The sun is shining.

The flowers are in bloom.

Hello, spring! I’ve missed you so.

Small town Missouri is teeming with life once more and the warmth of the sun has settled across the plains.

The sunlight here in small town Missouri is just breathtaking during the spring.

Soft and dreamy in the morning.

Warm and romantic in the evening.

Enveloping the young in a timeless and delicate glow.

Illuminating tiny diadems hidden in the fields.

And kissing every blade of grass ever so sweetly.

Then drifting westward, settling down.

Bidding adieu to yet another day.

Goodbye, sun.

The golden hours, the first and last hour of sunlight during the day, are among my favorite times of day to shoot. The light is just magnificent; creating a multitude of perfect photographic opportunities. This week, my talented co-host and friend, Alicia of Project Alicia, is sharing a few of her golden hours photography tips. Stop by to learn how to take stunning photos during this most magical time of day.

I’m teaming up with Rebecca of Alicia of Project Alicia and Bumbles and Light to bring you the Leap Into Spring! Photo Challenge – a 6-week photography challenge aimed at capturing the beauty of spring.

Just a few details:

Not experiencing spring in your part of the world? No problem. All are invited regardless of geographic location.

Two prompts to choose from each week! Share your favorite images inspired by one of our weekly prompts. Or both. It’s totally up to you.

The linky will remain open from 9am Friday – 9am Thursday CST. Leap Into Spring! blog post or Flickr photo, not your blog’s home page or Flickr photostream. Feel free to share your photos in our Leap Into Spring! Flickr Group as well.

We’ll be showcasing some of your lovely photos by pinning our favorite submissions to our Leap Into Spring! Pinterest Board each week.

We love Instagram just as much as you do! We’ll be on the lookout for your lovely spring photos, so be sure to use the #leapintospring hashtag.

Last, but not least, don’t forget to grab our lovely button!

Next week’s prompt will be Easter/Eggs. For a complete list of upcoming prompts, head on over to the Leap Into Spring! Photo Challenge page.