Photo Daisy

Hi! Glad you stopped by :)

2011-03-09T19:42:00.003-06:00

I get a lot of emails and comments on morguefile and here on my blog about people using my photos. It is always so exciting to hear how you all utilize them and that they are helpful to further your artisitic endeavors. So thanks for all the comments and emails. I try to get to each one but sometimes miss a few :( My favorites are links to how you used them on the internet or book cover shots :)
It is always nice to be recognized as the photographer but I know sometimes that isn't possible. When in doubt, you can always credit jdurham at morguefile.com

Thanks all!

Yet Another Use for Photos

2010-08-29T10:13:00.003-05:00

I searched high and low to find a program (preferably free) to organize my clothing, shoes, etc. because I kept forgetting what I had in the off season. (example, I forgot I already own 5 pair of black boots :( ) I found one program that looked promising but they wanted $30 and the free trial wasn't laid out like I needed it to be. So, I started a folder of my clothes (pictures) sorted into more folders and then I am renaming each picture according to sleeve length, color, neck style, etc. so I can search for any of them :) The picture taking is time consuming, as is the renaming of the pictures, but I don't think I will ever have to worry about duplicating items again!

Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area in January

2010-03-22T21:46:00.002-05:00

We went eagle watching and then walked in the park a bit. It was a bit cool but it was nice to get out.

The Dog Park

2010-03-16T19:42:00.004-05:00

Raleigh ran and ran and ran and ran. Rio hid by papa.

Hike

2010-03-16T18:53:00.003-05:00

took a hike/walk in St. Stanislaus Conservation Area

Sites In Forest Park

2010-03-15T11:30:00.003-05:00

The art museum, the Jewel Box, the pavillion on the lake at the MUNY. Nice day for pictures but the museum stunk - lots of renovation and most of the collections are put away in storage.

A Hodge Podge of Animals

2010-03-12T12:07:00.001-06:00

While I haven't been posting, the pictures have still been flowing :) Here are some of the more recent favorites from a trip to the zoo in winter. Enjoy :)

Need a Little Help

2009-10-24T11:45:00.004-05:00

I'm going to post some pics of possible book covers. Tell me which you like and why to help me out. Thanks tons!!!!!

Today

2009-10-24T11:03:00.001-05:00

Today I will be participating in the large project, Project One Click. Click on the link to see more info.
http://www.heapfo.com/gallery/index.php

SL Costumes for Contest

2009-10-04T15:54:00.002-05:00

Okay sisters, let me know if you like them and if you do, which one do you like better? Thanks! Daisy

Little Hands and Feet

2009-08-14T17:38:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Visitors from Creativity Portal!

2009-08-11T23:18:00.002-05:00

Hello all! Welcome to my blog! I post pictures here that are for use with the creative commons license.
You can also check out all of my photos on www.morguefile.com (over 1850!) The site is a repository for a tremendous variety of resources and ideas. I am listed on that site as jdurham.

Come by and see what you might like, need or have to have! Those photos also are pretty much free for use - commercial, personal, etc., without any form of payment needed. There are few restrictions to the pics, so once again, feel free to check it out!

Last Night's Splurge - Bacon Cheeseburger

2009-07-21T11:25:00.004-05:00

So I'm not supposed to have cheese. Or greasy meat. Or bacon. But dang this was good!

More Random Pics

2009-07-19T18:21:00.000-05:00

Sometimes the puppies actually just sleep - at the same time :)

Odds and Ends Photos

2009-07-17T13:45:00.002-05:00

The two little puppies are keeping me quite busy. Most photos have been of them but I occasionally stray to the rest of the yard and wander around trying to get photos of things before they destroy them . . . :( Ahh, the joy of puppies. Someday I will miss it.

I Did It - And I Didn't Even Know It!

2009-07-12T10:05:00.003-05:00

Imagine my shock and surprise when, after months of daily checking and then finally giving up and not checking for the past 3 months, I checked stockexpert and found that

I had sold my first picture!!!!

June 22 at 7:50 am.

Only $1. Only 49 more to go before they will pay me . . . lol

Hello and Welcome!

2009-07-11T10:57:00.003-05:00

Today is another one of my photos on 365 Portal Prompts :)

Welcome to all who drop by from there!

Today's photo is one of my wedding dress out in the snow. There are a couple previous posts about this (one being on this site http://photodaisy.blogspot.com/2009/01/snowy-wedding-dress.html and the other being on my "Everything Daisy" site http://everythingdaisy.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html#7144605690712051769

if you would care to read about how the photo came to be.

I have more ideas for the dress but just haven't tackled them yet, mostly due to weather :) lol

When we got married, I decided to make my own wedding dress, so consequently the dress only ended up costing $32 in materials and 1 1/2 years of my time.

