Depth of Vision

I've moved!

2010-11-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

I have moved my blog to another host!

Please move on over to www.AshleyHoylePhotography.wordpress.com

Thanks!

Chocolate, and Strawberries and Wine, Oh My!

2010-08-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

My oh My! What a mess! But what a fun mess it was to make! This past week I worked with Sofia and did a trash the dress shoot. She was a great model and a good sport for getting covered in all kinds of foods and drinks.

Thank you to Sofia for a great photoshoot and good fun with the dress!

Kel at Gasworks

2010-08-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday evening Kel and Katie were ready to trash the dress! Kel was so beautiful in her wedding dress and was up for anything. We ended the evening with some water photos and that's what I wanted to share here. There will be another post to come with other types of trashing shots!

I really enjoyed this shoot and trashing the dress has been so much fun to photograph!

Keep your eyes out for more trash the dress photos coming soon!

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Shoot before the Shoot

2010-08-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

I will be doing another trash the dress photoshoot this coming week with Kel and her daughter Katie. This shoot is turning out to be a little more industrial and I am looking forward to working with these two beauties again! Kel is so creative and has great visions of what she would like to capture out of the photoshoot as well as what visions I have in mind!

Trashing?

2010-08-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

Trash your dress!! This seems to be a newish trend but man is it a lot of fun! I worked with Cathy this last weekend on some trash the dress photos. I had a great time photographing and spending time with this vibrant newly wed! Here is a little peek of the pics!

Thank you to Cathy who was so open to everything I had in mind! You rock!

Now I want to know how many of YOU would be willing to trash your wedding dress??

Strait!

2010-07-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

As in the Strait of Juan de Fuca! This last weekend we went camping at Salt Creek Campground out past Port Angeles. If you have never been there I highly suggest it! Its breath taking. One of the nights we were there I decided to venture out for sunset. This was the result!

Here are a couple other fun ones from the trip!

Schmappity Schmap Schmap!

2010-07-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

As I promised on Facebook here is my blog about my newly online published photo!! I have two separate Flickr accounts because I have one I hardly use anymore. I've been considering closing it down since I have the one I use regularly and it is way more organized (I sometimes have a hard time keeping the too many photos I take in order).

I happened to randomly log into my old flickr at the end of June to a message that Schmap would like to use my photo for their new guide to Seattle... Well that me think about this for a minute, OK! Not much to think about after I find out that I retain all the rights to my picture!

This photo was taken back in Jan or February at an hour way too early to mention. It was freezing cold but well worth the photos and seeing the sunrise hit the city. There are a few others in this "collection" but this is the one THEY chose. I feel very excited and honored that they found the photo and wanted to use it for their guide.

It is a mobile guide and they have them for cities all over the place! Here is a link to what it would look like under the photos for Gasworks on your iPhone!

Go Check it out!

iPhone Linky

Thank you to everyone for continued support and inspiration!!

The Actual Way?

2010-07-20T21:57:00.001-07:00

Ok... since I used "Lighting the Way" on my last blog... I thought I'd try and be clever... hmmm not sure it's working for me tonight! So we will just call it "The Actual Way"! I guess I can't be witty ALL the time!

Anywho, I finished a few of the lighthouse HDR photos I had been working on. I even worked on one with that ghastly work truck in it! Does that count as a hazard while taking photos? Ehhh probably not but it was worth a try. Never hurts to ask is my motto!

With out Further Ado!

One with that pesky truck...

*As usual, larger images can be seen at my Flickr! They are also better quality over there! ;)

Lighting The Way

2010-07-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

Well, Well... Summer finally decided to drag it's tush to good ole Seattle. It sure was nice of Summer! I know I appreciate it. With this lovely weather I have had a few more opportunities to get out and about. Thus... leading to less computer time... No, I'm not ignoring the blog! It's just getting a little rest. I am working on some HDR of lighthouses right now but they aren't quite ready.

BUT! (There is always a but right?)

I was playing around with fun colors because I love all things color and I thought this little guy came out pretty neat!

This is the lighthouse at Discovery Park in Seattle. It has recently been renovated on exterior and they are now working on the interior. I think it is wonderful that it is being preserved. I'll excuse the big truck that was parked behind it. THIS time.

