Resolution #4:
Take more photos.
Guest Blog Post by Kim Smith 

Hi! I think it's really great that a lot of people put 'take more photos' on their New Year's Resolutions, but it makes me a little sad that it doesn't always happen (I'm just as guilty sometimes!)- so that's why I'm excited to share some tips with you. I promise you can make it work if you really want it to! I've been taking my camera with me everywhere for nearly 5 years and it's probably the best gift to myself I've ever thought of doing. 

Here are a few tips that I put together for my photography class last summer. It's pretty common sense advice, but sometimes you have to live it, to learn it. [: They are mainly about how to get out there and shoot more of your life & friends.

If you want to really get 'into the action' the first thing you need to do is take your camera EVERYWHERE with you.

The second thing is this:  taking into consideration all of your photo knowledge- all the technical stuff, and your vision for what a picture is going to be- that's a lot of pressure and a lot of things to look out for. I want you to take a deep breath, close your eyes and take a picture! Does it look crap? Probably. Isn't that exciting!

If you're going to be shooting in the real world, you need to loosen up. Keep those tricks you've learnt throughout your picture taking life up your sleeve, but don't be afraid to hold the camera above your head and snap!

Ideal times:

On the street, in front of nice walls, restaurants, clubs, people's houses, coffee shops, parks, in fields, forests, special occasions, when you're just 'chillin', pretty much anytime- anywhere! 

Prove to friends that you're not going to make them look ugly:

Talk them through it.

Give them hints on what to do/where to look.

Always and Only post photos where people look good (Unless of course it's for jokes and it good spirited and everyone agrees). This will give them confidence in you, and also prove to them that you're not going to embarrass them. After all, you've got control.

TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS.

Do some 'warm up' shots where you get everyone in front of the camera. Start snapping STRAIGHT AWAY and don't stop. Get them to make silly faces, do vouge, look to the left, give a mean face, ride a rollercoaster arms. ANYTHING. Make it comical and light hearted and tell them that this is just a warm up and they 'dont count'. You may get some nice shots, or it may just get them more relaxed. SLOWLY ease them into the real shoot, by tring new things and before you know it, you're making magic. Take lots of photos! Seriously, try shooting before people are ready, or when they are laughing just after you've taken a shot. Get people off guard and don't always shoot the person you're talking to (get those nice conversations across the room). Have the camera in your hand, or your lap or on the table next to you all the time- so you're ready!

PASS THE CAMERA.

This is a great way to get people to feel more in control and also take the spotlight off of them- especially if you're with a group of friends. Bring an extra camera with you, that you don't mind people playing with and pass it around, let people take photos- show them how your camera works and talk through what you like to shoot. Tell them you hate those ugly posey photos where people lean in and smile like they've just won Miss America- give them the camera and give them a big grin and then relax and let them try and 'capture' you. Then it'll be your turn and you can get what you want. You may even end up with some half decent photos of yourself which is always a bonus- this is how i get most of the photos of me. I just act normal and people will end up asking for the camera sometimes- it's really nice to go home and see what people have thought was picture worthy (although sometimes, it's rubbish. haha!).

SHOW THEM THE BACK:

If you're shooting with digital this can be really handy. But, try not to get carried away with looking through ALL the shots. Afterall, that's what computers are for. You're there to have a good time and take a few snaps and make some smiles. If someone is nervous about how they look, or there is a great shot you can't wait to share, show people! It's loosens everyone up and they can see what you 'see'.

WHAT TO BRING?

Remember to have an extra battery (and memory card if you're going away for a while). Remember to bring extra film if you need it. Take your time to choose the settings you're comfortable with. Don't bring the whole camera store (i.e. you'll probably only need the lens you've got. 

Look Out Below:

If you're walkin' and shootin' PLEASE watch your step. Keep your camera around your neck or wrapped around your wrist for a little protection cause it'll 'only be good for half a bounce' as my old teacher used to say. But, seriously watch were you are going cause if you fall, the camera falls with you.

