Inspiration and a Clean Camera: an Afternoon Spent on MDC lands and Country Roads is NEVER a Waste of Time!

I have lacked inspiration to do much with photography lately. 

Yes, I have still been shooting and writing articles and entering shows, but I've had to drag myself through the process. 

This afternoon felt different. 

The air felt lighter, the sky was blue... around 2:30pm I was (dare I say) PERKY.

My daughter is the one who suggested the drive to MDC lands. I grabbed my recently-cleaned camera (thanks to Creve Coeur Camera) and decided it was time to give it a test run. 

The weather was perfect and my heart felt pretty light once we were on the road. 

We made our way 14 miles south of our home in Union, MO to Chouteau Claim Access. It is where the Bourbeuse River and the Meramec River meet. Karlene and I saw many people out enjoying the day, but it was the scenery that stole the show. 

After we finished exploring, we decided to drive 5 more miles to River 'Round Conservation Area. This is a unique area on the Meramec when viewed on a map. Its name makes perfect sense. 

We explored some areas near the river. I was still inspired to shoot. These are a few of my favorites from that spot:

As we were driving out of the area, we saw an old road that is now a foot trail that we want to go explore at a later date (preferably not during deer season). 

Overall, the afternoon was an enjoyable one. We had dinner in Union and even stopped by the Union Access on our way home. It was a quick stop and our third MDC land of the afternoon. I left my camera behind for that moment and instantly saw some sights that made me regret not having it. 

Creative slumps, feeling down in the dumps, and overall just unmotivated is NOT a fun way to be. I am thankful for this afternoon's burst of inspiration and energy. It has me thinking of one of my favorite verses:

Until next time,
M of MK Designs

PS My website has had an overhaul! You should go check it out: mkdesignsphoto.com

Franklin County Area Photographers: Getting Me OUT and CLICKING!

Sometimes I feel antisocial.

OK, a LOT of the time when I am off the clock I feel antisocial.

I am surrounded by people with my day job, side jobs, and more. Sometimes I feel like I am drowning in a sea of people.

Well, yesterday (Saturday) around 5:45pm I found myself sitting on my deck thinking, "Why did I RSVP 'yes' to this...why?"

However, I am someone that when she says she'll go, she goes. And, I am also someone who remembered she helped select the date of the event, so that would be even WORSE if I didn't show. 

I am thankful I did. 

As my images from the photo walk show, it was a beautiful time to go on a shoot!

The Franklin County Area Photographers group that my buddy Tyann Marcink http://tyannmarcink.com founded several years ago has helped me in many ways. 

#1. I have expanded my (not-so-anti)social circle and made new friends. I enjoy their company greatly, even if I don't see them face-to-face as much as I'd like. 

#2. It gets me off my deck, couch, bed, etc. and SHOOTING. 

#3. How else would I have been able to test out a fixed lens for free yesterday if it wasn't for this group? (Thank you Mr. Covert!)

#4. In all honesty, this group has gotten me through difficult moments. How? See #2, but also note that when they first started hosting Photo Challenges...well, those lists of topics were a guide for my weeks. I would make it a part of my routine and, at the time, it was a WONDERFUL thing to zone in on instead of filling out disclosure papers, etc. for a divorce. 

#5. Now, all these years later, I am in a much happier place in life, but I still find that FCAP is a beautiful part of who I am. Tyann lets me help her with the group at times (even when I am antisocial), and when I look at the people it has brought into my life that I otherwise wouldn't have met... well, that's a joy to me. See #1. 

#6. This has pushed my photography to new places. I have tried new things. I have looked at the familiar in an unfamiliar way. 

This group reminds me of my photo buddies I had back in the day at CMSU (now UCM). We often would bounce ideas, share our images with each other, talk shop, and do photo walks before they were even called that. 

Whatever your hobby, escape, or passion is: make sure it's a healthy one that benefits and grows you as a person. Also, find your "people" - a group like FCAP is a prime example of how much we can benefit from the pack and not always being the lone wolf. (Yes, I made a reference to the classic laugh out loud comedy: The Hangover. Why? Because it's my blog and I can.)

