First Strobist Attempt

Our neighbors were kinda curious as to what was going on. After seeing all the beautiful pictures, I want to be a strobist too. It basically means getting an off-camera flash. I love the effect it produces. I was happy with my first attempt. It was really fun... except for my husband.

I love the weather

It's a beautiful week with some high temperatures of 80F, almost unbelievable. No one should really stay indoors at that temperature, LOL.

Full Moon

Supposedly 2 days to full moon. It is so bright that I shot this in ISO 100 1/1250.

Visiting Ames

I think Ames is a beautiful city. We went around scouting for more photography locations.

There were several historical building structures that gave pictures an interesting rustic look.

Strolling down the streets after lunch.

We were exploring the back alleys.

We then went over to the Iowa State University.

Here was the Historic Water Tower at the university.

Exploring some parks nearby.

Backyard adventures

Longing for warmer days, even though it was 52F, it was windy. But we did find time to play in our backyard. Our little boy is growing up fast, he is able to play on the slide all by himself.

He was having so much fun, it was hard to go back inside the house.

Blank Park Zoo

I love the outdoors, we just can't wait to get out of the house when the day warms up. We went to the Blank Park Zoo to have some fun! In the Australian caged area, we met an emu up close.

Looked like we weren't the only one enjoying the day. The tiger roamed around in his cage.

Great day for the lions too, they looked a lot happier than the last time we saw them (which was a few months ago).

Devon enjoyed his visit to the zoo even though he didn't get to see his favorite animal - the zebra.

Parrots are always great subjects for photographers.

I love photographing jellyfish, they are so beautiful.

The really cool rope bridge at the zoo - a must-have for pictures for weddings at the zoo.

Up close with the boa constrictor.

John Pappajohn Sculpture Park

We are always scouting for locations for photography. It is always a fun excursion for us and the kids. We visited the John Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines. What a neat place! It was nice to see people strolling in the park even though it was a little chilly still.

The only sculpture you could stand or sit on.

The thinking rabbit and the creative horse... It was interesting to find the park located in the middle of the city.

65F outside!

Spring is near! I can smell it. The nicest day of the week. Connor woke up early this morning but the tired boy refused to nap. He was too excited being outside.

Connor was excited to see the birds.

Pirate Devon with his telescope on his playset.

Connor was fascinated by the neighbor's dog.

Devon was trying to pat the neighbor's dog.

That evening, we went on a walk with our neighbors. Here were Devon and Elena holding hands while walking.

Elena wasn't a fan of Devon's "death grip".

Along the way, we met other neighbors and their dogs.

Sleepy but not sleeping

Must sound familiar to many parents. My kids are difficult "nappers" and "sleepers". I think they are born to play.

Great photo op while Devon watched TV.

It's a beautiful day

What a beautiful weekend! A little chilly still, but the kids love to be outside. Today we drove around and looked for parks to shoot some portraits.

Here we were at the Rose Garden in Des Moines. Lots of beautiful stone structures. Tips for photography: advise subject not to wear a watch. You can see how the watch took away your attention from the subject.

Devon was pre-occupied by a squirrel.

Nothing beats outdoor photography. Look at that beautiful natural lighting.

Then we went to the State Capital building in Des Moines.

Connor was excited about the fountain area.