{TEN}

I obviously missed Tuesday, so here is just {ten}

Happy Wednesday!

{1} 3 year shoot

So, Barrett turned three almost a month ago...and I have yet to do his three-year pictures. What a horrible photographer mommy I am!! Actually, I've been waiting for some nice weather, so we can do something fun outside. I don't really want snowy pics. 

I ordered him this shirt.

I have visions of doing his pictures at the fire station in front of the shiny red trucks! BUT, I haven't called them yet. I'm still thinking. Maybe I'll get that done this week or next, while we're having this amazing weather!

{2} pampers rewards

Does anyone else collect Pampers Gifts to Grow points. I got a little behind...okay, way behind. Barrett hasn't even worn diapers since early August, and I had a cup full of these things. I use my points to get free hard back Shutterfly books, so I made myself enter them all in, and collect my points! I've got enough for an 8x8 book. Just need to decide what I want to make a book of.

{3} business

Although I haven't been to busy shooting during January and February, I have been busy behind the scenes of my business. Updating the website with current images, pricing, etc. I also released a new SENIOR SITE recently, which I am very excited about! 

 

I am also busy working on one of my favorite events for my business. My Mini Session weekends!! This Spring I will have my third mini session event. I love everything from designing the web and print advertisements to planning to location and details. I hope to release the complete details on it all soon to my patiently waiting clients. 

{4} a favorite

Just for fun...a shot from my shoot yesterday with six month old Jacob! February has been really slow for shoots, especially with all the snow days and sick days. So I was anxious to get back behind the camera yesterday. This is one of my favorite shots from the day!

See, even that old hand-me-down gold chair from Grandma can make a great backdrop!

Here's a pull-back shot of the set up (and my two little helpers...Barrett loved baby Jacob).
Baby sitting in middle of greenish-goldish chair.
Natural light coming in from my right, creating amazing big catch-lights in his eyes.

{5} Valentine's

Barrett gave out Valentine bookmarks this year to all his little friends. He loved the day. Lots of friends stopped by to give him treats, and he thought that was pretty neat. This year was the 15th (I think) Valentine's Day that Justin and I have celebrated together. We went out to dinner and to see Just Go With It on Saturday night, to avoid the Monday crowd.  I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt. On Monday, we just had a quiet evening at home. We got each other Bluegrass tickets, and made dinner together. After Barrett went to bed, Justin made Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes! An annual tradition for us!

{6} TV

If you don't know by now, I'm a major reality tv junkie. I admit I watch way too much...but I'm okay with that. My work day is from 9pm-2 or 3am, so it's just what I do while I work!

Some of what I'm watching now:
*Bachelor- I have always watched this. Drama at it's best, and I just can't tear myself away. I don't have a favorite this time though, so I could care less who he picks.

*American Idol-Considered not even watching this season, because I was in mourning that Ellen and Simon left, but I'm glad I have been. I actually love Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez! I am excited for tonight's Hollywood week episode, and ready for the competition to start!

my favorites...we'll see if they even make it through Hollywood week:

 Amazing story...rooting for him.

Another amazing story, and I love her unique sound!

Okay, I'm obviously really suckered in by the stories!

This guy was diagnosed with tourette syndrome when he was younger, but when he sings it all goes away. Rooting for him too.

My cowboy pick!


















She's my pick to win it all :)
And she reminds me of one of my friends!

 Last one!














{7} My walls

I just ordered 3 standout mounts of Barrett for my walls! I hope to have them later this week, and can't wait to get them up! I'll have to share pictures later. I used the images from his 2-1/2 year session in Colorado this summer. Some of my favorites of 2010.

{8} Blog book

Yep, two months into 2011, and I have NOT finished my 2010 blog book. Not even close. Despite thinking I could stay on top of it (unlike 2008 and 2009), I didn't. So, I need to finish slurping about half of 2010, and get the book ready to print. I'm hoping they will announce a SALE to get me in gear!

{9} Spring
I'm dreaming of Spring weather and clothes. I want to shop for cute spring shoes. My friend Amanda just did a really fun post on SPRING COLORS & FASHION. Check it out, it will get you inspired too! Who wants to go shopping?!?!

