There have been way too many teen deaths this year. I only barely knew one of them, knew of 2 others, and simply heard of at least 10 more my age who have died in the past year... and all I can say is stay safe.
A boy drunk driving without a seatbelt and killing himself in an avoidable crash is tragic... but 2 17/18 year old boys getting shot and killed....... it's too scary.

Don't play with fire, or you will get burnt

RIP Dilsher, Joseph, José, and every other teen who had to die during their grad year.


...moving along, my feature of the week is once again from my most recent watcher:
One Year
by `grubin
[link]

The lighting, colors and composition are fabulous, despite the slight grain. Kudos for an excellent outcome with no editing.



Tuesday, May 5, 09.

Since the tragic deaths of 2 grads at my school last thursday night, more misfortune has been coming to my school.
Basically 4 grads dead and gone just from one school... the grief is killing us.
I have never seen such a large group of people in such a broken situation... even the teachers are completely heartbroken.

On Monday, May 4, my friend hung himself. We don't know why... what on earth gave him the idea that his life wasn't worth living. He is the most amazing person I have ever met... so genuine and kind to absolutely everyone... and he was always a ball of bliss.
To hear that such a person would try to commit suicide... it's heartbreaking and completely unexpected.

After 10 minutes without oxygen, a person cannot avoid severe brain damage... and such as I have heard, it was 15-20 minutes before he was hooked up to a respirator and brought to the hospital... it has been just over 24 hours and he is already getting worse.

I have never lived through such a dark time... it's all so surreal.
Not even a week after Dilsher Gill and Joseph Randay were found murdered, another life is taken.

Kyle is in our prayers and we all hope for him to stay strong... most people are saying he will be there to walk across the stage with us at graduation... but that is obviously just wishful thinking.

Yesterday I cried for hours... before I knew what was going on (but after I had read his facebook suicide note) I was beside myself worrying... and right after I randomly ran into 2 classmates and they broke the news to me, I just broke down.
Today I'm holding up a little better. I'm more mellow than ever, and I can't cry... there's no fluid or energy left in me to start crying. But I am definitely out of it...
Today I tried to open the door of a completely random car in the parking lot... it took me about a minute to realize its not even the same brand as my car.

I have no idea what his family intends on doing... but my heart goes out to them... and to Kyle. He is such an amazing person and he will be truly missed by all.

At this point in time, my only wish is to go see him so I can say good-bye.

We love you, Kyle.

Not much to say, I've been working a lot and trying to take my chances of photo taking.
My friends have gone from "Lets do a prom shoot before prom!" to "We never said that" and "My mum won't let me wreck my prom dress" (more than half of them have said such) so my prom shoots may not be happening as soon as I had hoped and hopefully things will work out for June.
Though, this gorgeous weather and slowly generating heat calls for more summer shoots! I want to do a shoot with Tarin under a blossom tree while the blossoms are still there and looking pretty
I've also been trying to upgrade my wardrobe and have been getting out my more revealing clothing (because who wants to wear jeans in the summer?)
HOORAY SLUT WEATHER.

Anyway, my feature for this week is:

Tower.
by =Hi-Gloss
[link]

good perspective and a nice looking sky

TTFN


PS: My facebook link works everywhere but here... SOO I really appreciate more people in my group, if anyone feels like going through the trouble to search "Leilani Loves Photography" on facebook.
The group pic is a picture of me. Yay.

Prints:
Recent news in previous journal: [link]

Wow, what a weekend. Considering I have a bit of a life, I think a daily link in my journal will be hard to keep up with, so I'll do it weekly XD

Anyway, this week's feature is:

Snowmobile Tracks
by ~bladecx321
[link]

The simplicity is captivating... I love snow pictures, it has such a wonderful effect on... anything.







Facebook: [link]
Prints:
Recent news in previous journal: [link]

I have a few things to address today

Firstly:
I have accumulated quite a few new watchers lately!! Thank you all! It is nice to feel like my art is appreciated considering I put quite a downer on myself for the fact that I can't afford ANY equipment (I am using my Canon Rebel XTi with the lenses it came with [they are crap] and have wanted a flash and new lens for ages... but they are so expensive, I just can't do it.) anyway, to have encouragement about my photography makes me happy because I take it quite seriously and hope to make a business out of it when I can upgrade a little.

So to show MY appreciation I'm going to be featuring art strictly from my watchers' accounts daily (but in a weekly journal).

so, for today (April 10), I chose my most recent watcher's photo:
City Hall
by ~Krysio
[link]

The perspective is fabulous, and I love the light and symmetry in this photo.
I have never been good at architectural shots, so this one seems just magnificent to me <3

Freedom in Limits
by =virtud
[link]

It's black and white and spectacular. The bird is nicely focused but the photo also has a great movement effect by the wings. The sky in the background looks vivid, but all attention is pulled towards the bird, and it's at a great angle... Well done!

Thanks!

Secondly:
Some may notice I have done a mass deletion on my devART account.
I have decided that instead of spamming you all, I am going to try and discipline myself into choosing one or two faves from every shoot.
So bare with me as I learn to narrow it down!!

Thirdly and lastly:
As I mentioned before, I really want to upgrade and turn my photography into something more, but I am in a financial tight spot and can't afford anything... so if anyone thinks that Leilanee Photography is worth donating to, I would appreciate any donations in buying prints from my prints account (link below). I need to get on my feet and there are way more important things that I need to focus my money on right now (grad stuff, getting a car, moving out soon...)
So if you are feeling generous, consider that, please! lol.
I also love encouragement so if you are interested, join my group on facebook!


Facebook: [link]
Prints:

I have made myself a group on facebook!

If anyone is interested in joining, please do visit:
[link]

It's global, so you don't need to befriend my facebook account to join lol... if I have any Canadian watchers, I will be going to Winnipeg in June for a wedding (it's on the day of my birthday... ahhhhahahahahahahahahaha 18th birthday and wedding!! rofl) so if anyone knows some good photo spots over there doooo tell me!