Life in the hills of WV

I'm still alive

2012-01-03T10:43:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone!!! I am still alive! It has been a while since I last posted. We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I didn't post because the ugly brown earth doesn't make for very pretty photos. I am happy to report we finally received some snow! Unfortunately, it is way too cold out there for me so I will post a photo taken from the warmth of my home. This Christmas we purchased a live balled and burlaped concolor fir evergreen. I hope it can endure the cold, harsh WV winter.

Call me crazy

2011-10-19T13:41:00.003-04:00

I know many of you are going to think I'm nuts but I can't wait for snow! After the leaves are gone, it just looks depressing outside. I'm not a big fan of brown!

Elakala #1

2011-10-18T13:16:00.003-04:00

Framed

2011-10-14T08:35:00.006-04:00

It's hard to get a different perspective of a waterfall that has been photographed 437290654056890416894 times. I don't remember seeing this perspective of Elakala Falls #2, Blackwater Falls State Park, WV. (I did a search on Flickr and found a few photos from this vantage point.)

Country roads

2011-10-13T08:35:00.003-04:00

Nature's architecture

2011-10-12T11:09:00.003-04:00

Silly girl

2011-10-11T12:52:00.003-04:00

I had a session last week with an adorable, silly little 2 year old. It was so much fun!

Breathtaking

2011-09-30T14:11:00.004-04:00

When I'm taking photos I'm hopeful I will get a few that I love. Most of the time I open the photo files and think, "Geez, what was wrong with me today?". Sometimes I open the files and think, "Ok, these aren't bad." Today was a rare day in which I was very pleased with most of the photos I took. Here is one that took my breath away.

Blackwater River

2011-09-26T14:16:00.003-04:00

Morning photo walk

2011-09-26T10:22:00.004-04:00

I went on a photo walk again this morning. I took several photos but I am having a "not happy with anything I captured" day.

Into the mist

2011-09-23T10:03:00.005-04:00

Spiderweb

2011-09-22T11:40:00.003-04:00

Freeland Road

2011-09-21T10:47:00.004-04:00

It was a beautiful morning with a heavy dew and light fog. My plan was to get some photos of the fall foliage, but that didn't happen. However, I am pleased with what I did get!

I can't decide which of these I like better. What do you think??

First frost

2011-09-16T08:50:00.004-04:00

International Harvester

2011-06-19T17:40:00.001-04:00

Saturday I set up a booth at the local farmer's market in Canaan Valley. Along comes this gorgeous, red Farmall tractor. It was perfect for my personal project: God Bless the American farmer.

Preserving America's Farmland

2011-06-13T10:20:00.005-04:00

I am trying to define myself as a photographer. I am looking for my niche. America's farmlands are in jeopardy not only because of the tough economics of farming, commercial development plays a big factor as well. Many of today's farmers are "land rich, cash poor." Their land is their retirement nest egg. They sell off their land to developers to survive after retirement. Maybe preserving this diminishing farmland, an important piece of American history, in photos is God's plan for me.......

Germany Valley

2011-05-31T16:54:00.004-04:00

Germany Valley is located in picturesque Pendleton County, WV. My ancestors were the first family to settle in this valley in the mid 1700s. The Hinkle family was part of the German migration encouraged by William Penn. You can read more about the area and family history at the links below.

Shades of purple

2011-05-23T15:21:00.003-04:00

Petunia

Wild Geranium

Fishing at Spruce Knob Lake

2011-05-23T15:07:00.002-04:00

Spring Flowers

2011-05-07T18:24:00.003-04:00

I was able to try out my extension tubes again today. I am not very impressed with them. It may be that I haven't worked with them much. It could also be that I was expecting too much out of them. A couple summers ago, I rented a 105mm macro lens for a wedding and LOVED the sharp results. I suppose I need to save up for a macro if I want results that stand up to my high expectations. ;)

Dolly Sods Spring 2011

2011-05-06T08:17:00.004-04:00

The forest service finally opened the gates to Dolly Sods this week. I have been anxious to get back up there and try out my new filters. I left my house around 6pm with a sky full of gorgeous puffy clouds. When we got the Dolly Sods half an hour later, the clouds had completely disappeared. I was very disappointed. I had to settle for photos of clear, boring blue skies.

