Thea Coughlin Photography

2009-01-21T07:04:00.001-08:00

We have moved!

Visit our new blog : http://www.theacoughlin.com/blog

This simply took my breath away

2009-01-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

Baby Bay

2009-01-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

Can't believe I am still catching up here from the Holidays.

This little one was so sweet, gentle and totally head over heels for his daddy and mommy.

I think he liked my bears too. Especially the ribbons they were wearing:)

Dinner with a bit of flash

2008-12-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

We just got back from being away with my in laws over Christmas. We unpacked, my husband watched a bit of the Dolphins game while T played with his new toys and I made a grocery list.

T and I went to the grocery store to buy ingredients for this yummy soup while Big T went to play tennis.

Hunter's Minestrone by Tyler Florence

Ingredients

2 quarts chicken stock
1 head garlic, halved
1/2 pound small rigatoni
Extra-virgin olive oil
8 fresh sage leaves
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh thyme
3/4 pound loose sweet Italian pork sausage
2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery ribs, roughly chopped
1 onion, roughly chopped
1 (28-ounce) can crushed plum tomatoes
1 bay leaf
2 (28-ounce) cans cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 bunch fresh parsley leaves, finely minced
Coarsely ground black pepper
12 slices baguette
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Directions

Combine the stock and halved garlic head in a big saucepan and simmer for about 15 minutes to give the stock a nice, garlicky taste; strain out the garlic. Keep warm.

Bring a pot of salted water to boil for the rigatoni.

Pour 1/4 cup olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the sage, rosemary and thyme and warm the oil over medium heat to infuse it with the flavor of the herbs, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the sausage with the side of a big spoon until well browned. Chop the carrots, celery, and onion in a food processor. Add to the saucepan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned.

To the pan with the sausage stir in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, cannelloni beans, and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.

Cook the rigatoni in the boiling water for 6 minutes; it should be slightly underdone. Drain and stir into the simmering soup. Add the parsley, and salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste. Discard the bay leaf and herb sprigs.

To serve, preheat the broiler. Put the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the Parmigiano and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls and float a couple of the baguette slices on top.

2008-12-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

I had the amazing honor of photographing Reena Thanksgiving weekend. Of course I put her card somewhere I have since forgotten:(

It was beyond fun to take photographs of her with her camera. Isn't it gorgeous? Isn't she gorgeous?I could have talked shop with her for days. Hopefully we will get to hang out again soon.

****Reena thank you for allowing me to photograph you! And please post your new website link so everyone can see your gorgeous work.

2008-12-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

Rockstars

2008-12-09T14:19:00.001-08:00

2008-12-09T07:31:00.001-08:00

Going through some photos came across this one from a couple months ago. My son and one of his best pals.

Good friends are such a gift.

2008-12-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job, is having the opportunity to spend time with a family, with the focus on their connections.

It is such a gift to be let into their homes and hearts.

Leaving this family shoot, my heart was filled with warm fuzzies and I couldn't help but turn the music up in the car and smile and dance all the way home.

The parents are super cool, but the kids are even cooler;) They each play guitar and piano (and very beautifully I must add) and Lacross and I had a chance to capture some great photos of them playing. This photograph was from the tail end of the shoot.

It was freazing cold but they ran around having fun anyway.

I am so excited to work on more of the photographs from this shoot....

2008-12-01T06:03:00.000-08:00

Sneak peek at a newborn shoot I had yesterday.

This little one is 5 weeks old. babies are their most pliable and sleepy the first 3 weeks, but this little angel was pretty happy as long as she was swaddled.

I fell so in love with her during our shoot.

2008-11-25T10:20:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving around the corner here is what I am grateful for today:

1. That one of my dearest friends baby arrived safely into this world.

2. When my son gives me this look, says "me too" when I tell him I love him, gives eskimo kisses, tells me "that's cool" after we set up a domino/block/car/marble set up and succesfully popped the balloon at the end, reads me stories while we lay on his bedroom floor by the "pretend fire" he made us from his blocks, asks me to lift my head so he can put a pillow under it, and carefully covers me with his blanket.....

3. The book "Never eat alone" my husband brought home from the library. It is a great book about relationship building and business. Extremely enlightening.

4. That tonight I am going with a few girlfriends to see Twilight.

5. This weeks True Blood episode.

6. Domino magazine

7. That I am busy with work.

2008-11-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

Another sneak peek. I had so much fun with this family yesterday! The morning was filled with giggles, dancing, jumping and climbing. I was having so much fun photographing them I found myself wishing it was an all day shoot:)

Going through the photos today my cheeks started to ache from grinning at all the cuteness and laughter I captured.

The gallery will be done by the end of the week.

:)

2008-11-12T17:20:00.000-08:00

I am finally over my upper respiratory infection and back to working on photos.

This is a peek at one of the photos from a recent family shoot.

These 4 siblings have such a charming way about them. They all have infectious smiles, gentle souls and such love and adoration for each other. I had a delightful time capturing this with my camera. There are so many amazing photos it was hard to narrow it down to a manageable number.

