Flowers

I got some lovely flowers for graduation last weekend. And they've been wonderful and patient photography subjects. Enjoy!

 

Even puppy wanted in on the action...

Nikon Moments.

I can't say Kodak moments. That's blasphemy. It is now Nikon moments.

Word.

While my family was in town visiting last weekend, I found some good Nikon moments and ended up with a few portraits I just love.

 And my personal favorite...

What is Love?

Besides a catchy song, the answer to this question is OBVIOUSLY a new Nikon camera. Duh
.

Because of my AWESOME family, I am the proud owner of a Nikon D5100. And believe me when I say that this is probably the best thing I have ever owned. I'm in love with this thing. In the last week I have been taking a couple hundred pictures a day and I'm having fun experimenting with all of the new things I can do now.





So obviously. I have some new and wonderful pictures I've been working on. So without further ado, here is a sample of my latest work.

 

Also, you may have noticed I started putting a logo on my pictures. I want to think of a great name for my photography dealings. And "Lyssa Maree Photography" is what I came up with. So if you have any suggestions, I would LOVE to hear all about them! 

And another tid bit of exciting news.  I'm registered for college classes in the fall! I took a trip out to Newberg a few weeks ago and I'm all set. I'm double majoring in Christian ministries and of course studio art. So I'm starting off with Art History (I'm actually really psyched for this one), Basic Design 1, and Drawing 1! I'm super exciting to start! 

And on top of that (I'm just full of cheery news today)... I GRADUATED! It's such a relief to be done with high school! I even had fun doing some photography with that. I know what you're thinking, I'm crazy. Yeah. Well... Yeah. I am.

You are my sunshine!

..On a cloudy day!

Yesterday I managed to catch the last few minutes of a passing storm. I ran outside while it was pouring with the umbrella and the camera and went crazy. I got some great shots laying in the rain and standing in the gutter. I'm sure I looked like a dweeb out front. But I loved it.

Here is a sample of the product of my artful insanity.

A personal favorite..

 These next two just don't make sense.

 A different stages and types of raindrops in a perfect circle. I have to give nature credit on this one.

 And much to my dismay.. .The sun returned very quickly.

If only every day was a rainy one and every moment was one lost in art <3

Someone abducted my cousin..

... Oh wait. That was just me. 

I'm loving the new website I found for editing. I just had to release some creative energy the other day and this was the result. I turned my cousin into some weird creature. I sure had fun. But I'm also really enjoying learning a new program. There's so many more new things for me to do!

May I present to you..

I had to move on to a new editing site today and I think I found one that I love. And my second piece on the site may be one of my best yet. It deserves a post all to its self.

So without further ado..

I shoot people!

Went to the park with my pseudo sister yesterday. I took hundreds of pictures, some of her and some of the nature at the park.

I edited the portraits first. Here are some of my favorites!

Flashbacks of Summer..

Here's a few glimpses of a mini photo shoot I did with my little cousin over the summer.




And here's to a spring break full of photography! <3

Don't worry ma'am, I'm a professional.

Dare I saw it? I feel as though I am now a professional photographer. I sold my first pieces on Sunday.

My psudo-sister is going to Haiti this summer with a program that is very near and dear to my heart. (I went to Central Mexico 2 years ago with the same program). On Sunday she put together a wonderful fundraiser dinner to raise support. Part of the event was a silent auction. I made the last minute decision to help her in the only way I knew how and ran and bought some frames and printed two of the tulip pictures that are in my last post.

And I couldn't be happier. I was able to raise more money than I could have ever hoped for for my lil sis! And I can also say someone has paid for my work, and I am now a professional! haha. In my dreams!


Oh, and I had some fun in my favorite weather the other day.. RAIN!

Tulips

Roses are Red...

This Valentine's Day my wonderful boyfriend gave me roses for the very first time. And besides their amazing emotional and romantic significance, I also immediately saw something fun and new to take pictures of. So here is what I have done with them so far. The petals are currently being pressed in my room for future art projects!

Uh.. WINNING!

I have awesome news!!

I'm a few weeks behind on leaking the news... But here we go.

Back in February I flew out to Newberg, OR to attend a scholarship competition at George Fox University. I was invited to come and interview for two different department and program scholarships. The first, was to interview to take part in the Friends Leadership Program at Fox, which is for Quaker students. The second was for a studio art scholarship.

At the time that I received the invitation for the two competitions, I had my heart set on FLP, but art was just a small, crazy thought at that point back in January. With the support of my friends and family, I submitted my portfolio (it was HARD to pick what pieces to show them, let me tell you!) and flew down and stayed another day past my leadership interview to go for the art scholarship.

They only give away three scholarships per department. They place you first, second, and third and are awarded these major-specific scholarships accordingly. I was SO nervous. What was the point? I've never had any classes or help. I had nothing to show for myself except what came of my wasting time with a camera. My boyfriend had to practically push me into the door for my interview. I saw no point in showing my face to this great art department. Luckily, one of my good friends from middle school was there interviewing for the same one to hold my hand!

I had to talk to five professors and presents the art that I had submitted about three weeks prior. I was crazy nervous, and they took it as excitement. I'm sure I looked totally ridiculous, but I figure I at least left some sort of memorable impression. And I felt like that interview couldn't have gone much better in the time allotted. I ended up having a lot of fun. And I hate to admit it, but I began to feel hopeful for placing even though there were at least 15 other people going for these 3 scholarships that was CRAZY talented. I have to admit I owe a few people a good 'ole you told me so, you were right.

And just two weeks later... I received an email.. and..

I WON! I received both of my scholarships against the odds. I placed THIRD for art! That is beyond what I was hoping for!

It was the confirmation I definitely needed that I CAN do art, and I CAN pursue this. And I feel wanted. What's better than being wanted by the direct path to your ultimate passion? What a great feeling. And oh man, let me tell you. I was giggling like a little girl when I found out.

The art department at George Fox is completely wonderful and perfect for me. I feel a sense of belonging and just... rightness for a lack of more intelligent words. And they agree with me that this is something I can and should do.

My love for art has been reaffirmed. And my uncle just let us borrow his crazy cool camera. I'm getting ready to have some real fun! Results to come!


Also since this whole ordeal.. I took my first trip to Las Vegas! Had a little fun with my camera while out on the strip... of course!

I would rather be doing art..

Here's one of my more recent endeavors..


I was messing around with a picture I took and then created about a month ago and added a quote for a new cover photo on facebook. It's one of my favorite pictures, and now it just fits me perfectly.

So here's the process of how this one came to be.The original... Boring, yes. But I still like it.

I fell in love with this new edit. Reminds me of a warm summer night. It just gives me the warm fuzzies.
And... Ta da! I have the perfect cover photo for facebook. Completely 100% original and fantastic!