The Heart of the Matter

time to move....

2007-10-10T13:57:00.000-05:00

ok girls....I've started a new blog! I've love blogger but I needed some extras that they didn't offer so I've switched. Come on over and take a peek:

the new heart of the matter

I'll leave this one up for about a month or so but please bookmark the new one. =)

one more time....

2007-10-09T06:51:00.001-05:00

a bunch of you emailed me asking when I would run the special again because ya missed it....so, this special is for you. It's the last time I'll probably do it so if you want them or you're hoping to get CS for Christmas, get them now and hold onto them. =)

Until noon today, 25% off of my actions....bring them to $7.50. And as usual, DO NOT click on the BUY IT NOW button on the actions site, just paypal me directly at Bleann@msn.com.

Also, a couple of you asked about PSE actions....they are still on the back bunner....it's my busiest time of the year so I haven't had time to work with them yet. Stay tuned though......

Alrighty, don't forget, this may be the last time I run the special so don't delay because once it hits noon in Texas, that's it. =)

an action special until noon today!

2007-10-05T07:18:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling giving today! =) Until noon...Texas time (is that standard time), I'm taking 25% off of my actions so instead of paying $10.00, you pay $7.50. You can't beat 4 actions for that price so hurry! =)

Make sure that you DO NOT use the Buy Now button on my actions site because it will charge you $10.00. Instead just paypal your payment of $7.50 to Bleann@msn.com and I will email them to you ASAP. =)

long time no bloggin'

2007-10-04T14:23:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the week almost over and me not posting.....just doing the usual stuff. I wanted to post something for all my clients and friends to let you all know that my email has now changed. So from now on, you all can reach me at Brendaleann@gmail.com. I can still see my msn emails, I just can't respond to them so it's been very time comsuming getting them switched over and answered. If I haven't gotten to you yet, I promise I will. =)

OK...now remember this one:

It was from one of my first sessions I ever did and still one of my favs. =) Well, I don't think I've shared this one with you guys:

Look at that gorgeous pout....she'll be able to put that to good use and get anything she wants. I pity her future boyfriend! LOL!!

Anywho....Mom is giving herself an early Christmas present and she's ordering these 2 as 20x24 gallery wrapped canvases for her house....I'm so excited for her because I know she will LOVE them. Ha...I may not give them to her after I see them....I can't get enough of those gallery wraps. =)

it's a very vintage Christmas.....

2007-09-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

Check out this very vintage designs from Kirsty:

Very classic and vintage if I do say so myself...go check them out at

In the Blink of an Eye

Stay for awhile and check out her other templates and sing along with her song on her blog...it will totally put a smile on your face. =)

A day in the life of two busy little ones.....

2007-09-21T16:40:00.000-05:00

just a sneak peek of a session I had yesterday morning. =) They were absolutely a ball to photograph....and super sweet too! Mr. J would give me hugs at the drop of a dime and Miss. R wanted to take me home! LOL!!

I hope you like what you see Jeni and Dave....just a couple from the session. =)

and you gotta love feet! =)

sporting MJ clothes.....

2007-09-20T16:20:00.000-05:00

You have to check them out...everything Denise touches turns to gold. She is one talented lady....her clothes are soooo cute and they have some goodies for mommies too. =)

Matilda Jane Clothing

a boy and his dog.....

2007-09-17T17:56:00.000-05:00

What can be more perfect and precious? Pretty much nothing......

LOVE that he has his tongue out like his big ole puppy. LOL!!

Color by the fabulous Leah (Leah's actions).
A sneak peak from a session this weekend. =)

ok....the third bad thing just happened....

2007-09-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

MSN has decided to switch my email over to the new beta version and I can't get any of my messages....I can see them but I can't read them, reply to them or even send new ones. AAARRGGHHHH!

So bare with me if you can....I was able to contact them to tell them that I was unhappy about the sudden change (and switching it without asking me), so hopefully I can get back to my old version.....have I said I don't like change? Changes scare me. =)

back to her sassy little self....

