Photos Between Friends

14 Months

2010-07-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

ISO 100

I can't believe my baby is almost 14 months! I am also happy that I shot a picture in manual and it wasn't blurry!

Gifford Farm House

2010-07-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

ISO 200 (not sure how to grab the other specs of the photo, but I'll figure it our eventually! Heartland action by PW)

This is the Gifford Farm House at Captial Reef National Park. A trip to Capital Reef isn't complete without a trip to the farm house for ice cream, salsa & nacho cheese, but not eaten together of course!

Do you want to start posting again? I need practice and your tips!!

Salt Lake Temple

2009-03-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

I went to the Salt Lake Temple a few weeks ago for my cousin's wedding and was able to snap a few quick pictures. I used Picasa to edit it. Something different and kinda fun!

The Train

2008-11-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

I finally got out today and took some pictures! K got a new camera so we were excited to try it out. I think she looks so pretty in the picture and I covet her sweater that I talked her into buying. I am just so proud of her for not buying yet another hoodie!

Get posting lady!

So Excited!!

2008-10-05T15:39:00.001-07:00

Yeah - I'm just a little excited for our trip next week. We leave in 5 days!

f/3.2, 1/800, ISO 200

Open Road

2008-09-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken as we were driving in the car to Fish Lake (ignore the smashed bugs on the windshield). I know I know I need to get in gear and really practice taking pictures! I will. Why are things always so busy and crazy?!

Pears

2008-09-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Do you love pears? I do! And these smelled incredible! I took this while I was at the orchard waiting for Les to get there. They were so awesome!

f/5.6, 1/60, ISO 400

I didn't have any money with me so I didn't buy any, but I've been thinking about them ever since. I really should go back and get some.

Photos in the Orchard

2008-09-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

I'm ALIVE!! Sorry I've been a bad photographer lately. I don't know what my problem is! But yesterday I had a little last minute photo shoot with Leslie - my old photo blog pal! She's in town from Denver and we did a little shoot with her family. The owners of this fruit orchard graciously let us shoot there. It was so picturesque I was DYING!

Yes - we stuck the poor kid in an apple basket! We were so surprised he let us.

And I am so horrible at groups and family shots, that I was really happy about how this one came out!

And of course as I was lying in bed last night I thought of like 4 other really cute ideas I should have done. :( I couldn't get my creative juices flowin' while we were there and I'm kicking myself now.

This shoot inspired me to get out and take more pictures. I'm not learning and growing. I think I may even be falling backwards. So - I'm determined to get out and shoot more pictures.

Little Miss O

2008-09-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

I can usually get O to smile for at least one picture when I see her, but on Sunday she was being shy and was trying to hide. I love her sweet eyes.

Sparkle

2008-09-15T21:57:00.001-07:00

Cheating again. I had a weirdo day. Lazy, unmotivated, blech. Not in a picture taking mood. Sooo . . . yet again I'm cheating. This is from the 24h of July. Baby E and a sparkler. I am pretty proud of this shot!

f/2.8, 1/50, ISO 800, 50mm

Wanna have lunch some time this week? I'd suggest a photo walk but first we just need a full lunch hour to chat and catch up.

Birthday Boy

2008-09-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today is my Grandpa's 73rd birthday. I snuck this picture of him yesterday without him knowing and LOVE the way it turned out. He was laughing at my dad.

I'm a Soccer Wife

2008-09-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

So, Josh has started playing on a soccer team call the Hooligans. I went today and tried out our brand new lens! Yep - we got a new lens! It's a 20 to 135mm zoom lens. The game was a little late and it got too dark to get any good action shots but as long as they were holding still I could get something!

f/4.0, 1/40, ISO400, zoom lens

I was happy with this one. This is pretty much straight out of the camera!

Exciting, Eh?

2008-09-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't been taking many pictures lately - too much going on! Once I finish J's anniversary gift I will be a picture taking maniac! I took this picture of my feet while sitting on the lawn during my lunch break. I was playing with the aperature.

Historic Courthouse

2008-09-08T18:03:00.001-07:00

I took this picture of the Historic Provo Courthouse on my lunch break last week. I didn't edit it at all. I am glad that I paused and reminded myself of this beautiful building I drive past every day!!

(Obvious posting problems AGAIN!!)

Silliness

2008-09-08T16:35:00.001-07:00

I'm cheating today. No time to go out and take pictures. I took this at my grandma's 81st birthday party a few Saturdays ago. This is my cousin's little boy after eat cake and ice cream. I told him to stop and smile and this is what I got!

f/1.8, 1/50, ISO 100, 50mm

What a spaz!

Monkey Business

2008-09-05T20:16:00.001-07:00

I know what you're thinking: "WOO HOO! Another picture of jewelry!"

I know, I'm sorry. But its all I took pictures of today. I made this for my niece, Ali, for her birthday. We are getting together for a birthday party for her tomorrow. She just turned 14. I hope she likes it!

f/3.2, 1/60, ISO 400, 50mm

As you can see, there's a matching bracelet and little earrings (not pictured) too. Beading is fun!

Crosswalk

2008-09-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

I walked around Provo on my lunch break yesterday and snapped this picture of a crosswalk button. We see them all the time, but have you ever read what it says? I have no idea why my pictures are so flippin' tall! They are that way when I load them into Photobucket and I save them for web at 1000 width!

Photos Blogs that Inspire!!!

