to share! Today though, we are just relaxing!

On This Day, 13 Years Ago

I married the first boy I ever kissed.*

He is my best friend. He knows who I am and how I am and why I am how I am. And he still sticks around. With my crazy ideas. My sudden whims. My rules that last for about two days, only to be replaced by newer better ones.

He understands my moods. And that alone is a heroic accomplishment.

He truly wants only one thing in life. He would tell you if you asked. He would say it with complete candor. He just wants Ian and I to be happy. More than saving the world. Or growing our own veggies. Or reducing our carbon footprint. Or being the most amazing science teacher imaginable. Or anything.

And if I think about it too long, it overwhelms me. It is so pure and honest and real.

And for that I love him.




*and strangely, still feel funny admitting the kiss, knowing my mom will read this!

Invaded by the Christmas Alien

POTD 121109 - Christmas Alien, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

Only Ian would grab lights and declare himself a Christmas Alien! I asked for a quick photo in front of the tree to play with a little heart bokeh, but gave up when he started to goof!

He does it well!

He then promptly asked, "are you going to give me $5.00?"

Ghost of Christmas Past...Revealed!

I've revealed the technique for my Ghosted photo in the DD Photo of the Day Flickr Group! 

And for the record, most ghosts don't smile :)

When The Boys Go To Sleep Early

Mom is left at her computer to play! Tonight I decided to play with my tripod and take some photos of our tree. I just love our mantle at Christmas and all of the memories each item has. My intent was to just take a few tree photos and maybe some of the ornaments. And then I started to play. This is the winter I master the low light in our living room. And, well, then I had a little too much fun!

Any idea how I captured this? Guesses? I'll share later!

I Love Everything In This World

POTD 120709 - Wish, originally uploaded by katrina.kennedy.

We had a good day today. Unexpected kind of good day! A quick trip to the snow, only 25 minutes away! We live in California!! Granted, Northern California, but we DON'T get snow. Sure Tahoe is a two hour drive away. But 20 minutes?! Cool. Seriously.

Ian loved the snow. But the best part? On our way home he announced, "I love everything about this world." When we arrived home, this tshirt was in the mailbox. My mom had great timing! He insisted on wearing it immediately and loved pointing to his approximate spot on the globe. (We'll work on geography next year!)

Thanks Mom!

He Loves Santa Claus

Funny how the boy who wouldn't get close to Santa Claus two years ago has completely embraced him this year. He doesn't hesitate. Asks for him. Waits patiently. Tells him without hesitation what he wants for Christmas. Says thank you.

Obsessed!

And this year, Santa is bringing EXACTLY what the boy has asked for!

And Santa will deny persuading the boy to want what he is bringing :)

Long Days Of December

Not every day of December is filled with snowflakes and bliss. Today was definitely a testament to that! I spent my entire day corralling a kiddo who wanted to climb everything, although he's never been a climber. He hit the ground countless times with a cry of, "I'm ok," which in our house translates to, "I've hurt myself but I'm not going to admit it." He dunked legos into a glass of water, just for fun. He gave me that, I'm going to ignore everything you are saying look, repeatedly. Stuffed silly putty into his sock and walked around in it. The silly putty and the sock are now in the trash, they were inseparable. Now he is asleep. And that, I must say, has been the best part of my day!

He's Gonna Find Out!

Credits at DesignerDigitals

Captured! Daily December, December 1

I love this project! Today we started what I hope becomes a tradition, a letter from Santa. It came with a small gift and a reminder he'd be watching. Ian was thrilled.

Credits at DesignerDigitals

I hope he doesn't expect another gift tomorrow!