Help for white backdrops...

I think all photographers who have attempted to shoot on white have (at some point) been surprised when viewing the images after the fact. The white background can become any number of colors, usually blue in my experience. Even if the subject looks correct, the white behind them may not. If you don't have time to correct your white balance or don't know how...there is hope in post processing. After many different attempts at finding the right combination of Photoshop techniques, the following action will guide you through the most reliably consistent method I have found. There is no charge, just enjoy!

White Background Correction

Fire Safety

As you probably know, we homeschool our girls and are always looking for ways to step up their education and comprehension of facts. When Keith was asked to videotape our local fire departments at a training burn, we jumped on the opportunity to let them see our heroes in action. We all took photographs of the event and the girls were able to meet the firefighters and EMTs on site. They learned first-hand how much heat a fire can produce, how smoke can effect your body and how quickly a fire consumes a home once it reaches the attic. Everyone was so gracious and kind while working so hard to improve their skills for this dangerous profession. Here are a few shots from the day.

The Lemonade Stand

Well, things have been a little insane around here lately and I haven't had much time to follow through with my blogging intentions. However, I was able to find the time to round up supplies and help my daughter establish her very own lemonade stand. She enlisted her sister and three cousins to help and they all had a very sticky blast. On a homeschooling note...it turned out to be a fantastic exercise in economics, even though I got a few odd glances when I mentioned Sophie would be paying me back for the cost of the supplies. She still made enough profit to share with everyone and I know she had a great time!

NILMDTS

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep...what an amazing organization! I am really looking forward to attending Sandy Puc's seminar in a few days and feel wonderful about helping this organization raise awareness and support through the National Charity Model Search.

Mandy Daniel was gracious enough to allow me to photograph her youngest daughter for this contest. Each vote raises $1 toward supporting the valuable work of NILMDTS. This organization provides families facing the loss of an infant with a beautiful memory of a life too short. So that precious moments are not lost, NILMDTS coordinates photographers and hurting families, providing a service that otherwise may not be considered. This aides in the healing process and gives a tangible substance to a memory that should never fade.

If you would like to donate to this wonderful cause, please do so by voting for Graycen Daniel. Here is her direct link...

http://www.sandypucvotes.com/pickpic/gallery/image.php?id=1176

Thank you so very much!

Starting over...

As life changes, I find myself adapting. I have discovered that time refuses to wait for me to conquer my "to do" list before moving forward. The only thing that seems to stop the moments passing is photography. I have also found that the moments I wish to stop the most involve the people in my life.

I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, and a friend. The people that have given me those precious titles enrich my life each day. They bring joy, excitement, laughter, and even sorrow in moments that I hope to cherish for the rest of my life. I know that I am not the only person to feel this way. My greatest hope is that my photography can protect, not only my memories, but the memories of those who wish to join me in this journey of learning and preserving our pasts.

This blog will be a place for me to share my thoughts on life and the moments I capture. As I develop my skills in photography and design, I will offer what I have learned on this page. I am not an expert, but I am a student...always willing to push myself further than I thought possible. Hopefully, my illustrations, words, and self-challenges will encourage others to do the same.

Thank you for joining me...and welcome!