My next trip out will be when all the renovating is done. Even with the truck there it is still a beautiful piece of history and a gorgeous park. You can see a bigger version of the photo here!

I'll have some HDR's of the lighthouse in the next few days!

Mary & Darryl

2010-07-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

This past Friday I was honored to be the photographer for Mary and Darryl's wedding. They got married at Heritage Hall in Kirkland. It was a beautiful evening and the Bride and Groom were incredibly happy. I could tell they are very loved by their friends and family. I'd like to share a few from their special day.

Congratulations Mary and Darryl!

Party Fowl!

2010-07-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Yeah... yeah... not what you are thinking! The "w" in Fowl is correct. We are talking birds! Today (last day of long weekend freedom) my other half took me out to a place in Snohomish. Not only was it an incredible nursery but they also had a selection of animals to visit. If the title hasn't given it away my favorite was this little bird you might have heard of before. The Peacock!

I haven't ever seen them quite as close as I did today. They are so beautiful! Also, this little beauty was running around. I've never seen a white one before!

The next three are creative shots I was trying out! Enjoy!

Hot Lights!

2010-07-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

Quite Literally! Super fast at that! This past weekend we traveled to Hoodsport, WA where we watched the local firework show. This was my first year trying to catch fireworks with my Nikon.

But before it was dark enough for them to go boom, I was able to take a trip down on the dock and learn a bit about how it's all done. This is where the fast part comes in. The red fuses actually burn at 600 feet a second!

Before long it was time for the show! It was a great show and I got some shots I was happy with!

Ooooohh... Ahhhhh...

There are a few more on my Facebook page!

Take a look!

I hope that everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July!

4th of July Adventures

2010-07-04T18:47:00.001-07:00

Nope, not firework photos yet! Still a few hours to go for those. It will be my first try at fireworks with my new camera. I'm looking forward to learning more! In the meantime we did some gallivanting around the Puget Sound and the forest today.

These little beauties above are flowers I have actually never seen before. They look like little lanterns. I thought they were pretty cool!

Before I found the lanterns I saw this cool little gold beetle hanging out on this flower. I almost missed him. Glad I spotted the little feller (yes, I said feller) as he was very pretty!

Don't forget to check them out in larger view at my website! AshleyHoyle.com

Firework pictures to follow!

I'd love to hear how you guys spend your holiday weekend!

Nerd? I think so!

2010-06-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend a friend and I (the same who made the mojitos!) decided to take photos of each other for our websites. We decide to take some that looked like we were using our cameras... well it has come to my attention that I failed to take the lens cap off for said photos... needless to say it's hard to use photos of me taking pictures with the lens cap on... Insert Nerd Here!

Now here is my promise to you... I will always be honest about my blunders... AND its just about impossible to take photos with the lens cap on. Not to worry! No black photos here!

Above is the photo that Brandi took that I used for the "about me" section of my website. Thanks Brandi!

Here is one of the shots I took of her for her website. She's a beauty! AND... she took her lens cap off for the other photos...

I'm glad I can come here and just be totally open about my photography escapades!

I'd love to hear about your photo escapades!

Mojito's Anyone?

2010-06-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

I rarely have a hard time finding something I like to photography (it's pretty much anything I can take a picture of!) Food and drinks are fun to catch some close ups of. A friend of mind was making some mojito's and I jumped at the chance to take a few pictures. They were extremely pretty and looked refreshing as well!

Jill, Thomas & Lauren

2010-06-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we were lucky enough to not get completely rained out! I thought we were going to have to reschedule but we gave it a shot and got lucky!

Lauren had a lot of fun watching Mom and Dad trying to get her to jump!

Lauren was a doll and just loved looking at all the fish and airplanes going by.

I'm so glad the weather held out and I had a wonderful time photographing their family!

Annie and Piereak

2010-06-18T21:40:00.001-07:00

I had the great pleasure of photographing Annie and Piereak last week. They are getting married in August. They were so much fun to work with and they are so happy!

We didn't get the sun that we were hoping for (as usual in Seattle!) but we made the best of the weather we got and the shots still turned out wonderful.