The rest should be done soon!

2008-10-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

This senior high school session was in Edmeston. Emily was such a trooper, as it was pretty cold and the sun was really strong and bothering her eyes. She never complained once and was so fun to work with. We had her dog with us for the first half of the shoot. He is adorable and very regal. He went everywhere she went-staying right by her side. If I wanted her to move closer to him-the minute she moved he would get up ready to move with her. I fell so in love with him. Isn't he handsome? The bw portrait is one of my all time favorite shots. I don't know what it is. I am still trying to figure out what movie star Emily resembles.

2008-10-30T05:47:00.001-07:00

The Halloween event at Babies R Us went really well.

I was super excited when they asked me if I wanted to do a Holiday event in just a few weeks.

Come join us it will be a lot of fun.

2008-10-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful fall day here. I had a family shoot in the afternoon with 2 sisters, their children and mom. It couldn't have been a better afternoon. Sun, breeze, laughter, running, milkweed silk sprinkling and lots of love between them.

Here is a very sneak peak. I have to go out of town for my sons, girlfriends princess sleepover birthday party. It is a long drive, so we will be back tomorrow afternoon.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

2008-10-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

My son Trey and his friend Isabelle have a beautiful and unique connection. She is five months older than he is, and this weekend is her birthday.

We will be heading out for her birthday party this weekend (she moved 2.5 hrs away) .

This summer I took them out on a photo shoot. I decided that I would take the photos and make her a story book for a birthday present. I think I will start offering these types of books to my clients as well. Boy do I love my job:)

2008-10-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

I am honored to be working for Babies R Us at their Halloween Event. It sounds like it is going to be a great event. Hope you can join us!

2008-09-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

Now available for sale in my shop.

Ordinary Sparkling Moments

2008-09-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

I have been mulling over how to write this post since I got back from The Squam Art Workshops.

The impact Christine Mason Miller had on me Friday night is beyond anything I have experienced in a long time, and I feel a bit speechless.

I have always felt moved when reading Christine's musings on her blog, so I knew that I would love her book "Ordinary Sparkling Moments". I ordered it through her Etsy shop, and asked her if I could get it when we were at Squam, so I could have her autograph it for me.

So the evening of the book launch I was super excited to hear her introduction to the book, since I had not yet gotten my copy.

I am a huge analogy person. I always use analogies when teaching and explaining things to friends, so when Christine shared an analogy at the end of her sharing, it stuck to my heart like glue.

I am completely paraphrasing here, but she asked us what our big dream feels like. She made an analogy of our dreams being synonymous to fluttering butterflies. That each of us has butterflies, unique to us. That we should release them into the world, because they are important and needed in the world.

Anyone who knows me, may recall my connection to butterflies. This is my bio from my Etsy store Monarch:

Since I was young I have loved picking and admiring flowers. This appreciation was nurtured by my mother who was an avid gardener and photographer. She taught me to closely observe my surroundings and to appreciate the beauty even in the smallest things. This is why you will find many close up shots in my store.

I took art classes at The Woodstock School of Art as a child and then concentrated my high school courses around photography and art design.

After high school, I shifted my attention to more traditional studies. I earned my BS in Biology and Anthropology. My love of studying life inspired me to earn a MS in teaching.

Two and a half years ago I had my son and left teaching to stay home with him. During this time my love for photography and art returned and was given room to expand.

When coming up for a name for my store-I wanted to include something that would embody the love I shared with my mother. I lost her to Lung Cancer in 2000. Being an only child of a single mother I have felt the need to feel her close to me in this adventure of sharing my work.

I chose the name "Monarch" because:

~Butterflies undergo a transformation that is both miraculous and beautiful. My mom always encouraged me to grow artistically.

~Monarchs must be very strong for their size and weight because they have to travel the great distance of about 4,000 to 4,800 kilometres from Mexico to North America. My mother was one of the most persistent and strong people I have ever known.Her strength serves as an inspiration to me.

~A butterfly is seen as the personification of a person's soul; whether they be living, dying, or already dead. One Japanese superstition says that if a butterfly enters your guestroom and perches behind the bamboo screen, the person whom you most love is coming to see you. I think this is self explanatory:)

~Some people say that when a butterfly lands on you it means good luck, and who couldn't use a bit of luck?

I came across a friend from Squam's beautiful synopsis of Ordinary Sparkling Moments, that was so eloquent I must share it with you.

"Ms. Mason Miller has ignited an under current in this inspiring and juicy must read. Readers will rediscover their authentic selves under all the 'have, should and musts' citizens impose upon ourselves in this hectic paced and material driven world. This inviting prose will slowly and gently beckon the audience to clear the mind, listen inward and savor the ordinary graces in the every day. This is a delicious read that will satiate the hungriest of readers and whet the appetite those just starting their authentic journeys."

