photo friday--"editing photos" & link party!

welcome to photo friday, friends! (link party at the bottom of this post)

i'm excited to bring you a guest post all the way from jolly ole' england!  michelle, from momma bird and momma bird photography, is with us today to share some fun insights into photo editing.
thanks, michelle!


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Well, this is my FIRST guest post!
I'm not going to lie - I'm SUPER nervous!
Andi & I's history:
Andi and I actually met in college.
She lived with two of my former roommates/friends.
And then she ended up marrying a high school friend of mine!
Such a small world.
We actually lost touch for a while until the blogging world brought us back together.
Andi is such a sweetheart - but I don't have to tell her readers that - you already know she is!
Thank you so much for allowing me to guest post on your blog!

Andi has been doing a great series on Photo Friday and since it's Friday I thought it was only fitting to talk about:
photography

I have always been BIG into taking pictures, but it wasn't until the last few years that I really took a more serious interest in it. My hubs bought me our first DSLR before our trip to Maui last summer and I was thrilled! But even with that fancy new camera there were still times where I took a picture that just was 'off'.
Insert the power of editing! I had been using the program that came with my computer (iphoto) to edit my pictures and it did do a great job, but I wanted more. I uploaded the photoshop elements and so far I'm sold!

Today I'm going to help you out a little with some editing tips and photoshop tricks!

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These lily photos were edited using iphoto.

{a photo editing software that comes with macs}

 {original}

{edited}

What I did to this photo {using iphoto}:

• I turned on the b&w
• I boosted the color.
• I lightened the exposer. {this adjusts the lightness of an image}
• I increased the shadows. {this increases detail by lightening shadows}
• I increased the saturation. {this changes saturation intensity}

I absolutely love black and white photos. I feel like they really show off the details of a picture. Pictures that seem too busy can be toned down by using b&w and help you focus in on the subjects.
In  my edits I increase the shadows and increase saturation. I feel like these two typically go hand in hand. If you increase the shadows, the colors seem to disappear so you want to bring some of that back in. When I take pictures of my kiddos their eyes seem to always darken up and I want to show off their baby blues - this editing tip helps with that!

{original}

{edited}

{all I did was lighten the shadows}

I'm still trying to learn the ropes with photoshop elements - but there are some simple ways to improve your pictures. They have lots of brushes to lighten images, increase color, brush up portraits, and that's just the beginning! They also have lots of fun tools to change up your picture - adding in lighting effects, blurring images, swirling your photos, wave effects - pretty much lots of fun stuff!

{original}

{edited}

In this image I used a brush to make the skies more blue, I lightened the image. 

Then I added lighting effect. 

{original}

{edited}

I cropped this image.
I used the brush on the skies - nature - blue skies.
I used the brush on the grass - nature - greenery.
I used the brush to lighten the entire image.
I then used the eraser to take the power lines away.

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I hope I have helped in some way! 

Editing pictures can make a normal picture turn GREAT! 

I would love it if you showed me some of your edits using these tips. 

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If you have photoshop - I found some 'actions' that are a free download:

Pure Photoshop Actions

Pioneer Woman's Photoshop Actions

100 Free Photoshop Actions & How to Make Your Own
http://www.thecoffeeshopblog.com/

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♥

thanks again, michelle, for the really useful tips and tricks and also the links to the actions.  actions are my friend~!

please check out michelle's blogs (momma bird, SAHM confessions) and photography blog----she always has so many great insights and tips on photography, living life, and motherhood.

now onto our weekly photo friday link party:




only a few guidelines to help us all have a fun party:1.  please link to your specific photo post (and not your home blog page)
2.  add my button to the post or your sidebar so we can keep this party growing





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3.  and visit some of the other linker-uppers and give them some comment love

remember:  this can be any photography-related post from this week~

thanks for participating!

photo friday--"aperture basics" & link party!

welcome to photo friday!  (link party...at the bottom of this post)

I'm so excited to introduce you to our guest blogger, sarah from cozy.cute.cottage.  she's a talented photographer and i feel very honored to have her share her insight on the topic of aperture!

sarah, teach us something new!
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Aperture set to f 2.8

When I first got my SLR camera a few months ago, I tried to figure out the whole aperture, shutter speed, ISO thing. I skimmed the manual. I read articles online. I listened to people as they tried to explain it to me. I kind of not really got it.

I sorta knew how each one worked by itself. But all together? Nuh uh. Whenever I turned the dial over to manual mode it was just too overwhelming. I'd snap a few pictures, they would all turn out dark, and then I would give up and switch back over to the automatic mode.

A few weeks ago I got up the nerve to sign up for a photography class at my local college. On the first day, the teacher promised that for each of us, there would be a point in time where everything would just "click". (Get it? Click? Hee hee.) She was right.  

