Shane Sitter Photography

2010 California Trip

2010-07-14T11:24:00.006-06:00

Torri Tavenner... Alpha Gymnastics Center

2010-03-09T17:11:00.003-07:00

Jeff Johnson LIghting Worshop

2010-02-06T11:09:00.005-07:00

Attended a workshop on studio lighting this past weekend. Had a few models available to photograph. One of the shots I took from the workshop.

Valentine's Card for Caroline

2010-01-20T08:34:00.003-07:00

Have to customize a Valentine card for Caroline each year. Here is the one for 2010.

working on custom posters for sports

2009-11-13T08:56:00.001-07:00

Aqua Kickz Swim School

2009-10-14T08:44:00.003-06:00

Michael works with a consultant who also runs a swim school on the weekends with her husband. She asked Michael if I would be interested in trading photos for their website for swimming lessons for the kids. Awesome trade! Very impressed with their set up and the kids are learning lots. Just started taking photos last weekend. Here is one of Caroline and will have to post one of Hunter when I get a good one.

Working on some Senior stuff for next year

2009-10-08T16:05:00.007-06:00

411 rep card

Well one thing that I have decided this year after photographing many different people and events, is that I love to do senior photos. I leave these sessions feeling totally energized. It is fun getting to know the seniors, their goals, and anything they want to share during the session.

Trying to get my ducks in a row for next years senior rush. Working on some senior 411 rep cards and also cool graduation announcements. Have had several requests for the custom announcements. I guess the old white Josten's announcement with the wallet photo is kind of out.

Man things have changed from when I went to high school and I am so glad they have. No more stiff photos with the ugly blue background. Now you get cool creative photos that really show the individuals personality. Wish I could be a senior again and I don't mean a senior citizen!!!!

Senior Morgan West

2009-10-08T13:04:00.005-06:00

2009-09-21T14:03:00.001-06:00

Caroline's first soccer practice and game

More Seniors... Autumn and Katrina

2009-09-07T11:02:00.007-06:00

A few from the wedding this past weekend

2009-09-02T17:39:00.008-06:00

I have had the privilege to be a second shooter for two weddings in the past month. Assisted the same photographer. Here are a few things that I have learned so far as a second shooter?

1. Good wedding photographers earn every single penny they charge and then some.

2. That I need to buy more comfortable shoes to wear when I shoot.

3. Eat before you go. Should be a given but not always with me. Take water (currently addicted to Vitamin Water 10) and protein bar with you to snack on. Also don't forget the gum :) Nothing worse than a second shooter with bad breath!!!

4. Be prepared to work your butt off. Don't mind that at all. Actually I never really had a butt, so working it off is really not an issue.

5. Watch what lens the primary shooter is using and use a different lens when all possible.

6. Try to catch the special moments in the crowd that the primary shooter may miss because they are concentrating on the bride and groom.

7. Work opposite sides of the primary and keep an eye out as to where they are shooting from so you can stay out of their picture.

8. Shoot RAW which I do anyway.

9. I try to make sure the primary has water or something to drink because they are usually going 100 miles a minute. Thought it was just a nice courtesy.

10. Most important... Have fun

Rebels are totally rocking it for 2009

2009-09-01T20:46:00.004-06:00

Tommy Moehlman

2009-09-01T13:36:00.003-06:00

CJ Schmidt

2009-08-24T20:52:00.002-06:00

2009-08-21T17:14:00.000-06:00

2009-08-07T10:30:00.001-06:00

Friday Harbor (San Juan Island)

2009-07-29T08:46:00.003-06:00

We had the opportunity to travel to an absolutely unique, beautiful island this summer and meet two wonderful people who own and run the Discovery Inn. I had never heard of Friday Harbor (San Juan Island) but through research on the internet, I found the Inn and gave them a call to see if they had a room. I spoke to the owner, Beth, who filled me in on the island. The conversation led to me being a photographer and she asked if I would be willing to excahange photos of the property for the website in exchange for the stay at the Inn. Well of course I would! We traveled by ferry over to the island and had a most wonderful stay. I met Beth and Jim and if you ever travel to this island give them a call. They are most gracious people and we really appreciate the invite to the island. We will certainly be back with the kids to tour, kayak, and just relax. Here are a few photos from our adventure. More coming soon.

Jackie, Scott and little Miss Beezy!!!

