He's Gonna Be a Star

This kid is so dramatic and expressive I swear he's going to have to be on Broadway just to utilize all that talent!

Concert Hall

The idea of Broadway brings to mind 2 different things that are quite related. First of all is show tunes obviously and second is concert halls/theaters for preforming arts. Here is one in downtown San Jose. We have gone here before actually for a Broadway tunes concert and I remembered it and got a snapshot! CC please and as always more.

Poll Posted

Given that the last challenge was given a week and we have a significant more than the last challenge and more than previous challenges I just want to get an idea of what time frame is best for everyone.

It is obvious to me that it is M24, but it is also obvious that time frame doesnt provide people with enough time to post. So please make your vote on the top right hand side poll! You dont need to comment here unless you feel the need. You can also keep your comment private and email to m24photos@gmail.com

Remember this is your challenge blog so make it your vote known. If it comes out we all like the week time to post better maybe we can work out a name change or something to Mission Weekly or something like that. Though M24 is so so catchy!

Featured Photographer, Alynn!

Hello friends! My name is Alynn (it's pronounced "uh"-lynn like "duh-lynn" : } Silly, I know, but it makes me laugh, and now you'll always remember)! I'm so happy to be a part of this blog (thanks so much Rachel)! Before M24, I had no (as in ZERO) experience at photography, and I have completely fallen in love with my new little hobby! Thanks so much for your tips and guidance, and plain 'ole good examples! I'm having so much fun!

What camera do you use?

I’m still working off of a point-and-shoot, but I have to admit that I’m in love with my Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S780!

What is your favorite photography subject? (or, what do you like to take pictures of the best?)

Is there any doubt? My kids, my family!

What camera equipment is on your wish list?

I wish for… camera equipment!!! : ) I’m just starting to do some research for a nice, simple camera to get that makes me look like a pro, any suggestions (I have noticed a lot of you use Nicon D80/90's)? And then I’ll definitely need a flash like April F’s to go with it! FABULOUS!

What are your hobbies outside of photography?

I’m up for just about anything! My husband and I were avid scuba divers before we moved back to Idaho from Washington and became landlocked… *sigh.* I would love to give underwater photography a shot someday! We also have a motorcycle, three-wheeler, we are always off camping or fishing (we’re all about cheap, family fun entertainment here!), I also love to blog, play the piano (I've played for 21 years and taught off and on for about 5), I dabble at quilting, and I love to bake, read, but mostly just play!

Tell us about your family! (married? Kids?)

My lovey-hubby Todd and I just had our 10 year anniversary (still so in love with that wonderful man)! There are also three little monkeys running amuck around this place, Elizabeth is 8 (so smart, responsible, and sensitive), Caroline is 5 (so silly, playful, and social), and Louis is two (very boy, very two).

Where do you live? (you don’t have to be specific if you don’t feel comfortable).

Somehow Rexburg, ID pulled me back in… how does it do that? I've also lived in Utah and Puerto Rico, but our years in Washington were my favorite.

Do you have a blog you would like to share? (family blog or photography blog?)

You can visit my family blog called In Our Padded Room, you'll make my day if you leave a comment!

What is the best photography advice you have ever received?

TAKE A MILLION PICTURES, if that’s what it takes. One of them is bound to be good! : ) I also have loved the tips I’ve gotten from all of you! Get down, watch your lighting, and fill the frame of your photograph!

What (if any) editing program do you use?

I was a happy girl when my hubby surprised me with PhotoShop Elements 7. That was a good day!

Can you share your favorite 3 pictures with us??

Now this is hard. This was the first shot that I got that made me think, "Wow, I think I'm gonna have to do a whole lot more of this..." My girls aren't posed, just out there playin' in the rain.

My little fisherman. I loved the colors in this, besides, it's SOOC!

These last two only count as 1/2 a photo each since I can't decide. Do I bore you with another shot of my family, or throw in an amazing sunset to show my versatility? Dilemmas, dilemmas....

Challenge: Broadway

I sincerely appreciate all those who took the time to think up those memories, praise and thanks! It sure feels good to give back a little doesnt it!

For this weeks challenge I want to choose Broadway. This could cover more than just the obvious as well. It can be a good challenge and fun! Let's have this posted again by Wednesday September 23rd at 11:59pm.

Isn't She Lovely?

This is Rachel. And I just LOVE her. This is no exaggeration... she's one of my closest buddies whose relationship we've actually cultivated online.

I have been having a very difficult time this summer dealing with miscarriage, exhaustion and loneliness... Rachel helped me through this. All the way from Ohio, she made sure I was taken care of with a massive and scrumptious ice cream sundae delivered via Alynn (what a night! Best surprise EVER!!!!)

We all have been inspired by Rach in our photography, but more than that, Rachel has inspired me to listen more closely to my heart and the Spirit. To be a better friend. To value those who truly lift us up. I cannot express how grateful I am to her and for her friendship.