If you are looking for more wedding dress photos, feel free to visit http://www.morguefile.com/ and look up jdurham - all my pictures are there :)

Garden Pics Again

2009-07-10T11:31:00.001-05:00

Pastel Wedding Roses with Gemstones

2009-07-08T11:44:00.002-05:00

Everything isn't always perfect

2009-07-05T09:45:00.002-05:00

There is beauty in imperfection.

Feel free to make your own captions for these :)

Great Pics but Morguefile has too many

2009-07-03T18:51:00.002-05:00

A garden is so much fun to photograph. My new "to do" thing is going out and peeking in all the flowers to see who and what I might find! Treasures!!!

A Sixth Tag

2009-07-01T13:17:00.003-05:00

I was tagged by a fellow blogger - http://howtoachievehappiness.blogspot.com/

sixth folder, sixth photo, post it, tell the story behind it, then send the tag to six people

So tag, I'm it :)

There's the photo. Not one I love but I don't hate it either. This was taken on a field trip to Faust Park where my students become "pioneers." They carry firewood, water, cut/chop up their own veggies for stew/soup, churn their own butter, split logs, and learn about life back in the early 1800's in Missouri.

The farm we visit was owned by the first governor of Missouri. This actual building was occupied by a family who lived with the governor and it was believed to be the first home while the family waited for their big house to be built. But who knows??

The cabin is tiny and very old - an original building.

The day we went was a lovely day - not too hot, not rainy, etc. I love taking the kids there every year because they always feel so empowered and realize that they CAN do things - so many of them have never even tried because everything is always done for them! I like it because all I do is supervise while they do all the work :)

So there it is - my sixth folder, sixth photo pic and story. Now I have to see who I will tag . . . :)

Never a Dull Moment

2009-06-26T19:08:00.002-05:00

A variety of pics taken throughout the week - a bunch of misc. stuff really. A scary cloud, a scary lady, a scary (not really) bug - praying mantis actually - and a way scary score on Rockband :)

Small Update

2009-06-20T09:27:00.001-05:00

This is an email I got the other day.

Hi there,

I work for a charity called Redkite that support children and families through cancer and I was hoping to use one of your stills from Morgue File for an events DVD that we are putting together.

Who wouldn't want to say they helped (at least in some small way)?????

I'm Not Complaining

2009-06-18T18:53:00.002-05:00

Online, At the Mall, and a Big Fat Frog

2009-06-16T16:56:00.001-05:00

All the Rain Brings Flowers Everywhere

2009-06-15T14:19:00.002-05:00

my favorite one is this first one :)

peek a boo - I see you hiding under that petal :)

so many places to go, so little time :)

(really, I was out in the yard and this little guy actually jumped onto my arm and stayed there a long while posing for me :)

A "Diamond" in the Wild

2009-06-14T11:26:00.003-05:00

Clouds

2009-06-12T14:35:00.001-05:00

Number four has clouds that look like a sea turtle swimming :) What else do you see? (Since I know it ISN'T the sun!)

For Today Only

2009-06-10T16:27:00.003-05:00

original coloring

I don't know how it happened but I almost missed my posting today on the creativity portal! Anyway, it's there today and today only :) so check it out while you can!

http://www.creativity-portal.com/prompts/365/pictures.html

If you are new, thanks for stopping by!

you can see over 1500 photos of mine at morguefile.com (jdurham)

End of Year Cleaning

2009-06-05T10:19:00.002-05:00

I spent a good chunk of time yesterday deleting old photos. Things I don't want or won't use or don't need anymore.

Fuzzy holiday pics of family.

Student pictures and activities from two years ago.

A video of my boss giving a motivational speech at the beginning of school, two years ago.

Pictures of office people in the dunk booth.

Anyway, you get the idea. There really was a lot of stuff to be deleted. But rather than just completely delete them, I sent them to the people who were in them. They can store them on their machine :)

It cleared up SO MUCH of my computer!!! Then I defraged. The result is an amazingly running computer :) (Yes it's 2gb, but I was using all but 14%!!! - that's a bunch of pics and movies!)

So the next thing I will be doing is cleaning out the external hard drive.

Hope this helps someone who's running out of space :)

Heaven and Hell

2009-06-02T12:07:00.000-05:00

On a Walk to the Park

2009-05-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

Giant Leaves and Lucky Leaves with a bit of Summer Thrown in :)

2009-05-29T10:39:00.001-05:00

Created Photos of the Earth

2009-05-25T12:32:00.005-05:00

Remember if you use a picture, I would love to know about it :) Creative commons license on all of these, so feel free to use them, just not for profit- thanks!