2009-07-28T22:14:00.006-06:00

Jenna

2009-07-28T17:04:00.002-06:00

My friends dog. She really is a sweet girl and takes a wonderful photo as well. She and Abbey got to play together this week while I cooked a nice dinner for my two friends, Barb and Mystic.

2009 4th of July Fireworks

2009-07-05T10:24:00.005-06:00

We spent the afternoon with co-workers and friends swimming, grilling out and watching a great fireworks show to end the day. The coolest thing was the moon in the background as the fireworks lit up the sky. Here are a few photos

Scouting out new sites to take photos

2009-07-03T10:19:00.004-06:00

Yesterday the kids and I met my friend Sabra at the City Park to look for new areas to take photos. Also went to Cheesman and Confluence Park right next to REI downtown. The kids had a great time playing in the water at Confluence Park and it was just nice to get out of the house for the entire day with my two favorite little people :)

How do you get your kids involved in being a subject for you?

2009-06-24T14:19:00.006-06:00

I have fought the off camera flash for too long. Now that I have a small understanding of how it works along with the newest version of the pocket wizards...well lets just say I am starting to have some fun. Here are some from last night. Flash mounted on stairs using justin clamp and also using flash on camera. The kids just being kids. Special effects added in Photoshop.

Practicing with Photomatix software

2009-06-18T22:39:00.008-06:00

La Piazza on Larimer Square 2009

2009-06-18T10:08:00.006-06:00

Italian Chalk Art. After photographing the Heart Walk I came upon the chalk drawings on Larimer Square. We will definitely not miss this going forward. Over 200 artists along the streets showing off their talents and artwork. Incredible!!! This is Stephani and she tied for 2nd place 'Best of Show'.

Mike's Camera is hosting a contest based on the drawings. You can win a trip for two to Paris so of course I am going to give it a try. Liked the angles in this photo and tried a HDR treatment on it for something a little different.

Before Image

Great local band 'Savage Henry'

2009-06-17T21:36:00.001-06:00

2009-05-01T19:16:00.003-06:00

This past week Caroline and I took a ride to Strasburg with my neighbor Catherine to look at her horses. Caroline loved it and of course wants to go again. Of course mom could not miss a photo opportunity.

2009-04-11T01:18:00.000-06:00

Practicing again as always. Window right with white cloth to diffuse. Reflector left for a little fill.

Who has a Mrs. Beasley doll?

2009-04-10T21:19:00.003-06:00

I am showing my age with this photo. Who remembers Mrs. Beasley and the entire Family Affair gang?

Working on logo, business card, website

2009-04-07T12:16:00.000-06:00

Trying to get things in order to take this want to be business to the next step. Created this new logo which will be placed on the website, business cards and on my husbands new underwear. Just kidding!

Rod Evans Senior Photography Seminar

2009-04-06T11:36:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I attended the Rod Evans Senior Photography Seminar and left so pumped up I couldn't stand it. I am trying to work on the logistics and basics for turning this hobby into something that I can supplement our income and allow us some of the simple pleasures in life such as a vacation which doesn't involve a Coleman stove and a tent or a shopping spree at J Jill. Just kidding! I love camping and also get a thrill out of finding bargains here and there.

My friends know that I have lots of energy, am all over the place most of the time, and when it comes to photography could go on for hours about it. Sorry guys!

I really would like to get into the Senior Photography market. There are 5 high schools within 10 miles of where I live. Seniors are fun, creative and most of the time up for just about anything.

2009-03-23T13:07:00.000-06:00

2009-03-18T06:56:00.000-06:00

Working some older photos. These were taken this past fall.

So I ate my words today

2009-02-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

I told my mother-in-law when Caroline was born that I would never put BIG bows in her hair.

My mom sent her this dress for Christmas along with a red, yellow and green big bow. I sighed. Caroline loved them. Well you can see I ate my words today. Here is the proof :)

President Barack Obama's visit to Denver

2009-02-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

It was kind of exciting today as the kids and I watched from the back deck as Air Force One flew into Buckley AFB. Of course I had to get the camera out and take a few photos. Caroline said she needed to get over there to give him a hug. Of course that didn't happen :) Going to get copies of this made for the kids to take too class tomorrow.

Man that is a BIG plane!

Creating Senior Announcement Templates for the Upcoming Year

2009-02-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

The new trend in announcements is grunge and something unique. Working on some announcements for next year.

