Out of the mouths of babes...

...ARGH!!! I have just been running around like a crazy lady lately. I forget that some errands and just life in general take on a different "dynamic" in the summer, when there's a 7 year old in tow.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE having Jayla around everyday. She's GREAT company and makes for humorous day to day comings & goings. I'll tell ya, I just love this kid.

Case in point, yesterday, we were at Michaels. I'm on the hunt for some chandelier stickers or stamps or stencils, or SOMETHING. I've built a desk for my sewing machine and I want to decorate it with chandeliers. Don't ask me why...I just do and I just like them, ok? ;)

ANYWAY...we're wandering around Michaels and I'm looking for something that either is or resembles a chandelier...trying to get the creative juices flowing. As I'm thinking out loud, I happen to say, "I can't make a stencil because...because, I just CAN'T! I've tried and it ain't happenin!" So Jayla hears my "thoughts", grabs me by the arms and says to me; "MOM! You CAN do it! Don't give up! You've told me not to quit and don't give up. So you can't give up and be a quitter either. C'mon Mom, YOU CAN DO IT!!"

Ok, so as her mother, what do I say at this point? I mean, she's right, I HAVE said that to her. And I'm sure, especially since she's only 7, I'm gonna say it again...and again. But seriously...I HAVE tried and I CAN'T do it!

So after laughing and getting over my shock of what she just said, I grab my daughter and give her a big hug and a kiss on her head. And I say to her...as sweetly as I possibly can; "Honey, you don't understand...I've tried and tried and really, Mommy CAN'T make a chandelier stencil! And not only that, I don't HAVE to...cuz I'm GONNA find one!" lol To which she responds, "Oh mom, I believe in you...you can do it...you just have to TRY!"

Anyway, this "precious moment" as it was, goes on for quite a while. But needless to say, although my daughter called me out, so to speak, the search continues. I WILL find that chandelier stencil or stamp! LOL

So, anyway, last week I had to take Jayla to the doctor because she's had this annoying little cough for a few weeks now. She also complained of her left ear feeling, "stopped up - like when we were on the plane". And since she doesn't seem to be able to hear me that well when I call her name (unless, of course, I'm calling her to see if she wants some ice cream or to go to the park, lol), I thought I'd better get it checked out.

We go to the movies to see Madagascar 2 that morning (VERY cute movie, by the way) then head to the doctor. Only for them to discover that she not only has an ear infection, but also a sinus infection. GREAT!!! We are then sent to the pharmacy to get her prescription of Amoxicillian. ONLY to find that it's gonna cost us $60! Little did I know that we now have a $50 deductible on prescriptions every year. ANYWAY, I paid it we went on our way. 2 doses into the meds, it dawns on me, "Publix (grocery store) has FREE antibiotics with a prescription!" ARGH!!! I could've saved us $60! Oh well, whatcha gonna do? We are now 8 days into the meds and only 2 more days to go. The coughing has pretty much gone away. However, Jayla claims that she might still have the ear infection though. (She knows this because she's gonna be a pediatrician one day, lol) I ask her why and she says, "Because I still can't hear YOU that good! I can hear daddy, I just can't hear you that good!" You're kidding me, right? LOL
I think she's gonna milk this one...

Shooting Fireworks

On the 4th of July, the heat of the day eventually comes to a close and the cool night air starts to settle in...unless of course you live in Georgia :-). The sun begins to fade just in time for the fireworks to start. It's the perfect "ooh-ahh" note to end the day with, and I'm gonna help you capture it with these great tips!

8 tips for successful fireworks shots

1. ARRANGE for a tripod or another secure object to rest your camera on so it won't move. The best fireworks photos require long exposures that will show camera shake if you try to hold the camera by hand. You may also find it helpful to use an electronic remote to release the camera so you don't even have to touch it.

