A Bit of Knowledge: Motion Pictures - My Experimental Photography

I wanted to title my first blog post of 2010 - Life in the Fast Lane, but just before posting, I decided to read the lyrics. Conclusion: No, that's not me. However, my life is moving fast. It feels like I just woke up, and it's already time to go to bed. It feels like it is still Christmas, and already a few days have passed since the New Year. Before I go on, let me wish you all the best in 2010. May all your dreams come true, and most of all, good health. We all know how it is without it.

The winter is keeping us inside. Matthew's soft skin is still very sensitive to negative colds, and we have been experiencing very cold days since Christmas. I am hoping that spring or the last days of winter will be warmer, so I can go out and do more photography. In the meantime, I'm just trying new things inside the house and with editing. Like this one of Matthew running around and me chasing him. He is also developing quickly as he runs. Every day, he learns a few new words and sentences, can count to 10 by himself (that was a surprise), can read mom and dad, and knows at least 10 different colours. Yesterday he surprised us by singing some words and humming a tune of the Old McDonald Had a Farm and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and starting today he learned shapes. I am telling you, Matthew is ready for school. But he is not going yet because it will be a shame for me not to watch him grow, plus he is only 20 months old.

I said before that being home most of the time, taking care of Matthew, and doing regular house chores limit my ability to get out and do more photography. We gave up on the birding in our backyard, as the seeds attracted not only birds but also nasty rodents. However, the house can be a nice place to experiment with photography. I have been playing with my point-and-shoot camera and trying to take more photos without a flash. Why? Because that way, I capture the colours I see with my eyes or more of the natural light. The flash is nice, but sometimes it adds different shades of colour; the result is the camera's interpretation. This time I enjoyed creating motion blurs, and Matthew was perfect for this experiment. Not to mention playing with photo editing. Oh, and did I mention that I missed the blue moon? It was snowing.




~ Anna

Comments

Stay tucked up warm inside Anna, it is not long to go now until the snow starts melting and spring will be in the air.
pino said…
Successful experiment! I like these photos ... I wish you a beautiful years
Philip said…
Photography is about composition never mind where you are, your house must be filled with great shots keep it up and stay inside and keep warm spring is coming for you :) Have a happy new year :))
lena said…
i love the first picture a lot, Anna :)
And i love your experiments with photography. Amazing shots.
We prefer to stay inside too, it is -25 and i have the whole week off, so going outside is out of question :D
Matthew can count to ten and read Mom and Dad!!! Anna, he is truly gifted!!! He will be ready for school early. You may have to home school for awhile. :D

A BEAUTIFUL motion shot of Matthew. I also love snapping photos in natural lighting.

The weather has been cold as ice. Frost has climbed the trees here. I just posted a winter photo in my BetterPhoto gallery.

Life does move swiftly while watching our babies grow. I blinked and my two graduated from high school and now my granddaughter is an Au Pair in Switzerland for a year!

Have a blessed New Year and I hope we all feel the warm sun soon. :D

Hugs, JJ
lissa said…
adorable pics! hope your new year is full of joy and good health
MedaM said…
Hi Anna,
Mathew is so beautiful little boy. He is growing fast and developing great. I am really very glad for that. It isn’t easy to take care of the children in this growing phase because they are constantly in motion; they are curious and want to explore everything around them. But they are so sweet and interesting in this age. There is no doubt that your time flies so fast. Well, I don’t have little children but still I am sometimes worried about how time flies quickly. The second photo made me smile because I imagined you chasing him. :-)
Best wishes to you too and to your family in 2010.
MedaM
Will said…
Nice photos as always, Anna! I bet you get your exercise trying to keep up with him!

We get rats at our feeders too. What to do, we love the birds. Our cats do occasionally get a rat or two so that helps. We live in the country, so usually the rats stay outside. Once I heard them in the walls and attic. I went to work and got rid of them in a hurry!

I am sure it is cold there. My daughter is flying to Omaha tomorrow and the forecast is for 26 below zero (f) wind chill. I like it here in Oregon, thank you.

Happy 2010! Hope it is a great year for you and your family. :-)
Marvin said…
Happy New Year, Anna! What a cutie your son is!

I try to never use flash. I like natural, ambient light. Flash is so harsh without a diffuser.

The blue moon was beautiful, but it looked just like any other full moon. Not blue at all, of course.
Matthew is a beautiful boy, and your photographs really capture his passion for life, Anna. Only twenty months old, and so much learned already. Wow!