2007-09-13T17:40:00.000-05:00

can you tell? LOL!!

right before the storm....

2007-09-12T14:51:00.000-05:00

of bad voo-doo. =)

Thank you all for the well-wishes....we are feeling much, much better. Gracie went back to school and today, I'm feeling better...just weak and tired. I think I've gotten caught up on my emails.....I wittled them down from 70+ to 19. I left to run errands for a couple of hours and came home to 11 more! LOL!! You just have to laugh about that. =) Now, I need to get back to proofing because I know there are some mommies out there than want to see their sessions. =)

So, here's after the soccer game...we went to Sonic to have ice cream and right then I should have known something wasn't right when she didn't eat her ice cream....that's just unheard off. She did get sick before this shot...but then she was acting fine and actually dancing for everyone in their cars to see. =) But look how red she was......poor baby! =(

And then the flood gates opened once we got home....bless her heart, she didn't get sick in the car. BTW, why is it that mom's have the instinct nature to want to catch the puke whereas the dad's get as far away from it like it's the plague? LOL!!

And a couple of Sam...those eyes just do it to me everytime. I'm going to be that aunt that will get her anything she wants.

Notice the no eye contact...before she was looking at me and smiling and then wham, she sees the camera and acts like I don't exsist.

And a couple from the game...it's her first season to play...she's the newbie but the girls are sooo sweet and she really likes the coaches. I just hope she doesn't put puking her insides up and playing soccer together...we'll see this weekend.

bad things happen in 3's

2007-09-11T15:45:00.000-05:00

I'm waiting for the third....

I just wanted to let everyone know that has emailed me...I will get back to you all. The last couple of days has been crazy here....Gracie got dehydrated after her soccer game on Saturday and had to go to the ER to get an IV of fluids back in her and then yesterday I was vomitting non-stop and had to go and find out I have an kidney infection....FUN!!

So, anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know that has emailed me about sessions and such, that I will get back to you all starting tomorrow. I barely have energy to get out of the bed but I mustered up some to type this....and now I'm exhausted again. =)

2 newborns in 3 weeks....

2007-09-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

I've been in business since Sept. of last year and didn't have a single newborn session...all kiddos and families and then WHAM....I get 2 in 3 weeks. How funny is that? LOL!!

Well, this beauty is a bit older than the last one but as cute as can be. We just waited until she fell asleep because Mama wanted the this shot so bad....and believe me, it was worth the wait....one of my favs. =)

2007-09-07T10:16:00.000-05:00

Just an update on the coat....it sold and it's shipped. =) Thanks for all of you that inquired about it. =) Also, many of you have emailed me asking what my username is on ebay....it's gracie*bug. I use to sell on there a long time ago but haven't lately...just a few pieces here and there.

Also, I know I've been tagged by a couple of you....I promise I will get to them too. =)

You all have a fantastic weekend!

Bren

"the famous coat"

2007-09-06T13:51:00.000-05:00

Yep, I'm selling it and I'm sad to see it go. =( I was going to put it on ebay but then thought I might see if you girls would want it since many of you said you love it. =)

It's from Babygap and it's sized as a 4T. It would be great for fall and winter and think of all the photo ops too. =) It's in perfect condition...Gracie wore it maybe a handful of times only for pictures or special occasions. I'm asking $30.00 and that includes shipping. Email me at Bleann@msn.com if you're interested. =)

ETA: Sale pending....man you girls are fast! I had 5 inquiries about it within 1 hour of posting it. LOL!! I gotta laugh...what we do for cute clothes for our kids, while we wear Target! LOL!!

One day until HUMP DAY....

2007-09-04T11:43:00.000-05:00

Don't you just LOVE 3 day weekends...makes for a really short week. =)

Nothing new to post except that I thought I'd get Miss G. outside to finish up my lighting assignments since I'm going to be busy with sessions in Sept. and Oct. is filling up fast. I thought this might be my last chance but I guess the sun didn't want to play along....right when I got set up, it decided to stay behinds some clouds.....bummer. But I got this...nothing special but I wanted to share....I LOVE that grin of hers. =)

It's the "oh fart, mom's got her camera out again...just grin and bare it so I can get on to more important things like swinging" grin.

