Mission 24 Challenge Give Away!!!!!

Alright M24ers I'm going to utter the world wide webs most exciting words. These phrase is right next to Sale, Free, Discount or % off!

GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Yes thats right you heard me GIVEAWAY! Im giving away 4 (FOUR) FREE month long subscriptions to NETFLIX! Yes lets say that again NETFLIXXXXXXXXX!!! So you can enjoy the pleasure of watching movies that are new and old and even TV shows that are new and old online for FREE!

Heres the short and the long! Post a photo for this weeks challenge before deadline (Monday Night). The topic is Family. Copy and paste this link on your facebook or blog and then email the like to m24photos@gmail.com post on the M24 facebook page, my page or in comments here.

Monday night after the duration is over I will contact the winners with the code to enter on netflix website.

LETS GET CRACKIN!

*ps Netflix will probably require to put a debit/credit card on file which isnt charged unless you go over the month long deal. If you want to continue you can. Basically refer to netflix terms and conditions. M24 and I cannot and will not be responsible for any charges from nextflix outside of the free month!

Challenge: Family

New challenge again should be quite easy. Lets do it of family or families. I wanted to do this because it could be of any combo of people in your family. Everyone has a family even if it is a life long friend.

So please dont post something that you previously took for someone. Try and get this of your own family and if all fails you there post of some ones family that you took shots of during the duration of this challenge only. No previously taken please! Please submit by Monday night October 5th 11:59pm. This gives you 1 day, the weekend and for what I know most of you have family night! :)

P.S. Anyone who wants to submit an idea of a word challenge please do. Comment here, on M24 facebook page, my facebook page or email m24photos@gmail.com

If Only You Knew...Happiness!!!

Our son Jacob has not been overly excited about soccer...yes, sometimes we debate for 90% of the game before he will even go into play. He finally decided that if we would buy him sunglasses (even though this is against the rules) that he would play. So, on a wing and a prayer that we wouldn't get busted for him wearing sunglasses (thankfully the coaches kid wears them), we bought him some glasses and he had a "happy" mood for the entire soccer game! Whew! Cub Scouts may be our next activity!

Many Moods

This is my daughter showing the many moods a 3 month old experiences within minutes.

I shot with my point and click (which I'm not very adept at using) because I didn't want to get the "big" camera out, they are packed for a wedding we're doing this weekend in Wyoming.
cc please

Featured Photograher: Hotmama03

NAME: Michelle Wagoner

1. What camera do you use?
   I use a Nikon D60, with two different lenses (my new baby) It came with 55mm and i got a zoom lens with stabilization.
   


2. What is your favorite photography subject? (or, what do you like to take pictures of the best?)
   I love the outdoors, I am always finding excuses to go out and take pictures of plants, trees, animals and even family from time to time.
   
   
   
3. What camera equipment is on your wish list?
   AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED-lense, now to get way out there on my wish list I would love a Nikon D90 with all the trimmings-YAY!!
   
   
4. What are your hobbies outside of photography?
   Crochet, knitting, baking, and Cub Scouts

5. Tell us about your family! (married? Kids?)
   Married now for 3 years-been together for 8, 3 wonderful kids Samantha 12, Mickey 9 and Travis 6

6. Where do you live? (you don’t have to be specific if you don’t feel comfortable)
   We live in Beautiful Oregon, a small town outside of Salem It’s a small town and everyone knows what you are doing
   
   
7. Do you have a blog you would like to share? (family blog or photography blog?
   Yes, I have 3 others that I do,

http://familyfunpage.blogspot.com/

http://hotmama03lifeofagoddess.blogspot.com/

http://goddesscrochet.blogspot.com/

8. What is the best photography advice you have ever received?
   Just experiment and make sure you are having fun.
   Also, Nikon was highly suggested along side of Cannon
   


9. What (if any) editing program do you use?
   I am currently working on using Picasa, but I am always looking for more to use.
   
   

10.Can you share your favorite 3 pictures with us?? (just attach them to this email)

Daysleeper

Not sure if it is really a mood or not but I am sure sleepy today. Im sure it has nothing to do with going to bed at 1a waking up at 5a and getting my feet attacked by this daysleeper! CC is welcome and more here.