2008-09-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

This morning Marci showed me two Utah photographers blogs who are seriously unbelievable! So inspiring! I could look at them for hours!

http://photosbyangie.blogspot.com/

http://blushphotography.blogspot.com/

Mister E

2008-09-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

I met my friend Shan downtown this evening and took some pictures of Mister E. It was very fun! He's only 10 months and walking like a champ!

f/3.2, /250, ISO 200, 50mm

f/3.2, 1/80, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful

f/3.2, 1/160, ISO 200, Desaturated

f/5.0, 1/30, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful

Mister E's daddy is a huge Steelers fan. Can you tell?

f/3.2, 1/125, ISO 200, 50mm

And this - I kid you not - was the VERY last frame I took. This is the sign that we have to be DONE!

f/3.2, 1/80, ISO 200, 50mm

Very fun shoot.

I'm So Green

2008-09-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

That's what I keep telling Josh at least. I'm so green. I bought bags to take to and from the grocery store! I LOVE using them. It makes me feel cool.

f/3.5, 1/25, ISO 400, 50mm

I know. Pretty boring shot. But I lead a pretty boring life! HAHA

Waiting for the Parade

2008-09-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

J has decided that he doesn't like me to take his picture, so every time I tell him to smile he closes his eyes and pulls a silly face. I have found that I get much better results if I sneak up on him, so that's exactly what I did while we were waiting for the parade to start on Labor Day. It isn't centered, but I kind of like it that way!

Rock On

2008-09-02T21:47:00.001-07:00

We sure missed ya at Beading Beauties tonight! We beaded outside on my patio. It was fun!!

I made one of my big chunky necklaces to sell on Stacy's new website she just started. She's selling handmade crafts/gifts. We'll see if it actually sells!! haha Anyway - not exciting, but this is what I made. I even pulled out the tripod to get this shot! hehe

f/5.6, 0.3, ISO 200, 50mm

Fish Lake Lodge

2008-09-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the Fish Lake Lodge. It is over 100 years old! I wanted the picture to have an old feeling to it, and it would if it weren't for that impressive pontune boat!!

Fun Daddy

2008-09-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so I had a totally lazy Labor Day and didn't go out and take pictures so you get to see another cute shot from my shoot with Little D last week. His daddy is so fun (he's my brother's best bud). He tosses his boy around and makes him laugh and laugh. It was fun to capture their sweet bond.

f/4.5, 1/250, ISO 400, Professional Retro

Ferris Wheel

2008-09-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

I hurried and snapped this picture last night at the carnival as we were leaving the band concert due to the rain!! I really like the way that it turned out! I just adjusted the saturation and it was good to go! I like wanted to keep the color but subdue it a bit.

Notice that I actually posted the picture the correct way!! Yeah! Now all I have to do is figure out the settings that I used for the shot and I am good to go!

LOSER ALERT!!

2008-08-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

I'm a big loser but I have the hardest time remembering to post on the weekends! ARGH. Here it is after midnight on Sunday and I have posted nothing all weekend. OOPS! SORRY GIRLY! Tomorrow I'll go out and take something I promise.

Grandpa's Garden

2008-08-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

To most people his picture isn't very impressive - it's just a picture of a garden. But to me, this picture is priceless. Is is a picture of my grandpa's garden. He takes great pride in his garden and his yard. If you look closely you can see that he has a separate garden just for corn in the back. He is getting older and his health isn't great. He crawls around in the dirt picking weeds and gathering vegetables because the ground is uneven and is hard for him to walk on. He is hardworking and doesn't let anything get him down. So, which this is just a simple picture of a garden, to me it is so much more!!

Hanging Lanterns

2008-08-29T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today I spent most of the day on a ladder hanging tons of these lanterns in trees for a class reunion that we decorated for. I LOVE them. I am posting from a computer that doesn't have Photoshop so I just bumped up the color a bit!

Bringing Home a Baby Bumble Bee

2008-08-29T15:01:00.001-07:00

Ok - I can't even tell you how nervous I was taking these pictures! My hands were sweating, I was shaking. I was so freaked out that they were all going to turn on me and attack. Or that I'd bump into one while I was focused on another. Whew. I'm really glad I got a good picture to post and that it's over!

f/4.0, 1/125, ISO 400, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful

But I had to document these bees! There are TONS of the fattest, fuzziest, hugest bees just outside our front door totally coating themselves in pollen. This picture doesn't even show how covered they get before they head off, back to the hive I suppose. They seriously look like little puffs of light yellow pollen by the time they leave. It's pretty funny looking.

Little D is 1 Year Old

2008-08-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

A friend of my brother's little boy turned 1 and they asked me to take some 1 year old pictures of him. So this evening I met them downtown Provo and we wandered around and took pictures. Little D was a little too busy, and taking pictures was a little too boring for him, but overall he did great and we got some really fun shots. Here are just a few from this evening.

f/4.0, 1/125, ISO 200

f/4.5, 1/60, ISO 400

f/4.5, 1/100, ISO 400

f/4.0, 1/320, ISO 400

There are a lot more cute ones too! It was hard to pick just a few. Anyway - it was good practice. I need to learn to juggle paying attention to my focus, my camera settings AND being ready to snap the shots. Little ones distract me too much. I feel frazzled trying to handle the kiddo and do all the other stuff too. But I'll learn!

Fishin' Reel

2008-08-28T17:34:00.001-07:00

My bro & J were fishing at Fish Lake and I snapped this picture of my bro's fishing reel. I like the way it turned out!! I like the silvery look of the reel with the light green line. Wow - who knew I would love the colors of a reel so much!! I don't know why my pictures always post so tall!! I save them as 1000 wide. HELP!!

Little Brother

2008-08-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

A little explanation for our readers: My sweet friend Les just didn't have the time to do our photo-a-day blog! I don't blame her! She's got her hands full with three little ones! So - I invited my other sweet friend Angie to do it and she agreed! HOORAY! Even though we live just 20 miles away from each other, we still do need a blog to keep in touch!

