Um, ok. So, this morning, we had a nice little 3 year old meltdown. Parker wanted a TURNAROUND SANDWICH. Yep. You read that correctly. I personally do not know what on earth this is. I offered him every other kind of "sandwich" I could possibly fix. Those just would not do. I am still trying to figure this one out. So, if by chance any of you readers have experienced the "Turnaround Sandwich", please, do share.
P.S. At least he FINALLY did settle for PB & J. :) Finally.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Sun Hates Me.
I'm convinced. The sun hates me. Sure, I'm fair skinned and have always had a rocky relationship with the sun. But lately, things are getting alot worse. Let me explain.
Sunday, Pierce had a soccer game, and it was scorching outside. Naturally, I slathered on sunblock. Well, I wasn't in the sun 45 minutes, and I got to itch like nobodys business for the remainder of the long holiday weekend. I didn't get burned (thank you sunblock), but I got a little pink. By Sunday evening, I was broken out in a red rash with tiny little bumps (almost like tiny little hives), and itched so bad I thought I was going to go into fits. This is the second time in a couple months this has happened. I don't know what's going on. I had to resort to taking Benadryl, soaked in an oatmeal bath, and drowned my skin in anti-itch cream. Nothing works.
I'm not sure how I'm supposed to make it through the summer like this. I'm not even in the sun very much, but when I do have to be, something like this can't happen every single time. It's funny, because when I was younger, I laid in the fake bake beds and everything else. Sure I would burn some at first, but then it was all good after that. These days, I wouldn't DREAM of laying in one of those things. I'm terrified. I also find it ironic that I'm a person that LOVES to see sunshine. But, more and more, I find myself praying for overcast days just so I don't have to be miserable. Chalk this all up to one more reason why I love the "Cold Ones", the "Pale Faces", call them what you will. But we can relate to each other you see. So, I'm gonna stick with my slogan: "Pale is the new tan." That's just the way it is people. :)
Now, anyone know where I can find a sweet flop hat?
Sunday, Pierce had a soccer game, and it was scorching outside. Naturally, I slathered on sunblock. Well, I wasn't in the sun 45 minutes, and I got to itch like nobodys business for the remainder of the long holiday weekend. I didn't get burned (thank you sunblock), but I got a little pink. By Sunday evening, I was broken out in a red rash with tiny little bumps (almost like tiny little hives), and itched so bad I thought I was going to go into fits. This is the second time in a couple months this has happened. I don't know what's going on. I had to resort to taking Benadryl, soaked in an oatmeal bath, and drowned my skin in anti-itch cream. Nothing works.
I'm not sure how I'm supposed to make it through the summer like this. I'm not even in the sun very much, but when I do have to be, something like this can't happen every single time. It's funny, because when I was younger, I laid in the fake bake beds and everything else. Sure I would burn some at first, but then it was all good after that. These days, I wouldn't DREAM of laying in one of those things. I'm terrified. I also find it ironic that I'm a person that LOVES to see sunshine. But, more and more, I find myself praying for overcast days just so I don't have to be miserable. Chalk this all up to one more reason why I love the "Cold Ones", the "Pale Faces", call them what you will. But we can relate to each other you see. So, I'm gonna stick with my slogan: "Pale is the new tan." That's just the way it is people. :)
Now, anyone know where I can find a sweet flop hat?
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
LIMITED TIME MINI-SESSIONS!
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Thirty minute session with minimum of 15-20 different photos in various poses/candids on CD.
These can be for children, families, couples, individuals, newborns, maternity
or senior portraits!
or senior portraits!
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or for further details!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Black & White Photos - tips & techniques
Ahh, black and white photography. So elegant, so dramatic, romantic, refreshing. I have some of my own personal tips for creating black and white shots that I want to share with you. Everyone has their own techniques, and photography is an art. That's what it's all about. Sure, there are all the standard things one needs to know. But what is so beautiful about this art form is that it's kind of like painting. You can create whatever you want. So read on for some advice that may hopefully help you create stunning black and white photographs.
1. Shoot in Color - If your camera does not have the capability of shooting in RAW (or if you just choose not to), take the photo in color, and do your conversion later on your computer. Most digital cameras on the market today offer the option of shooting black and white straight from the camera. Most of those produce fairly decent results. However, I personally like to post-process my b&w's because you have alot more control over the final outcome of the photo this way. If time is a factor, then the option (if your camera allows) of shooting b&w to begin with is always there. Now, there is also an exception to shooting in color, and it's when you do shoot in RAW. If you shoot in RAW and switch to black and white mode, you see your results on the LCD screen in b&w, but the camera actually will record the information in both black and white AND color. But again, if you shoot in JPEG, shoot in color and convert to b&w afterwards.