:] I hope that helps some of you out there! I know that Mandi said this summer that she wanted to take more photos and I've been so pleased with her fun posts of her and her friends. I'm trying not to sound cheesy but- good job! haha

Resolution #2:
Spend time in the great outdoors.
Guest Blog post by Anja 

Hello from behind a bundle of leaves! My name is Anja and I have a blog called Clever Nettle, and I am stoked to be representing nature as part of Mandi's collection of New Years resolutions. Exploring the great outdoors is my favorite thing, stick me in the woods and I will be very happy. This year I did a bit of traveling around and got to see some interesting natural locations (which I will highlight in this post), but the cool thing about living in Oregon is that the state is very diverse- you can see rainforests, deserts, farmlands, beaches… it's amazing! There's so much I haven't seen or done yet, like visit Crater Lake or stay a night in a fire lookout station. I also want to improve my camping skills, and do a trip that involves a multi-day hike and camp. Even if you can't leave town to go on a nature expedition, your city might surprise you! Search around online to see if there are any public gardens, for example. City hikes can be really cool too, because you don't have to be in the woods to appreciate plants and trees. What neighborhood has the most interesting landscapes? Where is the oldest tree in town? What did your city look like before it was developed? Are there any edible plants growing wild in your area? These are all little ideas and questions that can help you start connecting with nature where you live, and will hopefully lead you into the wilderness too! 

This is a classic Oregon situation- Multnomah Falls! The main waterfall is pretty famous, so if you are out there on a weekend there will be crowds, but if you just walk a little bit farther into the woods you can see a ton of other, equally awesome (or better?) waterfalls, cliffs, vistas, etc. Nature will always reward you for putting in a bit of effort, and I know that I prefer my outdoor experiences to include only a very small group of people. Mushroom hunting in Oregon is also amazing, I look forward to each season with a zest that even I can't believe sometimes!

This summer my husband and I took a weekend trip to Central Oregon, home of ghost towns, ancient rocks and the amazing Painted Hills, seen above. They were like nothing I had ever seen before, this weird set of mountains in the middle of nowhere that are pink, black and gold. I still can't really believe that they look so strange. It's a special spot, for sure. More photos here.

I visited Wind Mountain (just over the Washington border) several times this year, it's an old Native American spirit quest site and has some really unique features. Interesting rock walls covered in moss, old rock structures and almost terrifying views (so high up!), cliffs where you can eat your lunch, and mysterious sounds that echo through the trees when the wind is just right.

In the spring I went to Louisiana with two friends, and the best choice we made was to split our time between staying in New Orleans and staying at a state park, right out in the swamp! Nature priorities. It blew our minds, there were alligators all over in the water, cool cabins with porches and rocking chairs, boats to cruise around in, a massive collection of crazy bug and animal noises at night, a gorgeous sunset, armadillos… it was really perfect, except when the horseflies tried to eat me. We did a three mile walk through the swamp trails and the above photo was taken at the end, on a long walkway that stretched right out into a beautiful swampy clearing. The bayou is unreal.

One of the coolest things about Oregon camping is that many of the state parks have yurts that you can rent out. It's a huge step up from a tent, and a small step down from an actual cabin. They're cheap, warm and they make it really easy to leave the city without having to work very hard at the actual camping part. These photos are from the Fort Stevens area, which has everything from an early 1900's shipwreck on the beach to an abandoned military site that you can explore. We saw some really cute critters there, like this giant ground squirrel and a tiny bat! One of my favorite parts of these trips is seeing new animals in their natural habitat. We heard owls calling to each other that night, it was really awesome. Then, the folks in the yurt next door gave us cheesecake!

Finally, one of my favorite annual getaways- a summer trip to my friend's cabin in British Columbia, where I do my most serious chilling out. Cruise around the lake, swim in the lake, lie on the dock, guitar on the dock, boat rave at night, watch ospreys hunt for fish, catch fish ourselves, amazing food, hammocks, scrounging for the hottest flower accessories… it doesn't get much better than that.

Stay cool in 2011 and get outside!!

In my other life, the one I rarely talk about here, I am a wedding photographer. I was flung into the position by friends and family members who were curious to see if I would be willing to shoot their weddings. And now, here I am, two years later, hiding away in my cave (aka the coffee shop) editing away! Even though I've been super busy and reclusive, I rather enjoy it, and thought I would share some photos from a September wedding with you.

The wedding took place on a farmstead (a fact about which I was ca-razy!) and was very low key, with close friends and family only. The bride used to tend bar at one of my favorite local establishments (Thursdays) were they play strictly indy rock tunes or throw backs to the 60s-80s. So, needless to say, their selection of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Black Keys, and Beatles songs was a smash hit.