So - welcome Ang! So excited you want to do this with me.

These are my little cousins at Bear Lake. Getting them to pose and smile was nearly impossible. They are way too goofy to just stand there and be cute. This shot seriously cracked me up!!

f/3.2, 1/4000, ISO 200, 50mm

What a couple of goof-balls!

Capital Reef

2008-08-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

Here is my first photo post! I took this picture in Capital Reef National Park. This is the straight out of the camera shot - no Photoshop enhancements added! I will eventually learn how to include the details/info. that my camera shows before I shoot, but for now this is all I have. I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve!

Brief Intermission

2008-07-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed we haven't been posting as of late. Life is hectic and we are just keeping it real. So - please check back later after our brief intermission.

Day 55 & 56 - More Disneyland

2008-07-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

So I haven't taken any pictures in the last two days, but I just HAVE to share more Disneyland pictures anyway!

f/4.5, 1/800, ISO 200, 50mm

Day 54 - WHOA!

2008-07-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

My dad took Baby E on the trampoline. I went out to snap some pics. The most she bounced the more static-y her hair got! It was really funny!

f/5.0, 1/800, ISO 400, 50mm

Day 53 - Hey Batter Batter

2008-07-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

OK so its no masterpiece, but its a fun shot. He's got his eye on that ball! And he's about to get a GREAT hit! I just like it.

f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO 400, 50mm

I just like all the kids waiting in line by the dugout. I like Josh, Tami and Crazy watching in the background. It's just a fun memory. I'm glad we got to go see Mr. Man play his last game this morning.

Day 52 - Buddies

2008-07-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

We got to babysit the boys for a couple hours yesterday. Can you just tell how much Crazy LOVES Josh?

f/1.8, 1/80, ISO 400, 50mm

I loved what the light was doing at this time of day in their living room.

Day 51 - The Castle

2008-07-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

My FAVORITE time at Disneyland is after the fireworks, when its getting late and people have all started to filter out of the park. It's quite and pretty and TOTALLY my favorite.

f/3.5, 1/6, ISO 1600, 50mm

I LOVE my camera. I've always wanted to take neat shots like this at Disneyland and now I can!!!!!!!

Day 50 - A Jungle Cruise

2008-07-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry - hectic week. Let me catch up!

f/3.2, 1/125, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Soft & Faded

Took this in Disneyland last Saturday (obviously). Wow its been almost a week since I was there. This week REALLY flew by!

Day 49 - Uh Oh!

2008-07-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

More pics from babysitting Baby E yesterday. It's RIDICULOUS how gorgeous this child is!

f/1.8, 1/60, ISO 400, 50mm

She says a LOT of adorable things. "Uh-Oh" never sounded so cute!

Day 48 - My Little Care Bear

2008-07-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Ok - so read my blog and you'll know exactly where I've been since last Wednesday!!! It's been INSANE!

BUT - Marci and Baby E are in town! HORRAY! I had something adorable to shoot today!!

f/4.0, 1/400, ISO 400, 50mm

There are a couple more in my blog entry!!

xoxo

Day 43 - Ferris Wheel

2008-07-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

This is from yesterday while we were at Lagoon. Not horrible for just a point and shoot.

Day 42 - I Heart Him

2008-07-08T23:26:00.001-07:00

Today is my amazing husband's birthday. This is what I gave him.

It was a tricky set up - timer, correct focus, etc. - but I figured it all out and did it all by myself!! I know its a little cheesy, but he liked it!

Here's a snapshot of him this morning after I gave it to him (just so you can see the final product).

We had a fun day at Lagoon today for his birthday celebration! Just the two of us. It was HOT, but we still had a great time!

Day 41 - Cutie M

2008-07-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

I got to shoot a friend's sweet 3 month old this morning, Cutie M. This was frame 1 - I should have known we'd get some cute ones with a first frame like this!

f/3.2, 1/250, ISO 200, 50mm

Cutie M was so chill (most of the time). We just hung out and let her do her thing and snapped snapped snapped.

f/5.0, 1/80, ISO 200, 50mm

f/5.0, 1/125, ISO 200, 50mm

f/3.5, 1/125, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful

And my personal favorite from the session . . .

f/4.5, 1/160, ISO 200, 500mm

Thanks so much R, for bringing Cutie M over. It was a lot of fun!!

This little session REALLY made me want to see and take pictures of your new little one, Les! When are you going to post or send some actual pictures???

Day 40 - On the Lake

2008-07-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

We're back from boating/camping and we had a GREAT time. I only took my point and shoot for snapshots, (I'm too paranoid about our nice camera) but I figured I'd share some of the pics anyway.

Rae - our little camping queen.

Josh - the wave king.

And Cam and my dad. Cameron has turned into a full-fledged big high school teenager when we weren't looking!

So - no spectacular photos. But it was fun! hehe

Day 35 & 36 - more cheating

2008-07-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I'm a big fat cheater today. But its nagging me so I'm going to cheat just to get "caught up". I've been sooo busy lately that taking pictures has had to get pushed to the back burner. I hate that.

So here is a picture from that when we were out at Thanksgiving Point last weekend.

f/6.3, 1/1000, ISO 200, 50mm, TTV Frame

And here's one from Sunday's get-together. Little Smiley - Future Soccer Star.

f/6.3, 1/250, ISO 200, 50mm, Urban Acidify

Day 35 - Daddy's Shoes

2008-07-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

Now that Tami FINALLY gave her hubby this gift I can FINALLY post this photo I took of her sweet boys. Ash and I came up with this idea for father's day and I had to get Tami on board (not having boys of my own). It only took a few minutes to snap a good one and I think he really liked it!

f/8.0, 1/60, ISO 200, 50mm

Day 33 & 34 - Late Father's Day

2008-06-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. I had a sort of anti-computer day. It was nice!! haha Anyway - sorry I didn't post a photo.