Chasing waterfalls

2011-04-20T15:15:00.004-04:00

It rained hard yesterday morning so I knew the creeks would be raging. I needed to try out my new filters so I headed to Big Run. The creek didn't disappoint! However, I really need to practice photographing waterfalls. I only got one that I was okay with you. The icing on the cake were the wild flowers! I was very surprised to see the wild bleeding hearts and trilliums were in bloom.

Raspberry macros

2011-04-01T12:26:00.002-04:00

I bought some extension tubes a few weeks ago in anticipation of Spring flowers. Unfortunately the weather has not cooperated so far. So, I decided to try them out with some frozen raspberries. I need to practice alot more but so far I like them!

Bird watching

2011-03-27T12:52:00.005-04:00

I was watching the birds from my window this morning and thought I would try out an old lens. I'm not sure if the disappointing results are from the lens or the window or a combination of both. However, I salvaged a couple by applying textures. ;)

Photo tip Friday

2011-03-11T10:26:00.003-05:00

I am going to attempt to post a photo tip every Friday. I can't promise I will follow through but I'm going to give it my all!!

Today's photo tip:
BACK-UP
I am horrible about backing up my photos. It is crucial to back up your photos. Your hard drive could crash at any time and if you haven't backed up your photos, they could be gone forever. There are a few ways to back up your photos:
1. External hard drive
2. DVDs
3. Online data backup (mozy, idrive, etc.)
*I'm sure there are many ideas I have not mentioned.

It is recommended that as soon as you download your images to your computer, you should then put them either on your external hard drive or DVD. Unfortunately, I get too excited to begin working on the images that I don't immediately put them on a DVD. This is how I lost one of my favorite images! Live and learn. As a result, I'm going to try my best to not get ahead of myself and save all my files to a DVD before editing!

Encased

2011-03-09T12:50:00.002-05:00

Photo contest

2011-03-03T11:12:00.007-05:00

I plan to enter a few photos in a local photo contest this Spring. I would love your opinions on my choices!

People category:

Places or Things category:

Monochrome category:

Wild and Wonderful WV category:

I can't decide which category to enter this one. Is it too manipulated to put in the Flowers category or should I put it in the Creative category? Creative category description -- any subject, color or monochrome, digitally altered as desired. Flower category -- photos of real flowers inside or outside.

Painted tulip

2011-02-20T17:10:00.003-05:00

I was at Lowe's Friday and they had pots of tulips on sale for $1! I LOVE tulips. The tulips were completely open so I cut them and put them in a vase on my table. I don't think I can plant them this Spring. I don't know much about planting tulips though. So if anyone out there with a green thumb knows more about tulips than me, I would love to know what I can do with the bulbs.

I took this a few minutes ago while it was very overcast and snowing outside. I used the light from my patio door but I still had to bump up my ISO to 640 resulting in alot of noise. So I ran a couple of actions and added a texture. I really like the result!

Swan edit

2011-02-18T13:55:00.003-05:00

My Flickr friend posted a photo challenge. The photo is so gorgeous, I couldn't pass up the challenge! I softened and lightened the photo, added a texture, and finally a vignette. I am pretty pleased with the result.

First taste

2011-01-18T09:32:00.002-05:00

The only thing better than the first snowfall of the year is the first taste of snow. Miss C is finally old enough to enjoy the snow. As you can see, she couldn't get enough of the stuff!

There are many more amazing winter images here:

Tough boy

2011-01-10T08:57:00.003-05:00

I just love this boy! His smile is infectious. He was so proud of his Spongebob tattoo! lol

See other "smile" entries here:

Marshmallows

2010-12-29T18:37:00.003-05:00

I went for a little hike today to attempt some mountain creek shots. I love the way the snow sits above the water on the rocks in the creeks. They look like winter marshmallows.

