Sunday, January 28, 2007

One Year Later...

88 Comments:

Blogger micki said...

…a First and a Last

This is the first digital photo posted on Shutterbug Underexposed. I thank my oldest for taking this portrait for my anniversary post today. She used her little Kodak EasyShare we got her last month. She’s really doing a lot of shooting and I think a step up camera might be in order for her 16th birthday this summer.

A year ago it all started. Somewhere around Christmas time, 2005, I started looking for a better way to share my photos with friends and family out of state. Earlier in the year I had taken a six week online photography course. I had obtained a Freewebs site to post my weekly assignments. After the class was over, most of us kept in touch and kept our sites up to share our current work. But with my dial up connection and the way Freewebs worked at the time, posting many photos at once was becoming much too time consuming. What I needed was a way to post one photo a day that would automatically appear on the home page of my site, and the older photos would be kept archived as time went by. So, much like Al Gore’s invention of the internet, I had come up with a plan that was already in existence—the photoblog. After doing a little research and planning, Shutterbug Underexposed was born one year ago from today. I registered on photogblogs.org and started visiting blogs from around the world. I was amazed at all of the incredible photos I was seeing. These amateur photographers were as good as pros. I couldn’t leave a single site without giving them the recognition I thought they deserved. So even though I only had a laundry basket posted on my site, I took the leap and started leaving comments. Wow! Photoblogging, what a great thing!

Fast forward one year and here we are. I have learned so much, been inspired, awed, and developed some very good friendships with many, many fellow bloggers. Your visits to my site and kind words in my comments box have meant so much to me. You have encouraged me along the way to try harder and reach higher week after week.

Photoblogging takes time. I started this so that I could share my photos with family out of state. Then I continued with it to get feedback on my work. Without much support for this hobby of mine here at home, I really needed that. But photoblogging is a game. You visit me and I’ll visit you. It works both ways, and while I really enjoy keeping a photoblog, I don’t have the free time I once did. My boys aren’t sleeping as long into the mornings as they used to, and my blogging time is no longer able to be done on “my time.” It’s very hard, with a dial up connection, to visit all of the sites I enjoy; and there are so many. I could keep my blog going without visiting so many others every day, but then I wouldn’t be keeping up my end of the game. Besides, it’s time to move on, to take my photography in a new direction. I want to spend my free time shooting, studying, and getting my work out there. I can’t blog and do both. So, today is also a last, this is my last post on Shutterbug Underexposed. I’m done blogging, I’ve gotten all I want out of it…the most important thing being the friendships I now have. There are many of you that I hope to stay in touch with on a regular basis. And now and again I’ll be stopping by all of the regular sites I visited in this past year to see what’s new.

What’s new on my end will be a web site my daughter is developing for me where I will be able to sell my photos. I’m calling it Out of the Darkroom – Film Photography. If you’d like notification of when it’s up, please send me a blank e-mail with Tell Me in the subject line to outofthedarkroom.filmphotography@yahoo.com You’ll be able to see what I’m up to there, as I’ll post my best new images regularly. There won’t be any of my stories with the photos; but if you’re curious, that’s where you’ll find some of my latest shots.

So, that’s it. Thanks again for everything, it was a really good ride and I enjoyed every day of it. Take care, stay in touch, and I’ll catch you all later.

…keep shooting, and give film a go if you have the mind to.

12:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You'll be missed Micki but I wish you the best in your future. Family is what is most important and you've realized that much faster than most of us photoblog addicts. If you're ever in Arizona drop me a line I'm always up for some shooting. See you around.

1:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Keep shooting Micki and I hope I get to meet you sometime out in the field.

Kind regards,
Darr

2:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

micki, your very distinct style of photography has always distinguised your photogblog from others in my mind. thanks for being a source of inspiration. i will look forward to your new site :)

2:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Micki, Thank you very much lot of your mind and kindness :)
See you around!
Hiro

3:36 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, thank you for keeping me entertained with your photos and the frank writings that accompany them, good luck with the new site.

4:03 PM  
Blogger Julian said...

Thanks for sharing EVERYDAY.
-julian

4:39 PM  
Blogger Dave MacIntyre said...

Very sad news Micki...I will miss your photos so much. Even though I couldn't comment as often as I wanted, I visited and caught up on your works of art.