Aperture set to f 2.8

The first thing our instructor did was explain aperture and suggest that we start shooting in Aperture Priority Mode (AV mode) rather than full automatic or full manual mode. It's the best thing ever. Really, it is. So I thought I'd share a bit about what I learned in case you want to venture over to this setting, too.

By choosing Aperture Priority Mode, you are essentially on a semi-manual mode. You control a few things (mainly the aperture, hello) and your camera adjusts the shutter speed accordingly so that you get a decent exposure on your picture.

So what is aperture, anyway? The aperture is the opening of your camera's lens. It can be open realllllly wide, shut reallllllly small, or open somewhere in between. Here's a picture so you get the gist (but just ignore the numbers for now).

Image: White on Rice Couple

It only makes sense then that the size of the opening will affect how much light is getting into your camera. Big opening: lots of light. Tiny opening: a wee bit of light. Medium opening: medium amount of light.

What I found particularly confusing was that the aperture not only controls the amount of light getting into your camera, it also controls the depth of field. Huh? What?!?!

Take a look my two photos. The photo on the left has a very shallow depth of field. The first thing the camera sees is in focus and that's pretty much it. The photo on the right has a very deep depth of field. Everything single thing, even waaaaay back, is in focus.

Left: Aperture set to f 1.8                                                            Right: Aperture set to f 20

You can use your own eyesight to help you understand depth of field. When you are focusing on a single thing right in front of you, your eyes are open really wide (wide open lens). However when you want to see far away, you squint to make your eyes really small (lens almost closed) to get everything in the distance into focus.

Let's look at another picture. I wanted the flower petals to be sharp and in focus, however I wanted all the other leaves in the photo to be blurry. Basically, I wanted a shallow depth of field. On AV mode, I chose the largest aperture I could. Because I chose such a large aperture, my lens let a lot of light in. The camera adjusted the shutter speed so that the picture wasn't overexposed. Brilliant!

Aperture set to f 1.8

  
Okay, now here's the confusing part. Aperture is measured in f-stops. It has to do with some ratio of something-something that I don't really understand. But here's a trick that I learned in my photography class. It's not really accurate but it helps you understand what the numbers will do to your photo:

f 1.8 - 1 thing will be in focus

f 2.8   - 2 things will be in focus

f 4.0 - 4 things will be in focus

f 5.6 - 5 things will be in focus

f 8.0  - 8 things will be in focus

f 11.0 -  11 things will be in focus

f 22.0  - 22 things will be in focus

If you look at this picture again, the one on the left has "one" thing in focus and the one on the right has "twenty" things in focus.

Left: Aperture set to f 1.8                                                          Right: Aperture set to f 20

The great thing about playing around with your aperture is that you can include as much or as little of the background into your photo as you want. For example in my next photo, I again chose a large aperture so that the background would be completely blurry. It wasn't just because I wanted the flower buds to stand out, it was also because I had a crooked trellis in the background that I didn't want you to see!

The great thing about Aperture Priority Mode is that you can choose your aperture to get the amount of focus that you want, and your camera will be your best-friend help you out by choosing the shutter speed for you. Both will work together to create a properly exposed photo. You pick one thing (aperture) and your camera picks the other (shutter speed).

If you're new to this setting, I would highly recommend taking your camera outside and experimenting. Choose an inanimate object and take a few pictures with a large aperture (f 2.8 or f 4.0). Then take the same photo with a smaller aperture (f 5.6). See what happens to your picture. Keep experimenting until you get to the smallest aperture your camera will go to (f 22). You'll start to get the hang of it, I promise.

Note: There are several other settings you can change while on Aperture Priority Mode (ISO, exposure compensation, white balance, etc.) but I'll have to save those for another day. (If you want.)

Here is my favorite photo I've taken so far with my new camera:

Aperture set to f 1.8

To think that a few weeks ago I had no idea what I was doing. I'm getting it. I'm really, truly getting it!!!!! (Yes, that was in a squealing voice.)

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thanks, sarah, for working hard to make aperture seem simple to even the newest of photographers. i think i'm getting it, too~ i learned a lot!

go visit sarah at cozy.cottage.cute and you will find all sorts of decorating, crafting, photography goodness!

now, i want to see your pictures, too!  
luckily for you (and me) you can link up with any photo-related post and show off your pretty pics~  

please include my "photo friday" button in your post so that others can join the fun!



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and are you wondering where my "something awesome to share" for new photographers is?  come back tomorrow and you'll find it! 

photo friday--"embrace your inner photojournalist" & link party!

welcome to photo friday!  (link party...at the bottom of this post)

wowsie, i'm excited to have bri here from mod memento.  you aren't going to believe how photo-savvy this girl is and not only does she take beautiful pictures, she also designs adorable personalized prints like this:

and this:

and my favorite, this:

bri is currently on a break from the shop, but she will reopen and you can sign up to be notified when she does. 
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Hi everyone!  It's a pleasure to be a guest blogger on Milestones & Memories today!  I have been enjoying all of Andrea's helpful photography posts and am honored to add a few of my own little tips for you today!