Patricia Dolan

The goddess of Squam Art Workshops - Elizabeth Maccrellish- introducing Christine, while holding her sparkling headband she brought to symbolize sparkling moment love.
Christine reading from the book.
I think this is the part where Christine told us to release the butterflies within us.

Christine listening to a question from the audience.
Talking from her heart as always.

And the yummiest, delightful smile....Christine Mason Miller is one of the wisest, authentic, and generous souls, I have ever had the honor to call a friend.

Sneak peak

2008-09-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a senior high school photo session in Western NY. The drive there was so spectacular. It was hard to keep myself from stopping on the way to photograph the scenery, the old barns and beautiful small towns I was driving through.

When I arrived at the house of my client, the view of their land simply took my breath away. I had such a fun time, I didn't want to leave. LOL.

I completely filled my card and have many many beautiful photos to work on.

I just wanted to say thank you by posting a few sneak peaks.

2008-09-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Checking in. It has been a crazy few days. Yesterday was our 10th wedding anniversary. Today I am headed to western ny to do a senior hs photos shoot.

I am slowly workingthrough some of the photos from Squam. I think I am 1/4 of the way through day 1.LOL.

Will check back in soon.

2008-09-18T11:58:00.001-07:00

Liz Lamoreux
Kirsten Michelle

Beautiful apron made by Liz Lamoreux

Liz is such a dear heart and creative diva. I was obsessed with getting one of her aprons to where. I feel so loved and yummy when I wear it.

Go check out her shop The little room. She rocks!

Squam

2008-09-16T05:59:00.001-07:00

Re entering the world after The Squam art workshops.
I have so much to share but I am so so tired.
I wanted to tell everyone in this photo. Thank you....for being part of that pivotal moment when my dream took over.
I felt all of your butterflies and am honored to have witnessed their release into the world.
They are special and oh so important.
PS - Christine (aka Swirly) shared the most beautiful analogy at the end of her book launch that has been with my ever since. I cannot even attempt to quote it-but that is where this butterfly analogy came from and it was utterly perfect.

2008-09-04T05:44:00.000-07:00

Peak

2008-09-03T09:14:00.001-07:00

This family was so much fun! I had such an amazing time with them.

Here is a sneak peak

2008-08-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

Originally uploaded by colorsonmymind

This is a photo of our friends dog, that I took this weekend on a day camping trip.

It epitomizes bliss to me.

warm sunshine, relaxing, soft blanket of grass, comfort and beauty

the dog nose adds to the bliss-as does the scrunch of his eyes and those teeny little eyebrow antenae. hee hee

what has been making you blissful lately?

update*** my friends had to put Cisco (this handsome dog in the photo) to sleep last night. I took a lot of photos of him on our camping trip, knowing his body was wearing out and that he soon would no longer be with us. So with the few moments of bliss you experience while looking at his photos, please add the intent of sending bits of that bliss and love energy to my beautiful friends who are left missing him. XO

2008-08-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

How lovely are these two? It was a gorgeous day at the park, where the sun was shining almost as bright as these smiles.

Sneak peak

2008-08-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

The moment I met this little angel I was taken by her charm. She is wise, sweet, beautiful, and so much fun.

The mosquitoes were out like gang busters during our shoot, but the whole family was still full of smiles and up for anything. I had so much fun with them.

My little boy (3yrs old) came into the room while I was editing some of these photos today; and as soon as he saw the photos he asked "when is she coming over?". I had to giggle that he was charmed by her as well, just by seeing her in photographs.

2008-08-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

2008-07-31T07:09:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce that I am working with Melissa from Madison Reece Designs. She approached me about using my photographs in her jewelry designs. Don't they look gorgeous?

Melissa is very talented at making these beautiful little pendants. I am thrilled to working with her!

She makes a beautiful range of designs for affordable prices. Take a stop by her shop and take a look and all the other beautiful creations she makes.

Sisters

2008-07-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Family shoot

2008-07-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

I had an absolute blast with this gorgeous family this weekend. Here are a few sneak peaks.

Big Strong Girlz Discount and shots from a recent shoot

2008-07-28T16:09:00.001-07:00

Big Strong Girlz = Beautiful women over the age of 25 who want to capture the wisdom and essence of themselves in photographs.

If you think you belong to the Big Strong Girlz club, all you need to do is email me thea(at) theacoughlin.com and set up your photo session.

If you title the email Big strong Girlz you will receive a complimentary 11x14 storyboard from your Big Syrong Girlz photo session (regular sitting fee applies)

One of my favorite songs in the world is Big Strong Girl by the Weepies.

Lyrics to Big Strong Girl by the Weepies:

It’s not now or never
It’s not black and it’s not white
Anything worth anything takes more than a few days and a long, long night

Chorus:
Don’t push so hard against the world
You can’t do it all alone
and if you could
would you really want to?
Even though you’re a big strong girl
come on, come on
lay it down
the best made plans
come on, come on
lay it down
are your open hands…

Rest your head
You got two pillows to choose from and a queen size bed
Hold out for the moon
Don’t expect connection anytime soon
Feel the light caress your fingertips,
You have just begun
The word has only left your lips
Maybe in time you will find your arms are wrapped around the sun

2008-07-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

Last night was Troy night out and my first ever artist reception (where I was one of the artists).