{10} They joy of having boys...
Remember my cute ottoman tray? The one that was part of my favorite things! (#1 shown below)

Well, it is no more! My boys were playing basketball or football in the living room one evening, and Justin fell right back on it...CRACK! I tried not to cry. That's been several weeks ago, and I still haven't found a replacement tray. If you see any, please let me know!

{TEN} on Tuesday

{1} Happy Birthday to ME!
My birthday's not til the end of the month...but I like to celebrate ALL month long! I have a lot of things on my wish list.
I probably won't get any of them :) but it's fun to dream!


::Apple iPad::

For one, it would just be fun to have! Barrett could play games on it and read books. It would also be an awesome thing to take along on my client meetings. Especially when I'm helping them with orders, and they could see their images right there!

::Need to Breathe CD::

I obviously love this group, and I'd really love to get their newest CD 'The Outsiders' ...Nuf said!

 ::Northface Jacket::

I've been wanting one of these for a long time, but I can't ever decide which style and color I want. So I've just never bought one. Maybe this year??? I am really liking this graphite color.

::Canon EOS 5D Mark II::

I just upgraded my camera last December, and it's totally great for what I do. BUT my business is definitely taking off, so I might be upgrading again before long! This camera would be a couple steps up from what I currently have (The 50D). The Mark II is a full-frame camera, and I would really love that!

Okay...enough birthday dreaming!
That almost could have been a {ten} on Tuesday post all on it's own!

{2} Modern Family

Anyone else watch Modern Family?!?! We LOVE this show!!

It's the highlight of my Wednesday :)

{3} KSU Game
We went to Manhattan over Halloween weekend for the KSU/OSU game. The Cats didn't get a win, but it was still fun. The game was early, so we had plenty of time to rest up at Christie's house after. Then we headed to dinner at Little Apple Brewery and out to Aggieville. It was Halloween in Aggieville, so there was entertainment everywhere! I sooo wish I had a point-and-shoot camera! There were some hilarious costumes, but nobody had a camera on them! Maybe I should add that to my birthday list too!

We celebrated Audra's 31st birthday in Aggieville....
Just as we'd done 10 years before.

Well, actually, I didn't turn 21 for another month.
So, I guess Audra and Christie might have been the only ones celebrating in Aggieville.

{4} New bedding for Barrett

The time is coming...we will be turning Barrett's room into a "big boy" room before long. That means bye-bye crib and hello big boy bed. We could have done it a long time ago, but the truth is, Barrett is my rock-start sleeper. So I've been hesitant to do anything that will mess that up.  He doesn't  climb out of his crib, he sleeps 12+ hours at night, and takes 3-4 hour naps during the day. AND, I kinda like hearing him call out "Mom, me ready get up now" every morning. I'm sure he'll do just fine though.

I'm having a hard time finding bedding. I'm a little picky. Who would have thought :) His walls are greens and browns, so it would be nice to find something that require no re-painting. I don't really want any characters, and I'd like something that will grow with him for awhile.

I just saw this in my newest Pottery Barn Kids catalog, and I really like it. 

The quilted bedding is browns and greens, and would easily grown with him for several years.

The dino print on the wall is $179!!!

I think I can create one of those myself!

This gets me excited to work on his room! Maybe after the holidays, it can be our 3rd birthday project!

{5} GAP Casting Call

A couple weeks ago I entered Barrett in the GAP Casting call for kids. They had a million + entries!
I cropped this image down and sent it in. Gap clothing wasn't a requirement, but he was wearing Gap jeans here...and I thought it showed personality!

GO HERE to vote for Barrett as a "fan favorite"

{6} Christmas Cards
I am soooo excited for my business rush to slow down after this month! I take off the month of December to catch up on my edits, update my website and blog, get tax stuff ready, and spend more time with my family. I will also get a chance to work on OUR family Christmas cards! I've got the design started, and I love it! I'll have {peeks} to share once they're done and mailed out! Hoping to get them out in early December!


{7} Trew Luv

Just ordered these two adorable headbands from the Trew Luv Etsy shop. I can't wait to try them on some clients! They are on elastic bands, and fit newborn up to adult!

{8} Consigment Sale
Our October Girl's Night was a trip to Wichita. We (Audra, Roiann, Kelsey & I) went to dinner and then to a big consignment sale. Megan didn't make the trip, since she was due any day with Callum! I was excited, as always, to find lots of great goodies for Barrett, and have a night with my girls!

