Wine, Farms, Food & Shutter Speed

I've come to the conclusion that I need a tangible goal for this spring & summer. Not an overly-thought out one, or a super serious one (I have enough seriousness in my day job) but one that speaks to my passions, heightens my joy that day & enriches me in something I deem important.

^My glass of red after the hunt for the perfect pumpkin.

So without further hesitation: My Spring/Summer goal is to practice photography at Farms, Outdoor Markets and Wineries while the weather is warm.

^Berry-Picking in Sauvie's Island, Oregon in 2013

If you're thinking I'm just finding a way to drink more fine wine overlooking a hillside vineyard or peruse a farmer's market and nosh on fresh bread covered in sticky honey or simply carving out time for me to run through a field & pet goats... well you're right. I love doing those things. And I need to remind myself more to get up early on warm weekend mornings to go explore said beautiful places where you get to sip & eat off the very land you walk upon (not to mention wholly support your local merchants).

^Taken in Woodinville, WA last Spring.

But more than that, with photography courses under my belt and my ongoing (and neverending) work on understanding my camera, I think I've come pretty far from when I first received my DSLR. But I want to really reign it in now, I know what I'm good at and I know what lingering questions remain. Questions that can be easily answered through practice ... practice ... and practice.

^Post-pumpkin patch wine tasting in Hillsboro, Oregon 2013

And outside lighting with cold wine, delectable eats & farm animals lingering in the peripheral is the perfect place to do just that. I want to focus more on DAY plans this summer than NIGHT plans. Hobbies are important after all.

Any fun goals for yourself you'd like to accomplish this spring?