Angelica Grace Designs Blog

Sunday, December 21, 2008

DAY THREE (NAPLES, FL)

WOW! What a gorgeous afternoon at the beach. The weather couldn't be anymore beautiful than it is right now. I spent some time just taking images of things at my feet. Like these shells...

So far - OK with "Papa." I haven't pulled "Razzi" out even once since being here. Part of me feels bad about that. Another part of me feels "accomplished." I feel progress when it comes to working with this new camera that no longer offers me the "auto" crutch. It is a challenge. A job that my peanut brain needs.

Although each shot set up is taking me a couple rounds of deep thought, I'm getting it. Slowly but surely it is all sinking in. The histogram has become my best friend. Exposure compensation is becoming one of my favorite options too. Thanks to the awesome email that my photo instructor/coach emailed me before I left, I now have a check list in my head for every moment that I go to shoot. I've truly learned more from him and this new camera that lacks auto mode in the past month than I have in all my years of dabbling in photography. Like I've said before, I feel like a constant sponge, soaking it all in. Just like this Sponge below...

I normally don't like trying to snap shots of the ocean in bright, harsh, afternoon sun like it was today. However, I couldn't help but notice the sparkles and the glistening of the waves when I looked out there each time. I finally had to snap one and go against all that I've been taught and all that I believe when it comes to images in harsh light. No matter how harsh, it still took my breath away when I landed on it as I clicked back through my images from the afternoon...
And yes...some of our Beach B/F/F's were there too. They brought it and truly worked it for my glass. (lenses)
This one below is what I like to call the "Catwalk look." Notice how she sucks in and gives off that "I own the world" look? Classic. Work it sista'!

It was nice to have the beach pretty much to ourselves. It is really dead here right now and I love that. (especially when I'm trying to capture images without people walking in front of what I'm attempting to get a shot of.) A quiet beach is the best. Just us and our toe prints in the sand...

Then the seagulls squeal & squawk over head above us and lead us into song and dance. You know...? That beach sound. Yes, that song and dance. Serenity and paradise at its finest. Close your eyes. Envision the sound. The waves. The birds. The smell. The heat from the beaming electric sun on your face. You feelin' me now? Feelin' that beach song and dance?

After that, we came home and got showers, ordered food from a local hot spot via carry out, came back-opened every single sliding door in the house to the pool, ate lanai side, listening to our favorite Florida based preacher tear it up on the radio station all while blaring it for those outside to hear too. With his intense words regarding his sermon on faith and miracles, the sound of the hot tub waterfall draining into the pool, the feel of the cool Florida breeze blowing throughout the house, the surf and turf we scarfed down, and the laughter from our family, I couldn't have wished for anything more at that moment. Our God is a high-tower. Our God is an awesome God. Caught myself thanking him again for the small things tonight. The small but oh so powerful moments. For the memories in general.
In him always, Angie

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15 Comments:

Blogger mellybean said...

Angie,
I have been following your blog for a few weeks and I always love the pictures you post! I love how the simplistic-ness of life just looks so beautiful. I too, am trying my darndest to learn my camera so I can shoot what my eyes see, not what the light distorts, etc.
Anywho - like I said, after following your blog and looking at your beautiful photos, I thought I'd finally comment.
I would purchase these prints!! :) You're doing good!
Mel

12/21/2008 11:01 PM  
Blogger katy said...

BEAUTIFUL shell pictures...I mean, they are all GREAT...but the shell ones just stick out...I could just reach out and touch the shells...and I really wish I was there and able to do that because it's 25 degrees where we are at!
Enjoy your vacation!

12/21/2008 11:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can only IMAGINE being on the beach! It was all of 4 degrees when I was heading home before 6 PM, and I've been afraid to see how cold it is, since! I'd love to be able to open windows and have a lovely breeze flow through. sigh...

And of all times, we have a showing for our house TOMORROW! Yikes! Having to clean up and put away all the wrapping stuff, and not get busy on my baking... I'll be glad when they leave! Especially if they BUY it!

OH, that delivery I was waiting for finally got here. Heee heeee!

12/21/2008 11:47 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Angie,

What I love so much about your posts is how you remind us all to take in the moments, the memories, and enjoy them as God intended. I loved the shot of the ocean. Thank you for allowing me to experience such beautiful moments through your words and your photographs.

Kristin

12/22/2008 1:01 AM  
Blogger Vicki said...

Angie,
I can smell the salt air with those photo's! Wonderful!!
Think of me while you are digging your toes into the warm sand... we woke up to 10 degrees here this morning after 17 inches of snow over the weekend!!!