I wish you all the best in your new photo endeavours and hope your works grace the walls of homes and studios everywhere.

Thank you for sharing so much of you for so long.

4:54 PM  
Blogger photowannabe said...

Micki, I thank you for your wonderful fun stories and supurb pictures. I will miss your blog but wish you the very best in your next season of your life. You will do well.
Stay happy and stay focused.

5:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, Cuz'n, I don't know how I found you, but I'm most certainly glad that we met. As they say, we are well met! I'll miss the stories, the pictures, and the fun. I certainly understand the time demands of blogging. We all do. I think that I'll keep on rolling along and I hope that you keep visiting.

With 5 kids, I don't know how you managed to do it in the first place, but I'm glad that you did.

I look forward to the opening of the next phase in your life. I'm sure that I'll drop by! :-)

BTW, I'm impressed that you posted a digital photo! ;-)

6:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for your photography... I'll keep tracking you though.

As they say on Vulcan:

"Live long and prosper"

6:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Micki you were one of the very first people to visit my site which I also started nearly one year ago. I will miss you very much...maybe you could pop up a post once in while??? Please???

Sigh...I certainly understand. I was always amazed how you managed to maintain your blogging activities and shooting film and the time you put into it all, in the first place. Especially being that your family is still so young, and some of the challenges you have with your dear son and being a homeschooling mom. But you did, and do, probably because you are the real, in the flesh, supermom that we hear about now and then.

I started this blogging thing myself as a diversion to keep my mind off of a particularly stressful time in my life...having a child in the military will do that...among other things.

I will look forward to seeing your site up and running in the future and I will stay in touch. I actually have tears in my eyes Micki, I always felt a connection to you and I will miss you. Thank you so much for sharing your talent, your whit, your wisdom, and a little slice of your life with us all. God Bless you!

8:50 PM  
Blogger Naturegirl said...

Micki you have inspired many and encourged me regularly with your generous comments when visitng my site.I wish only the best of everything for you and your family in what ever road you journey.I shall keep in touch~~
thank you for all that you have shared in both photos and words this past year! hugs NG

10:17 PM  
Blogger Monterey John said...

Oh my gosh. I feel like I was just getting know you... "You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucile!"

Good luck with your new venture, and count on it, I'll be dropping in to see what The Film Lady is up to.

God bless you and keep you.

John

PS - I had no idea you were a total babe! Damn! :-)

11:32 PM  
Blogger tony.unwin said...

oh no... I've read this twice to be sure... what can I say, the others have summed it up so well.. you will be missed... for me you have been one of the regular contributors to my blog, always leaving good and encouraging comments, i shall miss those. I can totally understand the demands in your life, family must come first.

keep taking the pictures though

take care, and enjoy
wishes
Tony

12:43 AM  
Blogger PlasticTV said...

That was an abrupt departure, Micki. It feels like the digital equivalent of a close friend picking up her haversack and announcing that she's moving to Canada. Lost for appropriate words, i can only give you my best wishes. i especially hope that photography continues to bring great joy to you and those around you, with blogging or not. But even then, i hope that circumstances would improve and you would rejoin the blogging community sometime soon. Take good care. Will miss you...

2:08 AM  
Blogger ndiginiz said...

Tena koe ehoa
The community is losing a integral member with your departure.
Although I have only been an infrequent visitor to your site I still wish you all the best Micki in your business and photography endeavours.

Perhaps your daughter will move in your footsteps and "shutterbugunderexposed" will live on with a new generation of the same photographic hand.
Take care

2:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was hoping as I was reading that the "last" wasn't the end of the blog. 'Tis a shame -- I always looked forward to visiting your site. And as I've talked to you about in the past, I'm wanting to swipe a couple of your ideas (my town..etc.) so hopefully if I can ever get them going, I can do them as well as you.

Please do keep in touch. (also, where'd you find a six-week photo course... I've looked for one as well and can't find one that looks good!)

3:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a sad day but, as one door gently closes, another opens to offer you a new world of exciting and endless opportunities. Thank you, Micki, for the photo-inspiration you gave us here and for the entertainment of your daily stories from Real Life.

Tomorrow, photoblogging will have a big empty space.

5:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will miss your photography and your support from this last year. We both began blogging around the same time and its been a joy to visit you site and see the photography grow. I look forward to seeing your new site and see your shots up for sale. Good Luck this community is going to miss you.

