So in more efforts to create beautiful images from the junk I have laying around, I bring you a butterfly's dilemma.

I'm not sure why this butterfly has a dilemma, but you could invent one. Perhaps he or she is wondering which way to turn, or if the pebbles he's sitting on are good enough to eat.

Truth be told, I don't care for this image as much as the story of little tree that I made last week, but I did like all of the iridescent textures!

And here's a little April Fool's surprise for you: e-mail me with a great April Fool's joke you've played on someone by the end of the day, and the person with the best joke will receive a fun freebie gift!

Remember Nathalie and Cory who wandered around with me down Howard Street in Baltimore that rainy afternoon? Well, I have more delectable photos from that outing; I couldn't resist posting more, since we found so many interesting little nooks and crannies throughout the city.

After visiting Lexington Market, Nathalie and I spotted these fascinating phrases painted on some of the boarded-up buildings nearby. I love the one with them hidden behind the umbrella; like I snuck up on them somehow.

Also further down Howard Street from Lexington Market, a mysteriously beautiful painting on plywood:

A tender distracted moment...

Enjoying delicious Italian ice:

And finally, holding hands, with another close-up of that fabulous ring.

Major kudos to both Nathalie and Cory for braving the chilly rain, and a big thank-you for treating me to my first-ever Italian ice in quite a long time!

Continuing in my series of setting up illustrative still life images, I have an underwater-inspired scene that I constructed from a variety of found and purchased, natural and synthetic materials.

I was working in a new environment--my parents' house. My mother's collection of antiques and miscellany proved quite useful; she had beautiful blue glass (serving as the fish) and pieces of actual coral (from the days when you could freely comb the beaches). These, I think, help to make the scene a little more believable, especially since my fish have toothpick fins and some of my plants are made from chopsticks.

We had hit a thrift store the day before, and it was there that I picked up the iridescent and creeping scarves that create the background and flowing vegetation. It's amazing the things you can find in the right thrift store when you're not really intent on looking!

The lighting on this was the toughest part; I went through several iterations, occasionally adding color to my flash to see if that would enhance the scene. In the end, I settled on a dialed-down flash hitting from the "top", as though a beam of sunlight strayed through the water to catch two fish making their way somewhere.

I often hear from clients of mine before a portrait session that they're nervous about their appearance. "I hate pictures of myself," they say, or "I'm really not that photogenic."

What usually underlies those statements is a desire to look good--to project an attractive image. It's much easier than you think! But looking good in pictures isn't necessarily about finding the best concealer, choosing the most fashion-forward outfit, or having the perfect smile.

Here are three very basic things you can do to look fabulous in your photos:

1. Go bold with color, daring with your outfit or accessories.

We all have certain pieces in our wardrobe that make us feel good, sexy, fun, or more comfortable. Pick that one thing, and wear it! Or, find something unusual--something outside your normal comfort zone; you'll be inspired to learn how to wear it.

2. Get plenty of sleep, eat well, and drink water.

Looking good in pictures isn't just about the make-up and hair gel; it's the larger ways you take care of your body that contribute to an all-around healthy glow. Making sure you're well-rested and feeling good overall can add a hidden energy boost to that radiant smile of yours.

3. Stop worrying, and fake it 'til you make it!

Relax. If you're one of those people that "hates pictures of themselves," and you're nervous about looking good, the best thing you can do is to push that out of your mind. If you're tense--even just a little bit--that will show up in your pictures!

You may be nervous as all get-out, but take a deep breath. If you don't feel confident, take a deep breath, and just fake it. You could practice strutting in front of a mirror. Try loosening up to some of your favorite dance music to catch an at-ease vibe. It may feel silly, but if you can maintain composure, you'd be surprised that you're pulling it off!

AN ASIDE FOR ASPIRING SHUTTERBUGS

For those who are looking for how to create better images on the other side of the camera, I wrote a basic photography how-to PDF after teaching at Park School Camps. You can download it here!

Sometimes you can find love in unexpected places... and even in your own backyard. This is exactly what happened to Robert and Krissy not too long ago. Having searched--quite literally--the world over for the lady of his dreams, Robert found Krissy waiting for him on his doorstep.

We took a little trip to Downs Park the other day as the rain was clearing and the sun just began to peek through the horizon. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather.

Or a more perfect location--a deliciously old wisteria arbor.

And what with spring in the air, it's the perfect time of year for cherry blossoms, and perhaps a few kisses along the way.

Congratulations to Robert and Krissy--I very much look forward to your wedding!

Little James just turned one year old not too long ago. A sweet and happy little guy, he eagerly explored the onion grass recently, batting around for more Easter eggs.

He has quite the charismatic smile, and sense of humor too. Here he is laughing at his parents.

And can you believe those eyes? Those lashes and that gaze... it's just too sweet!

When the weather warmed up after a long week of rain, three little sisters, their mother, and I, made our way to Centennial Park. The sun was hitting the trees in the afternoon, and the air couldn't have been more perfect for a leisurely and exciting round of playground antics.

Cara, the eldest, has an easygoing and ready smile. She wasn't self-conscious around me, and I didn't have to prompt her much to try a few funny things for the camera.

Abby became infatuated with the challenge of hanging from a pair of gymnast's rings, as well as the causeways between towers on the playgrounds. She kept me quite active, chasing her from one end to the other; it was a challenge to keep up!

Megan is just plain bubbles, inside and out! I seemed to intimidate her a bit, though, so every now and then she'd see me following her from afar and then run to mommy. She started to warm up towards the end of the session, which is how I got that big grin out of her.

After some sidewalk chalk and a little jumping action, the three sisters sat down to snack and smile for the camera in the dimming afternoon light. What perfect weather!

Three beautiful sisters, indeed!

I'm usually loathe to brag*, but my latest wedding album samples from Cypress Albums really are quite gorgeous. They always do an excellent job, and I have a blast creating fanciful image arrangements to show to clients.

Secondly, a recent portrait client of mine chose a super-cute photo to put into the window of their brag book, which I think really sets the tone.

And they all come in such lovely colors, too.

*That's a white lie... I don't like the appearance of bragging, but I do like showing off my work... [ grin ]

It's great to have friends who are willing to do silly things with you. This is especially true if you're a photographer. Recently my friend Melanie came along with me to a big field to pose for me, with my friend Sig as lighting and equipment assistant. We had a blast in the afternoon light (such a wonderful luxury we have now that it's springtime!).

I had gathered up some interesting fabrics, confetti, a few sparklers, and an umbrella to provide some good props and offer us a bit of fun. Melanie took to them all very well.

I think we had the most fun with the confetti, though.

Sig manned the off-camera flash, diffusers, sheets, as well as a video camera, recording our antics. Here's a little mini-video from the afternoon, showing a little of what the light looked like and introducing my friends:

Hearing my voice on video is a little disconcerting (do I really sound like that?), I must say! Not to mention that I'm such a weird-looking shape at four months pregnant.

What I learned about myself through this session is that I work best when I'm loose and a bit playful. If I think about my work as play, things spring to my mind that otherwise wouldn't. It's great to get out with friends and do this kind of thing, because it really opens up my creativity and leads me in new directions.