Tuesday, November 24, 2009

I'm Here To Help . . .

The next idea on the list is a HOW TO.

Oh my.

I am by no means the most talented of photographers, but a couple of you have asked for some photography hints, so HERE WE GO! (If you graduated with me you must promise not to laugh your head off).

1. Get close!!!!



Most of the time we don't need a full body shot. The face and eyes are the window to the soul, correct? If you want a picture to have some emotion, get up in their face (literally). If your camera will allow -try to turn off your flash as much as possible. Harsh shadows aren't always so flattering.

With children - get on their level.

It should become automatic. You see a child, you get on your knees or on the floor with a baby. We don't want to see the top of their head. It makes their head look huge and their face tiny. And, especially with my huge headed baby, this is not a good look. Also, don't be afraid to take pictures of your children even if they are not in a very good mood.

You will love having memories of that grumpy face.


2. Move it from the middle!

Sometimes having someone smack in the middle can be bold and impressive.


However, most of the time, it is best to take someone or something out of the middle. It makes your picture far more interesting.

Pictures have what we call "sweet spots" where the eye is automatically drawn. Draw an imaginary graph on your picture and where the lines intersect are where you should place the main subjects of your photograph.

They make for some more interesting pictures.

3. Experiment with backgrounds!

Backgrounds with a lot of clutter are distracting. Plain backgrounds are best,


but plain does not have to boring.

Find old buildings, an interestingly textured wall, a fence, etc. to liven up a background.

4. Play with color.

If you want a dramatic picture use colors opposite on the color wheel.




My favorite is blue and yellow.

For a softer look try colors close to each other.

Another way to show emotion in your images is to make it black and white. Then, people aren't distracted by the color.


5. Use leading lines.

Find lines in your picture to lead the eye to your subject.



I hope this little how to helped spark some interest in taking more pictures! Get out there and have fun! I know I do :)

See you after Thanksgiving! Hope it's a great one!


Monday, November 23, 2009

The Moment You've All Been Waiting For . . .

Wow!

Thanks to all who voted on my last post. I looooove input! I'm sure most of you were just looking for the I just check this blog to see if you're alive option. Sorry, I forgot to add one.
I've tallied the votes and the winner is . . . . . All of you!!! Don't YOU feel special. I thought the idea of doing them all on different days sounded like fun.

But, before the party begins . . . .

We've upgraded!

Remember this post?

Now we have a delightful 6ft, 20 bucks, Walmart tree.

Hey, I didn't say it was an INCREDIBLE upgrade. It makes us very happy none the less.

I do think the quote from that post still applies.

"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all thirty feet tall." Larry Wilde


Okay, here we go!

The first post idea I had was - A rant, a pet peeve, or politics. Well, I think one of my biggest pet peeves may fit all three categories.

I HATE CELEBRITY PERSUASION!

Oooohhh. It really gets me going. You know what I'm talking about, right?

The celebrity telling us common folk who to vote for, that we are slobs and need to buy hybrids, that we have no culture, that we don't care about human rights. C'mon!


I hope people out there are not too lazy to form their own opinions and take advice from TRUSTED sources. Just because a celebrity may have an admirable face does not mean he/she has admirable viewpoints.


I don't hear a thing coming out of their mouths unless it is in a movie. And, a GOOD movie. So, all you celebrities out there who I KNOW read my blog. I'm not listening!


I do try to listen to my kids advice though :)

Christopher so kindly reminded me what we should be grateful for this Thanksgiving on his paper from primary.



I will try. I will try.

What are your pet peeves and what do you think about Celebrity Persuasion?
I wanna know!











Wednesday, November 18, 2009

You should be excited . . .

Okay. I give up.
I have nothing to post about.
Nothing.
No cute pictures of the kids.
No fun outings.
No craft projects.
No Birthdays.
Nothing.
Soooo, I decided to let you (all 2 of you :) ) decide what my next post should be about.
You pick a topic and the one with the most votes wins!

Ready . . . . GO!

1. A rant (pet peeves, controversial issue, (gasp) politics!)
2. A how to (how to take a good picture, how to crochet, how to . . . .?)
3. A movie review (reviews on my favorite movies)
4. A story (my first job, an embarrassing moment, a turning point)
5. A recipe post (my favorite recipes just for you)
6. A Things We Love Lately

Saturday, November 14, 2009

It's here!

And boy, were they excited to see it!


The first real snowfall of the year!


And, something else is here . . . .


Happy Birthday to my Davin!!

We love you!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Moments

My boys are growing fast.

I didn't know the years would feel like moments.

Sigh.

I am trying to enjoy those chubby little cheeks,



and that little boy silliness

as long as I can.

What life moments are you enjoying?

Monday, November 9, 2009

I'm addicted

I love love love love love these -


I had debated showing pictures of my latest treasures because I didn't take any before pictures. However, I will describe their previous ugliness in full detail so you will see how cool it is to take some junk and make it beeeautiful (in my eyes at least :)


Here is my latest beauty.

She was sitting in the thrift store. Ordinary brown. Torn, ugly seat cover. $5.00!!! A little touch of paint and some new fabric. Voila!! She is gorgeous! I am so in love. Davin catches me staring at her sometimes, like a mother and her new beautiful baby. Sad. Very sad.

The colors in my house are black, red, and a touch of copper. I have been scouring the thrift shops for copper objects. Most of the ones I find are worn and unloved. A little lemon juice and a rag - VOILA! Gleaming, marvelous copper.


I found these for above my kitchen to go with my grandmother's old dishes.

Love.


You can find lots of little things at the thrift store to add character.



My bookshelves are filled with them :)


I also found this almost mustard colored, wooden (yuck), 70's tree that I painted and transformed into an awesome picture frame.

Love!!

Awwww. So much satisfaction.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Things We Love Lately

We love reading these books



I love that Andy always has to wait outside the door

while Christopher uses the restroom just so they can laugh at each other when he opens it.:)


We love scented candles.

Fresh Apple Pie. Mmmmmm.


We love that Andy fell asleep in his crib by himself,

cuddling his blankies.

What do you love?

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

My kid's a nerd

Conversation with my (almost) 4 year old.


Christopher was wearing his new snow boots.



Me: Hey, you wanna take those off? Are your feet hot?

Christopher: No Mommy. I just wanna dance!


Reminds me of something . . . . (fyi - he does not watch this movie)


Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Happy Happy Birthday . . .

Happy Birthday!

To two of my favorite girls -


My beautiful sister Jamie!

I love you and I can't believe my baby sister is 20 years old!


and


My beautiful friend Jessica!

(Jess, I decided we don't have enough pictures together. This one is so old! I would put up one of our high school photos, but I didn't want to scare anyone :) ) I love you and I wish we lived closer!

Hope you both have wonderful birthdays!

Monday, November 2, 2009

It' Over

Our thoughts on Halloween . . .


The School Carnival







The Party at the Church






Out for some Trick or Treating



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