From the archives

2010-12-23T18:07:00.006-05:00

I have been a real slacker lately with my photography excursions. So I dug into the archives for these wintery shots from December 12, 2008.

Frosty goodness

2010-12-17T12:55:00.004-05:00

I finally trekked out into the frigid air to get some winter scenics. It was a very overcast day which resulted in some dramatic winter scenes.

Simplicity

2010-12-07T14:23:00.005-05:00

This week's theme at I Heart Faces is self portrait. As a photographer, I rarely am seen in front of the camera. This was definitely a challenge for me.

Check out some of the other great self portrait entries!

Annual Christmas tree hunt

2010-12-05T17:29:00.003-05:00

Every year we go to the local tree farm in search of the perfect tree.

Top of the world

2010-11-30T14:27:00.003-05:00

I couldn't resist this week's I Heart Faces photo contest. Since I LOVE landscape photography, how could I pass up the Scenic B&W week???

It won't be long....

2010-11-21T16:20:00.004-05:00

Cold, snowy weather will soon make it's appearance in Canaan Valley.

Up, up, and away

2010-11-15T08:04:00.006-05:00

The balloons are taking this sweet girl up, up, and away!

Fun with a few of my favorite clients

2010-10-12T09:20:00.006-04:00

Family portrait

2010-10-10T19:04:00.003-04:00

It is nearly impossible for me to take a decent picture of my family. They are all either goofing off and making faces or aren't in the mood to be photographed. Fortunately I am fairly pleased with our impromptu family portrait from this evening.

Rain

2010-10-07T10:09:00.003-04:00

We received some much needed rain over the past few days. I planned to get out to get some photos of the fall leaves but my daughter would not cooperate this morning. But I am happy with the 2 pics I did get.

Unimpressive autumn

2010-10-03T18:10:00.002-04:00

The drought this summer resulted in a very unimpressive fall display.

Rainy Autumn Photowalk

2010-09-17T08:16:00.002-04:00

It finally rained! I am enamored with the look of the Autumn leaves against the dark, wet tree trunks. The misty fog enveloping the forest is both beautiful and mystical.

It's beginning....

2010-09-11T08:18:00.004-04:00

to look alot like Autumn here in the mountains of WV. We took a trip up to Dolly Sods last night to see how much the color has over taken the landscape. In a couple of weeks the sods will be in her full Autumn glory!

Beautiful family

2010-08-02T18:52:00.005-04:00

I had the pleasure of photographing this little darling when she was a sweet baby. She is 3 now and full of spunk! This session was so much fun! Thanks again Chris and Candice for letting me spend time with your sweet girl.

From 3000 feet to sea level

2010-07-23T18:09:00.003-04:00

I'm sharing some atypical photos. Usually on this blog you see gorgeous mountains with lush trees and quaint country roads. Today I'm sharing something different, something I'm not at all familiar with.......

Summer storms

2010-07-20T13:31:00.004-04:00

After a long dry spell, we are finally getting some rain. I was able to talk the kids into walking to a field near our house to get a few photos of the impending storm. Although we didn't stay as long as I would have liked. ;-)

Beautiful butterfly

2010-07-08T17:57:00.002-04:00

This evening I went to the garden to check on our bounty. The garden isn't looking very good. We are in desperate need of rain. However, on my way, I ran into this beauty and chased it around the yard for a few minutes.

Beautiful evening light

2010-07-02T12:45:00.003-04:00

"Almost Heaven"

2010-06-28T13:02:00.003-04:00

We took an impromptu trip to Dolly Sods yesterday evening. On the way up the mountain my 2 1/2 year old said "Mom, are we in heaven?" Even a child can see why West Virginia's slogan is "Almost Heaven."

Antique

2010-06-21T09:42:00.003-04:00

Spring Greens

2010-06-16T10:18:00.004-04:00

Otter Creek Wilderness

2010-06-13T18:36:00.004-04:00

Otter Creek Wilderness Area

Country Roads

2010-06-06T18:23:00.002-04:00

Peony love

2010-06-03T09:55:00.002-04:00

Bucking Tradition

2010-06-01T15:40:00.002-04:00

I finally had a couple willing to buck tradition and see each other prior to the wedding. I really like the idea of the bride and groom sharing a special moment together before the wedding.

