Back to School with Digital Photography I

Some of you may know that I took a photography class at the local community college for the past four months. I really enjoyed learning more about my camera (to be honest a lot of what was covered I learned from blogs and an online course), but what I really enjoyed was having my photos critiqued by the class and professor. It was nice having another set of eyes looking at things subjectively and giving me feedback.

The class consisted of several shooting assignments (example: Depth of Field, Photo Scavenger Hunt, Decisive Moment, etc), six critiques, a test on terms, a paper, and a portfolio of 10 photos. We also had to cut mats for the portfolio and critiques. I'm totally a nerd because cutting mats was one of my favorite parts of the class. I ended up going out and buying a mat cutter :)

Here are some of the images that made it into my portfolio. Some are ones that were critiqued, but I didn't put in my portfolio because they were too similar to another photo.

I ended up with a 98 on my portfolio, so my professor must have liked all my pictures but his favorites were the pear (I really don't know why he loved this picture so much), the picture of fall leaves and the little boy (Josh), and the stop light with the birds.

I'm taking Digital Photography II next semester and I'm totally excited about it. I hear it's a lot harder, but I up for the challenge!

Viva Las Vegas...again

So, I realized that I never posted these pictures. Oh, well!

Jeff and I went to Las Vegas in October for a conference. It was a good time!

We stayed at the Encore, which was amazing (but expensive). Luckily Jeff got a discount because of the conference so it wasn't too bad :) Jeff didn't really care for the decor, but I kind of liked it! It was very red :)  The restaurants were really good too. I had fried chicken and waffles for the first time and I have to admit I still dream about it! It was so amazing!

The Battistuz joined us from California. It was really nice seeing them again. We went to the aquarium at the Mirage and the Stratosphere. Of course we played a game of pinochle in the hotel room. I just love playing pinochle with the Battistuz. I just learn so much.

We went to the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur with the Lomurro's. It my was my first time at a show/dinner like this and I loved it! Jeffrey surprisingly enjoyed it too.

Charlie

I've been trying to get my parents to send me a picture of Charlie for several months now. Their excuse is that he never sits still enough to get a picture. I was at their house for only a few house and I got several :) This one's my favorite. He's not as cute as Brie, but few dogs are :)

See you in a few weeks Charlie!

Birthday Brunch at Gracie's

We had Kari's Birthday Brunch at Gracie's. I just LOVE brunch! I had the eggs benedict and it was really really good! I actually had eggs benedict agin the next day at Norma's (favorite brunch place in NYC) and I will have to admit Graci'es is better! I can't can't believe I said that! I really hope I get to go back again someday :)

I then took some pictures of the streets around the hotel before heading to my parents house. It was just so beautiful with the leaves changing color. Portland is really charming.

More Service with Mormon Helping Hands

Jeff and I volunteered again last Saturday with Mormon Helping Hands. It was fun working with two of my Young Women (Mary and Rachel). Those girl are really buff! I'm just so impressed.

We spent most of the day clearing out the house of one of the families in the ward. They really have a beautiful house and I'm sure it's really hard for them seeing it gutted like it is. The house has been in the family for years (I think she said it was a century house in the 1970's), so there were so many layers that we had to take down.

There were also four missionaries that came down to help. Basically all the flooring needed to go up in the house and these missionaries so got into it!

Afternoon Tea at the Heathman

Kari and I went out for afternoon tea after our facials. I just love afternoon tea! We went to the Heathman Hotel which was only a couple blocks from our hotel. While it wasn't as good as the Palm Court at the Langham in London (not surprising...It's LONDON!), it was a really nice treat and Kari's first time having afternoon tea.

Pinkies up!

Birthday Breakfast at Voodoo Doughnut!

On Saturday, Kari and I got up and went to Voodoo Doughnut for breakfast before getting facials at the Aveda Institute.

These doughnuts are out of control! There were so many choices and we couldn't decide, so we had them give us the Voodoo dozen where they just throw in 12 random doughnuts. I will admit that these doughnuts were a little sweet for my taste, but the were still really good! I so want to go back and get more when I visit for Christmas.

Kari's Birthday Dinner at the Rheinlander

My parents took Kari to the Rheinlander for her birthday dinner the Friday before her birthday. What Kari didn't know was that I would be there too! She was so surprised!

The Rheinlander is kind of an Anderson family tradition. My parents have celebrated many a anniversaries there and I celebrated my 21st birthday there.

They have a man walking around playing the accordion....awesome! When it's your birthday they give you a "Birthday Strudel" and sing to you while feeding you. Classic!

I then surprised Kari by taking her back to her decorated hotel room! Once again, she was surprised :) We then went and saw Breaking Dawn Part 2. All in all it was a good night.