2. SET UP your tripod and camera ahead of time. Find a spot where tree branches or people won't block your view of the sky. Decide if you want the landscape and horizon line to show or if you want the image to just show the sky. My rule of thumb is that if a great cityscape or neat river appears in the foreground and will enhance the fireworks shot, us it. If the location isn't pretty or unique, stick to the view of the dark sky and bright fireworks.

3. START with a camera focus of "infinity". If you're attempting this setting with a point-and-shoot camera, use the landscape mode or the mountains icon so the camera will focus far away for you. Then, as the fireworks begin, look through the viewfinder and focus on the first firework itself - the focus shouldn't be far off from infinity, but you want to see if you've got it right. I recommend manual focusing, because automatic focusing can be tricky for cameras in the dark...trust me on this one :-).

4. SET your camera to a very closed aperture, or a high number like f/16 or f/22. Even if the fireworks move slightly forward or backward as you take pictures, your image will still be sharp.

5. SWITCH your camera to the "B" (or bulb mode) setting to control shutter speed and better capture the movement of the fireworks. You can keep your camera shutter open for as long as you hold the shutter button down. When you hear the fireworks exploding, press the shutter button, keep it pressed down while the fireworks burst, and continue to hold it down until the scene fades.

Exposing for fireworks is not an exact science. Look at how bright your first photograph is to determine if you need to hold the button down for a shorter or longer time. If the photograph isn't light enough, you'll need to keep the shutter open longer. If the photograph is too bright and blurs too much, let go of the shutter button earlier than your previous attempt.

6. METER and expose for the light. If the foreground of your picture includes a building or cityscape with light, meter the light on the building and expose for it rather than using the bulb mode. You don't want huge, bright spots taking over your picture.

SPARKLER PHOTOS AT HOME

If you're enjoying fireworks at home and want to take great pictures of your children with sparklers, here are two recommendations to accompany the 6 tips above.

7. SHOOT sparkler photos at twilight. It's dark enough to be fun, but light enough to use a high ISO, open aperture and fast shutter speed to capture a crisp image of your child standing with a sparkler.

8. USE the sparkler to creat light paintings and to show movement. You'll want to wait unti it's a little darker out, plus you'll need a tripod for the longer exposure. Once the child is ready, have him/her stand in one place and focus on him/her. Then hand them the sparkler and let them be creative doing swirls or drawing circles. (Just remember that if he writes his name in the air, it will be backwards in the photograph.) The childs image will blue as he moves, often resulting in a lovely, creative 4th of July image.

Penny-Pinching Photography Tips

Leave your wallet at home - you don't need fancy equipment to take great photos.

In this economic slump, most of us are tightening our budgetary belts and kicking the disposable income to the curb. (I know I am!) While we'd all like to have a few more dollars in our pockets, learning to simplify - to reduce, reuse and recycle - can be as invigorating as a long, sweat workout. The process can be a bit painful, but the results are well worth the effort. Don't let your wallet keep you from taking the best photos you can.

MYTH #1: I need top-of-the-line, fancy-schmancy equipment to be a great photographer.
Not true. I've had the same Kodak camera (EasyShare Z740) for over 2 years now. (Just purchased a new Kodak EasyShare M913 for my recent vacation for $89.99...still an inexpensive camera) But sure, I drool over the catalogs when they come in the mail, but my equipment doesn't define me. Lighting, post-processing, exposure and creative composition are just as important as my camera body and lenses. Get the most of what you've got by studying your camera manual and foraging online for free tutorials, tips and tricks.

MYTH #2: To snap a jaw-dropping, WOW photo, the location has to be perfect.
Explore your community with new eyes. Pay attention to that weathered, abandoned old barn. Notice the way the light filters into that tiny alley and hits the ivy-covered walls. Ask if you can take a few pictures inside that adorable little boutique or bakery. Take note of the poetic way that lonely, two-lane road snakes through the hills. Did you know there was a park tucked in behind that neighborhood? Admire the brightly painted murals on the side of that building. Laugh at and document those hilarious signs you come across in your city.
Photo dates are a fun, free way to grow as a photographer. Your community is an oyster; there are pearls hiding in the most unassuming, ordinary places. Grab your camera, head out solo and capture the world around you. Want to experiment with modern portraiture? Invite a significant other, child or friend to model for you. Schedule a photo date with another camera entusiast and take turns photographing each other's families; that way you're in a picture once in a while too!
Go on a photo date each month, and your skills will dramatically improve as you step outside of your comfort zone and photograph new people, places and things. Nothing compares to self-discovery; get out there and engage in the craft!