Beautiful Wedding

2010-05-30T10:28:00.006-04:00

I shot a wedding for a friend and past client yesterday. The beautiful day was spent at an amazing location, The Scott Hill House with a sweet, funny, beautiful couple. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your special day!

The little boy in the front row is too cute! lol

My handsome son

2010-05-27T19:23:00.002-04:00

Practice

2010-05-19T13:04:00.004-04:00

I have been a real slacker lately. I have not been working to create images that I am proud of. I have vowed to practice daily. The only way to get better at something is to practice.

Great maternity session

2010-05-08T09:33:00.004-04:00

It has been a LONG time since I have had a maternity session. I could tell from the instant I met them that this was going to be a very easy, laid back session. The husband was so sweet making sure his wife was comfortable. He was also a great stylist, making certain she wasn't experiencing any wardrobe malfunctions! Their little girl is going to be one lucky little girl! Congrats and I can't wait to meet your sweet baby girl!

Wilderness

2010-05-04T13:47:00.004-04:00

Miss C and I drove through Dolly Sods today. The wind was blowing something fierce! But I did manage to get a few photos.....

Grant County is soooo much greener than Canaan Valley!

Trying out different techniques

2010-05-02T18:55:00.006-04:00

I LOVE The Pioneer Woman's photo actions. I recommend them to all photography buffs!

Before:
This is the Snowden House in Tucker County

After:
Love the soft, faded look on old structures.

Patience

2010-04-29T11:56:00.004-04:00

Spring is about rebirth, refreshing, and new life. To me, there is nothing more beautiful than a peony. It is very hard for me to be patient and wait on God to bring forth this gorgeous flower. I know very soon, I will have a vase full of peonies to photograph!

Sweet promises

2010-04-23T13:34:00.003-04:00

Spring is full of sweet promises.......

More Spring goodness

2010-04-14T15:12:00.004-04:00

Sites Homestead

2010-04-08T12:11:00.003-04:00

I explored Seneca Rocks yesterday morning. It was a gorgeous, windy day. Unfortunately I did not time my trip properly and the morning sun was too harsh for any good shots of the rocks but I did manage to get an amazing shot of the Sites Homestead.

The following information can be found at Wikipedia:
The Sites Homestead, also known as the Wayside Inn or the Sites Inn, is located near Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. The log house was built by Jacob Sites circa 1839 below the Seneca Rocks ridge. The house was expanded in the mid-1870s with a frame addition, remaining in the Sites family until it was acquired by the U.S. Forest Service in 1968 as part of Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area in Monongahela National Forest. The house had been used as a storage shed for some time and was in poor condition. It was restored by the Forest Service in the 1980s and became a temporary visitor center in 1992 after the Seneca Rocks visitor center burned. It is now part of the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center facility, operated by the Forest Service.

Spring beauties

2010-04-07T11:36:00.007-04:00

The forest is finally awakening from it's winter slumber. These gorgeous Spring Beauties, Daffodils, Hyacinths, and Forsythias are sure signs that Spring is alive in Canaan Valley.

Spring is very near

2010-03-31T19:11:00.002-04:00

The daffodils and tulips have poked their green stems and leaves through the ground. I was on my way to the bus stop this afternoon and couldn't resist photographing the first flowers in our neighborhood.

Snowy photo tour

2010-02-24T12:40:00.005-05:00

The snow just won't quit here in Canaan Valley. We are expecting another 6-12" this week. At least the snow makes for some nice photo ops!

I have never seen Blackwater Falls completely frozen. I survived the treacherous walk down to the second overlook. I didn't attempt to go completely to the falls. It would have been much easier going down with skis. lol

I love the white of the trees and windmills against the gorgeous blue sky. The windmills were covered in ice.