Here is some of the stuff I came home with! Lots of long-sleeve shirts, pj's, shoes, jackets, and undies. I wanted jeans for him, but struck out. Hoping to find some of those next month, when we hit up another sale!

I was pretty excited about the shoes. They were both in great shape! The Gymboree ones are a little small, but I couldn't pass them up for $3.00. I'll put them up, and use them if we have another boy. The Merrill shoes were exciting too! I knew Justin would love them, since he has a pair too! It will be a few years before Barrett fits into them, but they were a steal!

{9} Before & Afters
These were popular last time, so I thought I'd share a few more. It was FUN to get emails from complete strangers that read my blog and enjoyed me sharing these. I was happy to send them my tips and recipes :) I wish more would come out of the woodwork and comment, so I know they're out there reading. BUT I understand. There are a TON of blogs I read, and never comment on.

{Obviously removed the drool, and then ran my usual recipe}

{Chesney is beautiful, so her edits were easy-peasy! Just tamed a few flyaway hairs in this one, brightened her eyes, and warmed it up}

{love the colors in this image...got rid of some hair laying funny on her arm, and a bit of her dress strap sticking out under her arm. MY bad for not catching that in the moment.}

{Didn't want Mister Hayes to fall, so Mama was right there, then I made her disappear!}

{Another one of Chloe, in another hat. Cropped and tried to even out the shadows on her face}

{10} Matt Maher
I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it! Looking for a couple new songs to use with my Mini Session galleries, I came across it again. It was perfect!

Matt Maher::Hold us Together

Happy Tuesday!!!

{TEN} on Tuesday

{1} the lion's den

Would you believe me if I told you I was *THIS* close to a lion a few weeks ago??

Yeah, I didn't think so! Well, I was THIS close...but there was also some heavy-duty glass between us.

We took Barrett to the zoo on one of Justin's days off before Bluegrass. It was a Monday, and all the kids were back in school, so we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. It was nice to be able to get up close at the exhibits without tons of people all around. This was the first time we'd seen the Lion's up so close to the glass. Barrett loved it. It was pretty cool, but kind freaks you out a bit to think about how close you are to them...and imagine if that glass wasn't there. I ask Justin "if the glass weren't there, would they be eating us right now, or still just laying there all lazy?" I think he just laughed at me :)

Here is what it really looked like ---->

{2} family pics

Our family pictures were on Sunday evening!! It could not have been a more perfect night for photos. It was in the 60's at 5:00 when we met Dac and Alisha in Ark City, and there was only a slight breeze. We hung out with them for almost two hours, and it was a blast! It took Barrett about 15 minutes to really warm up to them, but once he did, he was lovin' it. After we left our first location (an alley in AC), Barrett wanted to walk over to their car to tell Dac he'd "see ya at the cows." It was so nice that he got comfortable so fast. Dac was able to take him off and get pics of him by himself, while Alisha photographed Justin and I together.  It was so FUN! Now, I am patiently waiting to hear from Alisha. I put my clients through the waiting game, so I can handle it too...I think! 

{3} happy october

I can't believe it's already October, but I'm not complaining...it IS my favorite month of the year!! On Saturday, I turned on the heat in the Jeep for the first time this season, and as I write this, I have the fireplace on :) I love it!! I've been drinking lots of spiced chai tea, and enjoying evenings out on the back patio. Last night Barrett roasted his first hot dog over our fire. (Pics of that to come sometime). One of my favorite things this time of year...my friend Megan makes the best pumpkin chocolate chip muffins! AND just today she brought us a plate full! Yum! Thanks, Megan!!

This month, I'm looking forward to: 
Watching lots of football, and hopefully going to a game in Manhattan at the end of the month!
The Homecoming parade and game this Friday
Our annual McPherson Fall day this coming weekend
My mini sessions in 11 days!!
My 8th Anniversary
Celebrating several friends' birthdays
The birth of the 2nd BFE baby BOY!! Any day now!!
Going to the pumpkin patch
Our annual pumpkin carving night at the Wolf's



{4} 'lil punkin

My mom and I went to a craft fair this past weekend, and I spotted an adorable little pumpkin hat at one of the booths. It was made by a local lady (the mom of a client), so I ask if she could make one in a smaller size to use on Megan's October baby! She had it to me the next day!! I took it to my session last night, with Audra's baby girl. She looked so cute in it!! I can't wait to use it on all my October babies!