I wish Annie and Piereak all the best in their bright future together and a big congratulations to them!

Falling Water

2010-06-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

Or Waterfalls! As I am sure you all have noticed, I am a big fan of nature. Especially photographing it and then sharing it! I'm very generous when it comes to these things! Although the amount of my posting has decreased slightly... I'm working on this, I promise!! For now here is a little try at waterfalls!

MIA?

2010-05-27T07:08:00.001-07:00

Good Morning my Friends! I apologize that I have been MISSING IN ACTION (Insert broadcaster, blow em up voice here). I recently took a mini vacation to the mid-west to visit family. I had a chance to capture a few sunset photos and boy was I glad I did. There may not be mountains there but it certainly is beautiful in its own way. Take a look at the beautiful Missouri sunset:

Come back soon for your regularly schedule program!

Philip & Lori

2010-05-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning was full of photography fun! After the early shoot with Lauren, I had a wonderful time taking photos with Phil & Lori (+ Jackson their adorable pup!). Such a sweet and funny couple! They wanted to get urban photos for their anniversary and the timing worked out perfectly. We explored Pike Place and surrounding to capture some urban looking shots.

Lauren

2010-05-18T21:39:00.001-07:00

This weekend and I had a wonderful opportunity to capture some new headshots for Lauren. Bright and early downtown at 8am! She was so nice and a great model for the camera! We had a great time and it was fun getting to know her while we ran around Pike Place Market. Lauren wanted to get some natural lighted/looking headshots. Here are a couple sneak peeks!

P.S. Only in Seattle can you be waiting at two different Starbucks a block and a half away from each other! It happened with the shoot that followed Lauren's as well! Too funny!

Shoo Fly!

2010-05-14T19:29:00.001-07:00

So here I am... blabbing on and on about my macro lens AGAIN!

I promise after this I will try and take a break for a post or two... maybe

Well as you know, we have had some beautiful weather out here in the PNW and as I was enjoying some of it outside I had a little visitor playing on my book.

And as you would guess...

He just wouldn't SHOO!

Naturally I went and grabbed my camera and voila!

Make sure and click on him so you can see him bigger!

And don't forget that the fly doesn't always shoo!

Jumping on picnic tables

2010-05-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

No I wasn't playing lava monster... though that might have been a lot more fun! We used to play that all the time at recess during elementary school. Ahhh, those were the days!

The other night I went out after darkness hit, and myself and my other half trudged to the south side of Seattle. Don't worry! This isn't a scary story with things that go bump in the night. Here is the shot that I was out to accomplish. I hope you guys like it!

SO... back to the pesky picnic table (yes they can be very pesky) SO BEWARE!

On the way back home we decided to stop at a park to see if I could get a different/better view. This is not surprising I wasn't satisfied... I'm that person who has to change the channels during the commercials because something better might be on!

Well, I jumped up on a picnic table to check the view. Nope nothing good there. Went to step off and the entire board came off the table. I'm not sure how I didn't face plant, but I am convinced I would fight tooth and nail not to land and smash my precious camera into bits and pieces... My partner in crime says it was kind of like a cartoon with my legs scrambling in circles! I hate to admit that I didn't snap a picture of the table in ruins, but I promise it was quite the site!

Moral of the story - SAVE YOUR CAMERA AT ALL COST!

Just kidding! However we now have another hidden danger to add to the list that photogs need to look out for... It started with seagulls throwing donuts and has now built up to self imploding picnic tables!

Micro Machines...

2010-05-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I wanted to have every single one my older brother owned. Not familiar with a micro machine? They were pretty much awesome. There was a normal/larger size car and inside, yes inside, there was a smaller car! I was so incredibly intrigued. I wished I had all of those all to myself! There really is a point to this story I promise! I was baking red velvet cupcakes (Picture at the bottom :)) and I was trying to think of a cleverly clever title for my next blog. I've been playing with my macro lens, that I mentioned in an earlier post, and as I was throwing words around in my head I remembered micro machines! What little beauties they were!

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Here are a few samples of what I've taken recently with my new glass

One of those baby daisies that are in the grass:

Two different plants with water droplets:

AND last but not least a shot of the red velvet cupcakes!