I'll be posting all my Christmas card samples for my clients to choose from. Remember, the last day to submit Christmas orders and cards is November 15th. =)

OK....everyone say it with me.....

2007-08-30T12:27:00.000-05:00

"AAAWWWWW!"

Isn't she a doll? This one is for you Christie and Stephen...she was such a great little sport. =)

Now if only I could sleep that peaceful. LOL!!

Leah's Color Workflow Action Set....

2007-08-28T14:17:00.000-05:00

so I've been bugging Leah to make an action for her fabulous colors.....I tell ya, her colors are just stunning and out-of-this-world! =) First of all...got check out her blog and you'll see:

Mia Bella

OK...what did I tell you....AWESOME huh? So, after all the hounding, she decided to come up with some actions for your everyday use and she was kind enough to let me be her beta tester (I think she just wanted me off her back LOL). I ran it really quick on this and brought down the cool color layer.....easy as pie, it took me less than 1 minute. =) They are totally tweakable so you can get many different looks.

So, are you sold yet? LOL!! Go check out her action site and see all the goodies that you get. I promise you will love them.....these are right at the top of my list of must-have-best-buy-for-your-money-actions-you-won't-regret-it! =)

Leah's Color Workflow Actions

ETA: Megan requested to see the SOOC of this shot...I only sized for web and added a canvas. =) And don't laugh either! LOL!!

the last day of freedom.....

2007-08-26T10:33:00.000-05:00

because school starts on Monday! =) Miss G. is going to be a 1st grader....my, how the time flies. I remember last year when I was a complete wreck with her starting Kindergarten....remember that?

We met her teacher last Thursday and she seems really nice and excited for the new year. She only has one little boy (and no, it's not her love interest) in her class this year that was with her last year, but she's excited all the same. =) There's some new stuff this year.....get this...science lab! BBWWHHAAHHAAA.....I'm picturing them in white lab coats, googles, beakers and test tubes! LOL!! Can you image the trouble they could get into if they didn't have supervision?

Anywho....I'm a little behind in my assignments for the Lighting Workshop, so I decided to work on them yesterday. This one is for mid-evening backlighting.....I like how it looks like her hair is on fire. I think this is my favorite lighting outside because of the gorgeous colors. Next is sun flare....I'm excited to give that a whirl. =)

This one makes me want to see the Sheryl Crow song "I wanna soak up the sun!"

And just having some fun with different stuff...I'm really getting into that lately. =)

OK....enough about school....it's starting to bring back some bad memories! LOL!!

I've been tagged by Wynona and Melissa to list 8 interesting things about me and to tag another 4 to do the same. =) OK.....I'm not interesting at all so this is going to be hard to list 8...I may have to fudge some. LOL!!

1. I secretly want to be an interior designer! =) I LOVE HGTV and all those design shows. But I think I wouldn't get hired....I'm horrible at sticking to a budget....ask my hubby. =)

2. I'm a organizational freak....I have baskets galore....I even has baskets to hold baskets.

3. My mom named my sister when she as born and my dad got to name me. Some choices that were on the list were Kendra, Natalie, Leann, Leah. Now don't get me wrong....I don't mind my name but I think I'm more of a Natalie instead.

4. My first car was my dad's VW beetle...I LOVED that car.....it was bright yellow! I of course wrecked it. =(

5. My favorite color is green...it has been since I was a little girl.

6. I was a total tomboy growing up....my mom couldn't get me into a dress if her life depended on it. And one time at band camp....LOL, just kidding. One time at school, I can't remember what grade I was in, I want to say 2nd or 3rd, a boy was teasing my cousin, and I beat him up. LOL!!