2. Low ISO - Set your camera to the lowest ISO setting possible. This is important in b&w shots because 'noise' created by ISO can be more obvious than you'd like in your photo on a higher ISO setting. If you want the 'noise' or "grainy" effect, you can always add it later in post-production, but it's much more difficult to go the other way and take the 'noise' out.
3. Good Framing - Train yourself to look at tones, shapes and textures as your point of interest in your framing of a shot. Highlights and shadows will also stand out in your shot.
4. Time of Day? Weather Conditions? - Shooting digital black and white seems to work best in lower contrast. So, a darker, more overcast day is a perfect time to shoot out door shots.
5. RAW vs. JPEG - Oh, the debate between these two. This subject is funny with me, because most digital photographers and professionals are die hard RAW users or die hard JPEG users. For me, I kind of float between both ends of the spectrum. I like to use both formats; depending on what I'm shooting, what I plan to do with the shots post-processing, and what kind of time frame I'm looking at. It's one of those areas that's really a matter of preference and option. There is no "wrong" one to shoot in. Both formats produce great results, it's all about what you're going after.
Now, that pretty much sums up my personal importances for black and white photos. I hope you can find some of this info helpful to you.
More detailed info on the "RAW vs. JPEG" debate to follow; along with photos. :)
1. Shoot in Color - If your camera does not have the capability of shooting in RAW (or if you just choose not to), take the photo in color, and do your conversion later on your computer. Most digital cameras on the market today offer the option of shooting black and white straight from the camera. Most of those produce fairly decent results. However, I personally like to post-process my b&w's because you have alot more control over the final outcome of the photo this way. If time is a factor, then the option (if your camera allows) of shooting b&w to begin with is always there. Now, there is also an exception to shooting in color, and it's when you do shoot in RAW. If you shoot in RAW and switch to black and white mode, you see your results on the LCD screen in b&w, but the camera actually will record the information in both black and white AND color. But again, if you shoot in JPEG, shoot in color and convert to b&w afterwards.
2. Low ISO - Set your camera to the lowest ISO setting possible. This is important in b&w shots because 'noise' created by ISO can be more obvious than you'd like in your photo on a higher ISO setting. If you want the 'noise' or "grainy" effect, you can always add it later in post-production, but it's much more difficult to go the other way and take the 'noise' out.
3. Good Framing - Train yourself to look at tones, shapes and textures as your point of interest in your framing of a shot. Highlights and shadows will also stand out in your shot.
4. Time of Day? Weather Conditions? - Shooting digital black and white seems to work best in lower contrast. So, a darker, more overcast day is a perfect time to shoot out door shots.
5. RAW vs. JPEG - Oh, the debate between these two. This subject is funny with me, because most digital photographers and professionals are die hard RAW users or die hard JPEG users. For me, I kind of float between both ends of the spectrum. I like to use both formats; depending on what I'm shooting, what I plan to do with the shots post-processing, and what kind of time frame I'm looking at. It's one of those areas that's really a matter of preference and option. There is no "wrong" one to shoot in. Both formats produce great results, it's all about what you're going after.
Now, that pretty much sums up my personal importances for black and white photos. I hope you can find some of this info helpful to you.
More detailed info on the "RAW vs. JPEG" debate to follow; along with photos. :)
Saturday, May 21, 2011
...and they do grow up
Today is a bitter-sweet day. My first-born baby graduated from pre-school. I don't know where the time goes. I really don't. I will say though, that I'm quite proud of myself that I managed to not cry at his graduation ceremony. I wasn't exactly sure how all that would turn out. But, all the children were so incredibly adorable, and did so awesome with their program, that I ended up finding myself relishing in well more laughter than tears.
So now, it's on to kindergarten this August. I'm terrified. I won't lie. Things aren't like they were when I was in school. And I feel like I cannot protect my babies enough. But, I know that it's just one of those things in life that you can't do anything about. All you can do is your best as a parent, and pray that all the pieces fall where they're destined to.
Scared as I am about this whole kindergarten business, I am also joyful, and thankful. I am thrilled because he is excited and I am blessed beyond words that he is healthy, and able to even attend school. I am also so thankful and appreciative to the amazing teachers that he has had throughout pre-school. I could not have asked for a better, more loving and nurturing group of women to have my child learn from. Not only were they molding him and teaching him, they they have truly been friends to him. He loves each and every one of them, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that they love him just as much.
Peanut, I am so proud of you! You are such a smart, kind, full hearted boy, and I just know you are going to grow up to do great things. Mommy loves you *to the moon and back*. So spread your wings, and fly...the world is waiting for you; one school year at a time.
So now, it's on to kindergarten this August. I'm terrified. I won't lie. Things aren't like they were when I was in school. And I feel like I cannot protect my babies enough. But, I know that it's just one of those things in life that you can't do anything about. All you can do is your best as a parent, and pray that all the pieces fall where they're destined to.
