Bead Blocks

I found these beads in a drawer and loved the colorful stripes. I had fun stacking them up, moving them around and changing the focus. They came out just how I wanted them too.

Connection

Connection, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

I noticed the spirals on the right-hand limb, and then I realized they were created by the left-hand limb reaching out and wrapping around. I'm not a philosophical person really, but it made me think about different connections, and also how people can grow together over time.

'Moses in a Basket' & Raindrops

Purple Plant & Raindrops, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

This was originally named 'Purple Plant & Raindrops' but thankfully my friend Jessica knows the real name :)

This might be the best raindrop macro I've gotten so far. I've been envying other people's techniques with this on Flickr (and I'm still not as good). Cate at www.catescott.com has some great raindrop macros, so check those out for more.

Bokeh Love

Bokeh Love, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

I got SO much bokeh, wheeeee! Kevin and I spent Sunday afternoon at Bull Creek in the most awesome spot that Cate found. Denali and KC got to see each other again, swim, chase each other, fight over sticks etc. The adults got to laugh at them and get a lot of sun. And photos, of course.

Begonia 2 textured

Begonia 2 textured, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

I'm really proud of how this came out! With the texture it reminds me of a painting.

Bokeh Begonia

Bokeh Begonia, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

Fountain Drops

Fountain Drops, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

This is the edge of a really cool water fountain outside a Dr. office I visited yesterday. Apparently I have gotten over people staring at me taking photos, because I sat down on the sidewalk and snapped away for at least 20 minutes.

I took a whole bunch of photos because I couldn't tell on the LCD if the drops were in focus. I also wanted to get some good bokeh in the background. I think this is a success :)

Purple Flower

Purple Flower, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

Playing with my new 50mm lens! I'm a lot more pleased with my attempts yesterday than I was on the first try.

I used Google images to try and find out the name of this flower, but I still don't know.

"Swine Flu" Kit

"Swine Flu" Kit, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

Everyone in my office got this today. It's our swine flu voodoo kit! Cross your fingers, people.

Rusty Grill Texture

Rusty Grill Texture, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

The little camping grill gets more and more rusty and discolored the more it gets rained on.

Torn Paper Texture

Torn Paper Texture, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

I'm not sure I've got the color balance right on this one. Welcome your suggestions!

Grunge Metal Texture

Grunge Metal Texture, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

This is my favorite new texture! It's from the top of a barrel Kevin's had for years.

Tortillas

Tortillas, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

I guess I'm hungry, taking food photos!

Finger-lickin' Chicken

Finger-lickin' Chicken, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

Kevin called me outside to look at the chicken he was making for dinner. This is not artsy, but I like it for two reasons. One, I can remember how it smelled by looking at the photo, which is what I wanted to capture. Two, the curlicues of smoke rising up from the grill.

Creepy Stuffed Puppy

Creepy Puppy, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

First thing Denali chewed the plastic eyes and nose off her puppy (see my Flickr page). I thought it looked so creepy! Then it looked even creepier in black and white. Success.

Kids on Beautiful Day

Kevin, Denali and I were hoping to meet Cate and KC at Bull Creek today. It was such a beautiful day! Then we realized Kevin doesn't have two arms to control Denali, and I have a hard time when she's super excited about swimming with KC.

So we had to settle for an easy walk behind our house and down to the park. These kids were so cute, riding their bikes and splashing through the puddles.

Big Bubble!

Big Bubble!, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

I thought I had such a simple idea: I'll photograph bubbles! They're shiny and rainbowy, and it'll be easy. Ha!

I took so many bubble photos. I took them indoors, outdoors, floating in water, sitting on grass. This is one where it was floating in water on a clear platter. I put a black piece of paper underneath in hope of showing the colors and shine more.

I think the colors came out well, especially the reflection of the window. And I got some bokeh as well!

Yes, It's Flowers (Don't Judge Me)

Yellow with Raindrops

Petals on Rocks

I can't resist posting these photos of the flowers in my mom's long stem rose garden. They're so pretty!

Wine Glasses

Wine Glasses, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

These wine glasses were perfectly poised on a table, on the balcony outside Shawna's reception room in Shoreline Grill. The trees and water in the background are part of Ladybird Lake in Austin, TX.

I like the depth of focus, the distortion through the glasses and the reflection of the glasses on the tablecloth.

Peaceful Walkway

Restful Walkway, originally uploaded by Orchid Photo.

This is a beautiful walkway by the Four Seasons in Austin, next to where my friend Shawna had her wedding reception.

It caught me because of the tree leaves hanging down and shading the stairs. Nature with man-made stone and all that.

I feel like I could sit there all day.

Update 4/18 - After much discussion, Cate and I finally determined the structure in the middle is not a pagoda, portico or porch; it's a pergola!