Flowers Here, Flowers There

2010-04-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday I had some free time in the morning. I decided to see what early spring had brought into bloom in our neighborhood. Well that drive quickly turned into 4 hours of driving up and down the sound while snacking on cold pizza and looking for any place to pull over and snap a few shots!

Here is a pink dogwood tree just up the street from our house:

This next little beauty (insert real name here, because I don't know what it is!) was towards the end of the drive-a-thon. Glad I spotted her!

At one point we ended up out on Alki. It was a beautiful day and we were hoping to find a good shot of the lighthouse. Looks like we'll be waiting until June for a tour. Some higher up Coast Guard guy gets to live there. Pretty cool place to hang your hat if I say so my self.

This is one I captured from Alki Beach:

I'm looking forward to some Calla Lilies and finding some gardens to hit through out spring and summer.

I'd love to hear what some of your favorite flowers are!

Turtle Fight!

2010-04-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

Ninja Turtles! Ok they are certainly not nearly as cool as those Teenage Mutants but it was pretty funny. This little tiny turtle crawled out of the water and started gnawing on the giant turtles shell! Had to wonder what started all that??

The bald eagles at the zoo were by far one of my favorites. They are so huge and majestic. There were two of them and they were taking turns playing heater in the nest.

One my other favorites are the giraffes. You know like Jeffery the Giraffe from Toys R' Us! There was a baby giraffe chasing a little feller around too. It was quite funny!

Last but definitely not least - the most uhm... err... beautiful? bird? I've never seen a vulture before but it was actually pretty cool looking.

We took this trip to the zoo earlier this year. I just hadn't gotten around to sharing the pictures I took. I hope you guys enjoyed! What is your favorite part of the zoo??

Snappity Snap!

2010-04-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

All at the same time!

My dear friend Karen sent me a little teeny tiny email...
It consisted of this link only -> Link!

Ah yes, to the point!
Well I am so glad she sent this to me because they are trying to get as many people as possible with a camera to take a picture at the exact same moment.

Here is an excerpt from the article itself:

Wherever you are, we hope you’ll have a camera — or a camera phone — in hand. And we hope you’ll be taking a picture to send to Lens that will capture this singular instant in whatever way you think would add to a marvelous global mosaic; a Web-built image of one moment in time across the world.

This fun and exciting shindig happens wherever you are at that moment! For PST it's at 8:00am on Sunday May 2nd. In another article there is a calculator for everywhere in the world to determine what time it is for you!

I think that this is such a fun and creative idea! I can't wait til the pictures start to trickle (pour) in. They are going to have different options for viewing them even by location.

I hope you all get out or in and participate!

Tell me what you guys think about this project and what your photos might consist of! Im sure mine will include some sort of nature!

Secret Project???

2010-04-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today at a family gathering I spotted some gigantic tulips over by the neighbors yard. Not quite in their yard. Just near the driveway... They were huge and I just couldn't keep myself away for a short photo op! I'm actually pretty sure I heard them call me over...

Next year I'd like to make a trip up to the tulip festival in Skagit Valley. I've never been but I have heard it's incredible! I've been told just because you have seen pictures doesn't mean you know what a sight you are actually in for! I want to know if you guys have ever been? I'd love to hear/see about it!

Oh yes... I nearly forgot (yeah, sure) about this secret project. So "they" say that if I tell you it's no longer a secret! Well what is up with that?

Shoot...

I think they are right!

I have a photo project in the works that involves nature... lots of nature. I can't wait to share it with you guys as well as some additional info/meaning behind it all!!

I'm hoping you guys won't have to wait too long...

I'll try to be nice and keep the waiting to a minimum. After all, I am REALLY good at waiting for surprises! (Uh huh, you believe me right?!)

Keep checking back for more details and sneak peaks!

The World - On a Smaller Note

2010-04-15T22:13:00.001-07:00

Ok so I know the World as a whole is not small. I do know that there are many things that are small that spend their time "creeping" around. I am not a big fan of these creepy things BUT they can make great subjects. In honor of my new lens I wanted to share some macro-esque photos I have taken with my old lenses. Just BEWARE... I feel many more macro's heading this way in the future!