Today we had a combined family gathering in the park. By combined I mean Josh's and mine. It was really fun! With all our schedules this was the first Sunday we were all in town and could get together to celebrate our dads.

Ok so on our last picnic in the park (Mother's Day) I TOTALLY failed at my attempt of taking pictures of my nephews on the swing. They were BAD! Well, I'm proud to say that apparently I've improved in the last month and this time I did not fail! That shows progress, which is all I can ask for. OK - so here are my non-horrible swing pics!

f/6.3, 1/200, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful (can't believe I got a clear show with such a slow shutter speed!)

f/6.3, 1/320, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful

And I really loved this one I took of Tami and her dad (my FIL). It's not artsy or anything, I just thought it was super cute.

f/5.6, 1/250, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful

Tami, you look like you're 21 in this picture! :)

Well Les, hope you and your baby boy are doing well. Can't wait to see some amazing newborn photos!!! :) xoxo

Day 33 - The Movie Show

2008-06-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

***Announcement!*** Leslie had her baby boy today so while she won't be posting, I'll keep taking pictures and talking to her like she's here. CONGRATS LES!!! I LOVE YOU and your little man is gorgeous. Can't wait to meet him!

Can you guess what movie Josh and I and my family went to see tonight??

f/6.3, 1/400, ISO 200, 50mm, Boutwell Magic Glasses

It was GREAT!! We went all the way out to Thanksgiving Point's movie theater because they assign seats so you don't have to go early and wait in line! It was WORTH the little drive out there!!! So awesome to show up ten minutes before a brand new movie!!

Anyway - I digress. I love Thanksgiving Point's theater because of it's old timey exterior. I brought my camera to snap a few shots after the movie. The light was really warm and pretty. But my family was waiting for us to go to dinner so I was really rushed. I don't think I really captured the angle I wanted but I guess they are alright.

f/11, 1/125, ISO 200, 50mm, Boutwell Magic Glasses

f/6.3, 1/640, ISO 200, 50mm, Boutwell Magic Glasses

Check out that blue sky!! I swear I didn't enhance it. That's what it came out of my camera like!! It was a gorgeous night.

Well, enjoy that baby! I really wish you didn't live so far away so I could come hold him tonight!!

Day 32 - Neighborhood Collage

2008-06-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

Felt like doing a collage today. Took a walk around my neighborhood not knowing what I'd find. It was fun.

50mm & PW Fresh & Colorful Action on all of them

If you want to see each photo REALLY close, I also uploaded a ginormous version of the collage here.

Day 31 - I Cooked!

2008-06-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

I cooked a yummy dinner tonight. So yummy I thought it deserved a photo. Random, I know.

f/2.8, 1/30, ISO 200, 50mm

Do you like my failed attempt at twice baked potatoes? They were still delicious but red potatoes don't really work for twice baked potatoes! haha.

Any baby yet?? I keep thinkin' about you.

Day 30 - Girl in the Glass

2008-06-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to post yesterday!! OOPS!! Lost my head. Here's my reflection photo for Hope & Believe's challenge this week.

f/5.0, 1/15, ISO 200, PW Sharpen & Define

This is me. :)

Day 29 - Comically Boring

2008-06-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

I'm a cheater today. It was a busy hectic day. So, this is a pic I took on Saturday. Its from my backyard. I thought our antenna on the roof with the peeking mountain and little puff of cloud was hilariously mundane.

f/20.0, 1/60, ISO 100, 50mm, PW Soft & Faded

But, hey its reality!

Day 28 - Neighbor's Flowers

2008-06-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

My neighbors flowers along our shared fence in the front yard just started to bloom. They are gorgeous. I mean, they are pink! You know I love them.

f/3.5, 1/800, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful

Hurry up and have that baby already!! :)

Day 28-Ham & Cheese

2008-06-22T20:03:00.001-07:00

Bear is such a little character-I turned around to see what she was doing & this is what I saw

What a Ham & always willing to smile & say, "CHEESE"

P.S. I have one week left until my due date & I really hope this baby is coming soon!

Day 27 - Hand in Hand

2008-06-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

Josh and I went on a photo adventure TOGETHER today! Something we've never done before. He took most of the pictures, but I set this one up with the timer. It's for the photo wall I'm working on. It will take a long time to collect enough photos, since I'm still learning, but I knew I wanted one like this.

f/3.5, 1/100, ISO 200, 50mm, PW's B&W w/TTV Frame

Does the rock in the background bug you? I think I'll have to re-do it. I want it more symmetrical, with a piece of Josh & a piece of me on each side and no weirdo rock in the background. Doh. The only time I actually want symmetry!! Oh well, we'll have to do a take 2 some time.

Oh well - I still like this one. Just not for my wall.

Day 25 & 26 - Random Findings

2008-06-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

Most times when I get in my car and go for a "photo adventure" (as I like to call them), I have NO IDEA what I'll find to shoot. Today I needed to find at least two somethings to make up for my lack of photo yesterday. Here is what I found . . .

This guy was hanging out in someone's backyard protecting a few apple trees. He's across the street from our church and I never noticed him before!

f/5.6, 1/640, ISO 200, 50mm, Professional Retro

A little further down the road I found a really rustic orchard and this awesome beat up old car in front of it. I think I'm going to go back and take some pictures of one of the boys in front of it. I'll have to be brave and see if I can find out who the owner is an ask them. It wasn't exactly by a house or anything so that will be interesting . . .

f/5.6, 1/640, ISO 200, 50mm, Professional Retro

I had to block out the license plate number, so try and pretend thats not there.