7. I'm an ebay junkie....I've been buying and selling on ebay for at least 6 years now. I use to make bandana pants and they sold like hotcakes until I got burned out on sewing. I just now started to pick it up again...I made a roman shade for the master bath (I'm so proud of it). =)

8. I use to play softball and almost played for SWT. I started when I was 4 years old and played until I was 18....I LOVE it. I was the pitcher and played 3rd base on the All-Star teams.

OK...so now I tag:

Carrie Leah Amy Jeanette Tiffany Kristy and Lulu

I tagged 7 instead of 4! LOL!! You know you girls love me! =)

OH...forgot this one....gotta show a b/w since it's been mostly color lately. Check out that "tude!"

Oh and one last thing....did something big happen last Tuesday that I didn't know about? Cuz, I checked my stats on here and I had 1,904 hits! WOWZERS....I'm thinking I missed something. LOL!! Thanks for all the looks, now all you lurkers need to leave comments...I may be playing a game soon. HINT-HINT!

a little quirky....

2007-08-23T14:55:00.000-05:00

I've been inspired by Heleen (Toddlertoes) on Flickr...if you guys haven't checked that place out, it's a must.....there is sooo much talent there and a wide variety of stuff too....something for everyone. =)

Anywho....I'm not one that needs eye contact from my clients....especially little ones. I just want to be able to capture their favorite toy or what they are doing at that moment....that is what I LOVE.

I pulled Miss G. out yesterday for some fun. She's been giving me a fuss lately with taking her photos but when it came to just having fun and letting her do stuff that fun for her, it makes a HUGE difference in what I get. =)

Most of them are of her feet (and most of you know I'm a sucker for feet) and of her toys but there's something that just tugs at your heart with them. =)

a little bit of here and there stuff....

2007-08-21T07:32:00.000-05:00

Man....I've been on a blog posting roll lately! LOL!! TFL! =)

look who I had spend the night on Saturday?

2007-08-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

yeppers....and I'll I can say is I'm tired! LOL!!

Oh, before I forget, for those of you that asked about my placement and light source for the newborn photos below.....I didn't have her directly by a window...the light in her nursery was AMAZING so what I did was place her against a wall but the light was directly on her. She was probably a good 9 feet away from the the window. =)

Also, my black background is just a plain large black sheet, it works great. I used my b/w2 conversion on it and in that conversion, it really blackens your blacks so any areas of shade or light that showed up just goes away with the action....POOF! LOL!!

a princess in the making.....

2007-08-17T15:50:00.000-05:00

This little one was absolutely perfect for me! She made my first newborn session a dream. =)

She decided to grace Mommy and Daddy about 3 weeks early and lucky me, she was a great little sleeper....just a little snug bug. =)

And the famous wings were requested too.....

a tad different from the one above....

beyond red and green templates

2007-08-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

Remember these from last year? Well, Sherri's talent is par none....she never ceases to amaze me from her beautiful photography to her fun and gorgeous templates....she came out with some awesome Christmas templates for this year.

And for you guys that are new to PSE or PS/CS, they are soooo user friendly. =)

Here's one of my favs from many.....

Go check them out....I have a link to the side or you can just click below.

Beyond Red and Green Templates

I bet you'll have a hard time choosing which ones to buy! LOL!!

I cried.....

2007-08-13T14:12:00.000-05:00

when I saw this:

Kristen (the fabulous painter that did Gracie in "road rage") painted me a portrait of Gracie and I LOVE it! Funny thing is, she emailed me asking me if I wanted to see it before I picked it up at a show she was having and me, being someone that can't keep secrets, I of course wanted to see it but lucky me, she got so busy getting ready for her show, she didn't get a chance to send me a photo of it.

So at the first site of it, I cried! LOL!! Now I know how my clients feel when they see their portraits for the first time....it's an awesome feeling. =)

She calls it "Gracie Undercover" and I just laughed....it's the perfect title! =)

She is simply fantastic as what she does....you guys really must check her out. And if you're looking for a whimsy/colorful painting of your little ones that will for sure be a keepsake for many many years, email her. She super sweet, such a professional and fantastic to work with. =)

Kristen Erwin's Paintings

Thanks again Kristen...I found the perfect place for it....you can pretty much see it from the front entry way, dining room, living room and kitchen! =)

sweet little 2008 calendars....