More Faces of Abbey the Talented Weimaraner

2009-02-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

'HO...HO...HO' Abbey

'Ski Woof Dog' Abbey

'Phyllis Diller' Abbey

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-01-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Designed this card for Caroline to give out in class for Valentine's Day. Asked Hunter if he wanted me to design one for him as well and he just rolled his eyes. :)

Breckenridge ski trip

2009-01-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Spent a few days in Breckenridge this past weekend. Mike and Hunter went skiing while Caroline and I just hung out around town. In the lobby at the place we stayed was a cozy bar where draft beers were only a buck fifty. Better than that was the bartender, Bubba Haught. Caroline loved Bubba as he won her heart by giving her toys and making her hot chocolate with whip cream and cherries. Bubba has quite a story to tell which you can find here http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20080312/RECREATION01/707617978

Before we left on Monday Caroline had to write Bubba a note thanking him for her gifts and telling him that she will miss him.

Hunter is such an adrenaline junkie and loves to ski. Of course he has so much energy so this sport suits him well. The only thing it does not suit is our bank account. Man skiing is so expensive. Next year he can apply for a free pass that will allow him to ski certain areas free. This we will certainly do.

Also this week in Breckenridge they had the Budweiser International Snow Carving. Here are a few photos of the sculptures.

All in all it was a great time in Breck. Can't wait until next year.

Caroline's Birthday Announcement

2009-01-16T13:58:00.001-07:00

Just finished designing Caroline's birthday announcement. Hard to believe she will be turning 6 soon.

2009-01-15T15:48:00.001-07:00

Christmas

2008-12-31T17:17:00.001-07:00

Our weekend trip to downtown Denver

2008-11-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

This past Friday we stayed downtown at the Curtis hotel with the kids. Many hotels were running specials on rooms to bring people downtown for the Christmas lighting ceremonies. I remember as a kid how cool it was to stay in a hotel. Caroline got in the room and immediately ran to the window to open the curtains. Her response was "this is just amazing. It really is. " We grabbed a bite to eat and then headed over to the city/county building to get ready for them to turn on all the lights. There was music and the local news celebrities. Right before the lights came on it started snowing. I told Michael that this could not be more perfect and the timing was just right. Well, after about 15 minutes of the heavy, wet snow we were soaked! So much for perfection. We then headed to the ESPN zone to let the kids play games, a few beers, etc. The next day we hung out downtown and visit the Denver Performing Arts area and took a tour of the old Mountain Bell telephone building. The best part is that all we had to do to get home was take the light rail back to the car. Short trip to get there and short trip to get home. It was a great weekend and one I hope the kids will remember when they get older. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Caroline trying to play piano

2008-11-28T12:45:00.001-07:00

William Wegman has nothing on us....The new Weimaraner Photography

2008-11-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

"This Halloween Crap is for the Birds" Abbey

"Little Red Riding Hood" Abbey

"Take me out to the ballgame" Abbey

"Jester" Abbey

"Strawberry Fields Forever" Abbey

Abbey was very good and patient yesterday while displaying her many personalities for the camera.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T12:42:00.000-06:00

Click to enlarge

Abbey...aka Scary Weimawitch!!!

Our little witch

Our football player

My friend Joie's daughter...Lochlan

Joie's youngest daughter, Maeve...aka Fancy Nancy

We met some friends at Southlands Mall for a little trick or treating. I guess due to the great weather, the kids turned out in masses. I have never seen so many kids and parents dressed for Halloween in one place. It was great! Here are a few photos from yesterday. A few for now and more to come later. Check back to see more of the Weimawitch!!!

2008-10-28T10:45:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I took the kids to a park they love off of S. Quebec. Took the opportunity to take some photos of them as the area has great scenery.

Caroline playing at school

2008-10-09T14:34:00.000-06:00

Caroline's favorite babysitter (Autumn) and her friend Cammy

2008-09-11T15:34:00.000-06:00

We met Autumn (dark hair) and her family a few years ago when her step dad coached Hunter's baseball team. Caroline loves Autumn and she is such a great kid. Beautiful inside and out and she has such a good head on her shoulders. They let me get some practice in this day for senior shoots I am doing.

Autumn also has a sister (Faith) that is in Hunter's class. Hunter asked me the other day if I believed in love at first sight. I told him I sure did. He said "Mom, I think I am in love". I just had to smile! He also told me he wasn't going to recess anymore and is going to the library instead. I asked him why and what he did at the library during this time. He said he reads and works on the computer with Faith. I told him I certainly approved as Faith must be a good influence.

