Life From the Passenger Seat: Sunday Stroll

This is probably my favorite Instagram snapshot ever. Danny and I were heading down to his parents on a Sunday afternoon when this picture perfect moment presented itself. It's hard to see, but driving the old fashioned car was a sweet elderly woman, with her aged husband in the passenger seat. They were out for a Sunday stroll, and it really couldn't have been a more beautiful day. I loved this. The adventures never have to stop, no matter how old you get. Someday that will be Danny and I... but probably in a green dune buggy. (oh... and I'd be the one in the passenger seat!)

L

Vintage Style

I've loved all things vintage since I was a teenager. (Side note: since before vintage was cool.) I grew up adoring the 1950's toile wallpaper and classic decor that adorned my grandparents home. I could often be found standing in the middle of their walk-in closet, looking in awe at my Nana's vintage coats and purses. Such inspiration could be found in that museum of a home!

I recently scored some fun vintage treasures at a local yard sale. For less than $15.00 I picked up a pretty printed blouse, a bold tweed jacket, a charming 1960's film camera, and a few other miscellaneous items. It was a very happy Saturday morning adventure!

and yes... those glasses are fake.

L

Instagrammed: Hello Fall

 

I haven't had a ton of time to upload photos lately... sorry about that, but sometimes you have to live life in order to have something interesting to share;) Brisk bike rides, plaid shirts, and falling leaves... looks like Fall is really here! Bring on the boots, scarves, cardigans and (dairy free) cocoa!

L

Instagram: Freshly Picked

Gluten and dairy free never looked so good!

24 hours
28 quarts of green beans picked, snipped, and canned
200+ ears of corn picked
2 amazing meals of fresh veggies enjoyed
1 good nap needed

L

Photo a Day 2: One

The photo a day prompt for day 2 was the word "ONE." This was a bit tricky for me, but I settled for a quick Instagram of Danny's 1% milk. Perhaps a bit ironic as I don't drink milk, but there you have it. (I love me some almond milk though... have you tried it?)

PS: I designed the logo in the corner. I've been studying a lot about photoshop and illustrator and I love it! I'm thinking about taking this class, here.

L

Something That Speaks to You

I kind of love this Instagram I took down on the farm. It's warm, rustic, and dreamy. As you may have noticed from this post, here, I was feeling a little discouraged about my creative abilities. I guess turning 30 caused a bit of an..."Oh my goodness, what am I doing with my life?!" phase. As I usually do when I need a little encouragement, I called my sister Stephanie. She said everything I needed to hear, including this: "Take a picture of something that speaks to you today." I didn't feel much like touching my camera, but I kept my phone with me just in case I became so inclined... and you know what, I couldn't resist that setting sun. As I wandered about snapping photos, I felt like myself. I looked for interesting angles and ways to capture the brilliance of the evening light.

So here's a challenge for you: go take a picture of something that speaks to you today. You might just see something beautiful that perhaps you wouldn't have noticed otherwise.

L

Instagram VS DSLR

Plenty of people out there a quick to say that Instagram/point and shoot photos aren't "real" photography, but I think you can create great shots no matter what kind of camera you use. For a long time I loved photography, but didn't feel like my pictures were good enough because I didn't have a "grown-up camera." I believe you don't need fancy equipment to be a great photographer! Of course I love the quality of images I can get with my "grown-up camera," but I've learned to embrace all of the photos I take, even just with my camera phone. I love the fun filters and convenience of Instagraming, but also love the endless effects and control I have when shooting with my DSLR. Two very different approaches to photography, but I enjoy them both!

The first shot of the Vegas skyline is a camera phone shot with an Instagram filter. Nothing technical, nothing fancy. The second, is a straight out of camera (unedited) shot from my DSLR.

Instagram filters have a dreamy feeling and can really make a simple photo pop! Of course the quality of the image is more pixelated, and you lose the ability to manually control the exposure, but with an eye for composition, and a simple filter, you can really make a great looking shot! Easy... Snap a photo, choose a filter, and voila!! You've got a great photo!

Shooting manually with a DSLR allows you the freedom to control everything about the frame. I love the crisp image and even lighting of the Vegas skyline. I love knowing that even if the sun has started to go down, or I want to focus in on something specific, I can make it happen! I'm still learning lots of tricks and techniques, but I'm getting better at knowing exactly how to create the shots I want! I love that feeling!

I like both of these images! No reason to disregard the instagram because it isn't "professional." Grab your phone, point and shoot, or DSLR,  and take a picture! Step back and take pride in your work!!

PS: Now that I'm almost done with my first 50 big page album for Peachies, I can print some photos and start scrapbooking our California adventure!

L

A Tiny Baby Chick

Danny and I had to make a quick run to Cal Ranch today for some tools. I was planning on staying in the car, but than he reminded me that they have baby chicks for sale inside. Obviously that changed my mind rather quickly. He admired the tools while I happily visited the little chicks, and regretfully informed them that they wouldn't be able to come home with us. Isn't this little baby just the cutest?!

L

Instagram: Vintage Photo Love

Instagram is now available for android phones--and I'm pretty excited about it!! It's a fun and free app with lots of great photo filters for your camera phone pictures. I'm rather excited about this for a few reasons...
1. So many scrapbooking possibilities!
2. You can't always take your DSLR everywhere, but you still want to capture the moment
3. The photo filters have that vintage flair that you know I love so much

I snapped the above Instagram photo of my DSLR last night--I rather like the hint of red toile in the corner. Very vintage, very Lynley.

I can't wait to take some fun shots, order some prints, and get creative!

PS: I'm excited to share my new business collaboration with you soon--the big launch is in the works and we already got our first sale!! Wahoo!

L