MYTH #3: I have to print every photo I take! (this sounds like me.)
Most of us seem to be on one side of coin or the other. I let photos sit on my hard drive for months - years even - before I either ship them off to the printers or print them myself here at home. More often, though, it seems people head to their local box store's one-hour photo and print off a bunch of 4x6 pictures that eventually end up in a random album or junk drawer

PINCH-YOUR-PENNIES Ideas:
~If you can't afford to fork out a bundle for Photoshop, give Gimp a try! Gimp is a free photo-editing software available at gimp.org.
~Shop for photo date props at secondhand stores, flea markes and garage sales.
~Download free Photoshop Actions or Lightroom Presets at deviantart.com.
~Get a less expensive extension tube instead of purchasing a pricey macro lens to add macro capability to your current camera setup.
~Check out digital-photography-school.com and takegreatpictures.com for free tips on how to get the most out of your digital camera.

Say Cheese!!

A day in your life

"Photograph what's typical now-you'll treasure it later."

Have you ever stopped and taken the time to think about what you do on a daily basis? Sure, you're probably saying to yourself, "who wants to know about MY day?" Well, I have an answer for that...your kids! Or your grandkids for that matter. How cool would it be to do a photoshoot of you and/or your family simply...living life? Who knows, you may capture photographs and daily details that you and your family will treasure for years and years to come.

In a few years, it may be fun to look back at photos of you braiding your daughters hair (and her facial expressions during the process). Or the backyard water fight your husband had with the kids. Or your toddler and puppy finally taking a nap.

Here are a few tips on how to accomplish this type of photo shoot.

1. For professional results, hire a photographer.
You'll pay extra for the expertise, so check portfolios (or blogs/websites) beforehand to make sure you love their work. Also, consider how comfortable you are with this person since he or she will spend an entire day with you. Make sure they capture the spontaneity and personality of each person being photographed (May I suggest Cherry Berry Studio & Design?) :-) They are creative and amazingly fun to be around.

2. Consider doing the photo shoot yourself.
It will take more planning on your part, but it can be done. Make sure a friend or neighbor can take the group shots of your entire family. Or, make a trade with a friend who takes great photos - she'll take your photos and you'll take hers.

3. Plan ahead.
Create an index card for each person and write down activities that pertained to that person. (Don't forget to include yourself in these photos.) Also make a card for family group shots. Next, color-code each person's card by room (or outside location) and assign each activity a time slot. This will save a lot of time - no going back and forth between rooms and heading outside for another shot. This is supposed to be fun, not stressful!

4. Check your camera.
Lens clean? Batteries charged/have fresh ones available? Enough space on your memory card(s)? Confirm beforehand that your equipment is ready to go.

5. Prepare your subjects.
Make sure people are rested, relaxed and not hungry. Let them know quickly what you're hoping to photograph and when.

6. Include a "photo studio" setting for fun.
Hang some white paper on a wall in a spare room and take some close-up personality shots. (A white sheet works well too.) Have everyone grab a favorite or comfy chair for these shots.

7. Use the occasion to get family group shots as well.
Have grandparents come by so they can be included in a few shots. This may also be a good time to get that perfect Christmas card picture. While you have a captive audience, get as many shots as possible.

Prepare well, then relax and let the day happen. You'll get the best results if the photos aren't overly structured. Candid shots sometimes make the best photos. Just be yourselves - and do what you normally do during the day. You and your loved ones will get a big kick of the pictures years from now looking back at where you lived - what you wore - what you did and how you worked & played. A typical day can tell SO much! Let the camera help tell your story. Trust me, you'll be forever grateful that you took the time!