You can find Franklin County Area Photographers on Facebook. Follow our page and pop in from time-to-time to see what we are up to. We have; photo walks, events, giveaways, SUPPORT, and more! 

Until next time, 
~ M of MK Designs Photography

PS Thanks for stopping by! 

Photographs, Smiles, and Altered Schedules

Winter 2014 certainly threw me for a loop. Excessive ice, snow, and horrid road conditions led to nearly 13 snow days (I honestly lost track). Since my main "job" (let's be honest - career) is in teaching, this tossed my whole spring and kick off to summer for a loop. 

Right now, I am still not done with the current school year! Normally, I am headed back from Vacation #1 and processing images from it at this time... but this year was/is totally different. 

However, in the Spring I was able to enjoy teaching Photography, Art, and Broadcast. My daughter turned 9 at the end of April... shortly before that I found myself in San Diego for a convention/contest with students. I was lucky that even though the Spring felt rushed, it did come... along with all the bluebells in bloom that make me smile so much! 

“Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"...

"It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...” 

 ~ The Secret Garden

Even though my school year was extended a bit... I was able to squeeze in a quick "mini-vacation" with my daughter to Meramec State Park in Missouri (( http://www.mostateparks.com/park/meramec-state-park ))

We went the first weekend Fisher Cave was opened and before the CRAZY busy camping months of the summer start there (MSP is known for being pretty busy on the weekends during the summer). It was fun to hike trails, and see the cave, and get our first camping trip in. Note: before then we went on a day trip to hike and take photos there with my mom, too! 

“She turned to the sunlight
    And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbor:
    "Winter is dead.” 

 

As an educator (wrapping up my 18th year), spring also means major changes. People retire or get new jobs, kids graduate or move, things just... change. However, it's a sweet time to reflect upon the year and be happy for all the new opportunities people have before them. Even though it makes me weepy saying "Goodbye" I have come to learn that often it is more like "See you later."

So we have road trips, adventures, changes in life, and lots of hikes to take... and all that time... I carry a camera of some sort because PHOTOGRAPHS document and record those moments we (or me!) do not want to forget. 

Speaking of photographs, even though many kids at school said goodbye to me this year, some said hello. My underclassmen coming back to my broadcast class gave me this framed photo. Love it!

 

by MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait. DO NOT COPY / USE WITHOUT PERMISSION. See my website at http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com

June 3, 2014. 

Uh oh! ;-) I am coming up for air!

Pardon the lack of entries, but once again life is kickin' me upside the head... but in excellent ways.

Here's an update!

I found out I will be honored in San Diego... actually five of us High School Broadcast teachers from all over the US of A will be honored for what we do. I am just shocked and humbled over the whole situation.

With that said, the day job is in full swing... the spring Photo II students are impressing me constantly, my broadcast staffers are enjoying the fruits of their labor as they compete at regionals, state, and nationals... and when I see my students achieve - it does my heart so good!

These kids... I told them just today that
the BEST kids in our school walk into my
classroom daily... and I am pretty sure these are among
the BEST not just at our school, but in the
country! LOVE THEM.

As for photography? I think I've been making some interesting images. Been trying to "branch out" a bit with macro and more abstract/impressionistic type views.

Macro Fun! Got some extension tubes!

I've sold a few prints here and there, came up with a new postcard design for New Haven, Missouri -- and the best? Got to be a part of the Franklin County Area Photographers Birthday Bash/Photo Walk just a couple of weekends ago.

Macro/Impressionistic Fun at Astral Glass on the
FCAP Birthday Bash Photo Walk

On the homefront, it's been an adventure. Spending time with Karlene (my lovely kiddo), navigating the waters of relationships with friends (old and new) and family, and realizing that someone I've always had an admiration for may actually like me too. Who knew? ;-) (those shy ones are hard to read, folks - hard to read!)