Rachel, you're one of the very best out there and I look forward to many more years of great conversations and fun with you!!!

I'm Cyber-Hugging you.... and you can't breathe very well.... cuz I've got really really strong arms....

ps. don't you dare not like this picture... I know I shoulda/woulda/coulda got consent... but this is what I love about you... your laughter!

Picture Reminder

This is the last evening to get any picture you have ever taken in that reminds you of something to do with our beloved Rachel! Im sure she is worth working 7 years with sheep for so please post something to help her feel appreciated!

New Contact Email

Since there will be a temporary change in moderation of the blog I just wanted to let you all know that if you want to send comments, questions, suggestions and other conversations that you would like to take place outside of comments on a post feel free to email: m24photos@gmail.com or you can see it on the sidebar as well.

This way I can appropriately organize my inbox as well as prioritize for any incoming mails from this blog and get to them as fast as possible! I want to emphasize this is an open contribution blog and all suggestions are welcomed!

** Just to let you know there are some featured photographers that are complete and never got posted as well as some Tuesday Tutorials. If you have some saved and are not finished please either delete them or finish them within the next week or I will publish them so we all can appreciate the hard work put into them!

Rachel

So, I have no photo this week because I just got home from a 6 day vacation and just finished unpacking but, I'd like to tell Rachel she is inspiring. This website was just what I needed when I found it and I was inspired by her so . . . thanks so much!



Apparently I can't read either! (or I lost track of the days on vacation!) So here's my pic of my inspiration. I would have never taken this before finding this website. Static objects are so much easier and definitely in my comfort zone so, thanks for pushing me out of my box!

Step Back

This was taken a week ago, but I really think it makes me feel Rachel. A lot of the time, I don't get the picture I want and get frustrated. Rachel makes me feel calm and good about whatever picture I've taken, and that reminds me that I need to step back, see the whole picture, and enjoy it for whatever it is.

CC welcome!

Jumpin' In With Both Feet

First off- this is a picture I took a month or so ago, BUT I wanted to put something in on this challenge so this is what ya get.

When Rachel started this challenge I joined because I wanted to get outside of my photography box. I wanted it to be "fun" again. I've never really done stills/landscape so I thought it would be a great way to start challenging myself. This photo reminds me that before the challenge I wouldn't have tried to take this shot. Rachel/ this blog pushed me to try at other things. So while I KNOW that I'm still not good at landscapes (and realize this is a boring shot, but thought it would be great at the time- LOL) at least I know I tried. Thanks Rachel!

Spread your Wings and Fly

I can honestly say that Rachel had a way to inspire anyone. She came with constant encouragement and feedback, and pushed you to go further each challenge. The creativity that is harnessed on her blog constantly amazes me. I look at the wings of this butterfly and think of the wings of flight. The path life takes, and where we go with it. Thank you again Rachel for sharing your beautiful gift!

Branching Out

f/3.5

1/50sec

ISO 200

Thanks to Rachel and the blog she created for us. I have started to branch out and find more confidence in my photography. All of the support and constructive criticism I've recieved here has led me to step out of my comfort zone. This picture was taken yesterday at my FIRST official photo shoot. It was so exciting to put myself out there and start to consider myself a "photographer". I would never have dared take on this project if it hadn't been for this blog and the support I've recieved here. THANK YOU!!!!

CC PLEASE!!- this will to to a client and it's still up for photoshoping.

More to come on my blog once I sift through the not-so-great ones. I'll let you all know so I can get your feedback

Oh the Places You'll Go

This might seem a really really strange picture to post as a tribute to Rachel... but stay with me here. When mission 24 first started, I was still figuring out who I was as a photographer (still am, but I'm getting there!). I knew I liked to take pictures of people... always had, but then I would have these challenges that really didn't work to just take a picture of what I was comfortable with. I wanted to take a photo of something meaningful for that word, and I would really take the challenge seriously. At the same time, I really wanted to expand my photography skills, so I wanted to make sure that it was a good photo in itself, too. I ended up taking photos of some things I never would've thought to take a picture of, and I found that I really loved it. I started thinking of more photography opportunities for myself, and expanded who I am as a photographer. One of my favorite photos was taken because of a quest to fulfill a mission 24 assignment, no matter what. I entered photos in a magazine contest, and ended up with a couple of full page spreads and an ongoing relationship with the magazine as a photographer. Just this month I was given an assignment by the magazine to take a picture of a graveyard. Before mission 24 I would've panicked. Because of my mission 24 training, I knew that I could take a picture of anything and make it cool. Sooo... there you go. This post is a tribute to the growth I've experienced because of Rachel, and this photo of a graveyard is a symbol of the direction mission 24 has taken me... the expansion I have experienced as a photographer because of an idea that Rachel had, and made into something big. Not only did she set up a place for all of us to learn and grow, but she encouraged us all along the way, and helped everyone in their quest to become better photographers. Thank you Rachel, for starting mission 24, for personally encouraging me in my photography, and for being an inspiration all around. Love you!