The Colors of February {Maine Lifestyle Photographer}

Posted on February 28, 2010

Typically February can be frigid and full of snow storms here in Maine. Not this year. We had heavy precipitation once this month. It began on Wednesday and it escalated into a raging storm by Thursday night. I heard we got 6 inches of rain as the winds screamed and slammed through the trees, tearing down anything too weak to hang on. We were without power for 2 days.

Life, as we know it, comes to a halt when the power is out. The silent aftermath can either become a time to complain about not having the creature comforts we are used to having or we can make use of less distractions and notice the beauty around us.

In all honesty, I did a little of both but I especially loved having my camera out to photograph the simplicity of nature as it lay dormant. Spring is so near right now, a bit too soon, though. How this year will unfold as the climate shifts remains a mystery.

By your own soul, learn to live.  And if men thwart you take no heed. If men hate you have no care. Sing your song, dream your dream, hope your hope and pray your prayer. - Parkenham Beatty

Winter Light {Maine Lifestyle Photographer}

Posted on February 17, 2010

This post is inspired by the Shutter Sisters.

I love all the seasons as each one offers its own beauty. Color is everywhere, even in the dull gray of winter.

There is something so endearing about horses in their winter coats.

There is a certain glow in the early morning during the winter months. It makes everything warm and magical.

Even though this isn’t focused, I still love the action and the light.

And I love the colors during a snow storm found happily playing in the pasture. They are, of course, in the form of four-legged furry creatures!

Playing with Vintage {Maine Lifestyle Photographer}

Posted on January 3, 2010

It is so easy to get comfortable with a certain way of doing things. In regards to photography, post processing in particular, I have found myself seeking new ways of bringing to life the images I take. I visit hundreds of blogs. I sample hundreds of tutorials. I read hundreds of “how to’s.” But in the end I found myself slinking back into a familiar way of presenting my work. Maybe it’s my “style” or my “signature” - a way for people to recognize my images. For them to be able to say, “yep, that’s Darlene.”

But I want to grow. I want to feel expressive in a multitude of ways. I don’t want my post processing to be my signature. I want the emotion conveyed in the images to say “this is Darlene’s work.”

The following images are from a session I did towards the end of November. I’m still working on them. The good thing about taking so long is the images and I are evolving together. I am stepping outside my “photography comfort zone” with the intention of being open to many forms of expression. These images below have been treated with a vintage look. The hardest part about this change is when I put the original image and the vintage image side by side. I have to let go of the fact that the colors are different, especially skin tones. But what I’m loving is the energy shift. It really brings to life the feeling of the moment.

The direction of this post was inspired by the latest post on Shutter Sisters.

This image represents such a sacred moment.  I just love the synchronicity between Lea and Spartacus.

Heartstrings {Maine Lifestyle Photographer}

Posted on December 28, 2009

I have been waiting for Christmas to come so I could post these images.  I photographed Justine and her horse, Emma, in November with the intention of documenting their connection.  The resulting images were to be used as gifts, so I didn’t want them to be made public until they were given.  I love how they turned out.  We had less than an hour before the sun disappeared, and during that time the sun was in and out of the clouds.  And Emma was a bit antsy so I just watched and clicked away.  No poses, just pure moments.  A lot of love going on between these two!  And such beauty!  (I will be doing a post of her sister and her horse later in the week, so stay tuned!)

This is my personal favorite.

And this one, too.

Yes, the colors were that vibrant!

And this is a picture of her other horse, Otis, that I made into a poster.

Milkweed Magic - {Maine nature photographer}

Posted on October 30, 2009

I absolutely LOVE the Fall season!  For me, the colors signify accomplishment and a brilliant end to the busy, full days of Summer.  I love the turning maple leaves, but even more, I love the opened pods of  milkweed.  For the past month as I drive to and from town, I’d scout the roadsides for the first signs of this amazing plant.  And today, on my way home from a massage session, I actually had time to stop and photograph some.  I was hoping for the sun to be shining because I love how the light illuminates the cottony white.  The sky was overcast  but I love the results anyway.  The problem I’m having is choosing a favorite.  One may wonder, how many images of a milkweed one can take?  After all, a milkweed is a milkweed, looking just like the last milkweed. Wrong! I’d love to hear from you which image you like best.  Just leave a comment at the end of this post to tell me.  There are 16 images and I’m going to post them in the order that I photographed them, so you won’t think they are in order of preference.  Enjoy!!

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