2007-08-10T12:21:00.000-05:00

Tina is at it again...check these out:

Aren't they awesome? Another goodie I'm going to start offering them to my clients...I'm so excited! Jump on over to her site....she's running a sale right now but it won't be for long. You get papers for the whimsy look or you can leave it solid like the one above plus some little extras too. =)

Lil' Creations

Have a great weekend everyone!

Bren

robin's egg blue room....

2007-08-09T08:48:00.001-05:00

Gracie's room is having an Extreme Makeover! OK...maybe not extreme but a makeover for sure. =)

Her room use to be a yellow-green but she informed me that she wanted a new color....I had her pick between the blue and a deep pink and she picked the blue much to my surprise being that she is such a prissy little thing. And of course she wouldn't have the final say....so I asked some photogs their opinion and blue was the overwhelming choice.

Then she went on to tell me that she wanted a tree painted on her wall....yes, a tree. LOL!! So since Grandma was staying with us, guess who got to do that? It's great having an artist around when you need them! LOL!! I helped paint in the tree a wee bit but the rest was Grandma's great work. All those little critters...she did them and let me tell you they are CUTE!!

It's still not finished yet but when it's done, I'll post some more photos. =)

OH....and it photographs awesome....WHAM...a new backdrop!! =)

I have to show this one bigger....it's my new fav!! =)

This is a little birdie flying out of the tree...I just couldn't get it in with the tree shot. =)

Her chalkboard to doodle on....

Above her bed, I hung a clothes line from one end of the wall to the other and then she hangs her artwork up there. I'm having the owl that's in the tree painted on the line so it looks like it's perching on it.

This is a set of shelves she's had since she was born. I have a cover for it that makes it look like a tent but I need some new fabric because the old green one looks funky with the new blue...so right now it's bare. =)

And of course, she wants to get in on the whole thing. =)

And these are the windows that bring in that fabulous natural light a couple of you asked me about....LOVE them! You can't see the other one but the basically go from the bottom of the floor to the top of the ceiling. I can shoot in there any time of the day. =) And yes, they are both nosey!! LOL!!

That's it for now...oh, you must come back tomorrow...I've got some awesome calendars from the fabulous Tina that I'm going to post. I'm going to start to offer them to clients as well....they are soooo awesome!!

saratoga frames.....

2007-08-08T15:28:00.000-05:00

Remember the frames I mentioned before...well, I got mine a little over a week ago (I've been meaning to post my photos) and all I can say is they are AWESOME!!

I just order 2 of them but I'm definitely going to order more. I used this one as a corkboard to put in my kitchen to hang all of Gracie's artwork and stuff and another one to show my clients. The red is sooo deep and rich and the hand-rubbing is gorgeous.

I'm only offering Saratoga frames as my frame choice for my clients which I know they will love. Right now, they are a wholesale company for photographers but I think they are looking at going retail too so make sure you check back. =)

I have a link to the side and/or you can check them out here. Make sure you do, Lisa and Vic have some great photos of the different styles and colors they offer.

Saratoga Frame Co.

robin's egg blue....

2007-08-07T13:46:00.000-05:00

that's Gracie's new wall color! Here's a peek for you...I'll post more in the next couple days. =)

It looks much lighter here...it shows the natural light coming into her room much better...gotta love that! =)

finally......

2007-08-02T17:36:00.000-05:00

after countless days....my site is finally done! WHEW...I've got a couple of things I need to do to it (i.e. the calendar) but for the most part, it's finished. =)

I'm one happy clam. LOL!!

are you getting a bunch of newborn sessions?

2007-08-01T17:20:00.000-05:00

Well, I've got some CUTE announcement cards for you to show your clients! =)

Adorable huh?

Kirsty has some really cute birth announcements and holiday card that you should really check out. They are all completely editable and so easy to use. Check out her work at

In the blink of an eye

I do believe she's got some group buys going on! Can you tell, I like to spend your money? LOL!!

last of the q and a's

2007-07-31T13:27:00.000-05:00

Let's get down to it! LOL!!

