Smell the Cork

This is another photo from the session I did for my brother-in-laws family. Evan loves to play with the wine corks and papa taught him how to smell the corks. There was a stray cork sitting on the counter and Evan went for it, and made it into his newest toy! I love the look of curiosity that he has on his face as well

BEFORE

AFTER

Taken with my D5000, 17-55/2.8 and SB-600
Edited in CS5
Resized, slight unsharp mask
Ran TRA Lux Soft dropped opacity to 40%
Adjusted levels, and burned a few areas (hand, cork, some of counter)

Another AFTER - Because I always love a black and white


Took previous photo changed to Black and White
Ran Bitchin' Black and White
Dropped opacity to I think 80%
Adjust curves
Added a slight vignette and dropped the fill to 67%

See more here!

Mr. Caleb

I was going through my photos this weekend and came across these that I did for a friend. I forgot about some of the scrabble ones and decided to edit this one a bit, liked the way it turned out then went about my day. Then was catching up on some blog reading and came across Ambrosia Clark's blog - and what do you know...she is starting a "scrabble tile" challenge, so clearly I needed to share this shot.

Doesn't Caleb look so sweet in this shot?? I love it!

Also, an update on my brother-in-laws mom, she had a rough week last week but great news...the cancer has not spread to her liver YAY! She started chemo today so keep sending your purple power her way!! (purple is the color for pancreatic cancer)

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

This is the first week that I am participating in the Scavenger Hunt Sunday - life has been pretty busy and I had not been shooting much. Here are my interpretations of this weeks themes:

1. Memories -  Was not sure what to do for this one, it can be interpreted in many different ways. I forgot I had this image, it was from my dads birthday this past summer - his 70th to be exact! Around 7 years ago my mom got this book and in the back you write down your memories with dad, me and my sister did this 7 years ago, then my mom had us write in it again this year. When he opened it his reaction was "oh I think I have something like this..." he was really surprised and touched that we added to it. It's not the best shot, but think it represents this theme perfectly.

2. Silhouette - I have shared this one before but it is one of my favorite silhouettes

3. Doorway - This was shot last weekend at my brother-in-laws parents house. Evan loves going into the wine cellar and playing with the corks.

4. Reflection - Another shot of Evan - he loves looking out the window and waving and pointing at the golfers that are passing by

5. Silver - I have also shared this one too, but a long time ago so just forget you ever saw it. = ) I went with the wedding ring shot for my silver image.

Check out more here

Black & White Wednesday: A Request

I am not sure how to start this post, and I was also not sure if I was going to even share a photo from this session. Last week my brother in law found out his mother has Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. The overwhelming sadness I feel for the family is indescribable. They have been a part of our family for 10 years. He has been married to my sister since 2001, and they are such a wonderful family. His sister asked if I could come over before she starts treatment and take some photos of their mom, Judi with Evan (Evan is the only grand child on both sides of the family). Talk about a big request...but definitely one that I was so happy to do.

I also think this photo falls into Shutter Loves "Tint" theme, I think the black and white tint really adds a story and emotion to this shot



Also, if you have a moment I know any good thoughts you could send their way would be greatly appreciated.

A Winter Sunset

I forgot that I had these images on my camera from last week. I was driving home and there was a beautiful sunset - I always hate that I miss capturing the pretty sunsets, so I raced home grabbed the camera and went outside. I got this sunset...and the light post.

BEFORE

AFTER

Check out more

Happy Anniversary Bubbles!

The theme for this week over at Shutter Love Tuesday is "Bubbles." I did not think I was going to submit this week because I really had no shot of bubbles - until today! January 10th marks me and my husbands 2 year anniversary - and on every anniversary or birthday we always get a bottle of our favorite champagne - Martini & Rossi and toast with our flutes from our wedding day. So champagne always provides a good fizz, which means bubbles!

Also, Happy Anniversary to my very supportive and loving husband, cheers to many more years together!

Photos Courtesy of Nhan Photography

Before & After: The Yellow Wall

I know I have shared a few photos of my cousin’s little girl, but I am trying to finish them up so I can send her a disk, so you get to see another shot of her. I think I mentioned we shot these in New Orleans at City Park, I could shoot there all day it is HUGE with so many different spots. One of the areas has all of these interesting statues – and one was this huge dog and each side was a different color. Towards the end of the shoot she started playing in the statue so I shot away. I captured this really cute moment, but was a bit underexposed. Here is my before and after.

BEFORE

AFTER

Shot with Nikon D5000 using the 17-55/2.8 edited in CS5

• Cloned the bruise off her forehead
• Resized for landscape
• Adjusted levels to brighten
• Ran TRA Lux Soft dropped opacity to 40%
• Did a slight unsharp mask
• Brightened her face a tad
• Finally extended the yellow wall out

 

 

I also might have a photo challenge idea that would run monthly through the year I know there are a ton of photo challenges out there - but I think this might be fun. Check back later today or tomorrow for more!

