photoraphy

So I have been into photography for years.  In high school I took a class and was really into it. I even won some district awards for some things I did.  For years after that I didn't do much with it, but when Jack was born I decided I needed to buy a nice camera and start at it again.  To me a good photo is essential when having kids.  Photos capture so much and I love looking back at all of them.  Since I got back into photography however, I have not taken any classes; I just sort of learned on my own..reading blogs, youtube, etc.  

Well finally I went ahead and signed up for an online course from Clickinmoms.  Shooting 101.  It is great.  I knew the basics of manual, but this really helps me break them down and see why my pictures were not like I want them to be. I am now addicted, and want to sign up for every class they have.  The only thing is Jack may get a bit tired of posing for me. ...BUT I did want to share a picture from my first week. It's not perfect, but I like it, and I love that little face.

Have a great weekend...Spring is not that far away!!!

Our little getaway to Breckenridge

We needed a vacation.  Our last vacation was over a year ago to Florida and it was just time to get away..even it was for a long weekend.  So when my husband brought up Colorado, I was not impressed.  I'm not a nature person, I don't really like being outside in the cold, and I haven't skiied since high school.  But I decided I was feeling adventurous so off to Breckenridge we went. 

I am in love.   I mean this with all my heart, I would pick up everything and move there tomorrow if I could.  It is beautiful...breathtaking.  One of the most beautiful places I have been.  In those 4 short days, we had a blast.  We went for a sleigh ride, did some sledding, saw the International Snow Scultpure Competition and just relaxed and enjoyed the cute little town.  We did not ski this time, but we are already planning our trip back here next year so we can. 

For those of you that have not been there, go.  You won't want to leave.  In the mean time, enjoy some of the pics from our trip!

I have been waiting for Instagram for Android to come out.  I read with jealousy every week on the blogs with their  "Week of Instagram" photos and felt like I would never get to feel the joy of posting my own "week of Instagrams".

Well the time has come.

(isn't that such a cute picture of us?!?)

You can now download the app here.

And since I am new to this whole craze, I am trying to learn all that I can do with it, and of course how to take better photos.  Because of course I don't have enough things on my list that I am trying to get done, it's best to add one more.

I found this post really helpful in learning to take great photos with my phone for Instagram, and will be using this in the upcoming days, if I remember to get around with it, I'll share.

For now, I'd love to know your secrets for getting a great Instagram, and what your favorite theme is to add to your pics. 

Until next time, have a great Wednesday, and come back later for a great little giveaway!

Aspiring Photographers...check this out!

So I have gotten into the photography fad lately.  I LOVE taking pictures and love learning how I can improve in my photography skills.  I know I will never be a professional, but it's such a fun (and expensive!) hobby, and I love all the memories I get from it.  

I have done a few things to up my skills.  First of all I joined Clickin moms.  I can not say enough great things about this site.  I have gotten so many great tips and ideas from all of the creative ladies (and men) on this site that it is soooo worth the membership fees.  You can check them out by clickin on the button on my side bar.   You won't be disappointed.

Secondly I will be taking a photography e-class with Faith over at Simplicity, entitled, " Simply Bliss- basics of childhood photography" 

Faith is has a coupon code on her Facebook Fan Site, and here is a little more information about the class from Faith:

It will begin the first week of April and run for four weeks. I'll send out weekly tutorials and be giving feedback on photos posted to my Flickr group. I'll be giving you tips on how to take great photos of children (yours or others) now matter where you are - from window light to outside, from action shots to artistic portraits. 

 The class will run in April and you will be joined by some awesome photography bloggers like Courtney Kirkland (who hosts No Mom Talk Monday), Courtney Noffsinger (from Perfect Imperfections),  Sarah Halstead (the NapTimeMomTog) Joni Moore (of Six Cherries on Top) and Brooke Martin as well as others! Registration is $40 for the class. 

Both of these sites are great for working moms like me, who don't have a lot of extra time to get out to take classes!  I would love to go through this class with some of you.  She has many other e-course offering on her site, so be sure to check them out. 

