If you asked me, “What’s the coolest thing about blogging?” I’d answer, “The relationships that we build with other bloggers and our readers.”

The blogging community, also know as the blogosphere, is really a community of supportive, like-minded people.

When I started blogging a few months ago, it was just my blog and me.

Through the process of blogging I learned so much about technology and the power of the internet.

You also find that you need a lot of help and advice along the way.

And then you discover something else… your blog isn’t just about you, your ideas and the written word. It is so much more than that.

Your blog is the launching pad to expand your knowledge and potential through your interaction with other bloggers.

Connections are made.

Ideas are exchanged.

Friendships are formed.

I never thought I would open myself up to meeting an entire new world of interesting and amazing people.

Today I would like to introduce you to one of them.

My friend, Elizabeth. (But I just like to call her Houston because it sounds cool.) She’s the photojournalist for the blog site, HOUSTON PHOTO JOURNEY http://www.houstonphotojourney.com

Have you ever been to Houston, Texas?

I haven’t, but through Elizabeth’s beautiful photography, light-hearted commentary, and wealth of factual and historical information, I feel as though I have.

This photo welcoming you to downtown Houston is on the homepage of the Houston Photo Journey blog.

Here are a few other photos to give you Elizabeth’s take on her journey through Houston…

Houston Kite Festival

 

Houston’s 30th Annual Art Car Parade

 

Historical Heritage Presbyterian Church Houston, Texas

 

Mural at Port of Houston Boat Tour

 

Houston’s Metro Rail

 

Now that you’ve seen some of the photography that makes Elizabeth’s blog so enticing, it’s time to find out how she incorporates her photos into a successful blog delivering a journey in every post.

Me: Hi! How’s the weather out there in Houston today?

Elizabeth: Eighty three and humid!

Me: Not quite that hot here in Connecticut. So, are you originally from Houston?

Elizabeth: I’m actually originally from Stamford, Connecticut. I’ve lived in Houston for 40 years, so I feel like I was born here.

Me: Wow, I didn’t know that. Small world. So what made you decide to start a blog?

Elizabeth: Well, I wanted to take photographs and none of my family wanted to pose for them. I figured that I’d start a blog and post the photos that I was taking of area events. I was going to these events anyway.

Me: Well, that seems to be working!

Elizabeth: (Laughter) Yes, it is!

Me: So, what would you say is one of your best photography tips?

Elizabeth: Definitely, BUY A GOOD CAMERA and learn how to use it properly. Try different and even, random settings. When you find a setting that works for a particular shot, record it and link it into the camera memory.

Me: Sounds like pretty solid advice. Have you had any challenging moments while taking photos for your blog?

Elizabeth: When I was at Houston’s Annual Art Car Parade, I unknowingly walked into a secured section. I was there for quite some time socializing with everyone and taking photos before I realized that I was in the VIP section, by then it was too late. I think the security guard assumed I was with the press.

Me: (Laughing) That’s awesome! Whatever it takes to get the shot. Have you ever had the opportunity to meet anyone interesting or famous?

Elizabeth: I meet interesting people all the time! I did get to meet Cheech Marin of Cheech and Chong at the Art Car Parade. That was pretty cool. He even posed for a picture that’s on my blog site.

Me: So, tell me about your co-author, Max.

Elizabeth: Max is my rescue dog. I support both Rover Oaks Pet Resort and Citizens For Animal Protection’s Shelter, without whom I wouldn’t have my best buddy, Max. They are the BEST people on the planet. You can find out more about both organizations and my puppy Max on my blog.

Me: Max is certainly adorable and those both sound like great causes. 

Elizabeth’s (co-author) and favorite four-legged friend, Max.

 

Me: So where do you see your blog going in the future?

Elizabeth: Travel Journalism. Traveling is my passion and gives me the opportunity to meet people and learn so many cool things about them, their lives and different cultures.

Me: That certainly sounds like a great fit for you! Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Elizabeth: Just, thank you so much for the interview. I really enjoyed talking with you.

Me: Same here, Elizabeth. My pleasure.

Leaving Texas behind for now.

 

You can visit Elizabeth, Max and Houston, Texas at:

HOUSTON PHOTO JOURNEY  http://www.houstonphotojourney.com

All of the eye-catching photographs on this post are credited to: HOUSTON PHOTO JOURNEY.

 

If you have an interesting blog concept and would like a personal interview published on My Life I Swear, email me at contactmylifeiswear@yahoo.com.

I hope you enjoyed this post and I look forward to your comments and emails, and making more friends in the blogosphere.

Erin Cooper Reed