 

Pay It Forward 2011

 

The other night, Ambrosia Clark posted the following message:

I promise to send something handmade

to the first 3 people who leave a comment here.

To be eligible, you must also post this in your blog,

offering the same thing to 3 other people.

The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it

must be sent to your 3 people *sometime* in 2011. 

 

I have always wanted to do a "pay it forward" thing - like pay for a persons drink at Starbucks or something. I have seen a few people repost this and I want to join in too - it's not Starbucks but I think its fun any way!

Black & White and your vote?

First Wednesday of the new year and I am happy to share this photo! Since the holiday craze is over I am trying to get these done for my cousin. Does Brooke not look adorable giving her mama a kiss? I love this!

Also, if you have a moment I Heart Faces is having people vote for the "Best Face of 2010" and Miss. Brooke's photo is #368. You can vote HERE

I know Brooke is saying "Thank You" all the way from New Orleans! Have a great week!

Touched Up - Pine Cone Tree

I am totally aware that the holidays are over, but that will not stop me from posting a photo from my them. My in-laws have something like a 12 foot tree - its huge and it has all these little pine cones and fake snow on it. I am not a fake snow fan but their tree is gorgeous! This is one of the pine cones...from the bottom of the tree.

SOOC

Touched Up

I Heart Faces: Best Face

It has been a couple months I think since I have participated in the I Heart Faces challenge but when I saw the theme for this week I knew I had to share a favorite face. I am going to share one that I haven’t shared before – it was from my cousin’s session that I did in New Orleans in December. She ended up using this shot of her daughter on their Christmas cards – and it might just be me, but I think it turned out pretty cute!

Check out more faces here

Memories, Dreams, & Reflections

A look back at 2010.

1. Me! - My sister, mom, and I on Christmas Eve. This year has provided so many great things - from a great new job to learning and growing my photography knowledge. I know 2011 will be a great year for me and my husband and my family - and we are ready!

2. I Love You - Me and my ever so supportive husband - cannot believe our 2 year anniversary is in 9 days!

3. Still Laughing... - This photo will always make us laugh. Bentley and his bath time photo.

4. Winter Wonderland - This was taken in Steamboat Springs, CO in January - sad we are not going back this January!

5. Birthday -I celebrated the beginning of the last year of my 20's on Christmas Eve. I fully intend to make my 29th year rock!

6. Friends - This is a great bunch of friends. Old and new.

7. I Was Inspired... -This photo was one of my favorites from the wedding I helped shoot. This shot inspired me, not sure why but I was so happy with everything about this shot and I think it got me more excited to learn more

8. Spring Fever - This is one of my favorites - the color the light, everything

9. Travel or Vacation - Every Summer we head to the River, and go to historic Gruene

10. Summer Days -A day at the lake!

11. A Day In My Life - This is a daily routine in our household. Bentley napping on my legs, on his favorite blanket

12. All Smiles - I love this photo of my nephew. No other way to describe this photo than "all smiles"

13. Autumn Harvest - I think these colors represent fall. I shot this on the way home from work, which earlier sunsets also represent Autumn/Fall

14. Family - We try to take a family photo every year - this was our take on the popular "Awkward Family Photos"

15. Celebrate! - Weddings are always a time of celebration!

16. Let's Do It Again... - This is not me, but I did take this photo. I really want to go snow boarding again. 

17. I Miss You - Me and my Aunt Bertica. Her and my Uncle Wishwa live in Pennsylvania so we do not get to see them much

18. Beautiful - I think the emotion expressed in this photo is beautiful

19. Dress Up - I don't have any from Halloween this year so I am using one from my nephew's baptism - he was all dressed up in his suit

20. Macro - Evan's birthday lizard. I think my dad was more interested in catching it than Evan was

21. Holidays - This was a gift that I got from my mother-in-law this Christmas. It had a B&H giftcard inside...yay!

22. My Favorite -This is my recent favorite of the year. I just love her expression - smiles with a little sass!

23. Don't Ever Change - I think I have a great personality, but I do not have a photo of that. So I love that I still play soccer and I really hope that does not change any time soon. I intend to play until I can't anymore.

24. Just Because...So There!

25. Hopes and Dreams - I think that 2011 will provide great opportunity. I am looking forward to learning and growing as a photographer as much as I can. I have really enjoyed using this blog as a creative outlet and I really appreciate all the kind words I have received. Here's to a happy and healthy 2011- Cheers!

Check out more HERE