So that was my tiny photo adventure today!

Day 24 - Window

2008-06-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ok - I totally forgot to post this yesterday. It was a CRAZY day!! Sorry. This is the last photo from our KC trip that I'll post. I'll actually go out and take some new pictures today and get caught up this evening!

f/11, 1/50, ISO 400, 50mm, Urban Acidify

Day-23 Pair of Lips (my pic for Hope & Believe)

2008-06-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

This is my picture for the challenge from Hope & Believe's blog. My sweet little bear never sleeps with out her beloved blanket. I Found her asleep in the front room, on top of a big couch pillow, and she had spread her blanket over the top before resting her little head. Look at that cute pair of puffy little lips. I thought she was probably breathing through her mouth, but nope, no air-maybe they are just too puffy to stay shut?!

Wow, I can't believe I have already missed a whole week of posting!! I have just been so busy trying to get everything ready for this baby, trying to pack, and doing the daily tasks of being "mom". I actually have been taking pictures, but I can't seem to find the extra time to sit down & play with them on PS the way I like to. If I had a better camera, or could figure out how to use mine better I wouldn't feel like I needed to spend so much time editing them. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to just go right on over to Costco and blow the money on an awesome camera, but I just can't justify it. The most frustrating thing is that I have read the manual that comes with my camera, but even the little tricks that I should be able to do aren't working. It is very discouraging at times. So...I am still here, enjoying your pics & slowly posting my "work". I am glad that you had such an enjoyable trip & can't wait to see even more of your fun shots!

Day 23 - Fountain

2008-06-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

In our hotel courtyard there was a BIG fountain and of course the little ones LOVED it!!

This is Rae splashing her Papa (her grandpa was VERY nice and took to her look at the fountain over and over and over and over).

f/2.5, 1/6, ISO 400, 50mm

And Baby E loved it too.

f/1.8, 1/80, ISO 400, 50mm

Hope everything is ok! I know you're busy but its been a long time since I've heard from ya! Any baby yet??

Day 19, 20, 21 & 22 - Kansas City

2008-06-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back from our trip. As we were driving through KC from the airport to our hotel I was so excited to get out into the city and take pictures, but our short stay there did NOT allow for as much picture taking as I thought it might! I was bummed. BUT I was able to get some taken of Baby E and Rae. I don't know why, but I was thinking I would take more photos of them, have more interesting shoots and get better photos of them than I did. So I was a little disappointed. But dang these girls are cute.

Rae is only 2 so getting her to cooperate was a trick. BUT once she started to cooperate it was like SNAP SNAP SNAP MAGIC!!

f/3.5, 1/250, ISO 100, 50mm

This was my trick. I said "Oh Rae!! Are you a pretty princess?! You ARE A PRINCESS!" and she'd start to do amazingly adorable things like THIS!!!

f/3.5, 1/200, ISO 100, 50 mm, PW Fresh & Colorful adjusted

Ok - I have to whine a little. The lighting in the big courtyard area in the hotel, where we did most of our hanging out over the weekend, was gorgeous but had HORRID light for picture taking. It was SO HARD to get good settings and not have every picture be blurry or have bizarre colors. Especially taking pictures of busy toddlers! SO many amazing pictures ruined with motion blur!!! But every once in a while I got a good one.

f/1.8, 1/15, ISO 400, 50mm

f/1.8, 1/15, ISO 400, 50mm, Urban Acidify

And what about Baby E? Well, poor Baby E got a fever while she was there!!

f/3.5, 1/4, ISO 400, 50mm, PW's B&W

So when I was taking her picture when she was feeling a little better, she still wasn't giving us very happy faces. But I did get SOME good shots of her.

I've just been informed that JOSH took this one! Oops. We were handing the camera back and forth when this one was taken and I could have sworn this one was me. OH WELL. Good job Josh.

f/1.8, 1/100, ISO 400. 50mm

f/4.0, 1/250, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful adjusted

She wouldn't give me very many sweet faces (poor sick baby) so I settled for some non-face shots! haha

f/4.0, 1/250, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful

We were even able to get a shot of the PAIR of them together! (Yes, a pair - just for Hope & Believe!!)

f/7.1, 1/80, ISO 200, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful

I posted a few others on my regular blog if you want to see those too. And no, I didn't ONLY take pictures of these babes! But I gotta save some stuff for tomorrow!! :)

Can't wait to see more photos from you Les!!

Rub the belly for me! MWAH!

Day 18 - On the Other Side

2008-06-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ok I really AM a Bird Lady!! I didn't even know there was a bird on the gate until I put the camera to my face! The birds are the Bird Lady's friend these days! AND it was a REALLY cool bird!

f/3.5, 1/100, ISO 400, 50mm

This is at the back corner of our yard that peeks into our neighbor's pretty yard! :)

Well, I leave for Missouri tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn so I won't have a post for Friday or Saturday but on Sunday night I'm sure I'll have TONS of new photos to post!!

'See' ya Sunday.

Day 17 - Bird Lady

2008-06-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Funny story. I stepped outside for a little "picture walk" around the neighborhood and I didn't even make it past my driveway. I almost tripped over this little guy.

f/3.5, 1/1000, ISO 400, 50mm

I'm ALWAYS trying to take pictures of all the birds in our yard, but they never let me get anywhere near close enough. But this little guy must have been injured or something because he didn't move at all. He just looked at me, chirped, and basked in the sun. I couldn't believe my luck! I crawled ALL around him trying different angles, light, etc. expecting him to fly away at any moment, but he didn't move! It was so fun. As soon as I stood up to go back inside, he turned around hopped onto the grass and into the shade (where I wouldn't have gotten a great shot of him) and flew away.

