I Heart Faces Fix-It Friday... Las Vegas Children's Photographer

Another wonderful opportunity over at I heart faces to work on my photoshop skills.

This week's photo comes from Caroline at Frogmum. She writes: "My daughter is standing in our front garden - I was laying down. It was a beautiful day, but her face was in full shade & looks a bit blurry. She looks too dull against the blue sky. I'd like to be able to pull the whole thing up and make her pop out without losing the beauty of that blue sky."

 

Original

My Fix #1

Crop in closer to face

Added Remove Noise Filter

Ran Coffee Shop Triple Shot

Burn edges highlighting the face

Ran MCP Touch of Light on Face

Increased Saturation of Blue in Sky

Added Texture and removed entirely from the girl

My Fix #2

All the same steps as Fix #1

Removed texture

Added warming filter

My Fix #3

Turned Coffee Shop BW Layer on from Triple Shot

Increased Brightness and Contrast

Added clipping mask for edges

Added brushed layer and removed from face area

Visit I ♥ Faces to see the many other talented photographers and their edits on this very same photo! Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed my view on life :)

Blog Design... Las Vegas Family Photographer

So I am a little frustrated. I have been working in updating my blog to a template that allows for larger pictures. This has been successful however- as you may notice, there is nothing in my sidebar. It's all below my blog posts. I can't figure out what I have done or how to fix this. So I have reached out to the blogger community for assistance. If you happen to have an idea as to what I may have done- chime in. I am all ears, as blog design and coding is really not my forte!

BIG thanks to Amanda & her incredibly informative blog!


Also, HUGE thanks to Shabby Blogs for the graphics!

Sneak Peak- Mighty Mason... Las Vegas Baby Photographer

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure (it always is) of photographing my adorable nephew Mason. He is a BIG 8 month old! I am so proud of him and his squishy cheeks :) ♥ You!

 

Hands On Fun... Las Vegas Children's Photographer

This is my very first submission to the I ♥ Faces weekly Photo competition. This weeks theme was Hands on Fun. We have a lot of this at my house, so capturing what I though was the perfect picture was easy. Luke and Riley had a painting session that was captured beautifully in this shot- Enjoy!

Please visit I ♥ Faces to see the many AMAZING entries this week!

Rant... Las Vegas Family Photographer

I don't want this to sound like a pity party- but I have come to terms with the fact that it is pretty likely that I am writing these blogs to nobody. Getting followers seems impossible. Getting people to participate in an EASY contest to win FREE stuff also seems impossible. Soliciting new business- also impossible. This economy makes it very difficult to get a new budding business off the ground- REGARDLESS of how talented you may be.

It's been a rough day.

I spent all day filing taxes, maybe that is why. The business taxes for Catlow were great. Worked the prior years taxes down to next to nothing. Hopes were high- everything was going great. Until I started my own taxes for last year. UGH- I have never owed money to the IRS before, so that my friends is stressful in itself. No numbers, can't relive it. Stresses me out.

So in case you didn't know- I am divorced. I have two wonderful children- Riley & Luke, and their Dad is one of my best friends. However we run through the same complications that most divided households do- or at least I think they do. Different house; different rules. Without offending the other parent, how do you come to some sort of an agreement regarding body flatulence at the table? It's a no go in my house- not the case else where I assume. This is an ongoing struggle.

I was looking forward to getting out of the house to get some golden spoon frozen yogurt tonight. We have been stuck inside all day thanks to the IRS- but alas, my son didn't finish his dinner and I have to play to role of good and responsible mother and withhold the reward of ice cream, due to lack of eating.

Do you ever just want to give up?

Here is this week's Fix-It Friday over at I Heart Faces. It's another great oppertunity to hone my editing skills- I really enjoy Fix-It Fridays!

Original

 Fix #1

Coffee Shop- Triple Shot Color w/burned edge
I love the super bright color of this image! She jumps right out at you!