This little guy made himself at home and gave me plenty of photo ops!

These lovely purple flowers are found courtesy of my back yard! It was a nice day out so I decided to venture out into the vast wilds... of my back yard that is. There wasn't a whole lot in bloom out there but these little beauties were ripe for the picking.

Now on a side note about these creepies... if you ever, I mean EVER, see me post a macro of a spider it is your lucky day! Do what you will with that information but I suffer from Arachnophobia with a capital "Hates Spiders!"

I found my new favorite saying from this shirt website.

The ONLY thing we have to fear is FEAR ITSELF... and spiders

If you could sum it up my fear into a bumper sticker or a motto (or t-shirt of course) this would be it. I'm that lady who believes ALL spiders can jump. They will and when they do, it will land on my face.

Now that you all know how crazy I am (crazy having to do with spiders) make sure to come back and visit soon!

Don't forget to become a follower if you have time as well!

Rumors, Rumors!

2010-04-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

I just want to clear up all these rumors I'm sure that you have heard! I want you to hear the truth from me first hand.

It is true...

My very first month long exhibition will be starting May 8th, 2010 as part of the local Ballard art walk!!! There will be 10-12 framed, some matted, landscape and cityscape pieces on display for view and sale!
You can learn more about the Ballard Art walk here: Linky
There is opening of the show from 6-9pm on that Saturday the 8th of May. Be there or be square! Ok, but really, I would appreciate the support if any of you have time to stop by and pay me a visit!

You can find me at the Forum Center in Ballard. I will also be sending event information through Facebook. Make sure you head over and become a fan!

Save the date!

P.S. There might even be snacks and refreshments!

Hosted by Andrew L. Parker

Moo!

2010-04-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

Moo!

Not a cow really. A robot maybe. That is what the email says he is! "He" goes by the name of "Little Moo." He sends you your email updates on how your moo is being processed.

I recently ordered my business cards from a wonderful website called Moo Cards.
Today they arrived in all of their creative glory. I couldn't be happier with the outcome of the Moo. The cards are sturdy and the quality is amazing!!

Take a looksie!
If any of you are in need of ordering business cards I would suggest checking out their website. Not only are their advertisements and emails clever and engaging, but you can have up to 50 different images on an order of 50 business cards. I'm not sure you can beat that type of variety! They have great pricing and usually offer incentive for first time orderers (I know that's not a real word but I liked how it sounded!) They also have some neat doo dads and card holders to keep them safe.

Check it out!

Ali Rose, Not a Flower

2010-04-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

But beautiful like one! My niece Alicia is dabbling in some acting. Her mother has her doing some auditions for Disney in the very near future. Yup, that Disney. We did a quick impromptu shoot so she had a form of headshots to take to the big shots.

We caught a lucky break that the weather looked like this:

Instead of this (which is has looked like a lot lately):

She is a bright, talented, spitfire of a six year old and I had a great time laughing with her and capturing her essence of a carefree child. Without further ado, lets take a sneak peek at how they came out!
Sending all the best wishes and luck to her!

Its Raining... Donuts???

2010-04-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the inauguration post of my blog! Yes, it is true, we will be discussing the possibility of donuts raining down on you while you are out photographing in the wilds of Edmond's.

While wrapping up dinner I decided to head out to the Edmond's waterfront. There were incredible cloud formations out on the horizon. Here's an example of what I captured:

Now, as I am focusing intently on my viewfinder, I think that my partner in crime is trying to get my attention. I feel a bump on my shoulder... then my bag starts to feel as though its being rustled around... Well I turn around to find that I am standing alone on the beach. Gremlins, maybe? Well that was odd. Then who was trying to get my attention??? As you can see... I quickly notice this right next to me in the sand:

Yup, that's what you think it is, a portion of a donut... So I look up to see that there are about 12 seagulls circling around me. One of which has the missing chunk of donut in his mouth. Maybe they wanted to be in the picture too? Trying to get my attention... I just want you all to beware that in Edmond's it might rain down in the form of donuts. Too bad it wasn't edible!