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T11:51:00.003-05:00

While these pictures were taken in February with snow on the ground, the sentiment is right. Memorial Day is for being thankful and remembering. Thanks to all who have served, including my grandpa, my husband, my brother-in-law, my uncle, and my cousin.

Something Not so Flowery

2009-05-17T09:43:00.003-05:00

I'm partial to the one in the middle with the curve in the highway.

It's Been So Long

2009-05-16T11:40:00.002-05:00

Primitive Country Living

2009-05-12T17:53:00.002-05:00

Sure wouldn't want to go back to this :)

A Foggy Morning

2009-05-09T09:17:00.003-05:00

I played around with the last two a bit. Tell me which one you like better!

I Woke Up Like This . . . Should I be worried?

2009-05-08T19:32:00.003-05:00

For all my fellow Twilight series friends! OBVIOUSLY, they ARE altered :)

Feel free to use this under the creative commons license :)

Birthday Decorations :)

2009-05-04T20:17:00.002-05:00

Happy birthday to me a couple days late!

The Perfect Frog Prince to Kiss

2009-05-02T23:29:00.003-05:00

Not too slimy, icky, or disgusting and guarenteed not to give you warts :)

Pony Rides and Funky Animals Petting Zoo

2009-05-02T23:18:00.002-05:00

Some unusual things at the school carnival.

More Flower Fotos :)

2009-04-26T10:17:00.004-05:00

My yard sure is keeping me entertained :)

Spring just keeps Springing

2009-04-23T16:19:00.002-05:00

A Trip to the Park

2009-04-21T16:56:00.004-05:00

I think the second one would make a great business card for a landscaper, log home builder, etc. I like the closeup tree border on the left.

LOOK :)

2009-04-20T17:04:00.003-05:00

I don't know what picture it will be, or what prompt, but my photo is to be here tomorrow, April 21st. Check it out :)

The Value of Saving

2009-04-19T12:03:00.005-05:00

While my niece has a lot of "me" in her, she for sure got her mom's love of saving. I guess you can't teach them too young :)

Photo Contest - What's the Caption?

2009-04-13T17:08:00.004-05:00

Post your own creative caption in the comments section. :)

something refreshing for spring while it continually rains

2009-04-10T17:58:00.004-05:00

St. Louis Cardinals Fred Bird Mascot Drawing

2009-04-07T21:34:00.003-05:00

Too bad they lost their opening game yesterday. And it was SO COLD too! One of my students drew this. It was so cute I had to share it.

Bleeding Hearts

2009-04-03T18:04:00.002-05:00

Contact Lenses "See"

2009-04-01T16:19:00.003-05:00

I've been sick - who knows if it's a cold or allergies or whatever. Anyway, I had to take out my contacts cause my eyes were so red and watery. It actually worked out okay cause then I took these pictures with the old contacts (disposable). I wish they would have been clearer though. But I like the idea and will probably try again.

More Spring Flowers - You Should SEE the Yard :)

2009-03-31T17:51:00.005-05:00

The magnolia in the evening spring rain is probably my favorite out of this bunch. But the lilac is smelling awfully wonderful. And I really like the delicateness and perfection of the bleeding hearts. Someone actually used the phlox photo for a button on their website. You can see that here

It's down at the bottom. I think they did a great job with it.

The yard is starting to look like a garden, despite the fact that I haven't been out there to rake all the deadness from the fall out. I love this time of year :)

Free Spring Border Header Tulip Photos Pictures

2009-03-28T19:23:00.002-05:00

Enjoy!

Picture Prompts for Creative Writing

2009-03-28T12:57:00.004-05:00

Okay - so I entered some pictures with prompts into the 365 Days site for creative writing.

Here are the dates I have so far that will feature my pictures and prompts.

April 21
May 20
June 10

Other morguefile contributors will be on June 17 and June 30.

Here is the website that you can check out on those days - It's only a one time shot so don't miss it :)

http://www.creativity-portal.com/prompts/365/pictures.html

If you are interested, they might have days open still if you would like to contribute. Just check out the site. :)

OK, back to spring

2009-03-23T18:11:00.004-05:00

Hyacinth is one of my favorite smells. Wish I could attach it in "smellavision." :) I put the top of a daffodil in the pond and let it float around. Unfortunately, the pond water had a lot of "stuff" floating on top already and so I had to colorize the water. You can still see a bit of the reflection in the second one.

Cutting Loose

2009-03-22T13:27:00.004-05:00

My Own Riverdance Interpretation

Sometimes You Just Gotta Dance

Sometimes You Just Gotta Let Go

All great titles for this super hilarious pic that had me laughing so hard I was crying. And later she came to me and said, "Aunt Daisy, that guy over there is CRAZY dancing!" Obviously she doesn't know what she looks like :)

SO SORRY

2009-03-21T11:11:00.005-05:00

I can't even believe it has been so long since I posted here. I have been in my own little world with spring break and all. Sorry about that folks!