I am struggling to find adequate words to describe the experience.

I have primarily shown my work through online venues and have had two other showings of my work, which were both in coffee houses. This has left me with little chance to: discuss my work with people when they view it, see and hear their response to it and have complete affirmation that others feel the emotion behind each photograph.

It is truly one of the most sacred gifts I have received as an artist.

In addition, it was the first time I had an attentive and interested audience to share my methods and personal connection to my images with.

I often do not feel at ease communicating through writing and often struggle a bit to express myself fully when doing so. I feel completely the opposite when speaking to people in person. I am a pretty big talker:)

Last night I externally processed what my ttv images symbolize and mean to me and I thought it would be good to write some of it down while the event is still fresh in my mind.

My mother read old childrens books to me when I was young (Grimms Fairy Tales, The little prince and The velveteen rabbit to name a few). The vintage old look and vignette of using the ttv technique reminds me of those old storybooks.

I used to pick small nosegays for my mother when I was young, and after her passing 6 years ago, I gained a whole new level of appreciation for flowers.

Looking through the viewfinder of an older camera, taking photographs of nosegays and flowers my mother loved so much is a meditative way for me to be with the memory and spirit of my mom. Somehow being with flowers allows me to relax and listen to my inner wisdom or imagine messages my mother may have shared with me if she were alive.

Last night was a wonderful chance for me to meet other artists and get validation as a photographer. On the ride home I couldn't help but grin thinking of how thrilled my mom would be for me. I felt her pride in my heart, and that my friends is truly priceless.

2008-07-22T07:58:00.001-07:00

I have spent the past 5 or so days free time prepping for a gallery show in downtown Troy. The last Friday of every month in the summer they have Troy night out, where all the places in downtown Troy along the river have open houses, and the gallery I am showing in introduces the new show for the month.

I thought my ttv images would look gorgeous in framed in old windows, so I have been stripping, sanding and preparing these frames. Ummmm yeah what a PITA. But I am super happy with the results. In addition, my last minute decision left me without custom mat cutting options due to the time restraint, so I decided to also teach myself how to cut mats and frame myself.

That has been an interesting process. LOL.

A few things I learned:
if you use the outer side of the window to insert the artwork, you may want to remove the caulking along the edges, as it is sloped and uneven, as well as impossible to insert the tacks into. If I had realized this I would have saved a lot of mat board and the resulting settlement on duck tape to hold the mat and backing in.

Cutting Mat board takes some practice but for a reasonable price you can do it yourself with just a few materials.

I used :
mat board( local cool art supply)
foam core( local cool art supply)
large metal t square (jo annes)
tape measure (junk drawer)
pencil (junk drawer)
logan model mat knife ( local cool art supply)
freestyle basic model 1100 mat cutter ( local cool art supply)

To finish the framing you can use;
logan fitting tool or duck tape (LOL) ( local cool art supply)
screw eyes (michaels)
hanging wire (michaels)
metal cutter (Lowes)

Come this Friday for Troy night out, and to see the show if you can.

Terra Nova Gallery River Street Troy 7pm

2008-07-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

*****HUGE LIQUIDATION SALE********
Buy any item and get another of equal or lesser value FREE!!!!!!

I am happy to announce that I am letting go of my Jewelry store to free up more time and energy for my portrait and fine art photography:)

How many times have you thought it would be great to start your holiday shopping early? This is your chance to get unique, beautiful high quality gifts for a great price. I will wrap them beautifully as always, ready for gift giving.

All you need to do is head over to my Jewelry store and upon checkout make a note of your free item (must also be in my store) in the note to seller box at checkout.

This is a great opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping.

Buy any item and get another of equal or lesser value FREE!!!!!!

I will start listing some of my supplies as well in the next week.

Squam

2008-07-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen
anything
in your life
more wonderful

than the way the sun,
every evening,
relaxed and easy,
floats toward the horizon

and into the clouds or the hills,
or the rumpled sea,
and is gone--
and how it slides again

out of the blackness,
every morning,
on the other side of the world,
like a red flower

streaming upward on its heavenly oils,
say, on a morning in early summer,
at its perfect imperial distance--
and have you ever felt for anything
such wild love--
do you think there is anywhere, in any language,
a word billowing enough
for the pleasure

that fills you,
as the sun
reaches out,
as it warms you

Part of Mary Olivers beautiful poem The Sun

All my dreams of being a part of the Squam.workshop/retreat have been realized! I am the event photographer!

There couldn't be a more perfect way for me to experience this event. I look forward to capturing joyous moments between all the beautiful artists, that range in experience with technique, from beginners to teachers, all in one magical location. What a gift.

This is a beautiful story of love.....

