I realize that if you come here, it's to see pretty pictures, not a bunch of words but i had to post today.
I am a craigslist addict. I love to browse it. I love looking at vintage furniture but also tend t head to the pet section.
And around this time of year the pet section is terrible.
Puppies, all types, all needing to go 'NOW' Cats as well but their numbers on their always depress me. But the puppies.
You can tell given their ages that they were most likely christmas presents.
Now, the cuteness worn off, the realities of house training and manner training kicks in so they get kicked to the curb.
Or, even better, 'Our old dog doesn't like it'. What a shocker, they are dogs, if you throw a young pup at an established single dog there will be some adjustments and *gasp* it might take effort.
I know this can be a sore topic but please PLEASE do not give puppies as gifts unless it's been very well thought out and agreed to before hand. Please.
These four legged creatures are each individuals but have one thing in common. They depend on us, they don't chose us, they don't buy themselves, they don't decide on their own to come into our homes. We do it all. When we do that, it's up to us to follow through with our commitment. If nothing else what does it teach your children? They are expendable? Not something I'd want my daughter to learn. So, before you go get that puppy on a whim take a trip to a local shelter. Look at every one of those faces, most barking frantically for attention. Make sure you can promise forever to the best of your ability. Of course, if the spirit moves you, you could give one of the animals in front of you a chance at a great new home. ;)

**Note, if your puppy purchase is planned with a responsible breeder you will have been thoroughly vetted prior to any of this (please note I did say responsible) and you will likely feel as if you've been interrogated by the FBI. This is for the puppy's safe being and most of the time (though not all) prevents any of the issues discussed above.

Remember how I was just talking about shooting in the cold and snow? Well, there isn't so much snow in this but it was negative 6 degrees windchill.
Didn't stop this girl from enjoying herself.

Winter is a slow time for many photographers. Even though of us that love snow as a back drop. So, I'm taking this down time as an opportunity to pull out my film camera.

Many think that film is dead, gone the way of the dodo but the truth is I see more and more people picking up a good old fashioned 35mm or TLR.

There is something special about film, it's got a look and a feel that is purely it's own. There is a romance to it, and of course, you need to develop the film to see how you did.

I shoot film for myself. I don't usually integrate it into my business as the time and cost is a bit prohibitive. Something I find fun is to order expired film off etsy or ebay. 90% of the time the photos turn out normal but sometimes you'll get some degradation which gives awesome effects to your photos. It's like christmas when you get the film developed.

So take this to say that not all photographers are winter phobic. The winter wonderland can be a stunningly beautiful backdrop if you can handle a bit of cold.
If not, whip out an old camera and rediscover some joys.