Later, I noticed him hopping around the front grass again. He must be hurt I guess. Poor guy. But I sure appreciate him sitting in the sunshine and being my little model!

Day 16 - Call Me

2008-06-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

I promise I'll actually go outside and take some more interesting photos tomorrow! I didn't go out at ALL today! This is my retro phone. I love it. We don't even have phone service, we just use our cell phones. But I still love it for decoration.

f/1.8, 1/15, ISO 400, 50mm, Urban Acidify

And even though it doesn't tell a great story, this a bits & pieces picture for Hope & Believe's challenge! :)

Day 15 - Princess Pez

2008-06-09T20:30:00.001-07:00

For Mother's Day Josh gave me a full set of Disney Princess Pez. Fun huh? (Over the years we've sort of just made each other start collecting Pez!)

f/1.8, 1/160, ISO 200, 50 mm, PW Fresh & Colorful, TTV Frame

And yes, they are in order starting with my favorite. It was just a more interesting looking shot having Aurora in focus instead of Ariel.

Day-15 Fresh from the Dryer

2008-06-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

I had just taken this blue blanket out of the dryer & Tiger was so excited to be wrapped in it & enjoy the all over warmth. She looked sort of like Cookie Monster! I wish I could have gotten a few more good shots.

Overlay 54% in PS 4.0

Sorry I have been out of the daily loop-here are a few pictures from the past few days that I meant to post, but didn't get around to. Enjoy!!

Day-14 Carefree

2008-06-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to take the girls to the park or on an outing of some sort as often as I can. I don't know how soon I will brave taking 3 kids out and about-hopefully the adjustment will be quick. Tiger loves the curvy slide & She would go down over and over again each time seeming increasingly carefree. Oh, to be a kid in the summertime again!

Overlay 53% in PS 4.0

Day-13 Secure

2008-06-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

This picture is a tiny portion of a bigger picture, but when I noticed the other moment I had caught I had to crop in on it. We were at the Zoo & our little Bear seamed somewhat unsure about some of the larger animals. She held on to her daddy's hand as she stood looking at the elephants in amazement. I love to see my hubby's big strong hand holding our little child so secure.

Brush Strokes Filter in PS 4.0

Day-12 Imperfect Perfection

2008-06-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

The lighting is all wrong, the girls aren't sitting the way I had "instructed", & I couldn't figure out how to edit the car from the background. However, I find myself looking at this picture as near perfection because of the naturally happy expressions on both of my girls little faces. A moment in time to realize that true happiness does not require perfection, and that I can find perfection & happiness in every imperfect moment. (Does that make sense at all?)

Pin light 84% with PS 4.0

Day 14 - Birthday BBQ

2008-06-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

We had a big BBQ at our house today with all of J's family. We have a BUNCH of birthdays right in a row at the end of May/first of June, so we decided to just have one big party and celebrate 'em all.

My pictures ALL came out very ordinary and not creative. :( I was disappointed. But here's a few anyway.

f/5.0, 1/200, ISO 200, kit lens, Bitchin B&W

f/5.0, 1/2000, ISO 200, kit lens, Super Fun Happy

f/5.6, 1/60, ISO 200, kit lens, PW Fresh & Colorful

Turns out we have a sandbox! I sort of remember our landlord mentioning it when we first saw the house, but totally forgot about it until the kids found it this afternoon. They were entertained for a LONG time. So nice!!

Day 13 - Bird on a Wire

2008-06-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

There's something I really like about the silhouette of a bird on a wire. Lucky for me our backyard is full of wires and often times lots of birds.

f/3.2, 1/4000, ISO 400, 50 mm

Day 12 - Littlest

2008-06-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

Sooooo . . . I didn't take any pictures today! What I expected to be a couple hours of shopping with my mom somehow turned into a marathon 11 hour grueling search for a decent outfit. I'm NOT exaggerating. 11 hours.

So - I'm cheating and posting a picture I took the other day. Love this one of Smiley. Lookin' up at his big brother.

f/8.0, 1/60, ISO 200, 50mm

Day 11 - Rusted & Busted

2008-06-05T16:35:00.000-07:00

Do you know that little garden shop on State Street just north of Center? It always has that cool old rusty bike in front of it, and at Christmas time they wrap the bike in big funky Christmas lights? Well, I felt compelled to go take pictures of said bike. I didn't get many taken before the shop owner came out. She didn't exactly tell me to stop but she didn't look pleased. So, I went in and pretended to browse. Awkward . . .

f/3.2, 1/4000, ISO 400, PW B&W

(same)

Day-11 Pouring Rain

2008-06-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

We had this massive down pouring of rain last night with the gigantic lighting, booming thunder, & so much rain that it wouldn't go through the rain gutters. (I have to admit I was a little nervous-still the kid in me I guess?) I caught this picture of the water spilling off the sides of the roof ledge. I was hoping to get an awesome shot of some lightning but no luck!