2008-07-05T07:53:00.001-07:00

Etsy Tip

2008-07-02T04:37:00.000-07:00

I was catching up at decor 8 shopping blog this morning and clicked over to see more of Elizabeth Williams work on Etsy. There are so many jewelry shops on etsy it is sometimes hard to stand out. One great way to be noticed is to take fabulously interesting photos of your jewelry. This makes people want to include your jewelry in etsy treasuries (where they are hoping their treasury will be beautiful enough to make the front page of etsy) and on their shopping blogs because they are so beautifully displayed. I never mastered this with my jewelry. I was almost never featured on treasuries or on shopping blogs for my jewelry. My photographs have been featured much more often.

So going to eliwill - Elizabeth Williams etsy shop I was very impressed by the creative way she displays her jewelry. It makes them look even more beautiful and tempting to display.

Then I dropped in on her blog. It is also lovely. Check out this clever marketing girl when you have a chance:) Hmmmm maybe I could interview her? That would be cool.

2008-06-30T08:38:00.001-07:00

Meeting a Mermaid

2008-06-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have to introduce you to my lovely and talented friend Mccabe aka Dancing Mermaid.

She shares beautiful, creative and inspiring ideas and art on her blog here.

Enjoy!

It isn't every day you get to meet a dancing mermaid.

New Banner

2008-05-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

My sweet soul frister Denise made me this new blog banner using one of the yumji photos she took of me when she visited.

How lucky am I to have such a talented friend?

Love you girl.

PS Deni used to make blog banners as a side business. I don't think she has as much time to do them as she used to, but maybe if you ask real nice..........;)

2008-05-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

This art and money pod cast by creative thursday looks super interesting.

Follow link to link and find....

2008-05-19T16:44:00.001-07:00

Doing a bit of hopping around on the computer I found the following lovely piece on this blog :

"The more curls you do with free weights, the more your bicep grows. It’s not rocket science. It’s the simple effect of training your bicep. The more energy you give to a thought or action, the bigger and stronger it becomes in your mind, emotions, habits, and practices. Imagine that you tell yourself you must have coffee and donuts at the same time everyday. You practice this routine over and over, even make schedule adjustments so that you won’t be deprived. Now, imagine that you run two miles at the same time everyday, making schedule adjustments so that you won’t be deprived. Don’t expect to outthink your body or your brain on this point. Whenever you invest energy in anything, there is a “training effect.” Every story we tell ourselves has some training effect. Because of the power of the “story effect,” it’s imperative that the story you tell be a constructive, not destructive, one. It’s crucial to be utterly conscious about who you are, what you’re doing with your life, and what stories you’re telling yourself. The training effect of stories makes it hard to break the bonds that form–so take care that your stories are ones that move you towards your ultimate mission.
How many times have you had to force yourself out of negative thinking? To my skeptical friends out there, YES it can be done! Iif you’ve never done it before try it before you spiral into the depths of negativism. Being conscious, being present is the greatest gift you can give to yourself. Being present is the first step to realization that you are in control of yourself, your emotions.
Positive thinking breeds more positive thinking. It is practically virulent in its’ nature. Once you start listening to the voice within as you breathe in the moment you will come to find where your path leads you, the journey begins within you. What is your story?
If you are at all interested The Power of Story website has a pdf document that you can begin completing to write your own destiny, your “story” if you will. Telling our stories to ourselves is the first part of taking control of our destinies. The pdf document encourages you to reflect upon YOU, your old story and the new story that you would like to unfold in front of you. Think about it as if it was a blueprint for your life."

Your very own font/changing room and backdrop

2008-05-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

How amazing an idea/possibility, to have your very own handwriting font to use on the computer?

Well this site makes it possible! Now I am still in the stone age it seems as I do not have a scanner. I had one when I was getting my masters and started teaching, but didn't put it to much use and ended up giving it away:(

I know they aren't very much money, but I already have overflowing shelves and rooms and drawers.

On another note I wanted to share two things I have recently purchased.

1. A pop up portable changing room for on location photo shoots. How cool is this? It is a really big pain in the but to put together until you figure it out. I am going to have my husband video me doing it and post it here. I used it on Friday on a shoot and it was perfect. I think more was exposed to the main highway when I felt the wind on my back and realized that as I was bending down to take photos of her in the grass-I was simultaneously flashing the men sitting at a red light in their truck, my plumbers crack.

That was embarassing:O

2. A makeshift portable backdrop/lightfilter. This is to the genius of my frister Genine who made it and then told me how.

Go to Lowes or Home depot and get

6 5foot legths of 3/4 inch round pvc pipe
6 pvc elbows
2 pvc 3 sproket thingies for the bottom

a small hack saw or pvc pipe cutter.

I have yet to cut the lengths but essentially you are making two U shapes (one with 5feet on all three sides and the one to lay on the ground will have 3ft sides and the 5ft piece across) and then attaching them to eachother at 90 degrees with the 3 holed sproket thingies.

What is really cool is that you can either use clamps or just slide a pretty curtain over the top bar and viola!