These are some pictures of my Jane Magnolia that is just beginning to bloom. It's one of my favorite plants but it is so unusual in that it blooms before it ever gets leaves. The color is just absolutely tremendous - it looks so romantic. And I love the two tone of the petals - dark on outside and light on the inside.

Some New Free Headers - Goodbye Winter and Mittens

2009-03-15T17:06:00.003-05:00

More of the Same

2009-03-15T16:42:00.002-05:00

Still looking for an unusual shot. I'll just keep practicing.

Free Spring Flower Pictures

2009-03-14T22:18:00.004-05:00

Everyone takes pictures of flowers. After the dreariness of winter, those spring bulbs just tempt you to come outside and see the beauty first hand.

Since everyone takes pictures of flowers, I have been working on ways to get "different" views and ideas with the flowers. Here are a couple I've worked on.

Best Time of Year for Free Photos

2009-03-12T19:04:00.006-05:00

Here it comes!

In my opinion, it has to be spring. Nothing like all that green. And while my camera doesn't shoot openly in the rain, I have become quite devious in my shielding. I get soaked but the camera stays dry :)

So here are some of my just starting spring photos. You can find more of my free spring pictures of daffodils, crocus and such on the morguefile over the next couple of days :)

Photo of the Month Contest

2009-03-09T19:04:00.003-05:00

I just found a neat little website. It is a monthly photography contest. You are only allowed one upload for each month. Each month has its own theme (and I am all about themes!) and the picture uploaded has to be geared to that theme.

This sounds like fun :)

Check it out

http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/showthread.php?p=15591#post15591 (this is the list of themes for each month)

Some Days

2009-03-08T20:40:00.003-05:00

I considered myself lucky. I like all the aspects of taking pictures.

I like taking them. I like looking for shots. I like downloading them so I can REALLY see them. I like filing them on the computer in the right folders so I can find them. I like editing them. I like uploading and sharing them. I even like writing and talking about them.

I get bored taking pictures (cause everything is so dreary out) and so I spend some time in front of the computer. Or vice versa. You just never know what I might be doing. I might be editing photos from two weeks ago. Or downloading (which seems to take forever sometimes) and sorting.

This is so unusual for me.

I used to make jewelry - hated putting on the findings.

I cross stitch - hate getting out all the thread (even though it is pretty - hmm, should take a picture of that stuff)

I paint - hate cleaning the brushes (but that's okay cause I think everyone but my mom feels the same way)

I garden - hate deadheading. (weeding is up there too but at times I find it extremely therapeutic)

I teach - HATE grading papers and filing - I still have two milk crates under my desk of things to be filed from two years ago. Guess I know where I can file them now.

It's nice to do something that I like it as a whole.

New Free Header Photo for Spring Forward

2009-03-07T17:28:00.002-06:00

Feel free to copy and paste. Use widely! Keep everyone on time and informed :)

Why I Started Photography

2009-03-06T17:21:00.003-06:00

I have always liked taking pictures. When I was little I got a camera for Christmas one year. Those poor photos showed my sister in her Wonder Woman "Underoos." She even had on the tall boots. Legs out like she was a superhero. And I cut the top of her head off.

So normal for a small child, as the other week I let my three year old niece use my camera while we were all together playing Guitar Hero. Kids just have a different perspective of the world.

I like the documentation of photos. The entire cabinet under my TV is full of albums. My living room wall is covered with scuba diving photos.

Even with all this, I never thought of it as a hobby. I never took a class. I really never even thought about it. The whole darkroom thing just wasn't anything I was interested in (with all those stinky chemicals and darkness - oooooh.)

Then they came out with digital cameras.

Then I started selling on ebay. If you want to sell something, you better take a good picture of it.

I did that for probably 3 years and then it dawned on me, hey, other people could use or might want pictures of "stuff."

And then, I found morguefile. I just can't even explain how wonderful the community is there. The kindness, the givingness, and the genuine sharing and care for other people with the same hobby. Morguefile kinda made me want to do this with a whole heart. I think as time goes on, my heart becomes more evident in my pictures. Which has made me more critical of what I want to show as my own picture.

Don't get me wrong. I still sometimes upload very inferior pictures, but usually because that was the best I could get at that moment. Or I know someone would want it regardless, like if it was an unusual event or such that I can't go back in time and retake the pics.

But more and more I want my pictures to show how I really SEE something, which is usually beautiful in its own way.