Challenge Reminder: Mood

Just a reminder for deadline for tomorrow night for Mood. At this point with no posts I will allow for a photo taken within the month of September if you most before midnight tonight!

Challenge: Mood

Are you in a good mood? A bad mood? The mood? Let's get moody!

Please post by Thursday October 1st at 11:59PM PST.

Straight out of the Garden

I am so proud of myself this year.

My mother in law and myself have been tending our garden and here is only a portion of the goodies that I have canned from it. Jams, jellies, pickled items, plums, pears, green beans, corn and so much more. I love the popping sound when they are ready. I also love all different colors of all the food.

Yay me!!!

Salad

{cc please}

So I was going to get a great shot of fair food but by the time we ate the yummy elephant ears its was dark so here's a salad I made for a BBQ tonight! I like how juicy the tomatoes are. I love shooting food!

A Long Feeding

In some cultures it is considered good luck to be licked by a Giraff! Me, my wife, and both kids were able to feed them and got licked! It was quite fun! But sometimes food makes me think of someone else. Making food for someone, feeding someone, feeding at church functions. My whole life is food! CC welcomed! more here probably by tomorrow!

Sweet

Goodbye Pie

I FINALLY made it back in a challenge! I took this picture of some mini pies I made for my daughter's class at school. They were so cute and little...and it was so sad watching the kindergarten kids throw them away without even taking a bite.

:)

(good to get the camera out again!! Thanks Blake for taking this off my plate and allowing me to enjoy it again!)

Popcorn Lover

Tonight my daughter Whitney was eating some popcorn out of the bag and here comes our dog Zeppelin getting right up behind her, at first he was hugging her with his paws around her shoulder which was so cute, but the picture did not show the popcorn. So I kept shooting and got this adorable shot. He is just looking at the popcon hoping she will give him some, which of course she did because she spoils him!

Liquid Diet

My husband has had some terrible tummy troubles lately so this is his food for the next few days. Poor Fella!


I set this up on a table in my basement. With all the lights off and just using my basic flash so it would focus directly on the product. Shooting product is what I'm figuring out how to do these past few weeks. I'm also working really really hard on getting the shot and not using PS unless I have to. CC is always welcomed.
FYI: This will be my last post for a little while, not that I was really good this summer. But next week I go in for surgery on my right shoulder. I'm not allowed to touch my camera for 4 weeks and I'm not supposed to be out of the sling for at least 6 weeks. Thanks!

Challenge: Food

Let's take some yummy pictures for this challenge!

(Remember, it doesn't have to be literal.)

Pictures up by midnight Sunday September 27th at 11:59PM PST

P.S. Thank Hotmama03 for this one! It will be GRReat!

Featured Photographer--Princess Jen

NAME: Jennifer Johnson aka princess jen

1. What camera do you use? a Kodak point and shoot. Although my hubby is more than happy to share his very nice dSLR with me with his fancy-schmancy lenses!

2. What is your favorite photography subject? (or, what do you like to take pictures of the best?) I love taking photos of people but I don't always love how they turn out. I'm striving to look at things in different, more interesting ways.


3. What camera equipment is on your wish list? Nothing really. My hubby is the main photog in our family and we have lots of fun things for me to play with. His wish list is full of all sorts of things that I don't know!

4. What are your hobbies outside of photography? I love to read, it's more than a passion, it's nearly a compulsion. I love doing stuff outside. We go hiking and camping, rock climbing and river rafting, all sorts of outdoor adventures. I love visiting national parks. I also enjoy digital scrapbooking.


5. Tell us about your family! (married? Kids?) I am married--since Feb 2000. I have two children. Anya is six and Aaron is two. I have an amazing extended family too. I have a sister and a brother who are both married with kids and my husband's sisters are also truly my sisters as well. They are also all married with kids. We do amazing, fun trips together quite frequently. Most recently we went with hubby's sisters/families to Oregon/Northern California on a camping trip.