Photo walk

2010-02-12T10:32:00.004-05:00

This morning the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and believe it or not the birds were singing! Spring is near, but Old Man Winter isn't quite finished here in the mountains of WV.
We didn't receive as much snow as the mid-Atlantic states but the snow we did get was piled atop the foot of snow we received the week prior.

This sign is about 3 feet tall.

I had to get a pic of this amazing cloud! Doesn't it look like a serpent?

The backside of Canaan Mountain (Canaan Valley Ski Resort is on the opposite side) is covered in snow. You can see the roof of my house in the bottom right corner. ;)

Trespassing

2010-02-04T11:24:00.004-05:00

In order to get the shot that I desire, I often have to trespass. I know, I know, it is not right to trespass, but sometimes it's well worth it. Really, by the time the owner comes back to this cabin, my footprints will be lost among the rushing snow melt in the Dryfork River.

If they could talk

2010-02-01T16:42:00.003-05:00

I have always been fascinated by abandoned items...houses, cars, etc. I have passed by this house on my way to my in-laws many, many times. Yesterday, the light was perfect so I stopped and took advantage of the soft golden evening light.

This forgotten car has a new owner....

Frozen Tranquility

2010-01-31T18:57:00.003-05:00

In the summer, there is nothing more satisfying to me than wading in a cool mountain stream. I enjoy listening to the crystal clear water flowing over the rocks. This time of year, the water is just as clear and melodic. However, I would not recommend wading in it!

Outside my window -- Tuesday

2010-01-12T08:43:00.002-05:00

Seriously?? ENOUGH ALREADY............

Outside my window -- Monday

2010-01-12T08:33:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know it is Tuesday but I was extremely busy yesterday. As you know, Sunday was absolutely beautiful. Yesterday was not as beautiful but it wasn't snowing! I happened to look out the kitchen window just as the sun was rising.....

Beautiful day

2010-01-10T22:26:00.004-05:00

After several days of snowfall, I was extremely pleased to see the blue sky this morning. After church we decided to go on a photo expedition. We went to the top of Flat Ridge. The views from Flat Ridge are absolutely breathtaking all year round. However, on this particular day, they were extremely magnificent! This is why West Virginia is often referred to as "West by God Virginy"! Isn't God AMAZING?!?!

Outside my window -- Saturday edition

2010-01-09T16:26:00.002-05:00

Boy what a difference in 2 days! It has snowed nearly a foot since my post on Thursday. The snow you see is drifted a little against the door. ;-)

More from our adventure

2010-01-08T13:16:00.005-05:00

Venturing out

2010-01-08T12:58:00.007-05:00

My husband felt sorry for me and decided to leave work early yesterday. He came home and told me to get the kids ready to go out and take some photos. He is such a wonderful man, he knew I was going stir crazy since the kids have been out of school since the 23rd of Dec. :)

We ventured out to Blackwater Falls. We chose to take the gentle trail to see the falls. I wasn't dressed to make the trek down all the snow covered steps. ;)

This was down an infrequently traveled road in Canaan Valley.

Outside my window afternoon edition

2010-01-07T14:39:00.002-05:00

I just have to share the difference between this morning and this afternoon. God has blessed us with blue skies before the winter storm that is supposed to dump an additional foot of snow on us. :)

Outside my window

2010-01-07T08:49:00.006-05:00

Since I am stranded at home because of my fear of driving in the snow, I am embarking on a new series for my readers(and my own sanity). I plan to take photos of the scene out my window throughout the long winter. PSA: These photos are not my best work. They are just for fun. Thank you! :)

Birthday Cupcakes

2010-01-06T18:24:00.001-05:00

It's my son's 5th birthday today! His favorite color is pink.....and no that does not mean he is feminine. It just means he likes pink! Don't judge! ;)

Exciting news

2010-01-02T08:07:00.001-05:00

I am very excited for the new year! After taking a year off, I realized I am passionate about photography. My eye for photography is a gift from God and I want to share that gift with you. I want to thank everyone that continues to support and encourage me. ♥