But, I promise, no more cutting off of the heads :) unless it is on purpose.

Answers to Photo Daisy Game

2009-03-02T17:38:00.003-06:00

The most recent one was a picture of an aviation map.
The one before that was the top of my outdoor table in the snow.
The one before that was the string that lives in my tree with the birds and squirrels. :)

Feel free to post the answer to the game in any comment section :) Who knows? You just might win a, uh, what's that Johnny? We are out of prizes? Okay folks, just play to have bragging rights :)

Purple and the Problem

2009-02-28T13:22:00.000-06:00

Does anyone else beside my mom and I have trouble shooting purple???

What is this? Why is this?

Purple just doesn't come across right on the camera/pictures. I would imagine this has a very scientific explanation that is way above my realm. Something about light refractions and light absorption and such.

So really. Skip the technical scientific explanation and tell me in plain English (sorry, no foreign languages either).

This drives us both (mom and me) nuts. I rarely shoot anything purple but flowers and most of the time they are accurate cause I am outside in sunlight. But I really started noticing it when I helped mom take pictures of purple yarn. Then I noticed it again trying to take pictures of Mardi Gras beads.

Any help or advice would be appreciated :) Thanks! (And if no one comments, this is going to the morguefile forum board!!!)

Why Photography is the BEST Hobby

2009-02-27T16:57:00.005-06:00

This fall/winter my mom started a new hobby. She is now spinning her own yarn. No, not telling long stories. Really spinning yarn, as in "Baaaahhhh." She loves it. And from my meager opinion (and from knowing how she is) she is good at it.

My family has always been crafty. I say that but then I think about my poor sister (lol :). Okay, so my mom, dad, and I have always been crafty. My grandma was crafty. My great grandma was crafty. Between us, there are probably but a handful of crafts we have never at least tried.

So I'm chatting with mom on my way home tonight. She's talking about the house and all this craft stuff she needs that is strewn all over. My comment? "That's one reason why I LOVE my new hobby!" (photography)

With digital cameras, it has to be one of the neatest, least messy hobbies that exists. I do everything with a little bitty camera, a little bitty disk, and a laptop.

I can do my hobby just about anywhere (and people might even think I am working!! :)

I can have someone over at a moments notice and not have to worry about having stuff drawn out all over the house.

There is minimal physical storage (laptop and camera). Not like the Rubbermaid tubs of material for quilting, the giant file cabinets for counted cross stitch patterns, the large tubs full of paint, or the endless tackle boxes filled with beads.

I can put 150 GB into the palm of my hand for storing my hobby.

And boy, once you get past the initial purchases, it is pretty dog gone cheap.

This has to be one of the best all time hobbies ever.

American Sign Language Alphabet photos

2009-02-25T16:49:00.005-06:00

Last night I spent forever uploading pictures to morguefile. I got on a whim and took pictures of myself doing the American Sign Language alphabet.

I am not the best and realize I made some of them backwards. But I attempted them and my hand looked halfway decent (my nails were done.)

So if you are looking for photos like this, you might want to check them out. I might add more (numbers, simple signs) later, depending on how much they get used. If you want something specific, feel free to drop me a line.

It was funny because I was so proud of how well my nails looked. And as I downloaded the pictures and looked at them, I must have used a pen that day before the pictures. I had a giant ink spot on my index finger. I had to edit it out of every photo where you could see my finger. :)

Give me a sign that you are out there :)

Extra Weight is Worth It

2009-02-22T11:52:00.004-06:00

You would have thought (or at least I would have thought) that I had learned my lesson. But clearly, I haven't.

We went to dinner last night and it was cold and I really didn't even want to bring a purse, but I ended up just switching to something lighter and easier to carry.

As I was switching over I thought, "I don't need my camera do I? We are going to be inside a restaurant. That would be silly taking pictures."

It wasn't but 4 minutes out the door when I wished I had had it. The sun was going down and the drive offered a perfect view of a beautiful sky with hills and barren trees silhouetted in the distance. And when we got there, there were quaint little buildings (which I knew but had forgotten about) that are in the Swiss Alp style.

There were even Mardi Gras Parade goers walking about with their heavy laden beads.

And kids running in shorts and swimming suits through the plaza on a fierce cold night, headed toward the pool at the hotel.

Lots to see. Interesting things to see. But that is all I did. See them. Because the camera was at home.

I know better! Let's hope this reminds you that you do too :)

Some of My Favorite Photos

2009-02-21T09:47:00.004-06:00

Very romantic and I like the contrast. Once again, I like the contrast. I also like the starkness of the dead plant.

Soft and frilly and relaxing - I like the colors and the textures.

I like the metal coloring and oxidation. I like the shape.

