Creative Pay it Forward 2013

I've joined the 2013 Creative Pay it Forward via Diamonds, Dog Tags & Diapers.

The first five people to comment with their email and blog address (if they have one) will receive a handmade item (made by me) at some point this year.  It will be unexpected and a surprise!  The catch is that you, in return, must post this on your blog (or facebook page) and do the same thing for 5 other people.

A Cherished Handmade Gift I Received Just Yesterday

ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/4.5 ~ 1/250 sec

© Corrie M Avila

I received two other handmade gifts over the holidays from two of my dearest friends and those gifts and the thoughtfulness mean the world to me.  I can't think of a better way to put a smile on someone's face and pay it forward <3

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Coffee, Java, and Cafe

To say "I love coffee" would be a grandious understatement.  If you know me personally, I don't just love coffee, but have an infatuation.  I worked at Starbucks on and off during my time in college.  There was something about the sound of the coffee beans grinding in the morning, or the first shot pulled and watching it pour out like liquid gold.  OH, and the aroma <3  That heavenly aroma just blankets around me....

self portrait <3

ISO 200 ~ 60mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/80 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Something else I love about coffee is it transcends cultures and language.  I remember sitting on a street  in Paris and drinking a cup of coffee with a fresh croissant.  If I close my eyes I can imagine myself there again... in the moment.  When you travel, there is coffee.  When you are meeting someone new, there is the mutual ground of having coffee.  When I lived in Sault Sainte Marie, MI, I was invited out to coffee by my neighbor.  I was a new mom, in the throws of winter (coming from Miami), with no friends.  And this kind gesture created friendships I carry to this day.

the three parts of an espresso shot ~ (yes, I am a coffee nerd!)

ISO 200 ~ 60mm ~ f/3.5 ~ 1/13 sec

© Corrie M Avila

With winter on the horizon, I have been wondering what types of things I can photograph as I wait for Spring (and more importantly the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC).  Being in Northern Virginia, we have cold, but we don't get much snow.  While there is a certain appeal to the landscape in winter tones, it does not have the color that blankets everything in the other seasons.

my favorite drink right now ~ a caramel mocha

ISO 200 ~ 60mm ~ f/3.5 ~ 1/25 sec

© Corrie M Avila

As I was making my caramel mocha this morning I thought about how much I love coffee and especially making my own drinks,  and decided it was about time I photographed it.  Think about something you love.  Consider why you love it, what makes it special... then go ahead and photograph it.  Come up with creative angles, or perspectives that capture the essence of what makes this so amazing to you.  Once you do this, please share!!  Either tag them to my facebook site @travelingheartsphotography or on instagram at #travelingheartsphotography.

Happy Shooting!

Corrie <3

Freestyling...

What comes to mind when you hear "freestyle?"  This is a term that can be used to describe swimming, singing, cruising, wrestling, or even picking.  Picking you may ask?? YES!  Have any of you seen "American Pickers" on the history channel?  If not, it is an absolutely addicting show.  The two co-hosts go and "pick" items from all over the country to sell in their antique store.  Sometimes they have a destination in place and other times they "freestyle."  This is when they have a general direction in mind, but just drive around until they see something that peaks their interest.  Sometimes their freestyling produces fantastic results and other times, they leave with nothing.

This COMPLETELY applies to photography as well.  I think as an photographer, there are times we have to stay within certain parameters.  Maybe you are shooting a wedding or an event... these are times when it is probably a good idea to show up.  But there are other times when you may have an idea of a type of photograph you want, but aren't specifically sure where you want to shoot... insert here --> a PERFECT opportunity for freestyling.

I also think as an artist, it is important to allow for creative inspiration.  It is easy to get caught up in needing to photograph certain places because they are historic or iconic ~ but don't put your creativity in a box.  Allow yourself opportunities to just explore with your camera without preconceived ideas or expectations.

Here is a photo I took in my neighborhood, on my way to the mailbox ~ you never know where you will find beauty <3

ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/2.8 ~ 1/1000 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Tomorrow I am going freestyling <3 No, not the rapping kind, or the swimming kind, but the type of freestyle that puts my camera and I, in a new place, to just explore.  I have a few ideas of places I want to try, but I am going to see how the day goes and where my feet take me.  My only goal is to capture the beauty of Autumn and all the Fall colors that are just about in peak color... but where will I go and what will I shoot??  Only time will tell!

Happy Shooting!

Corrie <3