A new year, a new goal...

It's already January 18 and I told myself that I would try and post to my blog more regularly as my New Year's resolution.  Fail.  Better late than never though. Anyhow, I've been quite the busy bee since my last posting.  Between baking and gift making for the holidays, New Years celebrations, family obligations, friends in town and going to work, life has been pretty hectic for the last few months.  I have, however, managed to conjure up a few cool things that I've found and created lately.

First up, I had the wonderful opportunity to take photographs for the always lovely Candace Morrow.  We had a lot of fun taking these photos and I think she was satisfied with the end result.  Thanks to my good friend Bo Shell for helping me do a bit of touch up.  (Sadly my MacBook can't handle the load of even really opening Photoshop, much less working with photos in it, anymore.)

Here are my favorite black and white photos from the session:

 And here are a few of my favorites in color:

In the past few months, I also managed to get in a few applications to grad school, hopefully for an MFA in Photography or a Masters in Journalism.  Who knows what will come out of it?  It's all in the hands of the decision makers at this point.

Get ready for more photos, music updates and all around baking and craft links beginning again tomorrow. I'm setting aside 30 minutes at least two times a week.  Or at least that's my New Years Resolution. Happy 2011 everyone!  Here's to a great year! 

-J. Luton

Entering the world of photography

This summer I had an opportunity to take my first real photography class.  Thanks to the lovely and talented Danielle Fields, I picked up a few things and learned quite a bit about the basics of photography--aperture, shutter speed and ISO--followed by a few weeks of practice and critique from the master of the art.  Since then, I've been working on my photography as a work-related skill at any opportunity that presents itself. I took a few great photos at the local market last month when a giant truckload of peaches were delivered for purchase, despite the rainy weather.

Baskets of delicious peaches at the local market.

More baskets of peaches with a rain puddle in the background.

Here's my honey after quick dip at the lake this summer.

Next month, my photo will be featured as the cover photo for Milledgeville Scene Magazine and I took photos for a fellow reporter's article on Memory Hill Cemetary, as well as my own article on Georgia's Old Capital Museum.

The sun hit this iron fencing just perfectly one August evening at Memory Hill Cemetery.

In the midst of a regular workday a few weeks ago, I was approached by a woman, whom I'd never met before, while I was at a local radio station.  The woman randomly asked me if I'd be interested in taking photos at her small wedding the very next day in front of the old county courthouse.  Since it was just her, the groom, the judge and a witness, I agreed to photography the event in exchange for being able to use these images on my website, blog and portfolio.  I was quite impressed with the results, even though I had to get some help from a friend in touching the photos up, but I think all in all, despite the 5:00 shadow, the photos turned out well.

Take a look and give me your feedback.

What a beautiful bride.

A ring on the bride's finger.

A ring for the groom.

It's almost time...

to kiss the bride!

I just love the antique touch-up on these shots.

This may well be my favorite shot of the whole bunch.

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Avery

Congratulations Dan and Katherine!

In the beginning...

I can think of three things that I loved when I was little kid that I still love today--arts and crafts, baking and music.  Throughout the years, my tastes have changed, but those three things, have remained.  I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism, Magazines to be specific, and another degree in Political Science.  You can add politics and journalism--writing, design and photography alike--to my list of interests. 

By day, I am a reporter for a small, daily newspaper in Middle Georgia, but in my free time I enjoy baking, cooking, photography, arts and crafts including sewing, quilting, scrapbooking and jewelry making, music of all types, photography, technology, popular culture and politics.  This is the place where all those things come together and I get to express myself as a true individual.  As a reporter, it's important to be able to express yourself outside of the workplace, as you have to remain as objective as possible in the news setting.  Sometimes not being able to give your opinion can drive you up the wall.  My hobbies are my escape. 

Enter into the world of Journalista Artista.  You can call me Jessica for short.  Enjoy!