Now of course if you are using this as a backdrop you will want to sandbag the bar on the back so it doesn't tip over.

I plan on (haven't yet) using it as a "pretend" windowsill to take photos of. I also am going to try it to filter some light for flower photos etc.

We are al superheroes

2008-05-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Not sure if that is the correct spelling of superheroes.hee hee

This is my soul sister Genine's gorgeous daughter Keira yesterday wearing my well loved superhero necklace Joy.

I have been wearing this necklace everyday. I absolutely love it and feel so much like a superhero when I wear it.

Each time I see Keira she wants to wear it. Wouldn't it be great if there were superhero kids necklaces?

I have been feeling a bit in need for some superhero powers lately. My emotions seem a bit raw as I venture into this new aspect of my business, of portrait work.

My friend Genine started portrait work as a side business around the time I started my etsy store. Having her support and encouragement to pursue my own portrait business has been amazing. I have been lucky to have the support of so many of you for a long while....with many of you being photographers as well. But there is something so beautiful and amazing about having someone you live near, someone who your client bases very well may overlap, support you that is life changing for me.

It has brought a lot of feelings to the surface and has meade me want to look at my own ability to share and be supportive, without allowing my ego to get in the way.

To constantly remind myself that there is more than plenty to go around for all of us. That each artist is unique and something special to offer, even if they try the same techniques.

I am really embracing this idea that we all can be superheroes-we all can be rockstars. We can bring out the thunder in eachotehr without it taking away from our own.

No one can steal your mojo or your thunder. What they can do however is find their own through you sharing yours.

So I blogged on my business blog some fabulous links and an invitation to share what I know with anyone who is interested.

The only restriction is my time and memory. Sometimes I do 20 million different things and forget each ste, but I will do my best to remember.

I want to help others find their thunder the way my friends have helped me find mine.

Rockstars

2008-05-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ok a friend just told me that she enjoyed my texture tutorial. I didn't realize anyone was actually trying the stuff I write about....so she inspired me to make an offer: if there is anything you see of mine that you like or feel like you would enjoy learning the technique on, please tell me and I will do my best to sit down and write out how I do it.

Now I feel a bit self concious because i am far from an expert on anything I do, so the idea of me sharing how seems a bit silly since there is bound to be many many people that are experts, but I will put that aside and share my round about ways to get the looks I do.

I just found this amazing website the other day when searching for a Brianna Graham interview through google. I love her photos and wanted to know where she started, or how she has learned the skills she has-besides years of practice:)

Anyway this website is so full of goodies, you will be on there for hrs and hrs.

http://pifphoto.com/?p=339

I have recently been enjoying some of the free goodies from Michelle Black as well. I have used her funky action on some of my recent senior photos. You can the free tryout actions here.

this is a senior spokesmodel I recently did

Slide show

2008-05-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

How cool is this? I have seen these slideshows on myspace-specifically at Deni's (boho photography) and finally gave it a try. They are so easy to make! Just go to Slide.com

2008-05-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

Am working on this gorgeous high school junior's portrait gallery. Will ask her if I can use her gallery as a demo so all can see.

Portraits

2008-04-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

I have expanded my business to include Portrait sessions.

I have shot 6 teenagers in the past two weeks and am LOVING it! I have so missed being around teenagers, since leaving teaching. These fun photo shoots have been so rewarding and exciting.

I have put up 4 new galleries on my website, feel free to go take a peek. There will be many more additions in the upcoming weeks.

I have officially gone on "vacation" from my two etsy shops for the next two weeks to get the portrait aspect of my business running smoothly and efficiently. Prints of my fine art photographs are now available on my website, and I will be reopening my etsy shops again in 2 weeks. There are a few things in the works around my Monarch store, and I will update you as they materialize.

I was negligent in getting up the tips about textures so here they are in rough form:) There are great tips on textures in {ash} on flickr and from redleaf .

On to my silly tutorial:

1. Open the photograph in PS that you would like to apply the texture to.
2. Open the texture photograph and be sure that you go into image>size for both and that the resolution is the same.
3. Click on the + icon in the PS menu and then drag the texture photo onto the photo you opned to apply the texture to. That was a run on sentenece:)
4. Now go to the layers palette and click on the window that says normal-you should get a drop down menu with many options. I am new t this so I just go through all the options and then usually settle on soft light or overlay. Then I adjust the opacity.
5. Now when using textures over people-often you will want the texture to be more transparent there than in the rest of the photo. I came across a tip somewhere that you can highlight the texture layer in the layers palette and then go to the lasso tool in the menu bar to the left. trace around the face/part of the photo you want to have less of the texture on. Once you have closed the selection by meeting the point where you started the lasso-you will see the marching ants line around it. Now go to select>inverse.
6. Now go to filter>blur>gaussian blur and select maybe 10 to start. Press ok. You should now be able to see more of the face/object now that the texture is blurred.

Good luck.

I am super duper busy so that is why I have been so absent. Hopefully things will get into a steady rhythm and I can post about other techniques I am learning.

