Pepper Brooks

Home is where the heart is: part 2

My yard presents me with photographic gifts...

The guy I'm going to marry.

East Side Cafe garden

Vivo on film

It had been awhile since I shot some Velvia so I borrowed a friend's Mamiya with limited success. These images were taken at Vivo on the east side while on an outing with my boss. My favorite part is the squareness!

Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson

I recently started volunteering with Austin Pets Alive, a non-profit organization aiming to make Austin a no-kill city. I took these two adorable Rhodesian Ridge-back mix pups into my house for a two- week foster. Being that I was their first owner I got to name them and decided on Peter Parker, the brown male and Mary Jane, his sweet faced sister.

I provided them with love, food and my time. I was so sad to drop them off when our two-weeks were up. Leaving them at an adoption site Peter was immediately adopted while MJ found her forever family the next day.

I'm so grateful I was able to give these puppies a second chance and the opportunity to complete someone else's family. It was hard work and I lost a lot of sleep caring for these two, but knowing I saved them from an all too-common fate makes it extremely worth while.

Sweet Sunflower Surprise

I was feeling sick last week, so my wonderful boyfriend came home with this awesome bouquet! I love the sunflowers, they brightened my day and were a much appreciated break from the roses I usually get.
I know I have been slacking on the blogging all summer, but I just shot 3 rolls of film, one T-Max and two Velvia, and I can't wait to see what I got!

Film at Work

These kids look great on film...

Film Favorite

One of my favorite images shot on 4x5 film. 

Hay y'all!

I had been looking to photograph a hay field for awhile and finally got my chance last weekend on my way back from Houston. The sky and the lighting were just about perfect on another beautiful Sunday morning.

Sunday morning

My sweet Sugar bear enjoying her favorite past-time.

Fun with Fill Flash

My fabulous friend Ali was such a great sport as she posed in the afternoon heat.  Using two flashes, one on camera and one off, I experimented. My main goal being not to overexpose my background, I'd say I succeeded.

This last image does have some hot spots but Ali looked so sweet I decided not to hold it against myself.

Marvelous Macro

Oh how I love my macro lens!  I always get the best images.

Schmap San Antonio Guide

This image was chosen for inclusion in the 7 edition of the Schmap San Antonio Guide. Schmap is a  cooler way to get directions and allows you to see pictures of the attractions you're interested in. I honestly think my Lost Maples image is the best of the bunch, check out my sidebar widget and see for yourself.

Brittany

I love reading Elle magazine and am always inspired by their photography, it's so fresh and beautiful! I decided to try something new, so I borrowed Brittany for a quick shoot. 

With the late afternoon sun, these images embody the Hill Country summers I just can't get enough of. Hard to believe this young lady just finished the 8 grade!

Split toning

Split toning is an effect where your highlights and shadows are of two different colors. I recently read an article about split-toning and thought I would try it for myself.  Love the contrast between dark purple and pale green, pink and deep green. A great alternative to black and white!

Shawn's Skillz

My super skilled boyfriend welded this garden fence for my boss Alison. She is going to let it rust, but for now this is what it looks like.

This side was particularly tricky. It had to be dug into the ground along the side walk.  Some concrete had to be removed to make it level.

Yes We PanCan!

On April 26 The Vela family participated in the PurpleStride 5K in honor of my grandmother Lilly Vela and to raise awareness for Pancreatic Cancer.

My cousin Josh was the first in the family to finish and came in 18 overall. Michelle and Dad both made it in under 29 minutes, with Michelle getting a personal best. Even Doug managed to limp across the finish line!  

Team Vela finishes strong.

To learn more about Pancreatic Cancer visit- http://www.pancan.org/