I'm making photo books today

I'm the worst at actually printing out photos, can I get a witness?! So today I'm making photo books as gifts for the people I love! Essentially you just drop and drag your photos into these gorgeous templates online, sounds fast and easy and hello pretty designs! I'll let you know how they turn out. Tiny prints is having a sale today on the 8x11 book with 20 pages, go makes yours too!

You could make a cook book, genius.

Camera Q&A and my camera bag

I've received a few questions regarding photography lately, which amuses me because I'm nothing near a pro and learned everything from the computer. With DSLR cameras so affordable these days it really is pretty easy to take a great picture. Here's some tips I've learned along the way and some questions answered! I felt led to share freely because I've gained so much knowledge from those who have shared on their blogs!

1. Change your viewpoint:

Nine times out of ten I'm on the floor or squatting down when I'm taking pictures, mostly because I'm capturing kids (my fav) and it makes the photo more interesting when you get on their level. Try to change your perspective as much as possible, think of as many different angles and even angle your camera too!

I'm squatting down just like he is and the weather was cloudy which makes pictures taking easy, no fussing with shadows!

2. You don't need flash inside:

You will if its dark out, but if your inside open the doors to your house and take your kids pictures in front of there! Natural light is the most flattering. I'm not against flash completely in fact I just bought one but if you have your camera set on auto the flash will flip up and you may not need it. Inside doesn't always mean must use flash, contrary to popular opinion. When you shoot in auto the camera decides how to take the picture. Read your manual. I NEVER read manuals typically but I read mine and learned a ton. Shooting in manual takes practice and technical knowledge, but if I can learn it you can too!When you shoot in manual (dial pointing to M) you tell your camera the scenario and program it according. If your inside and you don't want the flash look, turn the iso up on your camera and this will give more light to your picture without looking washed out, it will add more grain though too. 

This was shot inside a soccer fieldhouse, the light was pretty good, but I did put my iso on 640 (no flash) and because my camera is so amazing there's not too much notable grain.

3. Lighting is everything:

The best time to take pictures is early in the morning and 1-2 hours before sunset. Find the light, pay attention to shadows and try to avoid picture taking at noon, its is the most unflattering and harsh light. If your taking pictures inside of your kids at home, again position near the light. 

Shot this just after sunrise, practically laying down on the track!

My camera bag: I became hooked on photography when I got my first DSLR a nikon D60, then I upgraded to a canon 5D MarkII. My lenses are the 85mm prime lens and the 24-105mm zoom. People ask me which camera and lens to start? I would suggest the nikon 3100 or any of the starter canons. I only switched to canon because the lens were slightly cheaper. Both companies are amazing. Try to avoid the buying the kit lens with the camera and opt for either a zoom or a prime lens like 50mm. I will tell you my 85mm is what is on my camera 90% of the time, its amazing and I'm so in love. Oh and I edit with lightroom and photoshop.

If you have any other questions fire away in the comments and I will be happy to answer!

Gift guide: for the teacher that has turned your child around!

Its safe to say I'm completely in love and forever indebted to G's kindergarten teacher. She has amazing techniques with him and a patience that knows no limits. I thank God for her! I thought of some items she might enjoy in her classroom! (hope she's reading this!)

Smencils: Smelly pencils, she lets the kiddos smell scented chapsticks as a treat and they love it, so I thought "smencils" would work great too!

Alphapets: Book with origami letter patterns and fun crafts.

Stencil kit: Stencil faces with markers, fun fun.

Bug bingo: Perfect combination of game plus learning.

Glass ziploc bag: Uniquely quirky glass ziploc bag, more for her desk than the kiddos, could be filled with treats for good behavior.

Favorites Friday: Christmas Parties

I"m finally seeing the light at that end of the photographic tunnel! Just a few sessions left now and then newborn madness begins, which I love. Yippee! This weekend we have a rockin holiday party, what are you guys up to?

Sparkling cranberry brie bite, a party in my mouth.

Chicken fettucine with blue cheese, walnuts, and grapes

My sister got these for baby Bo

The perfect gift for your kiddo's teacher

Christmas song mash-up

Happy Christmas party weekend!

Non-cheesy ways to display Christmas cards

The Christmas cards are rolling in, so exciting! We even got a card from the President and Vice President, how amazing. Turns out the Presidents dog's name is Bo, how did I miss that? 

Anyway, I came across a few ideas on how to display them.

All from the queen of craft, martha stewart.

Our Christmas pictures

I've had the honor of taking quite a few family christmas photo sessions this year and none of them come close to how hard it is to capture my own family! We typically set up the timer for the family or grab my sister then take turns snapping pictures of each other. In true Gideon fashion the moment we got to the park he had to go to the bathroom followed by many other antics! But nonetheless there were some good ones!

Favorites Friday: December

Wowzers the week completely escaped me! I should be back to my normal blogging self next week with some gift guides for ya'll and december goodies! How are ya'll doing during this crazy time of year? Trying to slow it all down and really remember the true reason, right?! Jesus!