5:31 AM  
Blogger frame of mind said...

Gee, and just when that new scanner was beginning to reveal the true depth of your images...

Everyone who has ever photoblogged has come to this crossroads (and those who haven't, it's only a matter of time) - daily posting is difficult enough when digital is concerned and the fact that you've done this for a solid year on strictly film is a testament to your commitment. But film takes time, something that daily photoblogging can ultimately require in substantial quantities - combine that with dial-up and you're up against every second of available time. I, like many others, are still amazed that you manage to do everything you do with such skill and dedication - Supermom, indeed! In a 'game of give and take', you've consistently been on the giving end of the equation far more often than the taking and you've been a model citizen in this big ol' community for the last year - your presence here will be missed, but your many lessons will not be forgotten. You have the means to go wherever you choose so by all means, onward down that chosen path and may you never stub your toes on the inevitable cobblestones ahead!

Thanks so much for bringing us into your fold of 'family out of state' :-)
And do stay in touch!

5:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'll miss you, Micki :( but I can understand sometimes we must make this kind of sad choices. I'll be following you and your new site (sent a blank e-mail right away!). You take good care of yourself and if you ever happen to come to Italy drop me a line :)

Hugs,

Sil

8:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You will surely be missed in blogsphere, one of the many in my "film photography bookmarks" folder. All the best and i look forward to your new site (i had given blank calls during my college days, this is the first time i will be sending out a blank email!). If you happen to visit Singapore, be my guest. You have been the top commenter on my website i.e. 253 comments of 353 images that i have posted .. surely you have done your part, i hope if have done mine ;-)

Miss you,
hugs.

11:31 AM  
Blogger manju said...

Will surely miss you in the blogosphere. Anyways, goodluck for your new site. Do keep in touch, whenever possible.

12:26 PM  
Blogger PhotoSam said...

that's totally not on....im sulking...

12:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that your leaving Micki. I will miss your updates and your great comments. Good luck to you and hope to hear from you now and then.

Roger

1:39 PM  
Blogger Rich said...

I was always honoured by your visits Micki, to give that time in your undoutably busy day to take a look and leave your thoughts. I have enjoyed your photos and comments, I wish you well and hope life is good.

Thanks again.

5:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Micki, I guess one camera isn't just enough for you woman, geezzz, girl LOL

Anyway holla at me when the site is up, ofcourse I want to know what good things you are doing.

5:09 PM  
Blogger Sandy said...

I have to say I am going to miss your photo adventures,family stories and your optimism. If you are ever in my neck of the woods stop on by. Best wishes to you and your family Micki.

5:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, Micki! I am truly sad to see you shutting down!

You are a great person, and I have always enjoyed checking your site, reading your open and honest stories, and enjoying your photography! You have never failed to put a smile on my face whenever I have read your comments on my site! :)

I wish you nothing but the best with your new site, and I know for a fact that there are more than a few shots of yours that I would purchase!

I'll probably be road-tripping down that way this summer, and I'm going to take you up on that invitation for swedish meatballs! Likewise, if you ever come to the Toronto area, you're more than welcome at my place!

You rule!

5:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

oh ya, I forgot..

I LOVE the drumsticks in the pocket!!

5:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to see you ending your photoblog, but I totally understand wanting to spend your time doing other things. The fact that you did this almost every day for a year is amazing.

I wish you the best with your photography and your new site and I hope to see you around the Internets.

7:36 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Do you need a trailer to carry all that gear around??

You've achieved so much in one year, your popularity is well deserved.

8:41 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My more sincere enhorabuena by this year, I have enjoyed much seeing your photos, and with the commentaries that your you have done mine. When you have the other page in which you taught to your photos avísame, mándame your new direction. A strong hug and thanks.

7:06 AM  
Blogger Natalie said...

Good luck with all further endeavors you pursue.

I have enjoyed seeing your photos and reading your commentaries, even if I don't always leaves a comment myself.

10:14 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i will miss yr photos and stories here...i really enjoy stop by here- not just photos but yr personality that appreared in yr images and stories telling...kinda unique and special...look like diary albums...u should keep doing that it's a great personal record what u did in the past and what the idea come from:-)
good luck for yr new site and see u around in the net:-))

11:11 AM  
Blogger Azhar said...

