Thank you....

for all the wish you wells....yes, tooth aches suck! And I would much rather go through a 13-hour labor again then go to the dentist! I had horror stories with dentists so I have a mental thing with them. I don't think I was ever numb enough when they started doing work. But the one I go to now is awesome....he numbs me like no tomorrow and that's just fine with me! =)

OK...let's get on with what I did with the self-portraits shots:

I shot them in manual with settings of ss 1/125, 3.2 and iso 200. I set it up on a tripod and I made Gracie stand on a chair where I would stand (if I was in the picture) and I focused on her....set the timer and jumped into place. If you can, close up your f-stop that way if you aren't right in the spot that you set your focus on or on a different plain...you'll have a better chance of getting everything in focus (hence the 3.2). =)

Also, some of you asked about my backdrop and how I make it black. It's a queen size black sheet from Wal-Mart! LOL!! In photoshop....I just add an adjustment layer in curves...click on the black eyedropper and then click on the black bg in the photo. Usually that will make the rest of the photo a bit dark...just pull up the middle of the curves and that should do the trick. =)

ETA: I use the BIG white foam boards that you can get from Hobby Lobby for my white bgs. I don't use a white sheet....it's much harder to photoshop the wrinkles out than in a black one. =)

As far as the set up....I have 2 big windows in that room and I have them directly facing them and my back is to the windows, just flat on front lighting. =)

OH...I forgot about the skirt....don't you love it? =) I got it on ebay....yes Jeanette from the same seller that Amy mentioned. Her name is lacypetti and she has a ton of them. I did a search on ebay and really couldn't find a lot and so I snagged it up quick. I think I paid a BIN price of 35.00 and 10.00 shipping (she's from Canada) and honestly...I was watching some of them and they were selling well above 50.00 (and that's not including shipping) so if you see a BIN price of 35.00....that's about the cheapest you'll pay. =) Also, the waist is adjustable so Gracie will get a lot of wear from it too. =)

I tried to look at the actual maker's site (Sam Squaredance) but it was confusing to me so I quickly jumped outta there! LOL!! I'm not sure if they sell retail or wholesale and what the prices are but if you want...google Sam Squaredance and check it out. =)

Oh and one more thing....I'm so forgetfull lately (see why I need "to do" lists)! LOL!!

I'm trying to make a little extra money for Christmas and I was thinking of making some actions....another b/w and maybe 2 colored ones and selling them for like 10.00...would you guys be interested in them? Just want to get a feel to see if anyone would purchase them? Or...maybe you guys can let me know what you would like and I can make actions from your requests? Any thoughts? =)

Yes, I need to post a photo...what would my blog be without a photo? LOL!! I haven't played much so only one today. =)

Ok...maybe 2! =)