Fix #2

Coffee Shop- Triple Shot BW w/burned edge

I am a sucker for a classic Black and White- and I think the contrast of this is amazing!

Check out the other great edits here: I Heart Faces Blog

High School Senior Photographers... Las Vegas Senior Photographer

I just joined a few different public listings for High School Senior Photographers. This is a big step- I am trying to get my name out there, and it's tough....but I am trying to put my nose to the grind stone!

This is one site that I joined:

High School Senior Pictures Photographers Directory

Check it out, there are lots of talented people there!

NCC Scavenger Hunt.... Las Vegas Family Photographer

I attending my very first meeting of the Nevada Camera Club on Friday night. I know what you are thinking- man, she's got an amazing night life! I am a mom of two munchkins, my night life has long passed friends. I paid my annual dues, and am now a full fledged member! I am hoping to learn a lot from the members there to apply towards my photography.

One of the nice things is that we are presented with the opportunity to photograph things that may be typically outside of our skill set, or category. The Club was sponsoring a Photo Scavenger Hunt. We were presented with a list of "Things" and a time frame, and my friends- that was that. We were left to interpret this list as we pleased and photograph whatever it was that our hearts desired, so long as we felt it fit the list. Oh- there was one last rule......NO EDITING! The pictures were to never leave our memory cards- so the extra photoshop helping hand was OUT! This was extremely daunting for me, but what harm could it do. It's just a game.

I could have easily driven all over town to fulfill my hunt- but that is just too much work, and gas is way to expensive. So I racked my mommy brain! LOL- I know, I try to keep it in a separate compartment so that it doesnt overtake me completely. After a few minutes, I had the perfect location to take all ten shots that was just minutes from my house! I will fill you in on the FABULOUS location at the end of this blog- for now, check out my artist representation of the "list" :)

1.) Star (s)

 

2.) White Cross

3.) Stature of a Horse

4.) Chocolate (while one of my favorite things, this is my least favorite picture)

5.) Water Feature

6.) Arch

7.) Welcome Sign

8.)  Playing

 

9.) Ornamental Iron

10.) Flag (s)

So can anyone guess where I took all the photographs on my hunt? It was at the McKee Ranch. Last year we had the BEST birthday party for Lucas at the Ranch. The owners are wonderful, and it's open to the public every day during daylight hours. You can take a bag of carrots down and feed all the animals, and believe me- there are A LOT of animals.  I know I didn't shoot any of them, but that seems to direct of an interpretation of the list for me. 

I hope you enjoyed the results! I had a blast shooting them, and learned a bit in the process.

Fix-It Friday at I Heart Faces... Las Vegas Family Photographer

 This is my very first submission for Fix-It Fridays over at I Heart Faces. It's just a learning opportunity to get better in Photoshop! Comments on the results would be great :)

Original Photo

 My Version- "Fixed"

BLOG CONTEST#1... Las Vegas Family Photographer

Hey Guys!

It's time to officially announce Life Steps Photography's very first BLOG CONTEST - Woo Hoo!!!! :)

Each of my 2010 contests will be geared towards a group of my loyal friends and readers!

So, without further ado, here's the skinny:

Blog Contest #1: Creative Portrait Session Locations

- Reply to this post with your idea for a creative and unique location for a portrait session. In addition you must post this contest on your Blog, Facebook, or MySpace. Email me the link to your post and you will be assigned an entry number based on when i receive your Idea and Link.

- The deadline to submit your location is February 28, 2010

- I will use random.com to select the winner.

So...What Do I Win?

I was getting to that! ; )

If you win, you will a FREE session with Life Steps Photography at Your Suggested Location and (2) 8x10's, plus 10% off any additional prints you order!

Remember, this contest is only open to Blog-Lovers of Life Steps Photography!

Good luck and get posting!!!

Super Stylish Photographer's Bag... Las Vegas Family Photographer

And it could be yours free! (or maybe mine :o) )

@kellymooreclark is giving away a bag! Go enter to win! http://kellymoorebagblog.com/

Good Luck!