We are very proud of Hunter

2008-09-11T15:22:00.000-06:00

I received Hunter's CSAP scores and his math was good but his writing, reading, etc was a little behind. We looked into hiring a tutor for him to catch him up in areas that were lacking. Soon after, I received a call from his first grade teacher at Aspen telling me he was chosen to be in a tutor program sponsored at the school. Only a select few students (4th and 5th graders) are chosen each year. When talking to her, she mentioned that he was selected based on qualities such as leadership and caring. As a parent, I was so proud to hear this and the call could not have come at a better time. Prayers were answered. He started his training this week and they finished early as the five selected seemed to catch on quicker than the teacher thought they would. They start tutoring the 2nd graders next week in reading and the program continues until February. He will tutor twice a week after school.

We are very proud of him!!!!

More football photos of Hunter

2008-09-11T15:13:00.000-06:00

Hunter got to choose his number for his jersey. Why he chose number 13 I don't know. The best thing is the name on the back... "Sitter". I am having this photo printed large and on pearl paper to frame for Mike's office. This is going to be part of his birthday which is this Sunday.

Rebels Football

2008-08-24T08:38:00.001-06:00

Hunter on the right.

Hunter is on the left.

Hunter's team has been practicing for weeks. We joined this team so Hunter could play with his best friend Austin. I will have to say that they coaches are very dedicated to teaching these kids the basic fundamentals and teamwork. They are really starting to look pretty good out on the field. This is Hunter's first year and I was worried about him playing because of his size. Well, he is very fast and quick on the field. Also it seems he has a talent for punting. Wish you guys could come see him play.

Caroline's first day at kindergarten

2008-08-20T13:17:00.000-06:00

My brother, Aunt Melinda and the cousins...Chase and Cade

2008-08-07T16:40:00.000-06:00

Rain

2008-08-04T21:36:00.000-06:00

Everytime it rains Caroline runs upstairs and puts on her pink rain coat and boots. Unfortunately rain hasn't come often this summer in Denver. Record temperatures in the high 90's and 100's for over 18 consecutive days.

2008-07-30T20:20:00.000-06:00

A recent of my son Hunter.

2008-07-27T15:26:00.000-06:00

2008-07-25T12:30:00.000-06:00

At practice tonight I took a few shots of this Rottweiler which is absolutely beautiful. Zeus is his name and his dad wants a 16x20 of one of the shots.

Custom Football Poster '08. Created this poster today after listening to a few Photoshop tutorials last night. Thought it turned out pretty good for my first try. Getting some help from one of the coaches on Hunter's team that has more experience than I do in Photoshop. Hope to come up with a few more. Will see how they sell this year on the football field.

Also at practice tonight I took a few shots of this Rottweiler which is absolutely beautiful. Zeus is his name and his dad wants a 16x20 of one of the shots.

Photos for Caroline's room

2008-07-22T13:08:00.000-06:00

Camping at Steamboat Lake Campground (click on photo to enlarge)

2008-07-15T16:47:00.000-06:00

The Sitters minus the photographer as usual!

These girls are having so much fun.

Kaden...the wild one!!!!

The bridge going into Bridge Island where we camped. Very popular site. I had to reserve these spots 6 months in advance.
Late winter here so the wildflowers were in bloom everywhere. Beautiful!

James loves to fish and finally caught a big one at the end of the trip.

Our neighbors Bruce and Shaye sharing a sweet moment.

Our dog Abbey.

Hunter caught the first crawfish! He was so proud.

Caroline and Angie being towed by the pontoon boat. They were having a great time as you can tell.
Hunter in the boat.

James......

Just returned from a long weekend of camping at Steamboat Lake Campground. We had six families in all camping for the weekend. Everyone had a great time, especially the kids. On Friday we rented a pontoon boat and cruised around the lake. The kids played in the woods, fished and on Saturday some went into Steamboat for the Hot Air Balloon festival and Art in the Park. We stayed behind and met the park rangers at the bridge so the kids could learn how to catch crawfish. Hunter caught the first one. Here are a few photos from the trip. More to come when I get time.

