If you put the feed out, they will come. (Eventually....)

@2011MegRussellPhotography

I put my feeders out way too late this year.

I thought the birds would come anyway because it had been so cold.

I have waited several weeks for them, and not very patiently.

Each morning as we eat breakfast, we stare out at the feeders full of seeds,

they look lonely without any customers.

But now with this last ice, sleet, and snow storm, they are here!

I am celebrating by sending this cutie out to all of you.

Here come my customers!

 @2011 Meg Russell Photography

Word of mouth is always the best promotion for any business, 

I mean, it's free advertising! 

Especially in the photography world, 

word of mouth is money in your pocket.

Now, I am apparently becoming quite the buzz in the world of wildlife photography.

The models are showing up on my door step, 

just waiting for their opportunity to have a shoot with me!

This guy was waiting on our back fence this morning.

I was honored to take his portrait. 

I am hoping he'll send more of his friends my way.

Happy Valentine's Day!

For those of you with a loved one, 

do something special for them today.

It doesn't have to be expensive or fancy,

just a gesture of your love.

For those of you who are single, 

celebrate anyway!

Do something special for yourself.

Take the time to get a massage,

or paint your nails.

Nothing says you can't be your own Valentine!

Plus, I am sending you this rose as I token of my love for you!

We can be Valentines!

Will you be my Valentine?

To Valentine or Not to Valentine?

Valentine's day is coming!

Whether you love this holiday or dread it, it is on it's way.

How will you celebrate?

Love is more than three words mumbled before bedtime. Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in the things we do for each other every day.
Nicholas Sparks

Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own home.
Give love to your children, to a wife or husband, to a next-door neighbor.
Mother Teresa 

"Love is like a rose. It may look beautiful, but it's got thorns."
-- Anonymous

Cabin Fever?

Yep, I am full on dreaming of a cabin in the woods.

We spent a wonderful weekend last February in a Cabin in Eureka Springs.

All four Russell family members fell in love. 

I know I have sworn off living in the country in the past.

I mean, no ice cream truck, no friends next door for the kids to play with,

no Target right down the road, not to mention no fast food!

But maybe a simpler life would increase the value of what we have,

Our family.

(Although, a girl does need a few city things, like a speedy internet connection.)

The dream and the search continue...

Soccer, the year round sport!

Indoor sports photography is tricky.

No flashes allowed.

You need a fast shutter.

You need a high ISO.

You need a the largest aperture you own.

You need a good zoom, 

and in this case, 

manual focus is required,

as there is a black net, 

that separates the field from the fans, aka parents.

But I am practicing, 

and the shots are improving.

P.S. I am the proud soccer mom of #52!

Winter's Glitter

©2011MegRussellPhotography

We are actually snowed-in for the first time I can remember, since living in town.

Usually the "snow days" off of school do not stop us from venturing out.

My driveway is impassable at the moment, except for a Toyota Land-cruiser.

Our subdivision street has not been plowed.

Every store, restaurant, and business in town is closed. Unheard of!

Even so, we have a freezer full of food, heat, and each other.

Although one of us is officially sick, and two of us are starting to show symptoms,

and the fourth one of us is getting ready to leave for Vegas! [Lucky duck.]

(& only if his flight doesn't get canceled!)

When "Snowpocalypse" has calmed down a bit, I hope to get out and shoot some photos,

But for now, here's a glittery ice photo from 2010. Enjoy!