I like that the benches can't be gotten to. A bench you can't sit on - a paradox.

Since I have declared it to be Favorite Day (see everything daisy blog), I thought I would post some of my favorite pictures.

Picture Protection

2009-02-19T18:53:00.003-06:00

I'm ready for spring. I'm ready for green. I'm ready for my yard to look better.

In past years I have taken hundreds of photos in my garden (my neighbors affectionately call it the neighborhood Botanical Garden). I took them not for their beauty but for documentation of the growing garden and to make a scrap book of the different varieties and species I have.

Sadly, this project came to a quick end. My computer died.

How are they connected??? I had ALL my pictures on my computer. As of now, they are still irretrievable. Years of work and documentation down the drain. All because I hadn't put the pictures on disks or an external hard drive.

I also lost first baby pictures, 2 separate graduations, birthdays and holidays. Needless to say, I learned my lesson.

I bought an external hard drive. And I use it regularly to back things up. It's my most favorite thing I have ever bought (well, aside from my beloved vaccuum - but that's a whole 'nother post).

So why am I posting this story?? Just to caution you all who don't have those precious photos anywhere but on your computer. It can happen. You can't go back in time and make the baby be born again. You can't stage a graduation ceremony. Etc. Etc.

External hard drives have really come down in price. You can also find places online for storage, but I don't know how private they are. Although Shutterfly is private and I like the enhancements they have.

Don't wait. Do something about it now. :)

Attention! :) Free Photos

2009-02-15T16:06:00.003-06:00

It has come to my thoughts (and attention) that maybe people don't know about morguefile. It has also come to my thoughts that maybe people misunderstand the name.

Folks, you know I am not gory in the least. The photos at morguefile aren't either. It is actually one of the cleanest photo sites I know and I let my students use it regularly. (The owners of the site have strong teacher ties)

A morguefile is a place where old unused photos from a newspaper or magazine used to sit. It is not about dead people. So go ahead! Head on over for some free pics! You just might find what you are looking for ;)

New Morguefile is FABULOUS and Full of Free Pictures!

2009-02-14T09:08:00.003-06:00

Busy Busy Busy

2009-02-08T15:11:00.003-06:00

I'm too busy uploading photos to blog much - sorry! If you would like to see all the new photos, visit morguefile :)

I just uploaded tons of jewelry pics. If you are looking for a gemstone, it is probably there :)

MORGUEFILE is NOW OPEN - FREE PHOTOS

2009-02-06T17:25:00.003-06:00

YEAH!!!!

I have waited so patiently! And now they are allowing uploads again and are settled in with their new server.

Check out the new site here www.morguefile.com
for FREE PHOTOS!

I am jdurham at that site :) See what's new in my section! And everyone's!

I LOVE my Job :)

2009-02-05T19:05:00.003-06:00

I don't even have to leave my room. Interesting things come to me :)

Unknown Soldier Grave Markers

2009-02-03T18:14:00.004-06:00

There were so many unknown soldier tombstones at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. This post is for them.

Wow! I made it!

2009-01-30T19:06:00.003-06:00

Over 1500 downloads! In just over 2 months! (on site on November 16, 2008)

http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=1109104

sure wish I knew where they all went to and what they were used for :)

Looking for Something?

2009-01-30T16:42:00.005-06:00

So the one free photo site I belong (jdurham123 with sxc.com) has a forum. There are several categories. One is picture requests. I looked through and there wasn't much I could help with. But one I could. Someone is looking for free pics of contacts, putting them in, etc.

Now, that isn't to say that there haven't been a lot submitted. But that particular free photo site is pretty specific about what they accept. They are just about as bad as the photo sell sites.

Anyway, I emailed the lady through sxc mail and let her know my email address so she could contact me directly.

And it got me to thinking today that I could do the same for lots of people. Well, I can try. If I have what you are looking for (item), etc.

So if you can't find something, drop me a line. Let me know what you are looking for. If I can't do it, I'll hook you up with the great photographers at morguefile if I can. We just like to help others with their need for pics. :)

But wait! How am I gonna take contact pictures? I won't be able to see :)

Food Fotos Phood Photos

2009-01-29T16:45:00.005-06:00

I have been on a kick lately of photographing food before I eat it. (Like it is gonna make it taste good longer??) I'm just so hungry in the winter and the food looks SO good!

I think it started with Thanksgiving. My turkey was so pretty!

Winter Garden

2009-01-28T14:00:00.005-06:00

Hurry! Hurry! If you got snow yesterday, get outside with that camera! You will find your whole garden is in bloom. Well, the blooms are all white. But they are such pretty flowers! SNOW flowers!

