Search Results for: blog fun with photography your life

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 →

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 →

Preserving Your Family’s Memories

If you are fortunate enough to have old photo albums, diaries, or letters from your ancestors you know how much these treasured items can add to your understanding of your family history. They help you to understand what life was like for your ancestors. They also provide information about who your ancestors were on a personal level that is not reflected in the record books. Most importantly, looking at family photos and writings can help you to feel a connection to your ancestors. The ways that we save and store information today are much different than they were in the … 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 →

Create Your Own Art With Photos

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Using photos to decorate your home is a great way to make your house feel more personal. Many people throw up stock art on the walls and call it a day, but have you ever considered using your camera to make your own art? I have been brainstorming about ways I can incorporate my love for photography with my home décor. I have come up with some cute ideas for my kitchen, bathrooms and living room. The only thing holding me back is the cost of the oversize prints I wish I could order all at once. I keep telling … Continue reading →

Life is Three Dimensional

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There are subtle differences that make a big impact between images that look professional and those that fall flat. Lighting is a big factor, but a lot can hinge on how you, as the photographer, set up the shot as well. While pictures can always be easily cropped in this digital age, you can’t change the composition of an image without a lot of painting, cloning, masking and other advanced editing techniques. It can be done, but you’re not going to end up with a natural image. If anything, it’s more like digital illustration rather than photography. That is why … Continue reading →

More Mom’s Day Fun

If you are still looking for ways you can spend time with your kids and create memorable gifts for the special mother, grandmother, or mother figure in your life, then check out these simple Mother’s Day craft projects: WEATHERED VASE Materials: Empty glass jar Masking tape Shoe polish Cloth rag Directions: Completely cover the glass jar with torn pieces of masking tape, making sure that the pieces of tape overlap each other. Apply shoe polish to rag and rub over the jar, making sure to completely cover every piece of tape. Allow to dry overnight. Fill weathered vase with fresh … Continue reading →

Halloween, the Economy and Your Family

Oprah Winfrey just devoted an entire show to the best money lessons you can teach your kids in these troubling economic times. The show featured tips on how to tell overindulged children that the spending needs to stop—-NOW. Financial guru Suze “tell-it-like-it-is” Orman was back scolding Oprah’s chosen families about how their reckless spending helped drive our economy straight into the dumpster. Though, as I watched the program I wondered how much of Orman’s advice was falling on deaf ears. After all, while Orman was chastising parents for overindulging their kids, the National Retail Federation was releasing information they gathered … Continue reading →

Make Your Own Photo Puppets

Ever since my 3-year-old daughter saw “Curious George Goes to the Hospital” on video she has been on a puppet kick. (In one scene George puts on a puppet show for the sick children at the hospital and my daughter falls down laughing each time she sees George with puppets on his hands and feet.) The first time she watched the tape I made her a set of sock puppets so she could put on a show “just like George.” But, recently I found an even better way to create hand puppets that feature your favorite photos. They are more … Continue reading →