2008-07-07T16:13:00.000-06:00

The kids are gone for three weeks

2008-06-19T23:33:00.001-06:00

Well the kids have been gone for a little over a week now. Very quiet around here. No doors slamming 100 times a day as Hunter and his friends go in and out the house. No little voice saying "mommy, what do you want me to wear today". Pretty boring actually but I am enjoying the time. Mike and I headed to Avon this past weekend and had a great time just doing nothing. We each bought books and sat by the pool for two days. We stayed at the Sheraton Mountain Vista which was nice. Avon is right beside Vail and believe me that the area caters to the elite and very rich. You should see the homes in Vail! We visited a furniture store or two for fun. The leather furniture was unbelievable and the price matched. How about $4,500.00 for a leather chair. No sweat...we bought two at that price plus a couch to match. Just kidding!

The kids are having a great time building memories with their grandparents. Tomorrow they are off to my mom and dads for a vacation at the beach. After that back to Greenville where they will make the jourmey with Mark and Marie back to Colorado. They will get here in time for the 4th of July. The week after that we leave for Steamboat Springs, CO to go camping with five other families. The rodeo and hot air balloons are in town that week so I hope to get some great shots. I love camping! The best family fun you can have.

Updates: Finalist in a contest, Radio Disney event a success, yearbook another success

2008-05-19T10:29:00.000-06:00

Most of it is over and I can say I am so glad. It has been a very busy few months coordinating, planning, creating all these events at Hunter's school.

Yearbook: This year was our best sales year ever. We have almost sold 300 yearbooks for the school. There are about 475 students at Aspen Crossing so the percentage of sales to students was great! Many compliments on the book from the teachers and parents. This one I will do next year as it is dear to my heart.

Radio Disney Event: Many, many months went into planning this event which was held at one of the local high schools. This is the first event where we expected a large turn out but we were not sure how many. We had 350 individual presales and 100 sales at the door. I have received nothing but great feedback and all said the event was very well organized. I think I could have planned a wedding for all the time that was spent on this event. Next year they can build upon this one and make it even better. I have been asked to do it again next year but my time is up and I need a break.

Caroline's photo is a finalist in the Better Photo contest for the month of April. Here is the email I received. Take a look at the photos in the galleries if you have a chance. I had another one make it to the finalist and I think it was the photo of Caroline,Abbey and Hunter on the bed in black and white.

Hi Shane Congratulations! You have placed as a finalist in this month's BetterPhotoContest! Over 30000 photos were entered into the competition; it is an honorto have your image selected among the top 446 finalist photos. Your finalist photo: Caroline (#5927404) This image can be viewed - along with all of the finalist images - at:http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGall2.asp?catID=24571

Caroline's new dress and shoes

2008-05-06T16:14:00.000-06:00

I bought this dress for Caroline a few weeks ago and today was the first day she wore it. I love the colors and she received so many compliments on it. Well I just had to try and take a picture or two. She just will not cooperate any more. I had to tell her she was going to be on poop duty in the yard for the rest of the day if she didn't smile. Oh well thought these were cute.

The Sitters are the most awesome neighbors you could have!!!!!!

2008-05-05T20:15:00.000-06:00

Click to enlarge picture

My little PROUD VILLIANS!!!!!! I have taught them well.

Elvis was so hot in his day but that gold suit has got to go.

The kids and I were so bad tonight but we had so much fun!!! I received a box this weekend from a novelty store where I ordered some items for the school dance. Inside they packed lots of Elvis posters.

Right before dinner this bright idea just hit me out of the blue. Imagine that. I called to see if my neighbor and friend was at home. She was not. Awesome. I grabbed the tape, posters and told the kids to follow me.

We had so much fun covering their house in Elvis posters as you can see by the pictures. I am such a bad mom! Teaching the kids how to be hoodlums at such an early age. We were working on the side of the house when I heard a truck come around the corner. We got caught red handed with posters and tape in hand. It was her husband and kids. Brandy is at a training and hasn't got home yet. Posters are still up. I think I will pull the shades, not answer the phone and lock all the doors.

B....aren't you so glad you have the Sitters for neighbors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Caroline had her first spend the night party with Mave and Lochlan

2008-05-05T06:47:00.000-06:00

Saturday night Caroline and I went over to Mrs. Joie's to take her some thank you notes for the PTO. Well Mrs. Joie broke out the bottle of Margarita's and then the Mojita's so mom had to stay for awhile! Caroline played with Mave and Lochlan and Joie asked her to stay the night. Her first spend the night party.

Sunday morning Michael picked her up and when she got home the first thing she said with a twinkle in her eye was " I had a spend the night party. I so excited!!!"

Thank you John Boyt!!!

