France is definitely on my list of places to visit.  My father’s first language is French, so I definitely feel a connection.  One day, my camera and I will make the journey….

What I loved this week:

• I adore the format of Mary’s new blog.  Such beautiful images and words.
• I think that I am going to have to try this recipe!
• Trying out my new lensbaby – I’m still getting used to it, and definitely need more practice.
• Being able to spend so much time with my girls.  Truly, they are only this age once, and I am trying to savor each and every moment.

Have a great weekend!

“Music expresses feeling and thought, without language; it was below and before speech, and it is above and beyond all words.”

~Robert G. Ingersoll

“Start writing a new chapter, for if you live by the book, you’ll never make history.”

~ Ben Sobel

And finally, the last installment of Q&A……

Q: What is your favorite software when editing your images?

For post processing, I use Lightroom and Photoshop CS4.

Q: How do you post process your images?

I get this question ALOT!  I’ll start by saying that when I sit down to post process images, I almost never use the same recipe twice (unless I am editing a batch of images from a shoot – in which case, I try to give them all the same look and feel).  It all depends on my feelings and mood.

I’ll start with my camera – I shoot in RAW, and I like to slightly overexpose my images.  I use Lightroom to import and organize my images, and this is also where I make my first adjustments.  I crop and straighten in Lightroom and adjust exposure, saturation, and contrast.  I almost always decrease contrast because I prefer a soft, older  feel to my images, as opposed to a sharp, precise look and feel.

I finish editing in Photoshop.  Here is where my magic takes place (or so I like to think!).  Here is where I put my finishing touches – I like to adjust midtones, apply grain, use textures and filters – really anything that distresses my images and adjusts my tones.  Finally, I apply my watermark, which I don’t like to do, but with all of the unauthorized uses of my images, I feel that I have to.

I have been thinking about creating my own set of actions that captures my process.  Would that be something that you would be interested in?

Q: I’m inspired that you are a self taught photographer. Do you have any tips for someone just starting out?

My main advice would be to photograph, photograph, and just when you are tired, photograph some more.  Keep your camera with you at all times.  Invest in your craft, and by that, I don’t mean financially.  Invest time in learning your camera and lens, how to use it and what works best for you.  Invest time in learning your post editing tools.  Experiment with different mediums, film and digital.  Last year, I completed a photo-a-day challenge that really impacted my photography.  I wrote 15 tips for a daily photo project that may be of interest to you.

Finally, be true to yourself and it will appear in your work.

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I’ve enjoyed this Q&A time with you all!  I’ll be sure to do it again soon!

Tutus, ballerinas, and all things pink ♥

I have been away for a while, rejuvenating my creative spirit.  And how wonderful it was!  I needed time close my laptop and disconnect from my online world.  Sometimes, I get so overwhelmed by my Google Reader and social media outlets – does that happen to you?  It felt so good to take a step back.  Not to mention spend some quality time with my girls.

I have so much to share with you since I’ve been away – things that have inspired my creative spirit  and I’m sure that will do the same for you!  I also received my 2011 Calendars from the printer, and I have simply fallen in love with them – I’m sure you will too.  I’ll add them to the shop soon….

And so, “creative spirit” will be my theme for this week ♥

It’s amazing how such simple things can be so lovely….

So this month, I’ll be posting mostly images and minimal words while I work on a few Fall creative endeavors!

There’s nothing quite like vintage charm….capturing bits and pieces of the past ♥

~ Kahlil Gibran

It feels good to be back – capturing the bits of beauty and light!  Love the smell of lavender in my home.

I can only hope that I can find a good balance of mothering two little ones and keeping up with my photography.  Any tips for me?

Two blogs that I am enjoying right now:

• Cassia’s newest photography project, Horse.  She is capturing a toy horse she played with as a child for a year. I love her different perspectives.
• Have you seen Mila’s Daydreams? So creative – I love it!

And finally, I’m excited that my shop will be re-opening next week!  More details soon ♥