Enjoy every second!!

Love ya' sista'
~Vicki

12/22/2008 7:48 AM  
Blogger Tanya said...

God IS wonderful. :)
All the beauty you capture in your amazing pictures are all his work.
That amazes me every day.

Thanks for posting while you are on your vacation Angie. I look forward to your words and pictures every day.

Ps. The winchill was -20 here in IL and IN my friend. Can you see me sticking my tongue out at you. *wink*

12/22/2008 9:38 AM  
Blogger Hipmomofboyz said...

O.K> Now you are just showing off.....(LOL) Not only are you in a beautiful place for Christmas you take the most awesome pictures!!! I might just pay for you to fly down to Texas and take my family and friends pictures!!!!!!

12/22/2008 10:26 AM  
Blogger Natalie said...

That ocean pic is gorgeous! Send some warmth this way, It is FREEZING!

12/22/2008 11:15 AM  
Blogger Rachel said...

you captured Florida perfectly in thes pics. I love them! you should print the shell ones and hang in your home!

12/22/2008 2:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well I may have to repent for lusting after your life right now. I thought for a few moments, that I was actually there. I have tears from all the nice things you say about our Lord and His creations. I also have tears that I don't have any of that surf and turf to eat! No one said anything to me about spring break?!!!!

12/22/2008 4:49 PM  
Blogger Jessica said...

angie my daughter emma wants to know how you caught all those water fairies in your picture. (emma just turned 5 and believes that fairies hide in all things that sparkle)when she saw the picture of the ocean she insisted i ask you how you caught all those fairies. lol.. seems like your having a great time. keep the pictures coming we love them.

12/22/2008 6:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Ang (and Seaman Clan)~
LOVE the pictures....the shells are my fave! I too would purchase these amazing pics! Get some sun for me - K?
Janae

12/22/2008 8:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Was reading my BHG mag and ran across this rug at West Elm!!
Thought of you instantly--- http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODr306&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1RUGRUG&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1RUGRUG
Hope you are have a fabulous time in FLO-RI-DA!!

12/23/2008 3:06 PM  
Blogger Katie said...

I love the pictures Angie. That camera is awesome, so jealous (in a good way though (: Have fun, it is so cold her in the midwest.

12/23/2008 3:19 PM  
Blogger Angie Seaman said...

Angie,
Good to hear from you. I'm sure that you had a Merrier than Merry Christmas. These pictures below are AWESOME. Your photography classes and new camera are definately paying DIVIDENDS ! I would like a print/copy of the 5th one down and the FIRST one of the SEAGULL again that awesome BLUE SKY....I LOVE IT. If I can get a copy I can enlarge it. I want to frame it and put it in our bathroom, since it has the spa/ocean theme.

I looked at the pictures of Kenidi that you sent and that would be me not just Kenidi with her limited ability to communicate if I had to LEAVE THE BEACH (ha ha)she doesn't seem any different to me than any other child (trust me I've seen my share with ALEX, LaDora, COURTNEY and definately DORIAN) that wants to continue doing something that they truly love like when you try to get them off of the swingset at the park or out of Chuckie Cheese....SAME REACTION albeit her's is a little more physical in communication. I think the reason that she is also so in LOVE with the beach is because the sounds of the ocean and the feel of the sand are also both physically and emotionally stimulating. Maybe when you get back home you can locate products that mimic these things and that will keep her content at home as well (the reason she likes to "sit" in the shower).

You know Kenidi is a VERY SMART little girl though,Dorian was much smarter than we knew at the time and he really played us. In his 2year old mind was really a little Einstein sitting back and laughing at the adults. We only came to figure this out later, as his Pediatrician discovered just how smart he really is. They told Trina that he was a "STRONG WILLED CHILD" and that is what she was given and that it was more challenging because they know what they want but since their biological age was only 2 they would throw tantrums to get it. Who would have thought that such a TERRORIZING two year old would have turned out to be the child that he now is. Getting EXCELLENT CITIZENSHIP awards and trophy's from teachers for being their "aide" in teaching the other children as only another child can do.

So you see Angie, there is HOPE on the Horizon. Well,enjoy the remainder of your vacation. HOPEFULLY,I will be able to catch up with you sometime after you return and go to lunch or something and see you and the kiddos. Tell Brent I said hello and give the kids a BIG hug and kiss from AUNT SHARLA. LYFA

12/28/2008 12:29 PM  

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