Summer Camera Fun

beep, beep, beep, beep.......I interrupt this posting for a message from one of our sponsors.

I have a confession to make. I've been kinda stalling with regards to doing this post. Not because of it's content. But because it will make the post below this one...move further down the page :-).

Sorry to sound so selfish...but I can't get over how beautiful the photos are that Cynthia & Lisa have taken and posted here. I know, one of the photos is of me and my hubby. But look at it? I mean, sure we were the subjects. But just look at how well the photo was taken. Sure, we can clean up pretty well, lol. But they made us look and feel beautiful. And to think, everyone that I know who has had portraits made by these ladies, says the exact same thing. I just can't say enough about it and THEM. As I always say, you guys ROCK!!!

beep, beep, beep, beep.........Ok, now back to our regularly scheduled post :-).

Summer Camera Fun

Photography is an amazing art form. It get children and adults alike excited about art and more in tune with the simple pleasures of life. It offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about each member of your family-to get their unique perspectives. Following are 3 photo scavenger hunts. They're perfect antidotes for a boring day, a blank scrapbook page (if you scrapbook) or a family in the doldrums. They're also a fun way to teach your children about photography. Try one (or all three) for yourself!

Before you begin: here are 6 tips before you hand your child a camera.

1. Talk about the importance of using the neck or wrist strap.
This will protect your camera if the child accidentally drops it. Show your child that the proper way to hold a camera is with the right hand pushing the shutter button and the left hand supporting the camera from below. With little children, you'll want to stand nearby as they take photos, but be sure to let them approach the subject on their own terms!

2. If needed, show your children how to turn on the camera and use the settings.
Teaching how to switch from auto mode to the mountain, person or flower icon will greatly improve the child's landscape, portrait and close-up shots, respectively.

3. Teach the child how to look for a focal point.
Then, show your child how to check the photo background for any distracting objects.

4. Talk to the child about lines.
Looking back at all my first photos, I realized that none of the horizon lines were straight. They were all alightly askew because I wasn't holding the camera straight.

5. Encourage quantity.
With today's digital cameras, a child can take as many photographs as desired. Explain how photographing the same object from different angles can make an amazing difference!

6. Stand back and let your child go for it.
(unless he or she needs extra help supporting the camera). Try not to give advice or frowning at the child's choices-it's so rewarding to see what results without input from you! This builds creative confidence, and that's a wonderful thing.

And now for a few scavenger hunt suggestions:

COMMUNITY SEARCH
This list is geared to middle-age children learning about the community they live in.
~Favorite spot in the city or town you live in.
~Favorite restaurant
~Favorite place to go on a rainy day.
~Favorite place to go on a sunny day.
~Favorite person in the neighborhood.
~Favorite place to shop. (note: the CHILD's favorite, not yours! lol)
~Favorite park.
~Best spot in the library.
~A place you go every day.
~Someone you think helps the community a lot.

HOME SEARCH
This list is great for small children because you never need to leave your house!
~Favorite place in the house.
~Favorite silly face you/parents make.
~Favorite activity to do at home.
~Most important object you own.
~Favorite hide-and-seek spot.
~Something that makes you laugh out loud.
~Favorite food(s).
~Favorite clothing item(s).
~Least favorite chore(s).
~Favorite dance move.
~Something you do every day.
~The rules of the home.

FOUND ART
This list is fun for teens and young adults and evokes a lot of creative thinking!
~Something pretty.
~Something red.
~Something found on the ground.
~Something happy.
~People holding hands.
~Best shoes on a stranger.
~Funniest-looking car.
~Outdoor sculpture.
~Perfect hopscotch location.
~Coin minted with the year you/the child were born.
~Bare feet in the park.
~Water.

Sounds like fun, huh? Go see what kind of summer camera fun YOU can have!!

Cutie Pie

Beautiful

This couple is so amazingly in love! They were so fun to work with. I cannot wait for them to see the rest of their portraits.