Pretty and natural christmas table setting!

Some december linky lous:

Family project

This apartment

Pretty dress

Artful Christmas cookies

My sister and I are taking a little trip this weekend with the boys, should be fun!

The reflector

I'm still here but buried under photos! No complaints though capturing families and kiddos for their Christmas cards has been loads of fun not to mention a great learning experience for me. There's even talk of a studio shed, how cool/cute would that be...don't get me started! The decorating possibilities are endless...were talking flower boxes on the outside painted all white on the inside with oodles of props and backdrops! 

Anyway, people have been paying me kind compliments left and right over their pictures and while I"m tempted to take all that glory and bask in it, I want to properly reflect it back to Him. He is the one who makes me able and gives me any inspiration or knowledge in this little head of mine. Thank you Lord for sending kiki to encourage me to start this little photography adventure and for sending such beautiful people my way to capture!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Ephesisans 3:20

Our birthday picture plus turkey links

Today was the day my sister crashed my birthday! Yep, we are born on the same day one year apart, quite the miraculous feat my mom did experience some 30 plus years ago today ! Go mom, love you. My one and only quest today was to update this picture:

 I'm the one on the right with the boring straight hair and she's the cutie pie on the left with the curls. Although I must admit my track suit is pretty rockin.

And here we are tonight:

Happy birthday Sis, your the only one I'd be willing to share a birthday with!

I'm happily signing off the computer fo Thanksgiving, but here's some delightful turkey links:

Great turkey leftover ideas here and here

Grateful rolls

Perfect thanksgiving coat

Stunning thanksgiving table

So thankful for my family, friends, and all of you!

Chaplain Corps Ball and my amazon dress!

The Chaplain Corps Ball was a pretty unforgettable night. From the location to the speech to the dinner. Hoping we get invited next year!

And my gown was a last minute find on amazon of all places! Not bad, right?!

On the move {4 months}

Make it stop! He's growing so fast and trying to crawl?! Crazy baby man!

Note, how he's not on the playmat. Yes that would be him inchworming his way onto the carpet!

Favorites Friday: November

Its already the middle of November! This season is craziness, trying to find ways to slow down. This happens to be my favorite month not just because of turkey but also birthday month for my sister and I!

This weekend, the photoshoots continue as well as much needed family time.

I snapped this picture last weekend and I'm in love with the ombre color of her hair, may take the plunge and mimic this color, dark on top light on bottom. LOVE.

This weeks links:

Kendi modeled for fossil 

Thanksgiving table threeways

Gather together idea

Delight in Him

Happy weekend, friends.

4 monkeys jumping on the bed

Between husband's ever increasing sore back and frequent little visitors in our bed, we're considering upgrading to a king! Here's a few that have caught my eye.

Thoughts, opinions?!

Beans & greens in less then 10 minutes

I know this doesn't look that exciting, but I promise your mouth will thank me. Grab a sack of green beans throw it in the microwave for 5 minutes then combine with white beans, pecorino cheese, and heat up some garlic with rosemary then pour over beans and voila! Recipe here.

Pedaling designs giveaway winner

I'm in weekend recovery mode, but had a great time taking pictures this weekend and editing like a crazy person. Back tomorrow with one of our weekend discoveries! Head here to see the pictures!

Giveaway winner:

 Lanay said...

My favorite is the green ikat...so trendy! 

Congrats Lanay, Ill shoot you an email!

Happy Monday!

Favorites Friday: Photo op

This weekend I have 4 photoshoots, eeeek! Excited and slightly overwhelmed. Here's one more requested family outfit idea with a woodland theme geared toward an expecting mama!

Fav links of the week:

Making your own chevron fabric

Pencil skirts never go out of style

Pretty headboard

I am a Christian

Happy weekend!

Our fall front porch plus a reminder

I'm kinda picky about wreaths, but this one is from my dad's house and I actually love it! Wreath requirements for my door are they most resemble nature. So this is our fall set up including the green rain boots I wear down to the bus stop each morning! Yes, I fully support decorating with shoes! 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a set of 25 Christmas cards here!

The day that changed my life forever

Three years ago today was the day we lost him. I still can't believe it. He was the most invincible man and extraordinary doctor I knew, but more then that he was my Dad. There's still so much I want to tell him and even find myself doing things to make him proud. He was tough in life, a self-made man, and beloved in his community; serving his patients for over 30 years. An old school doctor through and through, even made house calls with his doctor bag! Memories of tagging along on his rounds at the hospital were a tangible part of my childhood. Obviously so much of him has become a part of me from healthcare, to cooking, and even photography!

Dad, I still miss you every day, your son is taller then me now and your grandsons are wild, energetic, and have a zest for life like you. And your son in law, well he loves flying as much as you did, even gives the President a ride! Can you believe that? Laura and I drink out of your coffee cup daily, retell your best stories, and still long for your presence.

Miss and love you dearly, Dad.

"Hope is very much a part of me"

Robert Dominick Fazzaro M.D

November 25, 1947-November 9, 2008