From Karen: For action pictures, do you use the auto focus on one-shot, AI focus or AI servo? Or do you just focus manually?

Karen, I keep my camera in AI servo almost 90% percent of the time. Since I shot mostly kids, I have to be on my toes because they move around so much. I rarely shoot in one-shot AF and I need to try AI focus, since using AI servo, it works great for me, so I haven't switch over. LOL!!

From Rebecca: I am wondering what camera and lens you use, who your web host (template too?) is and also who you use for your prints. Also, I have Photoshop Elements and am wondering if/when you will have Actions for that in the future? Thanks a bunch for everything!

I promise soon Rebecca for the PSE actions. =) My camera is a Canon 20d and I have 3 prime lenses....30mm 1.4, 50mm 1.8 and the 85mm 1.8. My website template is from Winklet and I host through Go Daddy. =) I use a bunch of different labs for my prints, cards, canvases and all the other stuff between. Certain paper brands pick up or loose color, hence the reason I use a bunch of different companies. =)

From Megan: When shooting younger kids, how do you get them to not notice that you have a camera in your hand? My daughter is just over a year old, and the minute I get the camera out, no matter how sneaky I am, she crawls right up to me, and grabs for the camera.

LOL Megan...and Sam was just the opposite! She would take off or turn away from it. =) When I'm at a session, I don't shoot right away, I get down and play and talk with them first. I do have my camera out so it's not like they don't see it. If they seem interested in it, I let them touch and look at it (I'm holding it of course). If they are older, I let them take a couple pictures (again, I'm holding it) and let them see what they took. That usually works for me....they have such a short attention span, something usually grabs their attention 3 minutes later and they completely forgot about it. LOL!!

From Teresa: I wonder what kind of stuff (props, etc) brenda brings on a shoot.

I think almost every client as ask for me to bring the angel wings (which reminds me I need to get another pair). LOL!! I'll bring my pettiskirt and tutu if I've got little girls booked. That's it....I bring my reflector but usually forget to use it and I've brought fun blankets and baskets too but only to a couple. =)

From Marie: would you recommend(sp?) the sigma 30mm1.4? I already have the 50mm&85mm and i love them both but i need something wider.. and i'm not sure if i should go with this one or the canon 35mm or 28mm... ok so basically what i'm asking is if you can tell the pros and cons of it, etc. thanks =)

I LOVE that lens Marie.....I honestly can't think of a con for it. It did however get some getting use too because I used my 85 all the time. It's a wonderful lens and I got it just for the reason you mentioned. I don't think that you could go wrong with any of the ones you're looking at....it's just a matter of playing with it. You'll love it not only for families but for indoor shots like kids playing in their rooms and you want the full shot of the room. Also for those as I call "peep-hole" shots...like when you're standing above your subject and it looks like something you see when looking through a peep-hole. One thing it does as I'm sure all of the wide lenses do is if you're to close to your subject, it will give you a lens vingette. I actually like it but I know others don't. =)

From Kendra: My question is about black and whites...seems I've been working on mine for about a year...I've been working with your b&w actions, which are great! But I still struggle to get the quality you get in your black and whites...creamy skin tones, real depth, jump off the page kinda black and whites. Any advice?thanks!!!

Kendra, I think that if you shoot wide open, that may help you with what you want. If you close it, everthing will look like it's on the same focal plan but if you open up you aperture, you will almost have that 3-D look. =) I rarely go below 3.2.

