My mom was our most recent visitor. She was here for 10 days and we spent our afternoons together doing projects, walking the dog, and baking, just like we would if we weren’t separated by 2,800 miles. On this afternoon, we went to Half Moon Bay and did the afternoon stroll and shopping essential to every mother daughter visit.

When we got to the beach, there was no one around to take our picture, so this is what we got.

The fixin’s for a fabulous birthday cake for my very old brother.

But first comes the birthday dinner.

And then the cake. He at least seems amused by the glow of so many birthday candles. I wouldn’t be.

And just like that, 10 days were over, and everything is back to being normal, if not a little lonely.

It’s so sweet when both mom and dad get to walk the bride down the aisle.

Cheers to a long and happy life together!

If you do happen to be house hunting in this neck of the woods, check out his website here or his Facebook page here.

There is something truly special about returning to a place that you have known throughout your life. Even though the Outer Banks doesn’t change much, the experience is different every time. This time was a rediscovery of the beauty that I took for granted all the time I lived on the east coast. It takes being away to gain a new sense of awareness about a familiar place.

Jockey’s Ridge, which we have visited on every vacation that I can remember, was a very different place with storm clouds drifting overhead and a tilt-shift lens in hand.

I was just playing around when I captured this sad looking image. Poor Rigo all alone and the family together in the background. Maybe they shunned him for not striking a pose in the previous picture.

This trip was highlighted with some exceptionally good food.

But the basis of the vacation was the same as always: good company.

I have always loved a good afternoon thunderstorm.

We don’t always go island hopping, but this time we traveled to Wanchese (I used to think it was “Juan Cheese”) on the island of Manteo to have dinner and see the fishing boats.

Mini boats?! Nope, just an awesome lens. Sorry to shatter your dreams.

It’s so hard to leave on the last day. At least we got a colorful family photo out of it. Until next time, my sandy, fair-weathered friend…

The kiddies were anxious to light up the “sprinklers”.

They got a mini show before the sun went down. Look at that second fellow in from the left. This was clearly the start of a life-long flirtation with explosives.

I love bubbles. Rigo doesn’t really, but he loves me, which is why he will blow bubbles at the camera if I ask him to.

Beanie Babie anyone? Still not sure why my Beanie Babie was born on January 23 when all the others were born on July 4.

As with most fun things in life, the real excitement began after sundown.

Happy 4th of July. Hope you all had a good one!

This group of photos has the strongest sense of emotion yet, and I think that is what links them all so closely together. Previously, I’ve noted photographic elements like depth of field, texture, and repetition, but I think this group is set apart by that extra quality that can’t be defined as an element of composition or design – it’s about mood, and these photos have it.

Here’s what our photographers have to say:

Renee (Cincinnati, OH) – “It was nice to be the first person this time and not have any restrictions on what to photograph. I was actually at the Cincinnati Home and Garden Show when I noticed these garden sticks made out of utensils. It wasn’t until I converted it into a black and white that it made me really love the photograph.”

Tiffany (Cupertino, CA) – “For my photo, I used the shadow of several objects and reflected it off of a wall mirror. I tried several silhouettes and thought this image was interesting ”

Kristen (Goleta, CA) – “When I received Tiffany’s image I immediately thought, besides the fact that it is a solid abstract image, that it reminded me of a Hitchcock film, or Rorschach test: you take your pick. I love the texture, the shadows that look like grotesque profiles, and of course, black and white. I tried to respond with something as abstract, but quickly scratched that. My interpretative response is that my image incorporates texture and shadows, and hopefully is a little unsettling or haunting. Wind makes me nervous, so it was a great day to shoot.”

Lindsey (Wilmington, DE) – “I liked how Bethany’s photo included different elements of nature and how well they blended with the bench. I found different patterns of lines in her picture and tried to find something in nature (or man made) that reflected that. I found this bench in our local park and it was perfect. The soft curve of the bench arm looks like a vine and somewhat softens the photo, the detail of designer/manufacturer stamp simply added a bit of nostalgia.”

I was happy to be at the end of the line this time and to have the opportunity to respond with purpose. When I got Lindsey’s photograph, I first noticed the repetition and wanted that to be the base of my photo. The second element that stood out to me was the old-fashioned look of the photo. So instead of going old-fashioned, I just went with old. This is the old fence next to my apartment with repeating lines, rich texture, and age.

Well done, ladies!

Oh and did I forget to mention how freaking cool Jenny is? Take a look at these wicked details. These are the bridesmaids shoes and her bouquet…just wait until we get to her shoes.

Here is the lovely bride, laughing and enjoying getting ready.

This is what love looks like.

And this is what awesome looks like. Check out those shoes!

After the bride and groom photos, Jenny had a few minutes to wait alone with her bridesmaids.

A hug from dad as he gives her away at the altar.

Look at how happy Delmar is to get that ring on his finger.

What a privilege it is to witness beautiful moments like these. Congratulations, Jenny and Delmar!

I am once again so thrilled and pleased with the results of this group project. It’s really fun seeing where each person goes with her photo and incorporates her own unique vision. Thank you so much to all of you for sharing your talent and vision with the group!

Here are responses and explanations from a couple of these lovely ladies:

Andrea (Monterrey, Mexico) – “Well the first thing I saw in your tree picture was a path and depth of field. I took the idea and ran with it.”

Chelsey (Richmond, Virginia) – “The first thing I noticed when I opened up Jenna’s photo was the textured background. From there, I took in the fact that the picture was fairly close-up, and I loved the burst of color from the flower on an otherwise gray/black/white scene. I also liked that it was a nature scene. So I tried to incorporate all of those things into my own photo and take them to the next level. Texture from the strawberry seeds, an even closer zoom, and 100% color.”

The website for Tracey’s Cupcakes will be coming soon!

We started with pictures at her house. I loved photographing this beautiful dress.

There was lots of hustle and bustle at home.

Janelle had a court of best friends and cousins who also celebrated in style. Is this really what sixteen looks like? I don’t remember it looking this good.

And then there were the boys, who kept the girls laughing…

…and in shock.

But these crazy boys turned into complete gentlemen as the lead they ladies in dancing the waltz.

The father daughter dance was so sweet.

The party was fantastic and complete with a mariachi band.

Janelle, this was the best birthday party I’ve ever been to. Maybe you can help me plan mine. Happy sweet sixteen!