Pizza Monkey Bread. The first attempt at it, and
dare I say... S U C C E S S ! ! ! 

Finally got a break at times in March to get out and
walk... and take in the Blue Skies! 

I am looking forward to some portrait sessions this spring, if Missouri even will thaw out, and to more chances to grow in photography. With that said, still working art shows! Have had more entries juried into several shows these past few months.

Work for two shows. One at Framations in St. Charles
the other at Soulard Art Market in... Soulard (STL). 

All in all, things are busy and blessed... but tonight is a prime example of the fact I could use some rest!

It's always a blessing when a friend can
figure out how to meet you for a day... my buddy Jen
lives in North Carolina. We get together when
we can, and it just so happened I ended my March
with a day visit from her! I loved it!

Thanks for reading and for following my work.

Bless you!
~ michelle of MK Designs - April 2014

Like a caption is needed here! 

ALL IMAGES AND WORDS BY MK DESIGNS DO NOT COPY OR PRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION.

Snow Day!

Nothing like a Snow Day to force some "rest" upon us. However, we did venture out and enjoy it for about 2 hours, despite temps below 20 degrees... something most of us Missourians do not really enjoy. 

A walk in the woods behind our new abode was for sure in order. There's so much underbrush it's nearly impossible to see and explore it during the other seasons, so we had a little adventure.

“A cold wind was blowing from the north, and it made 

the trees rustle like living things.” 

Above us, below us, all around us... was the wind and the snow... 

I dare say, it made my daughter very happy (even though without her, I most likely would have NOT ventured out today).

“The snow was endless, a heavy blanket on the outdoors; it had a way about it. A beauty. But I knew that, like many things, 

beauty could be deceiving.”

The details of the woods really stood out. There were things that normally go unnoticed when we are near these areas that stood out clearly. One leaf still hanging on, a berry that hasn't completely faded, and steps leading to nowhere... at one time a deer stand or perhaps a treehouse? One can only guess...

By the time we were wrapping up, the fire I lit had taken off... and it was time to get warm, before we took off for more adventures in our Winter Wonderland. No Snow Day goes wasted, does it? 

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And, PS feel free to share the link to the blog, but do not take any images and claim them as your own. If you are intersted in ordering any prints, contact me! I'll be glad to help you out!

MK Designs Dec 2013.

drowning in a sea of... IMAGES!

Don't be fooled by the title, I am not complaining!

I've been one crazy-busy photographer lately.

I've been doing a huge amount of business work of all things... for places like: Invisible Sun (a local massage and facial and AMAZINGLY relaxing place in Union, MO), Bommarito Winery (between New Haven and Hermann, MO), and Flamingo Key Bed and Breakfast (in that beautiful area near Hermann/New Haven/Gerald, MO).

Top: Flamingo Key B&B. Middle: Invisible Sun. Bottom: Bommarito Estate Winery.

Wine Glass. Wine. Sunset Sky. My Mission: BEAUTY!

I've also been doing a lot of portrait work this fall for families and seniors. It's been rewarding helping document their lives and create images wall-worthy for my clients. 

Families and Seniors - OH MY!

It's been a blessing that this fall has been vibrant here in Missouri. The trees are alive with color. It's made for some amazing backdrops for my portrait clients.

Katelyn Mittler - Washington, MO Senior 2014

And, even though this was an overcast day... the clouds created the PERFECT backdrop for the Siem Family during this photo shoot. This image may be one of my favorites from a family shoot to date.

The Siem "children" (they're growing up fast!) 

However, it's not just about creating because you're told to or paid to... it's about creating to create. As in that moment you're out on a hike in Robertsville State Park, and you see the light... and it's something that MUST be recorded by the camera.

Robertsville State Park, Missouri. 

Robertsville State Park, Missouri.

Remember if you see anything you like here or on my facebook page, contact me... I am available for portrait and business shoots, as well as any images I create just to create... if you would like information on how to order those, too - just contact me.

All images and words by MK Designs Photography - Nov 2013. Do NOT use without permission.