Drum Roll Please: Las Vegas Family Photographer

And I think that I am finally pleased with the "Final" layout of this blog, the color scheme, and my fancy little signature. If I never have to change my blog again I wouldn't complain AT ALL.

I'd love some feedback from you blog veterans out there. I would love to find a better "Share My Blog" set of icons (look to the right of the center blog section). Any one know where I can find those? My luck with google hasnt been so lucky today!

Oh my aching....

So I am sitting here at my make shift office/desk.....my dining room table. Just pulled myself out of bed despite the headache that is threatening to split my head in two.

Imagination Movers is blaring in the background- I love my kids, really- but I am quite certain that Disney Channel is going to be the death of both me and Jeff. Can people actually maintain their sanity with Disney filling all the silent space 24 hours a day? That would be an interesting experiment- I guess that one is to be left for another day.

I finished all of Audrey's portraits last night. I have to be honest- photographing the 3 month old age range makes me quite nervous. Newborns sleep a lot. They are easy. By 6-7 months babies can sit and are a little more versatile. In between- they are kind of like little blobs. I know that's horrible- what I mean is that they have very little motor control, and just sort of slump into position.

Anyhow when I left Audrey's house I wasn't sure how I felt about the session- and again was questioning if I am any good at this photography stuff. I think this expression pretty much sums it up.

But after I finished editing all the pictures last night I am feeling a bit better. I just need to figure out how to get some more clients first of all. 

I dropped fliers off at the kids old preschool yesterday- Hand in Hand and I got my first official call about 3 hours ago. The director is really great- and wanted to do whatever she could to help. However I went down the street to a neighboring school, and it's pretty amazing what a relationship with the director gets you. The lady wouldn't let me leave fliers, but she took a business card. Yes- one business card. So helpful. I am headed over to see a friend today- she also works in a preschool. She is going to hand out fliers for me to the parents and staff their. Cross your fingers!

Now- how do I get people to start following my blog? Give sessions away, contests? Interesting. And why is it so complicated to customize a blog? I am half tempted to pay someone to do it for me! Or maybe I can talk my sister into doing it for me in between WOW sessions :) OK wrapping up. Have a nice Wednesday- i almost said Tuesday. It's going to be one of those days.

Baby Audrey: Las Vegas Baby Photographer

Last week I photographed a little doll named Audrey. She is three months old, and was happier to spend time on her tummy than I remember either of my kids EVER being! Enjoy the sneak peak!

LifeSteps Celebration Discount: Las Vegas Family Photographer

Hi Friends!

I hope that everyone has had a wonderful weekend- and as good a Monday as possible. I hope that this email makes in just a little bit better!

In celebration of the launch of my website, blog & Facebook all in the same week I would like to offer- Drumroll please…….

$125 Print Credit

Please spread the word to family and friends of your own that you think would be interested!

Facebook

Life Steps Photography Blog

Life Steps Photography Website

Book now- this offer is good through February 28, 2010  Please mention this offer when calling or emailing to book!

Happy Smiles,

Follow me for $25 OFF: Las Vegas Family Photographer

Become a follower of Life Steps Photography and I will email you a coupon for $25 off of your sitting as my way of saying thanks!

Have a spare minute?

Visit my website at Life Steps Photography.

Aiden- 22 Months: Las Vegas Children Photographer

What a doll Aiden is. He is my LONG time friend Rachelle's son- and just full of energy! We had a wonderful afternoon at the park, full of playing! Thanks for the great shots little guy!

 

 

My Very First Blog: Las Vegas Family Photographer

Oh boy- I have officially joined the blogging community. I think I need to do some more work on the layout of my blog, but it is up and running.

The point of my blog is to let my clients, friends, and family know what I am up to. Here you will my favorite shots from my most recent sessions, as well as FABULOUS deals and discounts that you wont find elsewhere!

So I would be honored to have you as a follower, and if you are a Blog veteran- ANY and ALL tips are welcome and appreciated :)