363:365

I have only 2 more days until the end of this year's Photo A Day Project.
It's hard to believe that I am almost done with 2010. I also did one in 2009; so I am officially finishing up 2 years worth... and I am eager to start a 3rd year in 2011.
I can't say that I like all the photos I have taken... in fact... there are several that I downright dislike... but some days are like that. And, conversely, there are ones that I really love...

So what have I learned from all this?

• that "the best camera is the one you have with you"... really is true. It doesn't matter the mega pixels... or the lens... or the gadgets... heck... you can even take great shots with a Polaroid (or a Kodak point and shoot)...
• that it is most important to be doing something YOU LOVE ...
• that art/ photography... can help you thru most anything (illness, travel, death, marriage, babies, money problems... etc)
• that you can find beauty in everything if you look hard enough
• that there are moments in my life that I really don't see or pay attention to... those quiet understated moments that I would otherwise have neglected if I hadn't been paying attention more by taking photos... I guess... to be more mindful... if you will...

--and so very much more. I hope you have enjoyed the shots... and I hope you will stay with me for another round in 2011...


For links to my photos from 2010... look HERE
*all photos by Elaine A. Russell

333:365

OK... So... you have an idea of how you define success for you in your life.

You know what you want to do... but how to do it?

First... set a goal. It could be just a small one at first... say... I want to get "project x" done.

Break it down. What are the little steps that lead up to getting this project done?

I make a list...

For example (I have used my latest solo show project at CCMH in PA as an example):

1. select photos for the project

2. print photos ( can be further broken down... get ink, get paper, make sure printer is working)

3. cut mattes ( get matte board, find cutter, get ruler )

4. Package products ( get paper, archival tape, archival sleeves, boxes, cover sheet, etc)

5. mail (get insurance)

Things always seem much more manageable once you break it down...

(photos by Elaine A. Russell)

281:365

Today was a much better day... and while I still have a headache... at least it's not screaming at me. I got the final bunch of paperwork done for my mother... and hopefully everything will be straightened out as soon as it is processed.

I have a couple small projects to finish up over the weekend... and then... it's back on the road and heading home...

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Today I am posting on a FlickR group I belong to; called the ECHO Project... and catching you up on the last several challenges. The "prompts" or themes for each of the diptychs is under each photo that was done in collaboration with my fabulous partner... Brenda Seaholm-Wampler.

"In Autumn of 2009 we (Christy Hydeck & Susan Tuttle) decided to take a creative journey together, a collaborative photography venture we simply titled: ECHO. "

Every two weeks, a new theme is posted... and photographers in the group (who generally are paired off into teams), come up with a set of photos (or diptych) created with one photo from each of the partners... based on that theme.

(if you click on the photos, they will enlarge so that you can see them better)

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Theme: Blur

Theme: Splash




Theme: Portals

Theme: Sweet

Theme: Minimalist

**all photos in these diptychs (c) 2010 Brenda Seaholm-Wampler & Elaine A. Russell

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Theme: Abundance

Theme: Surprise

Theme: Melody

Theme: Face

Theme: Juicy

Theme: Illuminate

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Tonight I am posting on a FlickR group I belong to; called the ECHO Project.
"In Autumn of 2009 we (Christy Hydeck & Susan Tuttle) decided to take a creative journey together, a collaborative photography venture we simply titled: ECHO. "
Every two weeks, a new theme is posted... and photographers in the group (who generally are paired off into teams), come up with a set of photos (or diptych) created with one photo from each of the partners... based on that theme.
My partner is Brenda Seaholm-Wampler (blog site here), and together we have done 12 challenges... all of which are shown here in the order in which we did them.
(if you click on the photos, they will enlarge so that you can see them better)

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Theme: Collections

Theme: Blossom

Theme: Dim

Theme: Abstract

Theme: Fauna

Theme: Rouge

58:365

So ... February has been an interesting month.

I am applying for a photography grant... the deadline being in May. It is very exciting... and very intimidating at the same time. I have never applied for a grant before... so this is a first.
On the plus side... I was recently commissioned by a local group to take photos for them --- part of an on-going public relations kind of thing. This is extremely exciting, and I am so thrilled to be asked to participate... and today I worked on some photos for this project. Being as it is a potentially long-term project; it fits in nicely with my goals/ intentions for the grant. Funny how things work out like that.
And, provided I get the grant money... I will be able to replace at least some of the photography equipment I lost/sold last summer. That would be awesome.

I was "down" most of the month with my Lupus... which is frustrating... but not exactly critical. It had the bonus effect of forcing me to rest, re-group, reflect and re-organize a bit. I still have an awful lot I would like to do... and alot I am behind in doing... but at least I feel like I am moving in the right direction.

The book I was asked to participate in... and in which I have several photos being published...is almost ready to go to print. This is soooooooooo fabu. This will be my first publication in a book... but hopefully not my last.

I have been keeping steady with the FlickR 365 photo a day challenge, the 52 Weeks of Creations challenge, and the ECHO project bi-weekly photo challenges. It has been "challenging" some days... to say the least.... but I love photography, and these projects have been really encouraging me to stretch my creativity a bit.

But most on my mind these past few days have been family. My father was diagnosed with bone cancer... and recent reports from the doctors are not very promising at all. But I know my dad. I know that he is made of tougher fiber than most. In an essence, he said that he will "do whatever it takes"... in order to get better. He is strong, he has a great support system, and a profound faith.
My husband's sister was also in the hospital, very sick... with a staggeringly high blood pressure. She is home now... and hopefully well on the way to mending.
And I have seen 2 close family friends pass away this month.


Life is so short. Sometimes events make it feel even shorter and more precious. And that is good, I think. ... it keeps us from getting complacent... tired....weary... and numb of mind. For me, at least... it has encouraged me to keep life so much more sacred... to enjoy these moments... tough as they may be at times.

So. Here's to March. Let's see what March 2010 has in store....♥

(*photos by Elaine A. Russell)

ECHO project -- Abundance

This week, I joined this FlickR photo group called {ECHO}. I have been in a bit of a rut lately, and I thought the challenge of creating photographic pieces on a bi-weekly prompt would be good for me.


"In Autumn of 2009 we (Susan Tuttle: Susan's Blog & Chrysti Hydeck: Chrysti's Blog) decided to take a creative journey together, a collaborative photography venture we simply titled: echo. We invite you to take this journey with us .. to take our bi-weekly prompt and interpret it through the lens of your own camera. Whether you choose to work with a partner or fly solo – it is our hope that you will accompany us along our journey. We look forward to seeing life through your eyes.. your voice, your echo."


Every 2 weeks, they post a theme word to base our photos off of.
The current theme: Abundance.
I was able to partner with a wonderful artist from Texas, Brenda Seaholm-Wampler (Brenda's blog)

And here are our combined photos in a diptych ....