Christmas come Early (And I Need Your Help!)

So... The day has finally come.

I have a beautiful little DSLR camera of my very own :) :) :) Secondhand, of course, because my pocketbook isn't as big as my dreams. But my first "proper" camera, nonetheless. One of my current prayer themes is that the Lord would teach me how to capture His beauty in photos in such a way that I might help make a living for my family. So, this is the beginning of an exciting journey into the land of freelance photography :) I pray I don't lose heart! I can be so afraid of failure that I don't even try at some things...

But there are a few things I know and a LOT of things I have to learn.
For instance, I know I have a true bend toward Natural Light Photography.
I know I like taking photos in Aperture Priority best.
I know my general "style" of photos are light and airy, as well as robust with colour, especially if the sun is out and it's golden!
I know I want to help contribute toward the living of Charles' and my family (starting with our marriage on June 1st, 2013! Woohoo!!) in such a way that I can (mostly) stay home with our kids.
I know I HAVE to use my creativity for my soul to thrive.
And I know I have ALWAYS had a thing for capturing the beauty I see in a way I can share it with people-- whether that be in writing or taking photos. I cannot keep the fragments of His glory I see showered down amongst us to myself.

I'm toying with names for a freelance photography business starting from scratch. Want to weigh in?

Option #1:

Option #2:

Option #3:

(This one probably makes the most sense, but I'm just not that comfortable with naming it after myself!)

 

I'm leaning toward Option #1, just as it seems a bit clearer than Option #2, and it doesn't involve my own name like Option #3. Anyone want to give me your opinion? Or suggest other names you think it should go by?

And, while we're at it, does anyone want to have your pictures taken to give me some practice? Get in touch! One has got to start somewhere...

Our 1st Engagement Shoot: An Ancient Cotswold Church

My adorable friend Lizzie Smith, who helped orchestrate the whole surprise engagement, took our first set of engagement photos the day after he proposed! She just happens to live in the most beautiful part of England, The Cotswolds, and right next door to a stunning 15th century parish church where I've attended many a Sunday morning service. It was a PERFECT shoot to represent my side of this relationship-- my "English hometown" where we got engaged is in Gloucestershire, where we took these photos. (And later in the week we did a London shoot which is where my man is from, but we're still waiting to see those photos...)

I've posted a few of my favourites here, with a link to the full album below. My darling friend is so talented! And the Cotswold churchyard and ancient church is just the fairytale-esque backdrop our romance demands :)

I love this man so.

 “My goal is that they will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love.”

– Colossians 2:2

 [See the entire album of our first set of engagement photos here:
Cotswold Engagement Shoot]

Photo Challenge: Days 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22!

"In His Eyes"

"Mama-Duck at Slottsberg Mosse"

"Young at Heart"

"His & Hers Fruit"

"Taking in the View"

Photo Challenge: Days 14 & 15

Fiskebäcks Småbåtshamn
(The nearest beach to where I'm house-sitting. This is GOOD information to have :))

A Surprise of Sunshine
(One of the flowers Charles had sent to me which totally brightens my heart :))

“You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.”
--Henry Drummond

Photo Challenge: Day 13

“When I have learned to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now… When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased.” 
– C.S. Lewis

Gifts from my Loves

 Today a bouquet of flowers from my handsome man arrived for me for the very first time, just as I sat down in the sunshine of the balcony to do my bible study.

And it made me very very happy-- My heavenly love and my earthly one, both going out of their way to remind me that they love me; God in giving me His Word, and Charles in having a bouquet delivered to me :) I LOVE being given flowers!

I'm still learning to rest in those loves, but my heart is overflowing with thankfulness....

Photo Challenge: Days 11 & 12

Day 11:

Waiting at the Bus Stop

Day 12:

A Swedish Child's Room

Photo Challenge Days 5 & 6: The First Bloom & Tourists

 Day 5: "The First Bloom"
This orchid blossom was SO encouraging to look up and see yesterday because I've been left in charge of this flat and they have so many plants! I can't claim to be much of a green thumb myself, and Orchids are notoriously fussy plants...
This makes me happy :)
I must be doing something right!

Day 6: Tourists in Gustav Adolfs Torget -- Gothenburg, Sweden
Oh fellow tourists, I know your plight very well :)

Photo Challenge Day 4: My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper

I took my friend's kiddos to the awesome park at Slottskogen today. They are such little delights :) Luca is 5 and already such a fabulously thoughtful and protective big brother to his little sister Leona (or Yona, as he calls her :)), who just turned 3. I snapped this while they were wheeling around the playground, little sis hitching a ride with big bro :) Precious!

Photo Challenge Day 3: The Tunnel of Love

The Tunnel of Love

I found myself walking behind this darling elderly couple today in a pedestrian bridge down by the harbour. They walked arm in arm all the way. I wondered how many years they had spent arm in arm, and I thanked the Lord for Love and how it literally holds us...

Photo Challenge Day 2: Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait

"Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light.
For it is in giving that we receive."
--St. Francis