My name is Bri and I am a stay-at-home mommy of two and the owner & designer of an Etsy shop called Mod Memento (currently closed for a short break!).  I also have a passion for taking great photographs for my Blog.   I am certainly not a professional, but I do consider myself a photojournalist.  And you can be too!

Today, I'm going to offer some advice for capturing those everyday, run-of-the-mill moments with your children.  You know those moments throughout your day that are seemingly mundane or repetitive?  And sure, maybe your kids aren't dressed in their best or your house isn't perfectly organized.  But those moments are worth freezing in time!   And they become your personal photo journal of real life.

Yes, even just small glimpses of your morning routine or your baby's footy pajamas will someday make your heart melt into a puddle.  That's the magic of photojournalism!  And thankfully, you don't have to be a professional in order to successfully document your children's young lives.

Someday I promise you'll look back and cherish those photos just as much as you do the ones where they're wearing a graduation cap, or a soccer uniform, or a ballerina's tutu!   I want Moms to get away from the stigma that you must take your child to the portrait studio every 6 months in order to capture their childhood years.  Those pictures are wonderful, yes!  But what are some specific things that you'll want to remember about them and their budding personalities in between those portrait sessions? 

Throughout the day, I try to remember the little things about my kids that I am going to miss someday when they grow out of the stage that they're currently in.  What makes them laugh?  What keeps them occupied?  What are your daughter's favorite shoes or your son's favorite blankie?  What is something new they learned this week?  Take pictures of all these things!  They tell a story about your everyday living.

What are some ways to stay inspired & motivated to capture these kinds of moments as they happen?  

First of all, I like to keep my camera CHARGED at all times!   What a bummer to reach for your camera in the midst of an amazing moment only to find that your battery is dead and the moment has passed.  

Secondly, keep your camera in a place that is accessible at all times!  This means NOT in a camera bag in the back of your closet.  Keep your camera out in a visible place (beyond the reach of tiny hands of course).   And when you're done snapping a few brilliant photos of your daughter decorating cookies, then place your camera back in the same landing spot that you had it before.  That way, you'll always know where it is the next time you need it. 

What if I'm not good at identifying those "photo-worthy" moments throughout the day?

I find that if I take some time to jot down some things I love and want to remember about my children at their current stage, it's a natural next step to watch for those favorite qualities being displayed in our everyday interaction.   Sometimes photo ops happen out of the blue and when you least expect them.  But sometimes a little extra thought ahead of time doesn't hurt.

Here are few additional prompts to get your ideas flowing:

What is their current favorite toy? 
What do they look like when they first wake up in the morning? 
What is your favorite thing about their bedroom?
What is their expression when learning something new?
Where is their favorite place to go?
How do they interact with their siblings?  With their Daddy?  Their grandparents?

One last tip.... don't forget to include your beautiful face in these photos too sometimes!  Someday, your kids will love seeing pictures of what you looked like in their early years.

Now.....go out and be inspired to find your inner Photojournalist!!
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thank you, bri, for the great tips on being a photo journalist in our own homes.  i  appreciate the way you  capture those special moments in your children's lives and am inspired to try and do the same!

{i'm going to post our week-in-review photos tomorrow since i have a bunch from memorial day, my sister's visit, zoo, etc.....we've had a busy and fun week.  check back tomorrow for the photopalooza!}

now, on to our weekly photo friday link party!  
link up your photography-related post so we can learn something new from you!  it would be awesome if you put my button in your post or sidebar while you're at it!

thanks, muah~




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antiques galore!

saturday.....glorious saturday! 

the hubs and i dropped off the kids (with nana and pap--not just on the side of the road or something)
and took a stroll to the country
away from the hustle,
to a small town that reminds me of home.
an antique festival ,
knick knacks, vintage fabrics, refurbished furniture, and so many good photo ops!

,

.
sadly, i did not buy all of these lovelies.....
this is the only thing i walked away with:

and at a whopping $0.50, nonetheless.

but, i was going mostly to get ideas/inspiration, spend a gorgeous spring day with my husband, and to see a big-time blogger who i just recently found out is located in my neck of the woods-- MISS MUSTARD SEED.  i know, she's like totally famous, and has the most beautiful furniture, and she's a christian, too! 

i walked through her booth twice, but didn't get a chance to talk to her....i'm shy, you know :).
it didn't matter because it was just so fun to see her stuff firsthand.

we also saw the primitive & proper booth and all their goodies as well. so cool!

the day couldn't have been more perfect.......especially because i got to spend it with my favorite guy.

oh one more thing.....i'm over the moon excited to be guest blogging at A Glimpse Inside today.....it's highlighting more antiquing treasures (i actually bought).  come over and check it out and the rest of Allison's fabulous blog while you're at it.