Week 49, Our Favorites!

Traditions are a hearty bunch. Some are passed down for as long as we can remember, like trimming a tree and stuffing stockings. Some are created so we can pass new things down to our children in hopes that they will continue to pass them down when they grow into their own families. When I was a little girl, our Christmas was quite modest. But my Mom & Dad had this ridiculously huge candle that my Mom only lit on Christmas day. My brother and I took turns blowing it out. I remember, in college, it was just wax and a plate. It was not an ordinary tradition, but we looked forward to it every year. This week's MCP Action's Project 52 Challenge explores these old and new traditions. It was a delight to peek into your lives this week. I loved seeing all the wonderful traditions that you are sharing. Also this week, I was inspired by your Elf on a Shelf tradition and picked one up for my family. "Jeffrey" has been a wonderful addition to our family.
Now on to our top ten. As always, our list is in no particular order. The artist links are below the photo. If you enjoy the shot, check out their work and send them some love. Photography and mastering both the camera & the edits is a constant battle. Your encouraging words could make all the difference to an artist that had a tough time this week. So, if you like it - let them know. Ps. It makes you feel all warm fuzzy inside. Here we go...
ONE {Love the Point of view and the great color capture!}

Our Family Grew... By Catcher In My Eye

TWO {Love the excitement & expression captured here! I didn't even know there was a REAL polar express. This is fantastic.}

Traditions By sstych www.facebook.com/stychphotography

THREE {Love Love Love this movie and the idea that this "Major Award" is in your window. Hoping its right our front :-)}
"Traditions" By Karen Gibas

FOUR {Love the Bokeh from your Christmas tree and I fell in love with this tradition this week}

Traditions 49/52 By katypaskett

FIVE {Great Star filter and a wonderful story. I have one of these on my tree and I hope it hangs as long as yours}

Traditions By julesqults

SIX {Love the black and white and this family tradition. The week of Christmas, we do I movie each night. This is wonderful.}

49/52 MCP Traditions By Jillustrated

SEVEN {Love the pops of red with the bright blue sky. Great capture.}

MCP 52.49 TRADITIONS By krs2000

EIGHT {Love the Gold Tones and the great bokeh. Great shot.}

Tradition 49/52 By magova

NINE {Such a sweet capture. Love the colors and background - wonderful tradition}

JesseTreeMiss By SunnyKeri www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-de...

TEN {I'm in love with the grainy-ness of this image. Great expression and Love that I can see the snow despite the darkness}

49/52 Traditions By Tanya R13

And Now for the Ellenburg Photography's photo of the week. I have a huge Nutcracker Army that only comes out at Christmas time. I get a new one each year and this one has always been a favorite.

49/52 Indiana Christmas By Ellenburg Photography

So what was this year's 2011 new Nutracker? He arrived on my birthday, from my thoughtful children. I've always wanted a Roll Tide Nutcracker.


MCP Action's week 50 theme is Festive Lights. There should be plenty of that around everywhere. I know everywhere I look here there they are! Can't wait to see how creative you guys can be with this theme.

For those of you who have been with us the past 49 weeks, it's been a fantastic run. This is technically our last theme for the year as the last two weeks will be slightly different. So, make the most of this week! If you're looking to continue Project 52 into next year, consider joining Ellenburg Photography's Project 52.

We will have a new theme each week and have a focus on the Education and motivation of Photography at any level. It's sure to be a great time. Check us out at http://www.flickr.com/groups/1765099@N20/ - We are 35 Members strong & w0uld love to have you join us too.

Many of you know I'm a day off posting my blog due to attending the Annual Photo Nola, in New Orleans Louisiana this weekend. Wow. It was so inspirational. I got to view portfolios from Photographers all over our country and get to talk to the photographer and pick their brain. I'll tell you all about it, coming soon...

Until then, I'm wishing you a great week filled with Family, Fun, Photography and lots and lots of Festive Lights. Have a wonderful week!
XOXO, Daphne

Daphne Ellenburg is a budding photography business owner in Southern Alabama with a supportive family and a new fancy-pants in home studio. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Olympus. Daphne also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Catch up with her at Ellenburg Photography {Website} {Facebook} {EP Blog}{Daphne's Blog}{Join EP Project 52}

Ellenburg Photography's award winning photographer, Daphne Ellenburg, specializes in Wedding Photography and Family Portraiture. We are located just north of Mobile Alabama. We proudly serve all of Alabama, and Gulfcoast Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana. (251) 656-7601