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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Edit: Growth



Last night was hard. Last night, I had to TOTALLY get out of my comfort zone. I can't remember the last time I spent so much of a 24 hour period praying for God's guidance on an issue. I tend to be non-combative. I don't like conflict....I like uniting people, not ruffling feathers.

Last night though, I had to stand up and make my voice heard. Because sometimes, it's hard to do what you know in your heart is the right thing to do. Sometimes, you have to ruffle a few feathers, but if you're speaking the truth, being kind & compassionate, and being deliberate in your words, then it's ok. It's ok for me to be that person today. I can stand up for what I believe in, when God presses it upon my heart to do so. Even if it means I lose a friend in the process.

This is major growth for a self-proclaimed wall flower like yours truly.

Onward to photography....

SOOC
P1050300

When I first got a camera last year, some of the first photos I took were of my son playing teeball. When I look at those photos I took last year, I'm really amazed at the growth I've had in my photography. I've owned a camera for almost exactly 1 year now, and a DSLR for nearly 9 months. I honestly can't remember what it felt like to not have a camera in my hands, it so naturally became such a HUGE part of me.

Clean Edit
Clean Edit

Here's my clean edit, done in Lightroom 3. I tend to use Lightroom 3 instead of ACR for my initial edits.

Full Edit
Full edit

Sometimes, less is more. :) Here's my full edit. Just some little tweaks. No flashy photoshop tricks. No crazy creative edits.

Today, I think I'm just gonna reflect on all the growth I've had in the past year. Thank you, God, for everything.....

14 comments:

mommy to many said...

praying for you today! sometimes doing what is right is HARD, God doesn't promise that it will be easy BUT he does promise he will never leave you nor forsake you. may your steps continue to be ordered by our God! when your OBEDIENT you will grow. Been in the same boat for the past few months...have we failed, yes, but we get up and try again in God's grace! the end result IN HIS TIME will be beautiful and so worth the "fight"
P.s great job on your photos too =0)

Discovery School at First Baptist Heath said...

Still lifting you up!!!!

Unknown said...

Hugs and praying for you! Praising God you choose to follow after Him and He will bless that!

Love the edit too :-D

Halie said...

It's hard losing someone you trust, love and cherish. But I do believe that when a door closes, another one opens.

Blessings on you and your family.

Unknown said...

nothing quite like being the "bad" guy, no matter how much you say something out of love. Many people don't like the truth, because it can hurt to look at, but it is in the Truth that we find forgiveness, healing and freedom!!
Christ reminded us that we would be persecuted for His name, so even though it hurts, remember it's not for your glory, but HIS!! High Five!! Be encouraged - from one "bad" guy to another :)

beautiful edits!! love the color!!

Linda said...

Really great photo work! Happy to have found you to follow!!

Anonymous said...

Great edit and great photo. You did a wonderful job. Love the bright colors. Yay for you standing up. I have a hard time standing up also.

Ashley Sisk said...

My other comment disappeared but I hope your voice is heard and will be praying for you. I really like your nice clean edit. I was feeling the same way about my edit.

Alyssa S. said...

Wow, the color really pops in the final edit. Excellent!

Donna (Texas) said...

What gorgeous color! I'm a big fan of color!
Nice job!

Cedar said...

Beautiful edits!

Michelle R said...

(hugs)!

Good for you -- for standing up and doing the RIGHT thing, even if it wasn't the EASY thing! :)

hope the feathers smooth out soon enough!

btw, nice edit! :)

Mama Monkey said...

Wonderful edit! And good for you for standing up for what is right, even if you do have to lose a friend in the process. Been there and it's hard, but in the end it always works out RIGHT! :)

mcgowanmonkeys.blogspot.com

Allison said...

First, I love your edit!
Second, your words really ring true to me. I am going through a work issue that requires me to make some really tough decisions--- standing up for myself, standing up for what I believe in, doing what is easiest, considering finances, and more. So tough and I thank you for sharing.