The Brownie Hawkeye Experiment

So I got it in my head that this little Brownie Hawkeye camera sitting on my shelf belonged to my granddaddy. I still think it did, though I don't know if he ever used it. He had several little cameras, but according to my grandmamma, he mainly used one he bought in Japan. So basically, it MAY have been his. Regardless, I decided I wanted to shoot a roll in it. I bought some 120 film from B&H and took a few shots over the course of several months. I pretty much had to shoot in full sun because I didn't have flash bulbs for it, but I didn't mind. I just wanted to get a feel for what it could do. 

First I wanted to take photos of some family. That top image is of my cousins, then it's my mom and step-dad at their house and my dad in front of his camper and truck. I love all of these just for the people in them! There's really no point trying to take shots of people with this camera, as you can see. They're all fuzzy because there is no way to adjust the focus. Another model Brownie that I have has different focus options, so I plan to try that one next. Other than fuzzy faces, I like the way these shots look!

The rest of these were taken on our trip to Disney World. We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kidani Village, so I took several of the animals from our balcony. I like the way a couple of them turned out! I had to wait for them to walk into the sun :) My favorite of the bunch is the one of Cinderella's Castle. I know it's got a lot of negative space at the top (I shifted my composition up to keep it from having people's heads in it), but I like the way it simplifies it. I also love the one of the hat because it's gone now! I don't actually care for the hat itself, but it felt significant to take a photo of it when we saw it for the last time.

Overall, I liked using this camera! It was hard to find opportunities to use it since I couldn't adjust any settings, but that was part of the fun. It's a bit too bulky to try to carry around much, so I'm hoping the Brownie Reflex that I have will work for my next set. I have a roll from my 35mm that I need to develop as well. I've been enjoying shooting film a little more lately, and I might even try to start shooting a roll at each wedding I do! We'll see :)

That One Time I Was a Bridesmaid

Always a photographer, never a guest...that's kind of how it goes in my life. I don't mind, honest! But I must say, it was really fun to be a bridesmaid a few weeks ago at my friend Gabrielle's wedding. The best part? It was in Florida! I got to take a vacation AND celebrate with one of my best friends all at the same time. I drove down with Gabrielle's mom, Jana, and my friend Libby, who came for fun because we had an extra room. It was a great trip, and we ended up in a really cool condo in Destin. It was on the top floor so we have a nice view of the ocean! I'm not a fan of sand, so I didn't mind being across the road from the actual beach. Libby and I spent just a few hours down by the water, but the rest of the time was relaxing or wedding festivities.

I love taking Gabrielle's picture. How could I not?! She's adorable. She tolerates me :) 

Ready for the rehearsal dinner with the gorgeous bride!  

My travel buddies, Libby and Jana 

Rehearsal dinner. I didn't take photos during the dinner because it was sooooo dark.  

The wedding took place in Santa Rosa, as the home of Gabrielle's grandmother Martha. The ceremony was on the dock over the bay! Anyone else start singing Otis Redding? Good...

I wanted to be in at least one of the photos :) 

The wedding was BEAUTIFUL, and no one fell into the water. I so loved getting to stand up there next to Gabrielle as she and Zach said "I do." It was just so special to be a part of their big day! After the ceremony, everyone mingled and enjoyed the beautiful evening by the water. We ate some delicious food and enjoyed that yummy cake. After some wonderful conversation and food, everyone headed back to their condos/houses and that was it. It went by so quickly! I took some photos throughout the day and at the reception, but I left most of the photographing to the photographer for once. It was interesting to be on the other side of the camera!

Spring Pop-Up Shop, Handmade Goods

My friends Lisa and Keely put together this really great little pop-up shop a few weeks back, and they've got another one coming up this weekend! This time it's called Summer Swell, which is just adorable, and I'm planning to have a few of my prints for sale. I just love this curated collection of awesome handmade wares. At this past one I picked up some art, greeting cards, a magazine and a leather keychain. I'm pumped about my friend Meredith selling her pottery this time around! It's going to be a great time, so if you're around Jackson town Saturday, you should definitely stop by.

The cord organizer that Keely makes is fantastic! I might have to get one after seeing Lee using his. Maybe if I have that I won't forget to pack my photo charger when I travel...