Snowy Wedding Dress

2009-01-27T16:58:00.004-06:00

The other day I searched all over till I found my wedding dress. I wanted to take some pictures.

Today we are in the midst of a fabulous winter storm. Lots of snow and ice.

So I headed outside to take pictures. Of my dress. In the snow.

I am sure the neighbors thought I was insane (see my everything daisy blog for that whole run down).

I had lots of problems even seeing the dress when I was outside. And then there was the whole issue of footprints in the snow to detract. I needed to put the dress on some strings to drag it around and position it but I wasn't about to go to all that trouble when it is 19* out.

What I found out after downloading them from the camera was that the ones that contained other things, like a bush or tree, in them looked better because they provided some contrast in the pictures.

Some of the more closeup ones of the dress detail turned out nice against the fence and the metal arbor. I need to remember that contrast is important.

My List

2009-01-25T09:42:00.004-06:00

I go through my day and think countless times, "I should take pictures of this/that." Yet somehow I always forget what I want to take pictures of when I am feeling in the mood/mode.

Really this post isn't for the readers. It's for me. It's my list of things I want to take pictures of.

green glass, fabrics, wedding dress, jewelry, bathroom fixtures, flooring, corks, shells, tools, furniture, wallpaper, little green things, country stuff, boxes, shoes, old stove, yarn, hands, bubls, beads, watches, jewelry drawers, green purse, lemonade pitcher, cabinets, buttons, legs, feet, toes, ears, scuba equipment, diving helmet, cross stitch

That's enough for now. Make your own list :) You might be surprised what you can come up with. :) As always, have fun!

a Few More Free Headers

2009-01-24T13:34:00.004-06:00

Once again, please note that these are free for private, non-commercial, personal use and are not to be sold. I would like credit to Photo Daisy :) Rustic Stars

St. Louis Scenes

Old Building Edge

New Free Headers

2009-01-24T11:08:00.004-06:00

Please note that these are free for private, non-commercial use. If you like one and want to use it, please give me credit. :) Photo Daisy skies

religious

eyes (sorry this is kinda spooky)

communication

plants in black and white

Time to Change the Header!

2009-01-23T18:35:00.003-06:00

If you didn't like any of the free ones from before, check back over the weekend. I will be working on my own tonight to reflect the season.

Yes, for me there is a change of season between January and February. February is so much more, well, loving and warm. I love Valentine's Day. And it ISN'T just for couples. I always have my students write notes to ALL their classmates telling them what they like about them. (We work on getting a variety of adjectives and verbs into our vocabulary).

It's mostly about showing someone you love or admire them. Which is perfect for us picture takers! We get to SHOW we care. So go be creative! Show your mom how much you love her by getting that special perfect picture framed. Make a collage of things your dad has made for you. Look for symbolism to share your bond with your sister or brother.

It's a holiday just made for photos!

WOW

2009-01-20T19:49:00.006-06:00

I found out a couple things that were just so exciting I had to share.

1. All those backgrounds I was working on? They ALL got accepted. I was so excited and happy. Now if someone would just want to pay for them!

2. My sister emailed me about a photo editing site she thought I might like. She was very ho hum in the email. I almost passed on it but thought, ah, what the heck.

OH MY GOSH - I LOVE THIS PLACE! I signed up right away. You have got to check it out! And it is FREE!

http://www.picnik.com/

I made this on my very first visit just goofing around. This is the infamous smile photo that has been downloaded over 1200 times. I like the way it makes my teeth look mean. That's funny!

Another Winner in the Photo Daisy Contest!

2009-01-20T17:01:00.004-06:00

Yes, Martial Arts Mom correctly identified the photo! It was actually the new toilet (the back bottom part) that we installed at my mom and dad's. Well, I didn't install. I just took pictures! :) But it sure did have a neat shape and it looks like a cartoon guy sitting down and bending forward!

Congratulations Martial Arts Mom! You have just won a video on how to practice Martial Arts with a Toilet :) hahaha lol. Are you still practicing in the bathroom at work?

So I am off to post a new picture for the game! This one might be super hard!

But My Favorite Photo of the Day . . .

2009-01-19T19:52:00.003-06:00

Caption: Now where did the toilet go?

This is my dad, pondering over the problems they have had with the toilet. I can say they successfully installed a new one and it works great! Gotta love those candid shots!

More Outdoor Black and Whites VOTE :)

2009-01-19T19:18:00.002-06:00

Feel free to tell me which is your favorite!

Assorted Pictures from Today

2009-01-19T18:24:00.003-06:00

I worked on black and white today. I like those pictures a lot but always forget about it. I really like black and whites when the scene looks dull and dreary. I think it makes them much more dramatic and alive. Here are some.

What Do You Think?

