My Ode to a "Farmer"....

It's been a couple weeks since the Super Bowl.  To be honest, I didn't watch one second of the game, halftime show, or any of the inbetweens.  However, I did do a google search of the commercials a few days later.  Anyone else with me?  ;)

I had a few laughs.  Rolled my eyes at a few.  But one hit me in the gut, like took my breath away and made me watch it over and over. I've probably watched it a couple dozen times since then.  I'm talking about the Dodge commercial, "God Made a Farmer".  Millions of people also love the commercial.  For me there are a couple reasons. 

First, I feel drawn towards farm life.  (I know some of you who know me are laughing, but it's true!) Maybe I have some romantic vision of what life on a farm would be like.  It's hard for me to explain.  Getting my thoughts and feelings down on paper has always been difficult for me.  I think that's why watching this commercial was so emotional for me. The images in the ad represented all that I imagine farm life to be. 

one of my favorite fields in town.

 

Now, I really have very minimal experience with "farm" life.  I would hardly count my failed attempts at a home garden and a short stint owning three goats as the life of a farmer.  My only adventures on a true farm was when I was a teenager. I traveled to north central Kansas with my dad, step mom. and brothers. Her family was (and still is) in farming.  It was here I milked cows and explored vast fields.  I even helped birth a calf one freezing morning.  I think it was there I first sensed my attraction to that lifestyle.  Well, technically the first sense would have been when I read Charlotte's Web back in elementary school.   I think I've always yearned to be Fern.  ;)

my farm boys tilling up last year's (failed) garden.

Back to the commercial and the second reason I love it so.  Before I could even tell what the commercial was about, I noticed the images.  I've researched who the talented photographers were who took the photos for the commercial.  Their work is stunning.  They perfectly captured images that showed the ins and outs of farm living.  These images, to me, were breath taking.  Inspiring.  True.  They are emotional.  They tell the story of farmers, their families and their dedication to their lifestyle. 

I want to be a photographer like that.  This commercial more than ever has prompted me to capture images that evoke emotion and tell a story to everyone who views them.  I want each of my photos to freeze the moments in my clients' lives, so that they can (and for generations to come), look at the photos and be able to relive those memories.  I've made that promise to myself as an artist, that my photos must mean something. 

So, thank you Dodge for such an incredible commercial.  It may not have convinced me to be a truck drivin' woman, but it did inspire me to be the best photographer I can be.  And maybe it will help me get the courage to tell me husband to forget this city living and become farmers.  :)

Now, watch if you haven't already....

...love... {I Heart Faces Photo Challenge}

It's been a while since I've entered an I Heart Faces photo challenge.  No better time to get back into the habit than when I'm trying to blog a little more regularly.  :)

I took this photo a few months ago while I was second shooting a wedding.  The couple was following the lead photographer up the hill, and I snapped a few.  The light was gorgeous.  It's almost as if they are walking into their happily ever after.  Ok, that's a little cheesy, but I just love the dreamy feel of this.



Have you considered entering a photo challenge? 

I Heart Faces is the place to go to learn and be challenged!



Just in time for Valentine's Day....

Ok, so it's true.  I'm terrible at blogging.  I am making a vow to put it on my to do list so that it becomes part of my routine.  I digress.....

So, last night I was washing my hair (literally) and had a great idea. 

I was thinking back a couple weeks ago when my sweet boys went to spend the weekend at my mom's house.  My husband and I were very much enjoying our time alone, getting things done and relaxing.  I had been dying to have some photos of just my hubby and me for quite a while, especially since we haven't had any done since our wedding.  So, I asked begged my husband to wake up early and indulge me in a sunrise session down by the lake.  He agreed (after promising donuts) and we headed out.  It was freezing, we were stopped by the Park Ranger, but we were able to get in just a few shots.  And I love them.
 

So, thinking of all that, moved my thoughts to my desire to take more pictures of couples.  Then it hit me, why not host a contest for all those married couples who have no recent pictures taken together?! 

I'm inviting all my OKC and Tulsa area friends and fans to email me (poetryandprosephotography@gmail.com) a photo of them and their spouse along with a little blurb about themselves and why they would like to win.  The deadline for submitting your photo is Tuesday February 5 at midnight.  On Wednesday I will create a photo album on Facebook of all the submissions.  Contestant are encouraged to tag themselves and share the photo to earn likes (which will count at votes).  Voting ends on Saturday February 9 at 8:00pm.  And as an incentive to enter, all who enter will receive a discounted couple's session!

I'd love to have you enter! :)