I was born and grew up in Quebec, have spent a little time in Ottawa with my sister, and also lived for five years in the Maritimes, two of those in Northern New Brunswick. I remember the cold temperatures very well. There is nothing quite like a crisp, sunny, white-snow day, but I have to admit, the Vancouver climate agrees with me.
Great pics again and Matthew is getting so big! We wish you a wonderful New Year! It has been cold here too and a lot of the US is very cold lately....stay warm!
--JB
Peter said…
It only seems like yesterday that Matthew was knee high to a grasshopper! How fast they grow! Before you know it he will be eating you out of house and home! Wishing you all the very best for 2010!

Take Care,
Peter
Max-e said…
Hi Anna,wow I can't believe that Matthew is already 20 months old. It seems like just the other day that he arrived. It sounds like he is an absolute delight.
I am such a purist that I generally throw away my "blurred" shots. But I have been learning in more recent months that there is merit in these pictures. They can be a lot of fun.
Thanks for the visit and all the comments.
Jennie said…
Anna, your photos are AMAZING! I love that first shot! Beautiful! Keep up the great work!
Tatiana said…
Hey Anna, such a great motion captures you took of Matthew :)and it's kind of nice to be inside while outside is cold and snowy! Here we have an unusually cold winter also, and with lots of snow too, and I've been out a few times and took some bird captures that I will post one ofg these days on Flickr and my blog. Keep warm and healthy, and very Happy! {{{HUGS}}}
Dick said…
It's difficult to catch an image the same way as you see it. I guess the human eye is still superior to the best camera.
I like the picture because there is movement in it.
Rajesh said…
Matthews is very cute. Keep him inside safe from winter cold and until spring.

Days of his growing will be very very enjoyable.
Ruth said…
Matthew is your precious and worthy cause. The photos will be there, and in the meantime, we have these experiments of him, so fun!

You were right about the Hudson Bay blanket - the original, and mine is a copy!
S-V-H said…
Your little sunshine is a great and sweet model too.

I love your projects you have in your mind Anna and Matthew has a wonderful caring mother!

Stay warm to protect him from the big cold, Anna. Kisses to Matthew :)
krizcpec said…
Hi, agree with what you said about time, yes it flies. The weather here is not good either, so I am hoping to see a clear sky soon, and send Matthew my regards! Cheers.
Hi Anna,

This post is really very interesting and touching. I just recalled nearly the same days of my sister when her son was just a few months old. She used to teach him, take care of him, and spend each and every second with him. I wish, her same days come back again when she doesn't have to worry about anything, and can concentrate again on him. It's my very intense wish.

Oh! I'm getting too emotional.

mmmmmm…

And yes, about photography without using flash, it's the same approach for me too. The photos tend to become flat with flash. I too like photos with natural light. Nice takes Anna :)

Rays of Hope
Louis la Vache said…
«Louis» enjoyed this post and he thanks you for visiting San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.
Patty said…
Thanks for your visit. The snow gallery were actually photos from Britain, not the US. Some friends in GB sent the web site to me. And since I know they're having snow also, thought I would post them.
George said…
I remember what it was like to have a two-year-old in the house, and your second picture captures the feeling perfectly. Our kids never seemed to slow down. That first picture of Matthew is adorable.
Pietro Brosio said…
Very fine pictures, Anna!
Happy 2010! :-)
Anonymous said…
Most people spend a lot of money, or a lot of their time, taking pictures but then they spend even more time and money "processing" the pictures to make something that wasn't.
myonlyphoto said…
Joan yes I will. I think days are getting a bit longer, lol. However, usually Feb can be very cold here too. Thanks for your kind visit Joan. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Pino, I like them too. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Philip for the encouragement, you are so right. Thanks so much, Anna :) PS happy new year to you too.
myonlyphoto said…
Lena -25 that is cold! Thanks for your comment, and you too stay warm. Anna :)
Beautiful picture with natural lighting. Good experimentation with motion blur.
Cute clever boy!.
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks JJ for all your kinds words. Yes Matthew's progress is amazing, every day new things, he is really learning fast to speak, and learn stuff. Never seen anyone being so fascinated with words, letters, numbers, books. Never mind singing, lol. We have difficulty doing any pictures or recording, as he stops and wants to do of us, lol. May be we will have to set up hidden camera, lol. JJ stay warm, and you to have a blessed year 2010. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Lissa, hope yours will be they same. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Medam thanks so much for your kind words. Yes times flies, I turn around and Matthew is acting differently. I will miss those precious moments, but we have to let go and move on to the next stage. Medam thanks so much for your always nice comments, and visits. Wishing you all the best in 2010. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Will, yes we get to run around him a lot. The house is not necessary yet perfectly designed for little children, so we have to watch him very closely.