I will be sure to post my progress in class for all of you.  I can't wait!

Friday! And Jack's 1 year photos!

You may have noticed Jack's pictures in the ad on the left side of my blog.  Those are his first year pics!  I CAN NOT believe I will have a one year old in less than a week. Maybe if I don't talk or think about it, it won't happen.  ; )

So a few weeks ago I took Jack for his one year photos.  I took him back to Lisa at Stephen Green Photography, where I had his 6 month photosdone. Now that Jack is walking, I was worried he would not sit still for pictures, or that he would scream and cry the whole time, but he was such a good boy during the photo shoot.   I don't think it is possible for them to have come out any better.

The surprising part???  Jack wanted absolutely nothing to do with the cake!! He took a few licks and screamed.   If you live in the Chicago area be sure to check Stephen Green Photography out.  Lisa did such a great job with Jack, she had him smiling and laughing within minutes; and her studio is beautiful!  Now for the tough decision....which ones to order!

Have a great Friday, and if you are a new visitor, welcome and I hope you return!

meetup momday, and a photo challenge

So I may not be posting as much this week.  This is my last full week of with Jack. I am going to be staying away from the computer and cuddling my little guy as much as I can. In the meantime, I am hoping that Meetup Monday will continue to grow.

Also.....the paper mama is having "water" themed photo challenge. This is my first time entering and I am nervous! Check out her amazing blog and check out my entry to the photo challenge!

Have a great Monday! 

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A Giveaway for all the Chicago Area Mommies!

CLOSED!  Congrats Meg I will be emailing you!

I am picture crazy.  I can't get enough of Jack and feel like I need to capture EVERY SINGLE SECOND of his life. 

So a few weeks ago I took Jack to Stephen Green Photography , for his 6 month pictures.  I was worried he would cry the whole time..... he didn't.

I absolutely LOVE how the pictures turned out. From the moment I walked in their beautiful loft studio, Jack, my husband, and I felt at ease.  Lisa was so great, we felt like we had known her for years!  She was SO good with Jack; she made him smile like crazy and also knew when he needed a "break".   

I loved the backgrounds and props used and I think you'll agree, the results are too cute!

Lisa at Stephen Green Photography is offering a complimentary photo shoot to one of my readers!*  Your complimentary Children's Portrait Session will include one session, (approximately 30 minutes) with Lisa Green, at the Stephen Green Photography Studio (721 South Blvd in Oak Park).  If you live in the Chicago area, this is a great contest! 

Mandatory:

Visit the Stephen Green Photography website, and comment on something you learned about them!

***For additional entries you may do one of the following:

1. Fall in "Like" with them on Facebook: Stephen Green Photography

2. Follow Stephen Green Photography on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/sgreenphotos

3. Follow my blog (if you already do, let me know!)

Please leave your email, in your comment(s) so I can contact the winner. Contest ends Sunday June 13th at 11:59 pm., and winner will be choosen via random.org. Good Luck!!!


*This contest is for Chicago Area residents only.

So much to learn

I am still working on my photography.  I took photography in high school and even won first place at a district photography show.  I knew everything about manual cameras.  That was then.  I am clueless when it comes to our new camera.  I read the manual, read up about it on line and take gazillions of picures.  My husband is great with photoshop but I still haven't had him teach me yet.  I am hoping to get a few classes in this summer whilie I am off.  I also hope to get a new lens in the next few weeks.  I hear that makes a huge difference.

If anyone has any photography tips they would love to share, I'd love to hear them! 

Our First Photo Shoot

So I mentioned before that I got a new camera.  I love it.  A Canon Xsi.  It gives professional quality for a great price.  I decided to attempt my own "professional" pictures of Jack.  We took his 5 month pictures yesterday and although they are not award winning, I am pretty happy with them for my first try.  

I realized once Jack can sit by himself things will be a lot easier. 

Even Lenny got his time.