Interview with Eden from Eden photography

2008-04-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

When I first saw Eden's photographs on flickr I fell instantly in love. Her lighting, tones and textures are just divine and make my heart sing.

I decided to send her a flickr mail to see if she would be up for a swap-something from my store in exchange for some of her expertise. I was delighted when she responded with warmth and openess. I sent her a few questions and asked her if I could post her responses here to share with you, and she agreed so here they are......

Thea: What camera do you use?

Eden: A friend recommended the Canon 30D to me in 2006, and since I was so new to photography and hadn’t even looked around yet, I took her advice and bought the 30D later that summer. I’d saved up that summer while doing lawncare/landscaping with my brother!

…of course, an upgrade is already in the works. :D

Thea: What lens(es) did you use for your profile pic on flickr, and the backlit pictures?

Eden: I used the 50mm 1.8 for my profile picture- that’s why it’s such a close up! I think my arm hurt after holding the camera out so far!

I also have an 85mm 1.8, and 24-70 2.8. And lately I’ve been playing around with my Lensbaby! It’s taken some practice to get the focus just right, but I love the artsy look!

Thea: What do you do to ensure that the front of the backlit object/person is not too shadowed?

Eden: I try to shoot in Manual mode and meter off their face, and if needed, then I’ll bump the curves in Photoshop later on. I have a reflector too, but then my clients think I’m trying to blind them… :D

Thea: It seems you deleted some of your photos from flickr? There were some from a while back that you took, that were so soft yet didn't seem blurry. What do you do when you are aiming for one of those shots?

Eden: I double-checked and those pictures are hidden right now. I guess my pro account expired! I’ll get right on that.. :D

The eyes! Focus on the eyes. Sometimes extra “DOF” is added in photoshop too. :D

Thea: Do you shoot in A, P or Manual? I have been playing more with manual mode.

Eden: I shoot in Auto.

…just kidding! It’s either manual or Av mode.

Thea: Do you vary ISO often or is there a setting you prefer?

Eden: I leave my ISO around 200 (I think)…I never really notice it until I’m inside and my shutter speed is 1/8! ;D

Thea: Is there an action (s) you use for getting the last pic on your blog of your friend Ajah? It looks backlit but her face is so well lit and the overall glowy effect is fabulous.

Eden: Thanks! I’m trying to remember, and I think that was mostly playing around in photoshop with textures and curves!

Thea: How did/do you figure out how to price your photo shoots?

Eden: I guess everyone has this problem, and there’s really no straight answer for every individual- I’m still not sure about my own prices! But check out the prices in your area and “meter” off those. :D

Thea: Do you sell prints or digital files and what made you make that choice?

Eden: For clients I sell prints only. Occasionally digital files are needed for actor headshots, or weddings, but I don’t advertise photo CDs. And for the reason? Nothing against 1-hour Walmart, but I guess I’d just like to see my work printed professionally. :D

For everyone else, framed prints by Eden Photography are in the works!

-Eden

eden.photography@mac.com

www.edenphotography.biz

Making an action for rounded edges.

2008-04-14T11:19:00.001-07:00

I have been wanting to learn how to make rounded corners in PS.

I looked it up and this is what I have done to get these rounded edges. I would love any shortcuts or ways to make this process easier.

I do not know how to take screen shots in ps yet so I will make a list. If you get stuck on one of the steps, email me and maybe I can help.

1. You need to know the pixel height and width of photographs straight out of your camera. You can find this out by opening a RAW file (or whatever size you shoot in) in PS. Go to Image>Imagesize. You should see the width and height of your photo in pixels. Write it down and then exit image size.

2. You now should still have the image straight out of the camera (SOOC) open in PS. If you want to make this an action, so you can apply this to all of the images you want with just one click, then go to Window in the main toolbar. Window>actions. Now there should be a pop up window
with the first tab (history) and the second tab (actions). Click on the second tab (actions). Go to the small arrow on the right. Click it and a drop down menu should appear. Click on New action. After clicking on this a new pop up box will appear. Name the action. I made two actions, one for horizontal photos and one for vertical photos. So I named the first one Rounded edges horizontal. I also checked off the default folder. This is where you will find the action once it is completed.

3. Go to Rectangle tool (in PS3 it is the icon on the side menu bar below the arrow)
right click to get drop down menu. Pick rounded rectangle tool.

4. Go to top menu bar and below edit and image you should see three boxes- pick the middle one (paths).

5. Next pick feather pixel dimension-this is how rounded you want the edges. The bw of my son has 70px feather and the color one has 125.

6. Go to the down arrow to the left of radius- geometry options drop down menu. Click and then eneter the pixel dimensions for height and width that you wrote down at the beginning when you opened a photo and checked it's size.

7. You will not be able to close this without actually making a fixed sized rectangle with the rounded edges, so when the numers are in, get ready, click BUT DO NOT RELEASE THE MOUSE BUTTON until you have moved the rectangle over the photo to the right spot. Once you let go it will stay there. If you mess up-go back int he history one step and then do over. This may mess up your action recording.