Wow Will you get rats, we got mouse, but we found the source being neighbour, so looks like she got rid of them, crossing my fingers.

It warmed up a bit today, but I am sure the worst is yet to come, lol. That was cold for your daughter.

Will have a good 2010, all the best, Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Marvin for your kind comment. Yes moon was very nice next day. You know someone send me a message and told me that in Britain it was blue. Must have been a spectacular view. Marvin thanks again, Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Carol thanks so much. Wow may be I move to BC too, lol, I like that kind of weather. Enjoy your 2010 Carol. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks JB and you too stay warm. Happy new year to you too. So you got polar bear in your genes, lol? That was a good comment. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Peter yes it still feels like it was like yesterday. No no I don't want him to go yet, lol. Life with Matthew is so precious. Peter thanks so much for your all year long support. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Max-e you know I always enjoy your adventures. Thanks for your kind comment. Yes he is 20 months, times really really flies, especially when we enjoy that time with him. Happy new year 2010 my friend, glad to see you back. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Jeannie thanks so much for your kind comment and welcome to my blog. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Tatiana, yes I will stay warm, and you too. The weather is on and off. We have to get him out though to try his boots again, lol. Thanks my friend, have a good one. Anna :)
chrome3d said…
Very pretty experiments and the blurs and grains look real and fitting to the subject.
myonlyphoto said…
Dick I think too that the human eye is still superior to the best camera. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and hope you had good holidays. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Rajesh thanks so much for your kind words. Appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Warm Sunshine thank so much for your comment. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Ruth for your kind comment. Those blankets are very warm. I have one made from camel, it really keeps us warm in those cold days. Thanks for the visit my friend. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Susanne Matthew send hugs and kisses back. You know at this age, it is so hard to photograph him, instead we have to pose as he knows how to take photos. Soon he will have thousands pics of us, lol. Susanne thanks so much for your kind comment, always appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Kriz appreciated, Matthew sends his regards back. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Bhavesh Chhatbar thanks so much for your kind words and sharing your thoughts on this subject, sorry to make you a bit emotional. I am glad you enjoyed it and brought some nice memories back. Thanks so much. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Louis la Vache thanks so much for your comment, and visit. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Patty thanks for the explanation. I kind of suspected that, as they look more familiar, as I am from Europe myself. Thanks again, appreciated your comment back. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
George thanks so much for your thoughts. BTW Matthew learn to say George very well today, as he heard something on TV, lol. Thanks for your visit George, it is appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Pietr, and welcome to my blog. Happy new year to you too. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Abe I cannot argue with you on this subject because I agree. Thanks for your thoughts, appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Tabib, it was fun. Appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
chrome3d thanks so much for your comment and visit. Yes natural light will always be superior. BTW I usually do not comment back on my selectivepedia blog, but you are right now he has to carry this big solar panel with him, lol. Thanks again for your comments and visits, appreciated, and lastly welcome to my world. Anna :)
imac said…
Wonderful photography play, and great work.
Enjoy these tender loving years, they are priceless.

Thanks for visiting my blog and your kind comments.
Rune Eide said…
Photos are for experiments (barring documentation) - they are what you make them. The only one who sets lilits are yourself.
Bergson said…
guard he with you, it will grow too fast

happy new year fot you and yours
Chris said…
Hi Anna,
Thanks for your fidelity to my blog... I love this experiment a lot. I've been trying that with birds flight but no success so far!
Gabriel Robledo said…
Nice shots! I takes time to master this kinds of shots, well done!
John Maslowski said…
Truly a bundle of joy, can't believe he's 20 months already. Life is definitely in the fast lane Anna and you are doing the right thing by watching Matthew grow. He looks so happy and content, a tribute to your good parenting. Take care and enjoy.
Kelly said…
....I know just how you feel about the "fast lane." I wish time would slow down a little. I also feel like it's still Christmas, but we're almost halfway through January. It's almost scary how fast the time is flying now. I love the action shots. Sometimes they are my favorite...even with the birds. Happy New Year to you.
oyz said…
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Swubird said…
Anna:

He's getting to be a big little boy alright. Handsome too.

