Photobook: Lessons in Camera

Howdy, y'all!

I am currently working my little self through a photobook. Want to have some input in what you can find in it? Here are some examples of my work; stay tuned for camera tips and tricks! Post a comment on which are your favorites!

The Eye of the Beholder: A Sardonic Look at Beauty (it's a beauty college. Join in the chuckles)

And There They Would Rest (My own view of what houses in fairy tales must look like!)

Where is Tumnus? ( If it is still snowing, the white witch has to be around somewhere.)

Slow Spring (I have been in a frozen wasteland much too long for my comfort.)

The Golden Door (full of promise and mystery... right?)

Now for those of you that stuck around, here is a camera trick that you should have under your belt. For those that have their trusty point-and-shoot camera, its fine! That is what I use too! Have you ever wondered about some of those settings though? You invested in the camera, but you feel as though you dont know how to use it? Well, good! Let's discuss one VERY important camera trick.

Shutter Speed. This will let you tell the camera how much light to let in. If you set it to a small number, make sure there is LOW light, otherwise you will blow out the image with light. This low shutter speed will blur any motion, so you might want to rest your camera on something or tripod it. The higher number is for BRIGHT light and freeze motion. This way you can catch that drop before it falls from the flower or your baby as it twirls outside, laughing.

Love, y'all!

Mother's Day Ideas

Mothers' Day is coming up, and the pressure is on. How do you plan on celebrating?

Here are some ideas for creating your mother (or a mother you want to celebrate) the perfect Mothers' Day present. Tell her you love her with a simple craft... unless you have my mother who delights in sensible presents (Christmas is always a hard one for me. I once got her a potato peeler!).

This week we shall cover how to make some fun Mothers' Day crafts, but I want you to have some ideas because we can't cover it all this week. Maybe over the course of the next five years, we shall be able to cover the basics. But let's discuss!

Cards...  this method, aside from flowers (with flowers) has got to be the most popular. The key is being able to sum up your relationship with your mother in a card. Last year, I made a card with my mom and I ( in chibi form) and when you pulled the tabs on the side, we ran to each other and hugged. It was proof that notecards and construction paper that you used in school still works to make decent cards.

Flowers... Now it might be me, but there is something about flowers that you can't deny their appeal. They may be prone to dying after they are picked, but the beauty of the blooms is truly inspiring. So this year, since I am once again at school, I might have to just make my own flowers. That way I know they won's spoil!

Candy... but please do not fall into this hole if your mother is a dieter. You will only rake up pain, and who wants that on Mothers' Day. She was already in labor!

Bath/Perfume/ Beauty Products... this is usually a safe bet depending on the person you are giving it to. It has so many options. Personalized bath salts with their favorite scent. Personalized lip balm. Personalized soaps. You name it, you can probably personalize it. Just be aware that you might just have to write a personal note too!

Book of Promises... This little book is perfect if you are poor. College students and high school students - really students of any kind - can make them fairly quick, and it will be perfect! It is full of little "Promises." With redeemable tickets, you can show your mom you love her by showing her with simple actions. You don't need to be elaborate, but think of things that are meaningful to you both! This can be as personal or as impersonal as you want it to be.

These are just a few ideas. We will create some of them this week together... and I am hoping to have a .pdf of a Book of Promises up this week, so stay tuned if you want a little help!

* What are some things you have presented to the mothers in your life? I always welcome ideas, and who knows what might happen if you leave a comment!