I'll miss having you around. You were one of the first people to visit my blog way back last year in March, I still remember that. Means a lot. Hope to see you succeed in selling your amazing work, and hope your passion for photography never dies out.
Yeah photoblogging is a game. I visit you, you visit me. Being a student, I don't get time to visit much, or even at all. Whomever decides my blog is worth visiting and is not greedy for comments, I love those people, you are one of them. Laurie is my other favorite, and I feel very guilty not visiting her as often as I should.
To sum it up, enjoy your life, and I hope to see you living it up in all your film photography glory soon.
Best of luck,
Azhar.

1:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good luck with you new things. I've enjoyed seeing you images.

Nick

3:45 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I'm sad that your blogging days are over too, but I am so thrilled for you that you're taking this big leap! This is very exciting news, and I know you'll be a big success. It sounds like your daughter is following in your footsteps, too! :)
This is a gorgeous portrait, by the way!!!

4:12 PM  
Blogger daisies said...

best of luck : ) thanks for the year of beauty!!

4:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

well I can tell you from personal experience, there is life after blogging! Good luck to you!

5:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would have been happy to meet you across this magic Web. I'll miss you Micki.
I'll keep your smile in my mind.

Good luck to you.

All the best

5:54 PM  
Blogger Chris Fry said...

Congratulations Micki ... on taking the next step and realising where it is you want to be. My thoughts will be with you and I'll keep an eye on your site to see what you are up to. If you are ever in Australia, drop me a line. I must say I am going to miss your stories. When will you have time to develop a story book??!! LOL BYW, you choose a wonderful last image. I hope that one is enlarged and on your wall!

8:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Micki,
It has been wonderful to come and view all your photography. I wish you many happy times for the future!

5:02 AM  
Blogger Ms.N said...

hey micki, just chanced on ur site - after u are done with it... but great photos!

8:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sweetie pie-
I will miss visiting your blog. I love you, your stories and your photos.
I wish you every happiness and much luck with your new project.
I'll be in touch. You can't get rid of me this easily.

Much love to you!
Robin

4:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good Luck Micki, and thanks for your input and images.

11:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your decision, Micki. I do wish you would stick around for a while, but I think you are doing the right thing. You take wonderful pictures. Good luck.

7:25 AM  
Blogger WJWilson said...

I get back from a vacation and you're gone! I will always remember you as my first blog buddy. Good luck to you and your family.

3:39 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I got it all wrong. Congrats on one year. Not the digital. Look at all your gear. Wow. Looking forward to many more years.

7:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

good luck Micki - I wish you every success! I'm sure I'm not alone in thanking you for all your visits and comments at my site over the last year. At times you've kept it going single-handedly! I hope to see you around and look forward to seeing your new site.

4:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing and also passing by on our blog. Good luck and see ya!

7:16 AM  
Blogger Ash said...

Micki you will surely be missed!

Good luck for your new site and keep in touch.

God bless!

11:32 PM  
Blogger .bk said...

What a shocker to end the day with, but never stop the travelling (or however it is said). You will be missed, Micki. I will definitely stay in touch, if only to remember the LAUNDRY BASKET or the Daisy Story...

And now go out and shoot, shoot, shoot and shoot. I hope that new chapter will bring what you're hoping for.

Love,
bk

2:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

only just catching up with the news - so sad to see you go/gone!!! you will be missed - i have enjoyed my daily visits to the lovely part of the world that you call home. good luck with your future projects too.

6:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

got to know you though azhar and the daily sunrise,
always used to wonder who this wonderful person was,your comments on lauries page and thedailysunrise were so tasteful and i'm sure they helped,so i thought id pay u a visit,
after seeing the first photograph i was hooked...!
not been visiting as often as i should, and still getting comments from you...sheesh i feel so guilty now....
anyhow,wish you lots of success in the future
and thanks a lot for ALL the help and support....
still have your LONG emails which are really the basis of my knowledge,especially about lenses et al,
hope to see the other site up soon.
i'd love to hear your drumming as well....!!
cheers,
shiv.
p.s please keep in touch via e-mail...

6:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear this... good luck with everything and take care!

Regards,
Jason

4:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You're looking good ;) Welcome, to the digital realm and long hours of post-processing images and always thinking that you could do better. Let the endless journey into the catacombs of PS begin.

9:20 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

you look nice in this photo...it's too bad that you quit photoblogging...i will visit your new website...be sure of that !

