Welcome the the Highlight Real for WEEK 2: Empty.

I know this may have been an exercise is stretching to capture this concept. I love the entries, and can't wait to share them, so here goes...

The image that stood out the HARDEST in my mind was this one, by Amy Bueschel. Not only do I really FEEL the EMPTINESS here, it is a comforting emptiness. Serenity.

This echoes my favorite sand pattern imagery from Ansel Adams.

I would hang this on my wall.

Entry number two: this river empties out into the Atlantic Ocean twice a day revealing vast sandbars where boaters usually gather telling fish stories. On this particular day, not only was the river empty, but the sandbar was all ours as well, it wa… — Entry number two: this river empties out into the Atlantic Ocean twice a day revealing vast sandbars where boaters usually gather telling fish stories. On this particular day, not only was the river empty, but the sandbar was all ours as well, it was quite the treat!

^^ This is why I don't limit to 1 entry. Sometimes you just outdo your first attempt! My kids asked me yesterday, "WHAT IS THE THEME THIS WEEK, MOM?" When I told them it was "extra" they were like, "HOW DO YOU TAKE A PICTURE OF THAT?"

I swear they question EVERYTHING I DO.

Then they start telling me the ways we could set up a picture for extra. I assured them, there is so much EXTRA. If we just open our eyes we will see it right before us.

::awkward transition::

On to the next picture.

This cutie pie captured by Billie Leatham.

"empty" space ready for a big girl tooth!

guh. I'm a sucker for green eyes and freckles!

This next one is my own submission. I stumbled on a perfect studio space last week, and this window is in it. I am excited to have HQ and a place to breathe and create. I am sharing the space with a photographer friend of mine, and I am excited to be working along side her IRL.

This image also brings me back to my art roots, as I am a huge Andrew/N.C. Wyeth fangirl...

it looks empty now, but this is what i've been dreaming about for 8 years.this is my future, ready to fill with all the wonderful things i wish for... — it looks empty now, but this is what i've been dreaming about for 8 years.
this is my future, ready to fill with all the wonderful things i wish for...

Danielle Bolton submitted this gorgeous space full of just the right kind of emptiness. This is like, a dream location for me to shoot in.

I want to go to there.

My favorite thing in the world to photograph are places that have been abandoned and worn down. Places that were [strangely] just left to time. To get real, it is most likely because they aren't intimidating to me like living breathing subjects, but… — My favorite thing in the world to photograph are places that have been abandoned and worn down. Places that were [strangely] just left to time. To get real, it is most likely because they aren't intimidating to me like living breathing subjects, but I like to think it is because these places seem to tell their own stories.

Please note: I am also a sucker for redheaded dogs.

If these were mine I might get lost staring at this image for hours..

Gorgeous moment captured by Lisa Willey.

Our lives would feel empty without her sweet head resting on our lap when we have a quiet moment. Her life would feel empty without her family to play with her, hunt with her, and love on her. How blessed we are to know the fullness, thoug… — Our lives would feel empty without her sweet head resting on our lap when we have a quiet moment.
Her life would feel empty without her family to play with her, hunt with her, and love on her.
How blessed we are to know the fullness, though when she is gone the emptiness will be haunting.

All of this week's submissions were great. I know it is a little of a mind bend sometimes to wrap around an almost intangible concept, but keep swinging at it.

Creativity is in your garden. Cultivate it!