{5} fall swap

All of my swap participants have been matched up with their partners! I can't wait to see what everyone is swapping!! I had a great turnout this time, and even had ladies from the Netherlands, Ontario, and all over the USA sign up! I'm just about done gathering my partners stuff, and I can't wait to get it mailed out!

{6} wedding

This month, I will be shooting my FIRST WEDDING!! Eek! No, I don't shoot weddings...but this bride is from Winfield, and she emailed me many months ago begging for me to shoot her wedding. I was flattered. I thought about it, and agreed. She will be married at The Barns at Timber Creek. It is the most beautiful outdoor location, and also where my little brother was married last year. I've done several sessions out there, so I'm very comfortable with the setting and lighting. I just met with my couple last week, and it got me really excited for the big day! I DO love an October wedding!! 

{7} my style
Just for fun...a few {before & afters} of some of my client images

Thankfully, my workflow in photoshop has gotten much faster. This is my busy time of year, so I need to be able to get through the editing pretty quickly, while still giving the image my style. To do this, I've created a "recipe" or custom set of actions for all of my images. They are the basic edits I do to every image, then after that, I might also do a few other things...depending on the image. I usually always do some cropping too. 

Since most of you probably aren't Photoshop users, I won't bore you with the technical stuff...but if you are intersted in knowing about what actions I use, or any specific edits on the following pics, just email me :) I am happy to share what I know (which in the realm of PS is very little).

My photography style is to shoot primarily with my 50mm prime lens.  I shoot wide open, giving my backgrounds lots of creamy bokeh. For editing, all photographers have their own style. Mine is pretty basic. I like to keep the image crisp, and bright. I like the colors to be bold and vivid, and I also tend to prefer a warm image over a cooler one. Although I love black and white, I only use it when the photo is just right for it. Unless the image is just right for it, I don't do a lot with vintage actions, overlays, or textures either. The image of Caroline below screamed out for vintage. In this case, I love it!

That's a little behind the scences in my "office"...this is what I do until 4am :)
I will try to get better about saving some before and afters. These were the only ones I could come up with now, because once I finish proofing and backing up a session, I delete all the original files. 

 

{8} K-State vs. Nebraska
Looking forward to the big game this Thursday! I won't say who I'm rooting for, but I'll be happy with any outcome.


{9} New camera 
Our little sony cyber-shot point and shoot died a few months ago. I didn't think I'd ever say it...but I MISS it!!  I really need a little camera that I can stick in my purse and always have with me. I don't want to be the "photographer" all the time. Sometimes, I just want snapshots! Does anyone have any recommendations?!?! I haven't shopped point and shoots for a long time. What are you using?

{10} babysitting coop

Megan, Audra and I have decided to take turn hosting a morning playgroup at our homes. We call it our babysitting coop. Each Monday from 9-12, one of us keeps all the kids at our house. It's like a mom's morning out for the two moms that are dropping off their kids. This Monday was my turn! It was so fun to have Lydia, Caroline, and Norah Kate here to play. The kids did great, but I will certainly NOT be opening a daycare anytime soon =) 

Happy Tuesday!!

My absolute {favorite} to date!!

So, now that I have my photography blog, I don't share many client images on here...

BUT I had to share this one! It is one of my {FAVORITE} images to date!!

It's from a session I had last week with two year old, Lauren!

I met Lauren and her mama through Barrett's playgroup. Lauren is simply adorable, and so mature and well-behaved for her age. I had a blast chasing her around at this session. Her mama, Monica, had planned some super cute outfits, and we had major fun with BUBBLES at the end of her session! I loved the idea, and the bubble machine worked perfectly for it. I'm very much considering adding bubbles to our family session in October!

I think I love this image so much because it is so full of expression! When you're photographing children, you have to become quick friends with them. It's the only way to get them on your side. Doing all sorts of goofy things, and making wacky noises helps too! I didn't have to work too hard with Lauren. She knew me as "Barrett's mommy" and was cooperative from the beginning.  But I still like to make kids feel like we're just out playing, and not worrying so much about the whole picture taking thing. During this shot, we were playing peek-a-boo with each other. You can tell her little lips are saying "boo."