2008-04-29T06:19:00.001-06:00

Many years ago I met a great group of people from Moncks Corner SC. I dated Michael Varner and through that relationship is how I met so many of these friends. We did and went so many places together and I have very fond memories of hanging out with this crowd all over the US. The beach at Wild Dunes, tailgating at Citadel games, skiing in West Virginia and Utah, Lake Murray on the weekends, etc. Eventually alot of us moved on and I lost touch with all of them.

Not too long ago I received a call from my sister in law letting me know she got an email from someone looking for me. She asked me if I knew a John Boyt. Evidentally Johnny has been very bored over the years and has been trying to find me! He remembered I had a brother that went to West Point and the year he graduated. He found my brother on a Westpoint graduate site, took a chance and emailed him. I could not believe he took the time over the years to find me. It has been at least 13 years or more since I last saw these guys. You don't know how that made me feel. I was also friends with John's wife, Carol. Can't wait to visit them when I get to South Carolina at some point in time.

Today is opening day for baseball...I am so proud!!!

2008-04-26T08:04:00.000-06:00

Today is opening day for baseball and Mike and Hunter headed out at 7:45 this morning. All you moms know the warm feeling in your heart that comes from being so proud of your children. Tears start streaming down your face and your heart feels like it could explode. Of course your kids don't understand. "Mom, why are you crying. You are embarassing me.". One day they will understand. Here is Hunter in his new Phillies uniform. Hunter is so athletically inclined and anything to do with sports seems to come so easy for him. He hasn't found that one thing he is in love with but he will find his way. He is the shortest guy on the team but he has an arm and he is fast! Already he has been hit twice on the back while batting so he is a little gun shy about goiong up to bat. I would be too.

My day at the One Eighty Medical Spa

2008-04-24T19:04:00.000-06:00

Ok...so turning 45 has me wishing that I wasn't such a sun goddess in my younger years. Not sure why but hitting the mid 40s is bothering me somewhat. Could it be I robbed the cradle and married someone 12 years younger than I am. No that is not it as most of the time I act younger than Mike does. Well a new medical spa opened a few miles from the house and I had to go check it out. I rarely do anything to pamper myself so I had a microdermabrasion and Jessner peel today. Helped that the first visit was 50% off as I am too cheap to pay full price. Wasn't too bad but I should start peeling soon so I will let you know how that goes. Of course since I am the one that is always behind the camera you will not see any before and after photos. Sorry!!!!! Stay tuned for the results although you have to have several of them done to see extended improvement. Guess I need to sell more photos to support my new chemical peel habit.

Today is my birthday and a few other happenings for the past week

2008-04-20T06:49:00.000-06:00

Mike had lasik surgery this past week and is doing great. Goodbye glasses and contacts. Friday we were walking around the mall and he would ask me "Can you read that sign". I couldn't read it but he sure could. Maybe I should get to the eye doctor!

I have been on the PTO board for Hunter's school the past two years. Fun but lots of work, especially when you only have a few moms doing everything all year long. For months I have been working on the Radio Disney event. Radio Disney (for a high price) brings their equipment, DJ and staff to interact with the kids. Lots of music, games, food, and give aways. The kids are pretty pumped about it at school and for the event they can come in costume. I have put together a slideshow to music that will be played before the event on a big screen in the gym. The slideshow consists of the kids pictures I have taken throughout the year. Oh, did I mention I am their photographer and do the yearbook as well. You can view the slideshow here if you would like. Hope this will pump the kids up even more. Every mom, dad and kid loves to see their face on the big screen.

Watch it if you can. It took me three damn days to get it done!!! Oh and the person in the Donald Duck outfit at the beginning is the principal of the school.

http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewshow.html?fl=2965172&alb=0

Hunter has started baseball practice. His coach is awesome. He hits the field and there is not a minute of time that he isn't teaching the kids to do something. Running through first base instead of slowing down, how to field the ball, how to throw, etc. Hunter is loving it and I am too. I am a little competitive when it comes to the sports stuff!

I am doing Sunday sessions for photography two times a month at a gymnastic center not far from the house. They are going well and I really like working with the little kids and making money on the side doing something I absolutely love.

Learning about butterflies

2008-04-14T19:34:00.000-06:00

At dinner tonight Caroline told us she learned about butterflies in school today. Her dad asked her is she knew what butterflies started out as . She replied, "callerpooters". The next time you come across a callerpooter, please do not step on it or kick it to the side. Pick it up, stroke it lightly and just say, "Hi little callerpooter" and think of Caroline.