I don't know much about digital cameras, so I didn't know they could be set to blurr (shutter shutter speed).I thought you had to do all that special stuff with Photoshop.

Anyway, great pictures. You are the best.

Happy trails.
Anya said…
Hi Anna
He is all a big boy
Love your shots :-)

Have a wonderful weekend

Anya :-)
Unknown said…
The motion blur makes these images more beautiful. Well shot...Thomas
Zbyszek said…
Super zimowy maluch:) I rozmazanie też ciekawe. pozdrawiam gorąco z Warmii:)
Birdy Official said…
Interesting experience. I liked the idea of taking picture without flash. I'll certainly give it a try.
Oswegan said…
Wow, he is a beautiful child. You are blessed.
Chris said…
Gorgeous motion picture Anna... You did it well and it is very funny and dynamic! Well done!
Peter said…
Any tips on who is going to win the most gold medals at the Winter Olympics - Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

Take Care,
Peter
Peter said…
I'll correct that last line as it goes like this, "AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OUI OUI OUI!"

Good luck with your team!

Take Care,
Peter
beanow said…
Hi Anna! Sweet action shot :) I like the blur and grain too.
myonlyphoto said…
imac thank you, and I will they are in fact very much priceless years. Appreciate your visit again. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
RuneE thanks for your wise words, and welcome to my blog. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Bergson, same to you. Yes they do grow fast. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Chris thank you too. That would be an excellent experiment to try with birds, and you know it isn't easy. Thanks Chris again for your support too. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Gabriel Robledo thanks for your kind words, and welcome to my blog. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
John Maslowski, you are so right he is our bundle of joy, and I every day say wow he did really grew fast. He is now talking, and learning so much, and we have to watch what we say because he repeats, and laughs of course. Funny little man, lol. Thanks John again for your always kind comment. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Kelly hopefully you are not thinking about Xmas anymore, but yes look its already end of January. Action photos are fun, glad you enjoy them too. Thanks for your visit my friend again. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Hey Swubird, thanks and yes he is growing fast. To get the blur you just have to disable your flash, and there you go. Have fun exploring if you need to change scenery from writing lol. Thanks again for your kind comment Swu. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Anya for your kind visit and comment again, appreciate. I will see you later. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Thomas. You know you are right, and makes them more realistic. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, appreciate. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Zbyszek dziekuje bardzo, i pozdrawiam. To jeszcze zimno :).
Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks birdy, and have fun. It is unique experience. Thanks again for your visit, appreciate. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Oswegan, where have you been, lol? It is so nice to see you back. Thanks for your kind comment, and I will make sure I drop by your photo world. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Hey Chris thanks for the visit again, I will have to hurry faster to visit you then, lol. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Hey Peter, I didn't know that you Aussies liked winter Olympics, good luck to you too, lol, hope we tie, lol. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Peter I don't have any good lines for Canadians, lol, Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks beanow, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for your visit. Appreciate. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks DSM, appreciate. Anna :)
Max Coutinho said…
Hey Anna,

May 2010 bring you nothing but happiness and glorious moments :D!

Matthew is looking gorgeous! And I am glad that he is developing fast (today's kids are like that - I met one the other day that is 2 years old and already counts, sings, knows the colours...you name it!) - you must be proud!

I like the experiment you did, and I can't wait to see what you can do once you hit the streets :D!

Cheers
Wow very nice photo i like this kid photo this is very fantastic.
Lynda Lehmann said…
Matthew is a big boy for being only under two years old. I'm glad you are able to be with him in these precious early years, to watch his growth.

Of course you are making the best of the long, indoor winter days, experimenting with your camera. You are so right about the flash, casting glare and shadows, or changing colors. I see it every time I try to photograph artwork!

I wish you health and happiness in this new year, too, Anna! May you feel warm and cozy and inspired until the early spring sun beckons you outdoors with your son.
myonlyphoto said…
Belated thanks Max. Yeah kids are smarter and smarter these days, I guess we get to expose them to more stuff through media and kids shows are much more educational these days.

Matthew already hit the streets, and he is fast, lol.

Thanks Max for your kind comment as always. I will see you later.

Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Trying to get Pregnant thank you. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Lynda life with Matthew is precious, I just wouldn't be able to give him away to the babysitter, lol, and watching him grow is so much fun.

Yes flash is tricky, and natural light is still the best.

Thanks for your kind comment and wishes Lynda, appreciated.

Anna :)