Sigh. This is the part of the summer where I panic because it'll be over before I know it. I start wondering what summer activities I can cram into the remaining days. I know it will still be warm for a few months, but when the kids go back to school it just isn't summer anymore. And I don't even have kids! But I do have a husband who's a teacher, and in a couple of weeks he'll be welcoming his students back to school. And my nieces and nephews won't be as available to hang out as they have been. So I'm going to keep my camera clicking away while the grass is green, the corn is high and the evening light is golden.
Do you guys have any "end of summer" photos to share?

How many of you remember getting your high school senior portraits taken (if you opted to at all)? Most stories I hear from people my age or older include stuffy studios, older male photographers, hideous wicker props, or an item of clothing that was forced upon them. My experience wasn't bad, but it wasn't fun either. I remember one particularly uncomfortable pose on a fake column that had been laid on it's side on the floor. And then there was the ugly black sweater that I hated but the photographer made me put on. My husband told me that his senior photographer put a clip on the back of his shirt collar so it would open up more in the front. But what he didn't realize is that he also clipped the back of my husband's neck. As a shy, polite teenager he didn't say anything and spent half the session with a clip on his neck.

It seems like seniors and their parents are looking for more these days. They want photos that show their true personalities. It's not always easy to get natural, candid shots right off the bat with adults (as Kate just talked about), but once we both loosen up, they shine through. With me, they have lisence to be as serious or goofy as they want. You want to throw on a hoodie and a pair of ridiculously huge sunglasses? Go for it. You want to bring your Hello Kitty guitar and rock out on a park bench? Absolutely. I want these kids to walk away feeling beautiful and empowered. I want them to have an experience that they can talk about positively 10 years from now. This is a wonderful, fun, difficult and strange time in their lives and maybe these photos will help them remember it in the future. 

I would love to hear your memories of your high school senior photo session–good or bad . And a picture of it would be a bonus!

"Far below lay the fields green with wheat, the flat pastures grazed by horses, the darker greens of the woods." - Richard Adams, Watership Down

I'm currently reading a book called Watership Down. It was written in 1972 and somewhat of a classic (I've been meaning to read it for years). If you haven't read it, it's a fictional story about a group of rabbits roaming around the English countryside and much of the story includes detailed descriptions from the rabbits' viewpoints. It's a beautifully written book but to tell you the truth, it tends to put me to sleep quicker than most books. It's not that it's boring, but it is written in a very soft, soothing way that makes my eyes want to close. The next thing I know I'm dreaming about bunnies.

As I was editing the above photo, I immediately thought of this book. Everything about it fits perfectly with the story; the wheat (good for munching), the angle of the photo (low to the ground like a rabbit), the soft, muted colors (much like the storyline). It could be the new cover of Watership Down. I was thinking that might be a fun little project for anyone looking for a some photographic inspiration. You could choose a book and then go out and shoot the new cover. Or you could go through old photos and match it up with a book you've read. If you decide to try it leave a link to your photo and then tell us which book it belongs to. I'm curious to see what you come up with!

We just got back from a week of traveling across the midwest to visit with our closest friends and family. Our trip included every favorite summer activity imaginable including camping, barbecuing, playing baseball, going to the beach, dining al fresco and spending time with friends. One of our stops along the way was a two day camping trip with our good friends and their two daughters. We spent our days chatting by the fire, throwing a Frisbee, and completely relaxing. There's nothing like watching two little girls experiencing summer at it's finest, unknowingly living the memories that they will look back on fondly. I've never seen pure and utter bliss like I did when the girls bit into those s'mores. I grabbed my camera and as I clicked away they didn't even know I was there. It's like they were in a s'more trance. To me, the image above represents summer.

Which photo represents your idea of the perfect summer? 

 
Aren't these three mushrooms adorable? I feel like they're giving each other a big group hug, thankful for the muggy weather and daily rain showers we've had lately.

As far as composition goes, you really can't go wrong with grouping items in threes. That doesn't mean there has to be only three items in the photo. But that fourth little mushroom on the right doesn't count, in my mind. He's small, off to the side, and out of focus. When I look at the photo I see three mushrooms right away. By composing your photos using odd numbered items it keeps things from getting too symmetrical and creates interest. After I took this photo I checked out the Shutter Sisters Flickr Pool and found some other photos that utilize the Power of Three.

mayalu captured these gorgeous poppy's in a group hug too!

ojoyous1 did a great job recognizing this serene set up.

star8278 found three daisies all in a row. 

pinkorchid_too created a perfect cherry still life.

 If you have any examples of "The Power of Three", I want to see them! And so does everyone else. Leave your links in the comments!