2008-04-09T20:08:00.000-06:00

We went to Marshall's the other day and they had these raincoats and boots sitting on a rack at the front of the store. They sure know how to target the kids as Caroline saw them right away and of course had to have one. She chose this one because it was her favorite color, pink. She has hardly taken it off since she got it. Hunter even made this comment. "I do have to say she is pretty cute in it." Well that says a lot if big brother pays you a compliment. She had to wear it to school today. Rain boots, white tights, jean skirt and pink raincoat. When I picked her up she said, "Mom, all the kids said they liked my outfit today."

It started raining today and Caroline ran upstairs to let me know. She was so excited and it didn't register with me as to why. I then heard the door slam and when I looked out she was outside dancing in the rain with the boots and coat on. Kids are just awesome aren' t they!

Yippee!! Hunter made the Majors

2008-04-08T20:02:00.000-06:00

Got the call tonight to let us know Hunter made the majors. Hurray! His coach is named Steve Boyd and he coaches all three of his boys teams. Busy man for sure. Practice starts tomorrow night at 6:30 so his dad will be able to take him to most of the practices. Start looking for baseball action photos soon. I think I am more excited than he is. I just love photographing sports.

Thank goodness for generous friends

2008-04-06T14:19:00.001-06:00

This is my neighbors little girl, Shaye. I am so glad for generous friends that let me borrow their kids to practice on.

Caroline's Modeling Session

2008-04-04T12:49:00.000-06:00

Today I wanted to practice taking photos so I had to think of a way to get Caroline to cooperate. Tried a few things and the only thing that would work was to offer to pay her. She is no dummy!!!! After it was over she asked me when I was going to the bank to get her money. I could see this getting pretty expensive on my part. Here is a photo from today.

Tried a few different techniques. Color boost on the first one, BW on the second and desaturation on the third. She is a wonderful little model when she wants to be.

Click on the photo to enlarge.

2008-04-04T12:46:00.000-06:00

Hunter's Art Work

2008-03-30T12:50:00.001-06:00

We finished our basement last year and I thought what a great place to display some of my photos of the kids. Over the past few years Hunter has come home from school with some of his art that he completed in art class. I told him I would display his work as well in the basement. He was pretty proud. Here are a few examples. One is a self portrait and the other I absolutely love. The vase of flowers. They studied Keith Haring this year so the top piece of art is from that lesson.

Each year the art teacher displays all the students art in the hallways at the school. Since I do the yearbook each year, I had the idea last year of taking random pictures of various art and doing a collage for the back cover of the yearbook. It went over well and is quite colorful.

New Green Tea Ginger Ale

2008-03-30T12:08:00.001-06:00

We stopped buying soft drinks about two years ago but we indulge every now and then. We love ginger ale and have recently discovered Green Tea Ginger Ale. If you like ginger ale and are also fond of green tea then give this a try. Hmmm! I wonder how this would be with a little vodka added to it.......

2008-03-29T09:28:00.000-06:00

2008-03-29T09:21:00.000-06:00

I feel bad that most of the pictures on this blog belong to my daughter. She is with me most of the time. My son is not interested in getting his picture taken as he has better things to do like playing outside with his friends all the time. I can understand that. When baseball starts the blog will fill with action photos of him. I love photographing sports as you never know what you will get. Here is one taken while he was rollerblading.

A Day for Coloring

2008-03-28T14:06:00.000-06:00

I love taking photos in our bedroom where I have a big window and lots of natural light. Like to practice alot in here.

Photography tips and techniques

2008-03-26T18:36:00.001-06:00

Black and White Conversions

I do not proclaim to be a photoshop guru at all (far, far from it) but I did want to share some techniques that I have learned here and there from others. I often get asked about my black and white conversions. I put together a tutorial which I posted on http://www.dgrin.com/ I will share it here. The method is Kevin Kubota's so I cannot take any credit for it at all. http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=57194. You may have to join the forum to get to the link. Not sure.

I have also recently built my own gradients and may use two at a time. Adjusting opacity of one or the other based on the pic until I like what I see. One step to add after you add the gradient is to add a 'color balance' layer. Click on the layer and drag it below the gradient layers. You can now tweak your shadow, midpoint and highlights via the individual RGBs. Works like a charm or at least it does for me.

