{Blush}

More pictures from my second ever roll of film that I actually really like (yay for being pleasantly surprised!) - this time of the sun set and in Bahjí.

I love the effect of chiarascuro in this picture and how the leaves are highlighted against the fading blush of the sun just so.

This is arguably one of my favorite (if not my absolute favorite) picture on this roll. ...it's also one of my favorite pictures I've ever taken. Done and done.

This was taken from the balconey of the Mansion of Bahjí over looking the garden below.

Enjoy. As per usual, I appreciate any comments you have on what you like or where I can improve.

The Curious Side Effects of Insomnia...

So I guess about 2 months ago, I put my second (ever!) roll of film in my camera - at 5 am.... Yeah, I know - aimee piper & 5 am? Surely the twain shall not meet? Well friends, they did - and rather abruptly as it was completely accidental. I had one of those mornings where I just couldn't sleep, so I decided to go with it & as I had just finished my first ever roll of film, I decided to be brave and try to load my own film this time (as it would hardly do to wake your flattie at 5 to load your camera with film) and then I headed over to the Shrine of the Báb for dawn prayers.

I know that 2 months seems like a while to my professional photo friends, but I finally finished the roll this weekend & just got the images back this afternoon! I'm still a beginning photographer (and clearly only on my second roll of film), so I just sort of started playing around with my camera - and I have to tell you, I'm pretty happy with the results. ...okay, I'm stoked - most of them turned out WAY better than I expected, especially since I accidentally exposed some of the frames because I couldn't figure out how to get the film to roll up all nice and neat in its little case the way it's meant to. {This time it was too late to wake my flattie and ask for help... I know - I need to take remedial camera lessons.}

Anyhow, here are some of the images from the start of the roll - more to come soon!

The Shrine of the Báb

Sunrise as seen from the Shrine of the Báb
*I actually took about 4 of these - I really love light & it was neat to see the progression of the sunrise*

Early dawn light on the Shrine of the Báb
*this from the west side of the Shrine*

Thanks for indulging me in my hobbies - if you have any suggestions for how I can improve as a photographer, holler at your girl. I'm always looking to learn!
Ps. I should tell you that I don't have a flash and that my light meter is broken - so if your comments involve those being fixed/learning how to use them when they are fixed, let me know so I know which differences to look for, etc.

Opportunity and Responsibility Springs Eternal...

I saw this picture on The Year In Pictures - check it out, you'll probably love it. Anyhow, in the post linked above, the author is sharing Annie Leibovitz's thoughts on Dorothea Lange (particularly this photo) and on photography in general.
Although this photo, "Migrant Mother" (1936), is described by Ms. Leibovitz as "the most important photograph of Dorothea Lange’s life and the iconic picture of the Depression", I find it to be completely relevant to today.
The following is one of my favorite prayers, I share it with you now in hopes that you'll meditate on the reality of the shelter and help God always provides.
From the Bahá’í Writings:
"O Lord! Unto Thee I repair for refuge, and toward all Thy signs I set my heart.
O Lord! Whether traveling or at home, and in my occupation or in my work, I place my whole trust in Thee.
Grant me then Thy sufficing help so as to make me independent of all things, O Thou Who art unsurpassed in Thy mercy!
Bestow upon me my portion, O Lord, as Thou pleasest, and cause me to be satisfied with whatsoever Thou hast ordained for me.
Thine is the absolute authority to command."
- The Báb

A Daily Dose of Green...

Green transportation: You Know You Want To, Everyone's Doing It.

Remember a few years ago when every celebrity & their mom (slash agent) was endorsing a Prius (or the like)? Well friends - bicycles are the new black, I mean green.
Miss Ellen Page, photo courtesy of Copenhagen Style Chic.

A Change is Gonna Come...

I know that with all of the positive and negative changes happening in the world - as we speak - it may seem trite to speak of this seemingly insignificant change looming on my horizon.... My flatmate Kalila is going home. For the very best of reasons - she's getting married y'all! - but that doesn't mean I'm not going to miss the heck out of her. So I suppose this is just a head's up. If and when I start waxing sentimental, you'll know why.

True story: brought to you by Le Love

Kalila and I: ladies night out

With Liberty And Justice For All....

courtesy of A Softer World

We Interrupt This News...

My uber talented friends are at it again....
*Click the image to peep the original.
Brought to you by the Dog House Diaries.