I used the burn tool in PS on the rain gutter so that it wouldn't be the main focus

Day-10 Bear Cave

2008-06-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors gave us this pop up tent & so far my little Bear spends most of her time in it. She stuck her head partially out one of the crawl holes long enough for me to get a semi-fuzzy shot of her saying, "Pee-Pole" (reffering to the little people she was playing with) I hope the fascination doesn't wear off too soon, it is fun to look through the top down inside & see her playing quietly in her new "bear cave"! (yea, sorry for the day late post again)

I used the Dark Strokes Filter-I think

Day 10 - Double Fortunes

2008-06-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

We ordered Chinese tonight (not in a cooking mood!) and after we ate, as we were sitting watching SYTYCD, it occurred to me that I should take some pictures of the fortune cookies! After the show, I created my little set-up, cracked open my fortune cookie, and what did I find? DOUBLE FORTUNES!!! I've never had double fortunes in my life! Guess I'm double lucky!

f/1.8, 1/50, ISO 400, 50mm, Urban Acidify

Ok here's what my fortunes said. #1) "Now is a good time for a new collection or hobby". Umm, a hobby like PHOTOGRAPHY?? And #2) "You desire to discover new frontiers. It's time to travel". I ALWAYS want to travel!! Such good fortunes.

Can't wait to see what you've been snapping today.

Day 9 - Indy

2008-06-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

As soon as I walked into Mr. Man's house today he HAD to show me what he built in the kitchen. I didn't know what to expect, but he had this whole Indiana camp set up.

f/6.3, 1/40, ISO 800, 50mm, PW Fresh & Colorful

He was so proud that I wanted to take a picture of it! :)

Day-9 Trying hard not to "think pink"

2008-06-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

After having two girls in a row it was a real hard switch to make when shopping for baby stuff. (it didn't slow me down for long hehe) When I hung some of his stuff in the girls' closet it seemed really odd to see all of the white hangers with little blue outfits squished between all the pink hangers. No more thinkin pink!

I really messed with this shot longer than I should have & it came out a little messier than I had planned. I used a couple of different tools: smudge, dodge, burn, & almost all the light settings. I also played with the color temp & saturation. phew-see I told you I spent too much time!

Day-8 (a day late) Close Up

2008-06-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

We got some new end tables a little while back & I love the design on the front of the drawer. I thought it would be fun to get a different perspective on them by getting really close!!

I love how it gives the illusion of angled lines when your eye can't see them end-cool!

I may have already told you that I fell asleep on accident while putting the girls to bed & didn't get a chance to post this last night. I guess I shouldn't wait until the last minute to post! hehe Whoopsie.

Day 8 - Nephews: take 2

2008-06-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

Alright - my second attempt at the nephews photo shoot went pretty well. Three little guys is a tall order, and thank goodness w e had their mom AND dad there to wrangle them.

BUT there's no way I can pick one shot, so today you are getting EIGHT! Eight photos for day eight!

Total attitude.

f/8.0, 1/100, ISO 200, 50mm, TTV frame, SB Color Boost

This is so Mr. Man. He's a thinker and so sweet.

f/5.6, 1/50, ISO 250, 50mm, Urban Acidify

f/5.6, 1/50, ISO 320, 50 mm, PW Fresh and Colorful

This one took TOTAL adult team work!

f/3.5, 1/640, ISO 200, 50mm

f/5.0, 1/200, ISO 200, 50 mm, Urban Acidify

f/3.5, 1/1600, ISO 200, 50 mm, Professional Retro action

f/3.5, 1/125, ISO 200, 50 mm, SB Color Boost

f/3.5, 1/1000, ISO 200, 50 mm, PW Fresh and Colorful

Whew!! The end. Finally. Sorry for posting so many in one day but I just couldn't help myself.

Day-7 Woah!

2008-06-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Bear had tried several times to climb up a fairly steep tube so she could get to the top of a "big girl" slide. With a little help she finally made it & I got this picture before she had turned to go down. Looks like she got her Mom's big mouth! hehe

I changed the lighting on this a little with PS 4.0

Day 7 - Home Again

2008-06-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

Snapped this as we got home from our walk tonight. Dang, my husband is handsome!

f/1.8, 1/3200, ISO 800, 50mm, Cofeeshop Tea Selections Action (mixed)

Day-6 Nature

2008-05-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

Spring has so many beautiful things to offer, too bad one of them is hayfever!!

Day 6 - Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2008-05-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

You know I love baseball. One of my favorite things about summer. Last night we went to the Bees game with my parents. It was fun!

f/2.5, 1/200, ISO 200, 50 mm

f/2.5, 1/4000, ISO 125, 50mm (<--what the screwy settings! yikes)

f/2.5, 1/25, ISO 800, 50 mm

I love this last shot cuz Josh was waiting with his mitt to catch a foul ball (we were in preeeeemo foul ball territory) the ENTIRE game. Poor Josh. No foul balls came anywhere near us for some reason!!

So there are my baseball photos! :) hehe

See ya! (can you believe we are on day 6 already?)

Day-5 Nesting Dolls from Bosnia

2008-05-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

I was trying so hard to learn to use my camera to get some depth of field shots & they just weren't coming out at all. This one was the closest I got, but I was still unhappy with it so I tweaked it in PS Elements. (As you can see)

Another semi-frustrating photo moment, but hey I won't give up that easily!!

Les

Day 5 - Time for Mickey

2008-05-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is my pictures for Hope & Believe's environment challenge this week. This is the clock in my kitchen that hangs above the sink. I'm slowly trying to make my kitchen a retro "Mickey" kitchen. Anyway - this clock actually photographed a lot cuter than it actually is! It's sort cheap-o looking in real life. Isn't photography funny like that?

I loved the little shadow the clock was throwing. This is probably a dumb thing to say, but this would make a cute desktop wallpaper. haha!! I forced myself not to take a trip out to photograph today. Had to shoot MY environment and this what I ended up with!! It was a good challenge because it made me start looking around my every day setting with more of a photographer's eye.