Another BW conversion method I use is by Greg Gorman. He has a tutorial on the steps on his website www.greggormanphotography.com and you can find an action for his BW conversion at http://www.atncentral.com/. I will use his method to convert to BW and them add one of my gradients for some tone, etc.

Color Pop

Two techniques that I have been using lately to pop the color:

1. Press the alt key and then click on the add adjustment layer in the layer palette. Select brightness/contrast and change the mode to soft light. Click OK. Choose the amount of contrast (I usually start with 8) and adjust accordingly. Now lower the opacity of this layer until you get the amount of pop that you are pleased with. Adding contrast can make faces become a little less than desirable in color. I then add a mask and paint back in the areas that I do not want to pop the color.

2. Another way to add some pop is to change the mode to lab. Ctrl/J to duplicate the layer and change the mode to multiply. Adjust opacity as needed. I also add a mask and paint back in areas that I do not want it to effect. Change mode back to RGB.

Hope you can follow my directions here.

Hunter tries out for the majors

2008-03-25T19:56:00.000-06:00

Hunter had tryouts for the majors on Saturday. I am kind of excited about baseball season starting back up. He did really well, especially at batting. I think he will make the majors. Saw a few parents that have been on the same team over the past two seasons.

Will start again with the sports posters this spring. For the short time that I sold them last fall I did very well. All I had to do was show up with some examples and the parents approached me wanting to know how to get them of their kids. What really sets them apart is that they are printed on pearl paper. Really gives them a nice sheen and professional look. Here are a few examples.

Easter

2008-03-23T19:35:00.000-06:00

Bought this dress yesterday for Caroline. She loved it because it came with a smaller version for her doll. Of course took advantage of the photo opportunity to get in a little practice with both of them. She has named the doll Lori after her imaginary cousin Lori. The last call she had with cousin Lori was with Nana Brenda a week or two ago. After the call she turned around and said "Cousin Lori is starting to sound like Nana Brenda." Well imagine that!

Abbey, our Spoiled Weimaraner

2008-03-23T19:00:00.000-06:00

Abbey is our two year old female Weimaraner. Last year the kids wanted a dog and so the search began. First we were looking to buy a German Short Haired Pointer from a breeder. One Sunday I started searching the ads online and came across a picture of Abbey. I contacted the owner and they were selling her because their smallest child developed allergies after getting her. I contacted the owner and he said we could come look at her that day. It was about an hour drive for us. I was getting the kids ready to go when he called back and said that his wife had been speaking with a guy for the last month that may want her. They hoped we understood but he was coming out the next day to look at her. The kids and I both were disappointed. The more I thought about it the more I knew Abbey needed to come live with us. I called the owner back and said, " I understand that this guy contacted you first but if it is taking him more than a month to decide if he wants her I would have to wonder why it is taking him so long." I told him I would give him $50.00 more dollars than he was asking and would come get her right away. He said he needed to talk it over with his wife and he would call me back. We patiently waited by the phone and finally it rang. I wrote the check and we all jumped in the car for the hour drive to get our new dog.

My Three Kids

2008-03-23T18:29:00.000-06:00

This is by far my favorite picture. It is the only photo that I have of all three of them. I asked them if they would let mom take a few practice photos. Reluctantly they agreed but jumped up on the bed for me and the dog followed. Took a few with closed eyes, etc. and just kept clicking away and calling their name. Didn't realize I had this one until I downloaded and started viewing them in bridge. Surprise!

I entered this photo in a contest for the month of February. I just received an email that it was selected as a finalist. Over 29,900 entries with 400 finalist selected. Just checked and the photo did not place 1st or second but good enough for me to be a finalist.

Settings: Manual mode, 50mm, 2.0 @ 1/125, ISO 125 Natural light

Where do I start

2008-03-23T17:39:00.000-06:00

Thought I would try something new today-blogging! Please be patient with me as I learn to blog or become a blogger or whatever you call it. Whatever it is it seems everyone is doing it. Not that in my life I have ever followed what everyone else was doing. I prefer to do my own thing but it is a great way to document things that happen daily in life that down the road I may forget unless I write it down. So here I am with my blog page. First let me say that English was not my best subject in school. Please excuse my punctuation or lack of, sentences that are not properly written, so on and so on. I think I stared out the window most of the time in that class. Actually I think I stared out the window in most of my classes. The point here for me is to document what happens throughout each day or week as it happens around this crazy house. My kids are 5 and 9 so I should have plenty to write about.

So I begin...................