8. Now go to the layers box-it should have 3 tabs-layers, channels and paths. Click Paths. Then click on the small arrow on the right for the drop down menu, and click make a selection.
Now your rounded rectangle should have the marching ants around it.

9. Go to select>inverse
you have now selected the little square corners.

10. Click delete

11. Now go to the actions box and at the bottom click on the square. This will stop recording your action.

Viola!

Changes

2008-04-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

I have been having a bit of a struggle with blogger. The new design tool/erditor just throws me through a loop.

I will keep at it, I am sure to figure it out eventually. For now I am using the simpliest layout.

I had a recent photoshoot with my darling sweet friend Denise who came to visit me for a fun girly getaway.

Here are some of the photos I have been working on. I have had so much fun working with these.

Blog Love

2008-03-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

I love discovery new blogs that cover a wide array of my interests.

Scribbit is one of these great blogs. It is written by Michelle-a mother of four living in Alaska. She writes concisely (something I am working on) and about such a wide variety of topics. You always come across something new when you visit. Within just the past few posts there was a write away contest, fun crafts to do with your child this Easter weekend and a very kind giveaway contest where Michelle featured my work.

Thank you Michelle. I am honored to be featured for your giveaway. I adore your blog.

Another great blog I recently started frequenting is Creature Comforts. Ez has a beautifully designed blog. I love the colors, the layout and of course-the birds in her banner. Her posts are gorgeously put together. She has a great knack for presentation. I wish she headed my marketing I am so moved by the way she puts things together.

I was tickled pink to see she included my Honey photo in her Black & White post. Thanks so much Ez.

And last but not least. Even though I have been selling on Etsy over a year, I never knew about Etsy Finds. Last week Anda from Etsy Finds contacted me about including my custom sterling pendant in one of the features. I was so flattered and then blown away by all the talent they have searched out and presented in this lovely format over at Etsy Finds. Maybe if I had a smaller range of interests with my art I would have more time to read all the amazing articles, interviews and tips now available on Etsy.

Custom Pendants now available

2008-03-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

Visit my shop to see the custom jewelry now available.

I am so excited!

2008-03-04T20:44:00.000-08:00

Thank you Jessica for featuring me onFunky Finds!

I love your blog and had to give a little clap when I saw my name and photo pop up when I came to visit you:)

Anyone who hasn't been there yet, check it out, it is a fabulously fun and funky shopping blog.

Custom Pendants

2008-03-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

I have decided to start offering custom pendants again. I have been revamping my policies a bit to make this possible.

Because I am a stay at home mom of a 3 yr year old, I have set a particular schedule for custom orders.

To be able to do custom work I need to streamline my schedule in this way so that I can get things done in a timely fashion.

Doing custom photo pendants doesn't satisfy my creative longings, but it does satisfy my heart. The stories behind the pendants, the joyful thank you's all make it something I want to try to continue. This new schedule will hopefully make this possible.

I will be editing photos and making custom pendants twice a month. I hope that there should be on average a 4 week maximum turnaround time for orders.

I will post when the new listings and policies are up and available in my jewelry shop.

I am also working on a resin tutorial that should be done and available for sale soon.

Thank you!

2008-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

There have been a few acute medical issues around our home for the past few weeks, which has kept me from updating. Everyone is on the road to recovery with good prognosis, so all is well.

I have been meaning to send some special thanks to:

Design is mine for mentioning my "For the love of baking" ttv photograph in this post . It is a delightful shopping blog. I absolutely love how she puts together her post photos. They look like gorgeous magazine spreads.

Lynsey at Cuteable for featuring my Cappuccino ttv in a post.

I was so honored when Anna from Anna Sofia designs mentioned in an interview she did for Kelly Malouf, that she has one of my photographs in her workspace. Somehow reading that my work serves as someone elses inspiration, felt surreal. It felt pretty cool.

On my to do list is to list all the artists that inspire me in my workspace.

2008-02-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

Coaching

2008-02-11T04:06:00.001-08:00

I found this great website www.artbizcoach.com . I just got her book in the mail: I would rather be in the studio. It is full of very good advice about how to write your artist statement, how to organize and set up your computer and paper files and tons of other stuff I haven't gotten too yet. I am trying to just read through it once to get an idea of all the points instead of what I thought I should do first which was do each task as it was discussed in the book.

Demo of what photoshop can do

2008-02-07T04:50:00.000-08:00

Hold on to your shorts for this one.

Playing with polaroids

2008-02-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying www.Shuttersisters.com very much. A recent post spoke about Polaroids, and how fun they can be. I decided I would dig out my mothers old Polaroid camera and go to Target to buy some film.

This morning I had so much fun taking these polaroids and then photos of the Polaroids.

Beginning

2008-02-02T06:50:00.001-08:00

Welcome!

This blog is where I will post updates to my store(s), entries for online photography groups and general thoughts on having a photography business.