Hope you're having a good day! Anything fun planned for the weekend? J and I are going to the Bees game tonight with my family. Then early morning garage sale-ing with my mom tomorrow, and Mr. Man's first ever coach pitch little league game! We are very excited to go cheer him on.

Wow - I was chatty with my post today!

See ya!

Day-4 Bug's Eye View

2008-05-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make, I did not take this picture today. Sorry to dissapoint, but I DID take it on the day when I was all geared up about starting this blog-does that count?? I wanted to get out and take pictures SO SO BAD today & we even went on our weekly library trip to be a part of "Book Babies". I thought I could get some great shots of them loving the library & all the books with thier cute little back packs on....NO-instead I ended up chasing them around trying not to look like an emotionally abussive parent while I helped them pick out books. Oh well, better luck next time.

Instead you get to see what I am guessing is a bug's eye view as it travels from leaf to leaf through a small tree. Sort of boring, but I didn't really have anything else.

I love this blog, but am getting a little tired of my lack of knowledge. I can't decide which I wish I knew more about, my camera or how to use Photoshop. Am I a big cheater because I am not using the manual setting on my camera?? I REALLY need to check out some photography books this weekend. (sorry about the vent)

Les

Day 4 - Nephews

2008-05-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

My first photo shoot with all three of these guys did NOT go well. I made a LOT of mistakes and learned some hard lessons. Sigh . . . oh well. Live and learn. Lucky for me, its hard not to end up with a few good shots when the kids are THIS cute!

Today is Mr. Man's 7th birthday. I only wish his birthday shoot could have gone a little better.

f/5.6, 1/160, ISO 200, kit lens

Crazy was all too eager to get in every shot. He was all over the place, but very fun.

f/5.0, 1/200, ISO 200, kit lens

And Smiley couldn't be cuter or sweeter. It takes NOTHING to get this kid to smile. You just have to look at him and he grins from ear to ear.

f/5.0, 1/160, ISO 200, kit lens

I love when you see sweet moments like this happen through the lens. You know you lucked out on a cute shot. These guys REALLY love each other. It's so cute!

f/5.6, 1/200, ISO 200, kit lens

OK - one more! Not thrilled with the ugly blue tarp back there, but oh well. Hopefully the cute kids draw the eye away from it!

f/5.6,1/160, ISO 200, kit lens

Like I said, I totally learned a lot on this shoot. Main thing I learned is I have a lot to learn and I need a lot more practice!! :) We rescheduled for a (hopefully) better shoot on Monday.

Can't wait to see what you post today! I'm lovin' this blog!!

xoxo B

Day 3 - Biker Chick

2008-05-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

So I decided to head to the Orem Library grounds hoping to find something cool to shoot. And . . . . nadda. Until I found this Harley parked back in a corner.

ISO 200, f/4.5, 1/60, 50mm, Urban Acid Action (by Steven Almas) + Boutwell Magic Glasses Action (Totally Rad Actions Sampler)

Who knew when I went to the library, I'd come home with motorcycle shots? Thanks to whoever parked their sparkling bike in the corner at the Orem Library! hehe Can you see me in the reflection shooting up and over a garbage can? haha

I have a photo shoot with Tami's boys tomorrow! Should have some fun shots to post!! :)

Day-3 Environment: My Girls

2008-05-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

Ok I decided to take part in the weekly challange from "Hope & Believe". It may seem like a cop-out to use my kids, but I am NEVER without them, so I guess they are part of my environment!!

I could not decide on just one picture, so you get to have two today!! Tiger found the BOM that my parents gave me when I got baptized, & it has "cheater tabs" that she had never seen before. I let her thumb through it & thought, "HELLO, why am I not taking pictures of this!" I had to get her interested in it again & she let me take some really fun pictures.

All I did on this one was a little cropping :)

I cropped this down a tiny bit & then changed the saturation to give it a softer feel.

I am really looking forward to getting some pictures outdoors, but I think I need to go alone so I can really be able to focus on what I am shooting. I will have to either have the hubby come along, or get him to watch the natives for a while. :)

Les

Day 2 - Constant Companion

2008-05-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

Tink is always with me in my car. Has been for years and years. I drove around today taking pictures. Some of which I really like. But my favorite was with me all along! Go figure.

ISO 200, f/1.8, 1/400, 50mm lens

Day-2 Waiting

2008-05-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

Here goes another shot at it! I took this pic of my belly from my perspective looking down. I am SO excited to meet this little guy & although I have no choice but to wait-I am trying to do it patiently.

I stuck this pic in PS Elements 4.0 and added the Fresco Filter

I would like to get away from doing dark looking pics, but as it gets warmer outside I am sure that will open my possibilities! Can't wait to see your creation!!

Day-1 Thirsty

2008-05-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ok Britt, this is my first feeble attempt at using photoshop to make my pic look "better". I wasn't able to make it outside in this crapy memorial day weather either, so this is a pic I took the other day. (With our little blog project in mind)

Bear has learned how to drink from a water bottle without spilling it all over herself & I love to look at her cute little mouth as she does something that makes me realize how fast she is growing up!

Once I figure out what the specs of my pictures are I will start to post them. :)

Day 1 - Irises

2008-05-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Les! I'm so excited to start this little project!

I know flower pictures are often times less than inspiring, but I had big plans of going outside today and taking amazing photos, but it's RAINING, in fact, it was hailing a few minutes ago. Nice Memorial Day, huh?

So - in between downpours I ran out into my backyard to snap a few pics of the gorgeous Irises!

ISO 200, f/4.0, 1/250, 50mm lens, PW Fresh & Colorful Action

Aren't these pretty? We don't know what will pop up in our yard! It's such a fun surprise as the seasons change. Can't wait to see what you post for Day 1! yay!!