Scared as I am about this whole kindergarten business, I am also joyful, and thankful. I am thrilled because he is excited and I am blessed beyond words that he is healthy, and able to even attend school. I am also so thankful and appreciative to the amazing teachers that he has had throughout pre-school. I could not have asked for a better, more loving and nurturing group of women to have my child learn from. Not only were they molding him and teaching him, they they have truly been friends to him. He loves each and every one of them, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that they love him just as much.
Peanut, I am so proud of you! You are such a smart, kind, full hearted boy, and I just know you are going to grow up to do great things. Mommy loves you *to the moon and back*. So spread your wings, and fly...the world is waiting for you; one school year at a time.
Your little hands wrapped around my finger
And it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter 'cause you're dreaming
So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light
To you, everything's funny
You got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have, honey
If you could stay like that
~TS~
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Welcome to my blog, and thanks so much for stopping by! This will be the first of many exciting blogs to come. A lot of you reading this already know me, so it goes without saying this blog will exert both my passions of writing, and photography.
I started writing as early as elementary school. It all started with short stories, then led to poems, song lyrics, and the list goes on and on. I'm notorious for writing when an inspiration or specific thought or feeling about something urgently just strikes. I have to seize the moment and start writing asap. :)
As for taking pictures, this is something I have also always loved, from a very young age. I would grab a camera as a child and snap away of anything and everything. Not much has changed. If anything, my passion, my possession, my addiction, has only gotten worse. Or better I should say. Taking photos and trying to perfect my angles, effects, or just seizing that very moment, or making a memory has always been a hobby that I truly love. Recently, I began to get requests from family and friends for me to photograph them, their children, etc. I was delighted, as I had upgraded my camera equipment and this was the perfect opportunity for me to practice practice practice! Ever since then, I have become somewhat overwhelmed with the response I've received from those around me for photo shoots. Because of that, I have had a whirlwind of "keeping busy" and am so excited. I am not a professional photographer, so this kind of response to my work delights me beyond words. It means so much to hear someone say they love what I've done; and that right there makes it all so worthwhile.
I could go on and on, but I should probably save some of my blabbing for future blog posts. I do hope those of you reading this will continue to stop by - I hope you find enjoyable reads, laughs, photography tips, info on upcoming photo sessions with me, etc. Oh, and for those of you who don't know, I'm kind of an entertainment junkie too. So though this blog is mainly dedicated to photography, you will also find other topics will grace these pages as well. I'm always full of surprises and as my sister would say "so random." But hey, that makes life fun, right?
Please check in often, as I will be posting exciting new stuff soon! As for those of you who I have already had the joy of photographing, thank you. I have enjoyed each and every shoot thus far, and only hope that I can work with you again in the future. I am always learning something new, whether it be with my camera, the photo session itself, or just about people. So come along with me on this journey. I think you will enjoy the ride.
~Erin
I started writing as early as elementary school. It all started with short stories, then led to poems, song lyrics, and the list goes on and on. I'm notorious for writing when an inspiration or specific thought or feeling about something urgently just strikes. I have to seize the moment and start writing asap. :)
As for taking pictures, this is something I have also always loved, from a very young age. I would grab a camera as a child and snap away of anything and everything. Not much has changed. If anything, my passion, my possession, my addiction, has only gotten worse. Or better I should say. Taking photos and trying to perfect my angles, effects, or just seizing that very moment, or making a memory has always been a hobby that I truly love. Recently, I began to get requests from family and friends for me to photograph them, their children, etc. I was delighted, as I had upgraded my camera equipment and this was the perfect opportunity for me to practice practice practice! Ever since then, I have become somewhat overwhelmed with the response I've received from those around me for photo shoots. Because of that, I have had a whirlwind of "keeping busy" and am so excited. I am not a professional photographer, so this kind of response to my work delights me beyond words. It means so much to hear someone say they love what I've done; and that right there makes it all so worthwhile.
I could go on and on, but I should probably save some of my blabbing for future blog posts. I do hope those of you reading this will continue to stop by - I hope you find enjoyable reads, laughs, photography tips, info on upcoming photo sessions with me, etc. Oh, and for those of you who don't know, I'm kind of an entertainment junkie too. So though this blog is mainly dedicated to photography, you will also find other topics will grace these pages as well. I'm always full of surprises and as my sister would say "so random." But hey, that makes life fun, right?
Please check in often, as I will be posting exciting new stuff soon! As for those of you who I have already had the joy of photographing, thank you. I have enjoyed each and every shoot thus far, and only hope that I can work with you again in the future. I am always learning something new, whether it be with my camera, the photo session itself, or just about people. So come along with me on this journey. I think you will enjoy the ride.
~Erin
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