2010

2009-12-31T11:01:00.002-05:00

I am now booking weddings and portrait sessions for 2010. I have a few dates available for Marietta, Ohio and the surrounding area. Email me for pricing info. tina.bonner@gmail.com

Winter vacation special

2009-12-29T16:10:00.006-05:00

Are you planning a trip to Canaan Valley or Timberline this winter? Why not get professional portraits taken in the gorgeous snow covered mountains? Receive 25% off a portrait collection of your choice if you book a session before February 1! Your session can be anytime between now and the end of ski season, but you must book before Feb 1 to receive the discount. Email me now to schedule a session and for pricing info. Collections start at $250 (before discount). tina.bonner@gmail.com

"Park deer"

2009-12-27T12:11:00.004-05:00

The majority of my photos are taken in and around Canaan Valley State Park and resort. Deer are a familiar sight along the roads in the park. I refer to these as "park deer" because unlike deer in the wild, these deer are not skittish. Often times they will walk right up to you looking for food.

More from the storm

2009-12-20T16:15:00.004-05:00

The skies cleared up a little this afternoon.

December Snowstorm 2009

2009-12-19T19:45:00.003-05:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

2009-12-19T11:42:00.003-05:00

and still snowing.......Yipppeeee. I LOVE snow shots.

"Carr Place"

2009-12-06T17:06:00.004-05:00

I love this area of Randolph County. The farm pictured is known by locals as the "Carr Place". In the background you can see Pointy Knob. To the right of Pointy Knob is the mountain loved by ski enthusiasts, Timberline Resort.

Early December snowfall

2009-12-05T16:53:00.005-05:00

It was a winter wonderland today. The snow stopped long enough this afternoon for me to get a few shots. Hopefully the skies will be blue tomorrow. I love the contrast between the white snow and a gorgeous blue sky.

Become a fan

2009-12-04T09:29:00.002-05:00

I now have a Facebook fan page for my photography!

Christmas Tree Adventure

2009-12-03T14:33:00.016-05:00

We went to Maysville Sunday in search of the elusive "perfect" Christmas tree. It was a beautiful, warm day. It didn't take us long to find our tree this year. I was secretly hoping it would take us more than 10 minutes to find the tree because I LOVE the tree farm. My dream is to one day own my own Christmas tree farm. I can see myself sipping hot cocoa while the happy families search for their tree on a cold, snowy day...... Anyway, my husband cut the tree down while I hid in along the fence line among the trees helping the youngest pull up her pants. Oh the joys of drinking too much juice! The middle child just wanted to see what we were doing and commenced to reach for the electric fence. It was quite the ordeal! After the tree toppled, my oldest dragged the tree to the truck. He likes to be in charge of something....I think it is the oldest child syndrome. Our tree adventure was over for this year, I don't know if I can wait 365 days to see the farm again. Sigh....

First snowfall

2009-10-18T14:00:00.013-04:00

I awoke this morning to our lawn blanketed in the first snowfall of the season. It was so refreshing. I always love the first snowfall, however, by mid-February I am very tired of it. I hope you enjoy these photos.

Fall mountain stream

2009-10-15T14:53:00.004-04:00

2 Weeks later

2009-10-13T09:42:00.005-04:00

I ventured out to Pendelton Point again Thursday to see the dwindling Fall foliage. It is so amazing to see the difference a few short weeks makes.

This was taken on September 22.

This was taken on October 7. It was taken later in the day. It was overcast so the sky is not as beautiful but it was a gorgeous fall day.

More of my nephew and the family

2009-10-09T14:00:00.005-04:00

I've still got it!

2009-10-05T14:42:00.006-04:00

It has been nearly a year since I have taken Senior photos. I was asked by my sister-in-law to take my handsome nephew's Senior photos. I was very happy to oblige. It was a wonderful evening with beautiful light. I soon realized that I miss almost everything about taking Senior photos. Although, I don't miss the business end of it. lol

Fall beauty

2009-09-24T12:09:00.005-04:00

The colors in the valley are absolutely stunning right now.
This tree looks like it's on fire! I LOVE it!