6. Where do you live? (you don’t have to be specific if you don’t feel comfortable) I live in Salt Lake County.


7. Do you have a blog you would like to share? (family blog or photography blog?)
j&a antics

8. What is the best photography advice you have ever received? hmmmm... probably to use a tripod.


9. What (if any) editing program do you use? I hardly ever edit my photos. When I scrapbook and need to fix something, I use photoshop elements.

10.Can you share your favorite 3 pictures with us?? (just attach them to this email)
It was difficult to find three that I liked a lot that I haven't used for this blog...


My runner-up for "vintage" challenge


my runner-up for "sign" challenge


This was for another challenge, but I didn't get it posted in time and now I don't remember which challenge it was.

OOOOOKLAHOMA...

Where the wind comes Sweeping down the plains...

This old farm windmill reminds me of my favorite Broadway plays "Oklahoma". I have seen it several times on t.v. and on stage and I love it each time I see it.

Reminder Broadway Challenge

I'll give another holla for the Broadway challenge. I know that it is fall tv premier time and I know that most of us will be watching can submit a photo during the commerical breaks.

Wait what? who watches commericals anymore...TIVO and DVR killed the commerical stars!

How about just watch one or two commerical breaks and you can get your photo in! mmmkay! Sweet Im looking forward to it all!

Fearless Leader-Rachel

When I think of Rachel I think of a very FEARLESS Leader. You have been so great in teaching us so much and taking on a lot with this. I know that I am not the only one that feels like this. You were there whenever anyone had any sort of questions, we knew that if we put CC on ours you would be sure to be one to input and help out. I want to say thank you so much for starting this. It has improved my skills and because of you I have found a new love in photography.

THANK YOU!!

cc, Nikon D60, ?? sorry i didnt write it down

I need your feedback!!

Hey guys I just posted my preview for my Engagement Photoshoot. I would LOVE your feedback before I send the proofs to the bride to be. THANKS!

www.gundersenphotos.blogspot.com

Broadway: Just the way it is

Isn't this the way of Broadway? Wicked is a musical based on a book based on a movie based on a book based around socio-political satire.

I have the book (I'm a third or so of the way through reading it, but I'm focusing on a different book at the moment), and I'm going to see the show in November for my birthday.

CC

Challenge: Broadway Reminder

It's about half way through the time set for the challenge for "Broadway". I think this challenge could go a variety of ways and could potentially be quite easy. Picture with a quick message one or two sentences shouldnt take more than 5 minutes to put on. You guys can do it!

Show me what you got!

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!

Decor

Of course Rachel is an expert at making another man's junk into another man's treasure! She has some excellent stuff, and great ideas. I found these rod iron thingys at the store the other day and my wife decided to hang them to give a look of a faux headboard. It kind of works out.

It isnt the greatest picture but it reminds me of her! Thank you for all your advice, help at late hours, talks and encouragement. You truely are one of a kind!

Rachel Tribute: Calculator

I'm glad we can use past photos for this challenge.


I chose to use a photo that I took back in April for the challenge word "One." It was a word that I chose (in honor of my daughter turning 1), but I was having a hard time thinking outside the box of an idea to shoot for the word. This photo reminds me of Rachel for several reasons:

• She suggested photographing a calculator, which this obviously is.
• Way back at the beginning of the year, she taught me that I could still take good photos (up-close ones even) with "just" a point-and-shoot. This photo shows detail, texture, and focus. Before Rachel, I didn't know about the macro/flower function.
• Rachel encouraged me to not be afraid to edit. This was one of the first challenges I started editing pictures for.
• Rachel's pictures always have great color in them. This is a really great blue.

I really liked this photo when I took it, and I never got a chance to use it. so I'm glad I do now.

CC

Challenge: Tribute to Rachel

I think we would all agree that Rachel is a wonderful woman in all apsects of life. I have personally learned so much from her. So for the challenge thing of it as a chance to post something that reminds you of her, something you did together, learned from her, etc.

I know that people are busy as well as I so for this challenge it will be ok to post something that you might have taken a previous day! Please give it till Wednesday night September 16th at 11:59pm! That is almost a whole week!