Search Results for: blog fun with photography

Funeral Songs

My seven-year-old daughter’s Catholic elementary school is attached to the church it is named after. For reasons I won’t address in this post, the school’s cafeteria is located in the basement of the church. Consequently, the students often have to modify their path to lunch on days when a funeral is taking place. However, given the tight quarters, regardless of the amended route, it is nearly impossible to escape hearing the choir sing funeral hymns and viewing glimpses of flower-strewn or flag-covered caskets. Most parents are well aware of the minor exposure their children are subject to on days when … Continue reading →

Getting Kids Involved in Photography

My daughter owns two digital cameras. Did I mention that she’s six years old? My mom says I am to blame for my daughter’s camera obsession. According to my dear, sweet mother, I’ve scarred my child by having her pose for nearly 15,000 photos since her birth. Apparently, my kid is so sick of being in front of the lens that she has taken to hiding behind it. I think my mom’s analysis may be a bit dramatic, though my daughter really does prefer being behind the camera than in front of it. However, I attribute that trait to her … Continue reading →

Summer Reading Fun

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When I was little I spent a lot of time at the library. It was right downtown in our foothill village. I could ride my bicycle there myself. I especially loved the summer reading program. When Chris and I first got married we lived in a cozy townhouse in Huntington Beach. The Huntington Beach library was impressive. There were waterfalls inside. It was such a peaceful place to be and I wanted to share it with children. Little did I know that we’d own four houses in three cities in two states before children happened for us. Now that we … Continue reading →

Fun and Easy Graduation Party Ideas

A friend called me the other day asking for help to create a luau for her nephew’s upcoming high school graduation party. Apparently, the boy is planning to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the fall and to celebrate his family is throwing him a Hawaiian-themed bash. I love the idea of theme parties, especially for occasions that don’t really call for them. After all, grad parties have a pre-selected theme and come equipped with a slew of ready-made decorations. You can buy just about any type of graduation party supply with the words “Congratulations” or “Class of … Continue reading →

How Much Do You Know About Digital Photography?

Enough to teach others about it? Whereas my grandfather was a professional photographer, and I love taking pictures, I don’t know nearly enough about the finer details of digital photography to make money teaching others about it. Yet, a few weeks ago I was approached by a former colleague (who happens to be a professional videographer) to assistant him with a digital photo workshop he was putting on at a local community college. I declined due to a scheduling conflict, but I kept the outline he designed, which included the following basic points of discussion. In regards to the benefits … Continue reading →

The Mormon Mom Blog Squad

There really could be a squad for all the Mormon Mommy Bloggers out there. Actually, it would be more like an army, not a squadron. But, that’s beside the point. I recently wrote an article titled, Mormon Mommy Blogs, that talks about the obsession with these blogs. I have to admit, I’m part of that obsession. Sometimes, I find myself looking at these blogs and my head is spinning. After all, I’m a MM Blogger too. I don’t have advertising, and sponsors, and loads of followers. I secretly might want all of that though. I don’t know, maybe I don’t. … Continue reading →

Fun Christmas Bling

Who can resist a bit of bling around the holidays? I am not a flashy person, but when I saw Martha Stewart’s latest Christmas creation I stopped dead in my tracks. I actually turned off my vacuum and turned all of my attention to the TV where a tree bedazzled with dozens of shiny beaded ornaments and garland stood like a beacon of beaded glory. There’s no way I have the time, talent or budget to recreate Martha’s beaded masterpieces; however, I did some research online and found a few cheaper and affordable alternatives that can be made by people … Continue reading →

Having Fun With New Filters

I recently ordered a bunch of new filters for my camera. I intended to buy only a UV filter to protect my lens when I’m photographing small kids who like to poke at the camera, but when I started shopping I discovered a few filters that I just had to try. One of the filter sets I bought was a macro filter set. Each filter is essentially a magnifying glass that you can screw onto the end of your lens just like a traditional filter. The kit came with several different magnification strengths and you can stack them for even … Continue reading →

Focus on Fun

Summer is primetime for outdoor fun. If you have kids, then the sunny season is also a super time to capture your kids at their funniest while participating in outdoor activities. Often, parent photographers get caught up in trying to capture the perfect picture of their kids striking just the right pose. Moms and dads with cameras are often guilty of forcing their mini models to break out their pearly whites and flash just the right smile before hitting the shutter button. My suggestion: Forget about forcing children to smile. Instead, find something that they think is fun, then start … Continue reading →

Toddler Fun on the Fourth

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There are so many July Fourth events in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. Our family could have gone any number of places to see stunning fireworks shows. We didn’t have to go far, though, because most of our neighbors set off their own fireworks. These fireworks displays were quite impressive, too. On Jessie’s first Fourth of July with us she was 19 months old. She did not like the noise at all. She liked the lights, but the explosions were entirely too loud. We’d been having trouble with Jessie and sleeping lately. We finally got her back to her regular … Continue reading →