2009-01-18T13:46:00.004-06:00

This one makes me think of chocolate :)

green marbled sand background

This reminds me of a chalkboard backgroundThis one is my favorite - reminds me of watercolors and the ocean
Very peaceful and calming.

These have all been uploaded to stockexpert and are waiting for approval. I hope they get accepted :) I just keep trying.

If anyone is interested in purchasing the rights, contact me. If you are looking for something specific, I can make something designed just for you. My email is diverdaisy@gmail.com

What Else To Do

2009-01-16T18:46:00.005-06:00

Well, as of yet, I still haven't sold any pics. But that's okay. I'm still new.

I worked all week on a few presentation backgrounds. And spent all evening tonight uploading them to the site. We will see if they get accepted first, then, just wait I guess.

It's funny because the photos I like aren't always the ones downloaded the most. In fact, my favorites are some that have never been downloaded from morguefile. That's funny. Weird. And I wonder why.

Any thoughts or comments on this would be great :)!

Maybe I'll do the George Costanza thing and just upload the opposite. :)

More Users

2009-01-15T17:55:00.003-06:00

Keep using those free pics from morguefile and sxc :)

Here are some more places that have used my pictures.

http://www.xabax.com/2009/01/10/dolce-gabbana-celebrate-diamonds-and-pearls-with-new-book/ (pearls)

http://www.ehow.com/how_4714386_place-value-playing-whos-greatest.html (colorful dice)

http://fishinsects.suite101.com/article.cfm/george_the_140yearold_lobster (those dog gone silly crawdads!)

http://www.bestlibrary.org/home2/2009/01/growing-years-series----months-11-and-12---pdf-for-printing---html-for-browsingcdc-child-development--positive-par.html (the red sparkle shoes in action)

http://markwintersonemanshow.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html (my mom's dog - not too happy - is on January 6th)

http://wheredoigonow.deviantart.com/art/Water-Literature-Templates-108320950 (that is my water fountain in the fourth picture down)

http://knol.google.com/k/ehowknol/how-to-choose-what-to-wear-for-headshots/3a9e8hggiw4cz/51#Selecting_a_Top (white silk)

http://college-preparation.suite101.com/article.cfm/grading_high_school_history_term_papers (colored pens, pretty popular picture)

http://foodiemama.com/Kitchen-Equipment/FUN-System-for-Rating-Kitchen-Equipment.html (my star)

http://academicwriting.suite101.com/article.cfm/academic_writing_deviations (those silly old books someone was throwing away at work, another popular picture)

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1263608/a_look_at_how_teachers_are_finding.html?cat=3 (colored pencils, popular picture, but something happened to the pic- it's fuzzy, not the original)

http://newteachersupport.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_to_teach_the_day_before_break (balloons)

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1336627/what_causes_tooth_decay.html?cat=5 (that smile picture that has been downloaded over 1000 times)

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.canarias7.es/blogs/atarecos/la-tecnologaa/web-20/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Djdurham%2Bmorguefile%26start%3D10%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7GGLJ_en%26sa%3DN (patriotic flip flops, translated to English)

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1337732/the_top_5_mouth_washes.html?cat=5 (smile)

http://americanaffairs.suite101.com/article.cfm/talk_of_a_2009_obama_economic_stimulus_plan (scroll down, mine is the one on the bottom right of highways taken from a plane ride)

http://www.ehow.com/how_4602035_deviled-egg-holder-deviled-eggs.html (my pic is step 2)

http://www.ehow.com/how_4603944_improve-reading-comprehension-skills.html (icky old books again)

http://www.ehow.com/how_4698689_care-pearl-jewelry.html (pearls again)

I think I got them all but the list is getting long :) Yeah! Keep using them folks! Glad I could help!

What I Came Up With

2009-01-14T16:57:00.005-06:00

I'll tell ya. Simple and elegant is hard for me. I like busy and loud. I like a lot of input. A LOT.

When we go somewhere new, my husband always teases me and says, "Oh, I forgot. Your inputting," when I am gawking around all big eyed. I am like that robot on that old movie with Dan somebody and the character "Stephanie." (Been a while since I have seen it - it's from the 80's.)

It's hard to find an empty wall in my house. I just like a lot of stuff to see.

So I am guessing that is why simple is hard for me. I feel like something is missing. I will keep working on it but this is what I came up with last night. Not quite there yet.

What they need and want

2009-01-13T18:43:00.005-06:00

So I just spent some time looking at the photo sell sites.

Trying to figure out what they want. What they need. What sells. And who is buying.

I'm off to the "drawing board."

I'm going to work on abstract background designs that can be used for business. Simple and elegant. (so not me) Wish me luck ;)