3:22 PM  
Blogger Cool Daddio said...

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa :(
I miss you already.

5:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for all the fish! I hope you stick around for a few more years yet.

5:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Best of luck with your new ventures. The equipment seems to be growing also :–)

7:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats. Nice set of gear, and best wishes for another year to come. Cheers.

1:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All the best for your future endeavors Micki and thanks for the visits and comments over the past 8 months.

11:26 AM  
Blogger Dave Weeks said...

Congratulations Micki!

What a wonderful site you created. I have always been very happy to see you do so well and become so popular. Please keep the site around even if not updated as many will want to return now and then to show a friend one of your photos or stories. You have touched more people in more ways than your might imagine.

God bless you Micki,
Dave

11:03 PM  
Blogger alfred said...

Oh, I wish I didn`t log on today.

Take care, Micki. And good luck with your future projects!

10:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ach, I've read the above now. I say, good. I think the best thing you can do is get your own site and step away from all those trying to gain a step up. Your work will stand for itself. I'm just sorry to lose your involvment. Be it the critique or your general sense of positivity. I didn't realise that you only have dial up and what an effort it was for you to leave comments. This gives them all the more weight. If I'm frank, I'll admit I am a little saddened by your (seemingly) sudden departure. But as you say this journey has come to an end. I will notice your silence. Then again, you will shortly have a new site and I can join you on your new journey. Fair thee well Micki... for now! Tobias x

1:58 PM  
Blogger Naturegirl said...

Just popped back in to say hi and I miss your daily photos..Life has been tough so I am away in Florida.
Be well and happy
hugs NG

7:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Micki,

I just wanted to say hi and that oyu are missed. :-(

I also wanted to thank you for stopping by and leaving me those kind words of support, it really means a lot to me.

I hope all is well.

Laurie

8:19 AM  
Blogger frame of mind said...

Congrats on a well-deserved Hall of Fame nod over at photoblogs.org!

8:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Where is Micki?

Suby missing Micki

1:24 PM  
Blogger PhotoSam said...

Returned with the hope that you've changed your mind... :(

2:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow Micki, I'm glad I stopped by. Yes, you will be missed. You have been such an encouragement to me, and I've enjoyed your work so much. I can't believe you're gone. :-( Thanks so much for everything.

Abe from boxfoto.com

3:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

un an!!! magnifique auto portrait!
et quel matériel!!!

2:16 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm going to concur that you are missed, Micki!

2:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You'll be missed - you were a very prolific photoblogger, at least in comparison to me!

Good luck to you...

7:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Micki,
I know how you feel. Being able to keep up with many things is extremely hard. I myself have not been able to do this. I still have a very demanding day job, my two year old daughter at home who needs my attention and a family. I have not been able to post daily and visit many websites I used to visit like back in late 2005 and early 2006. Just too time consuming. I do try to visit every now and then though.
You will be missed. I wish you good luck in setting up your new website and hope it will take your passion in photography to the next step.

Best wishes.

9:40 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Boooo. What a pity! But good luck with the new website and, you know, Blogger will probably be around for years so maybe you'll be back sometime with Shutterbug Re-exposed (oo-er).

All the very best, Micki, and thanks.

5:57 AM  
Blogger DEREK said...

I've enjoyed every photo! Thanks for all your beauty!

11:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Micki!!!

I just wanted to give a shout out to you and your beautiful family to wish you a Happy Easter and Spring. Hope all is going well.

You are very missed around the photo-blogoshphere.

6:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Easter to you and your family Micki!!

11:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was leafing through some old comments (doing some housekeeping on my site), and ran across the tons of positive, upbeat comments you left.

You're still missed, but I think it's great that your blog gave you a push forward and the confidence to tackle a new level with your photography. Good luck, and thank you for taking the time to visit and comment.

8:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

a terrific run!!

5:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Micki..... I'm really late here but...... want to wish you the best of luck and happiness in your photography pursuits. Thank you for all your kind thoughts on my blog; they were much appreciated. All the best to you!

1:15 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A real dedicated photoblogger...all the best

11:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

woow what for a equipment :-)

4:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Miss you much Micki. Good luck and I hope you'll be back soon.

12:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

a big thumbs up on your wonderful site and more great shots in the year ahead

2:10 PM  

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