Rainy Fall Morning

I've been itching to get out and shoot with my camera for weeks, but learning my new job has been all encompassing.  I've been using my days off to run errands rather than spend some one on one time with my camera.  

Today I decided I was going to ignore my "to-do" list and go exploring camera in hand.  Wouldn't you know, I woke up to the pitter patter of rain drops on my window.  Apparently Fall in Northern Florida means it is just going to rain... all the time... 

I brought my camera with me while dropping off the boys at school in case it let up.  It eased to a light drizzle so I decided I would go explore a trail I've been wanting to check out.  I didn't go very far, but was out there about an hour just poking around in nature...  I've missed it so much <3

After watching a few wild bunnies scamper across the trail, I found these little bean pods.  I'm not sure exactly what they are, but the bright green against the contrast of the gray sky was too much to pass up.

ISO 250 ~ 60mm ~ f/2.8 ~ 1/640 sec

© Corrie M Avila

ISO 500 ~ 60mm ~ f/2.8 ~ 1/160 sec

© Corrie M Avila

I had my DSLR, but I also took my film camera with me.  I actually shot more with film than I did digitally, which surprised me.  I've got about 9 exposures left on that roll, so I have to wait to see how they came out (torturous!!)

Shooting in Film

(Isn't the camera strap CUTE?!?  I just ordered it from ETSY and am in Love <3  The shop owner was fabulous and helped me design a custom strap.  She is also a fellow military spouse.  Check out her store HERE.)

I am amazed at the wildlife here.  They are almost oblivious to the goings and comings around them and just continue on in their own little world.  I didn't run into any alligators though and for that I am grateful!

ISO 500 ~ 300mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/800 sec

© Corrie M Avila

ISO 500 ~ 300mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/80 sec

© Corrie M Avila

ISO 640 ~ 140mm ~ f/4.5 ~ 1/320 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Behind the Facade

We all judge books by their covers whether we want to admit it or not.

I am a bookworm, a bibliophile, and a lover of libraries.  I could spent hours (okay who am I kidding, days) walking up and down the aisles and running my hands across the spines of countless rows of books.  Sometimes I am there with a purpose, but most of the time I just look around and see what I find.  What is it about a book cover that draws you to a book or turns you away?  I am sure there are many good books that I've bypassed just because the front cover didn't peak my interest.

Column of Books

© Corrie M Avila

Instagram

I think we do this with people as well.  We look at someone and already come to predetermined ideas of who they are or what they are like.  Sometimes when we have forced continued contact with them, we find out they are not like that first impression at all.  Or...... their personality may just be confirmation of our original perception.

My job is to read, analyze, and interpret people and what is going on inside of them.  I do this in the counseling office, I do this when I am on a photography shoot, and I also do this at home with my family (although, I don't think they are too crazy about it :).  But I am never 100% right.  There are also usually layers to go through on the journey to the heart of the matter.

Today I began a restoration of a hand me down desk my mom gave to my son.  It is in relatively good shape, but needs to be stripped down, some minor repair work, and then painted.  As I was using the sander and going through the layers of paint, it had me thinking about this.  If I had looked at this desk for what it was, I wouldn't of given it a second look.  However, I looked at the desk and saw potential.  I saw what it could be.  And sanding down through the layers brought it all into perspective for me.

Layers 

© Corrie M Avila

Instagram

Just as we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, we also shouldn't judge people by their exterior.  We never know what is going on inside them to give off that initial impression.

Be patient, be loving, and be willing... and go ahead and give that book a try...

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Take a step back

Last month I wrote a post titled, "Are you a Man or a Muppet?"  In it, I spoke about my internal struggle between two fields, photography and social work.  After writing this, I had a counseling position literally FALL IN MY LAP.  If I was looking for an open door, this was that door.

I've been doing all the "fun" training and computer stuff over the past few weeks, but tomorrow will be my first day seeing clients.  It is a bittersweet day as it is also the 12th anniversary of 9/11.  Reflecting back to September 11, 2001, brings me to my first week of Social Work classes at FSU.  I can remember sitting in my morning class and listening to the chatter about an explosion at the World Trade Center.  We didn't have a television in class and it was too early for anyone to really know what was going on.  Fast forward to later in the day as I stared at my television and watched LIVE with HORROR as the second plane flew into the second WTC Tower.

When I decided to pursue social work, it was to help people.  I know it sounds "cliche-ish" but it's true. I wanted nothing more to hop on a place and go to NYC and do whatever I could to provide support, trauma relief, and counseling.  The only problem was I was not educated, not trained, and not licensed. That was a call I could not answer.

I grieve deeply for the tragedy that befell our nation twelve years ago.  We are still picking up the pieces.  There are some who will never fully be put back together and my heart breaks for them... Tomorrow starts my post graduate road to finally working on my license.  I can only hope and pray that I can answer the next call.

I had the honor of visiting the 9-11 Memorial in NYC last December and it is something every American should experience.

One of the Two Reflecting Pools

ISO 400 ~ 11mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/80 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

(and don't worry ~ the photographer in me isn't going anywhere ;)