All things Beautiful

MCP Actions Contest

Hey do you guys know about MCP Actions?  She posts a lot on PW photography site.  I have several of her actions and love her video tutorials.

There is a whole section on PSE Action Tutorials, how to install and use the actions.  I am still learning how to work with actions, and these videos - with LOTS of screen shots, totally help.

She's having an amazing giveaway - a 500$ value software to help with editing and 100$ credit to her actions store.  Pretty cool!  go check it out!

What are you guys using to edit and manage your photos anyway - I know we've had this discussion before....

15 second exposure

I love long exposure pictures.... it makes lights look like sparkles!
I know this is about 3 months late... but hey. who doesn't appreciate a Christmas tree picture in March?

Before and After

This is a friend's baby. Her cousin made her blessing gown out of her wedding gown. Cool idea, right!? Anyway these are the first photos I have ever edited using actions. I am converted!

Actions

I know I am really slow to learn how to use actions, but last night I downloaded and played with my first. Life changing! Check out these actions from Nicole V Photography. I got the Elements color pop actions. So easy to use! The download goes to the right place in Elements and she has included her own prompts as you click to guide you through and give you tips.

i'm guilty

of having tons of excitement for this little group and then totally dropping the ball and losing momentum.  It doesn't help that I was without my camera until just a few weeks ago.  It's fixed now though!

Here's a cool picture i got the other day of one of the many amazing sunsets down here this winter.

Why don't you all share yours!  If you don't have a sunset pic yet - go take one!!

A Goal Achieved

This is the backdrop my husband chose for his promotion.

camera's in the shop

(go read Kristen's post first.  Her's is way better than this.  I just thought I'd post something before I put it off yet again.)

I had to send my camera in to get something fixed. It died during Alison's birthday party (15 Dec.). So I've been trying to take better pics with my point and shoot. I'm really bummed I didn't have my other one to take good pictures of our Christmas this year. This one is okay, but the cast is off - it's kind of green.

Anyway, I love Christmas decorations - do you all have pics of yours you want to share?

winter pictures??

Winter. Everything is dead & crusty outside... It's the south, so we don't have snow (well, we shouldn't). Where in the heck are we supposed to take pictures? Our own Adriane asked me to do her family shoot & we headed out on NEW YEARS EVE for the event. We found an awesome hay field - it was a like a sea of gold - headed out around 3pm when the sun was getting low & golden (I'm quite partial to warm light) & enjoyed our luck of a really warm day.

Other winter ideas... something with evergreens in the background so you're still green & not just "dead." The beach if your subjects can act not-frozen. Inside - especially if you have some nice windows (north facing are said to be best) that let in enough light.

Does anybody else have any winter photoshoot locations you wish to share???

More from this shoot can be seen on my blog or on the full online gallery.

Swan Lake

We visited our friends over the New Years Holiday. They live right around the corner from the famous Swan Lake.