With my action, there are so many things that you can do with it. I sometimes will add a curves adjustment layer and click on the blackeye dropper first and go to the box at the bottom (which indicates your shadows) and bring that line down a tad. I then will click on the white eyedropper (this indicates your highlights) and go to the top of the box and bring that up some. And last of all and I don't do this all the time, it just depends on what I'm looking for, I'll click on the gray eyedropper (your midtones) and either bring that up or down. Your goal is to creative a slight S-curve. This will give you some awesome contrast. =) Also, running a vingette is a great way to acheive what you're looking for and I will also burn and dodge areas too. =)

From Sarah Bear: For your process you said you burn a DVD then put all the good ones to a folder and batch them to be resized at 5x7 - then do your post processing. What happens then if a client wants larger images (which of your shots they probably wish they could have wallpaper)? I know I probably misunderstood something, but if you do all your work to a 5x7 then do you have to do it all again to the original that is at a higher resolution?

Sarah, nope, I don't have to redo it. In my info to my clients I have an example of cropping ratios so they know that if they go larger, it will not look like the 5x7 they are shown. And I save all my images as 300 dpi at 5x7. Now, if I get a large print and the crop looks off and I did have extra room in the original, I will go back and use that one....it really depends on the size. I know some people prefer to crop in 8x10 at 300 dpi but the 5x7 crop works great for me. =)

From Pure Expressions: How did you make it so that when you right click on an image on here, it wont allow it?? I LOVE that feature! And would like to apply that to my photos as well!

Well, the wonderful Tiffany told me about this and sent me the code...I hope she doesn't mind me sharing. Tiffany, let me know if you want me to take it off. =)

Opps, blogger isn't allowing me to post it because of the tags. If you just email me I'll send it to you. If you have a Typepad account, I'm not sure how you install it.....sorry. =(

That's it folks...thanks for the questions and hopefully I was able to help out some. =)

a brand new week......

2007-07-30T07:59:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping for mircales here! LOL!! Hopefully my site will be live....HOPEFULLY is the key word here! =)

Before I start to answer some more questions, here's a couple more of Miss G. I've been shooting a bunch of her lately, with my time off....it's been great! =)

I adore this last two....especially the last one, she was really working the camera! LOL!!

Ok...now onto some questions. =)

From Melissa: I too live in the dallas area (irving to be exact) and wanted to know where your favorite places to take pictures are? also, besides your own actions, what is your favorite photo enhancing tool in photoshop?

Melissa, I usually just go to my client's homes....I LOVE indoor natural light and I find great pockets of light and some fun bgs there. And if we go outside in the backyard, I use textures like the wood fence, grass and bricks......I'll have them lean up against it or lay down it in. =) But I have a fav park that a fellow photog (Jen Weintrab) told me about....it's called Davis Park in Highland Park....it's absolutely beautiful. The last set of photos that I posted (the flickr mixer).....that's were we went. =)

Hmmm....I guess my fav enhancing tool in PS would be curves....honestly, that's all you need IMO. It added contrasts, bumps up the exposure, add color and corrects color. I think the sponge tool would be my second...I use it when I really want some saturated colors. =)

From Destiny: Do you ever use a reflector? And how do you get your subjects to open up for you?

Destiny......I'm so bad, I don't! LOL!! But I do look for things that will reflect light....like light garage doors, concrete, car bumpers, water....all sorts of stuff. =)

I'm really a shy person...and when I get nervous, I tend to just talk and ramble on and on. I think kids think that's funny.....it's amazing how they pick up on things. LOL!! I just get down to their level, talk to them, ask them questions and stuff. I don't start shooting off the bat...I want them to get use to me. I'll have Mommy put on some music so we can dance all goofy and sing. With boys, I ask them to show me their muscles, it works like a charm. LOL!!

From Pam: I wanted to know where you have your photos printed. I remember you saying how you opened them up and was so happy with the results. I have always printed at home and have not been all that happy with the results.

I use a bunch of pro labs Pam.....one for canvases, one for cards, one for prints and one for my bright color prints. It's just a matter of finding one (or in my case, a couple) that works for you. And customer service is a must....with the number of orders that I do, it's important for me to be able to talk to someone ASAP if I have a question or problem. =)

From Megan: What I want to know is how do you pronouce your last name? Maybe a dumb question, but when I see it, I always wonder, "Am I saying that right?" :o)

LOL...oh, believe me Megan, you aren't the only person that can't say it....it's crazy! LOL!! It's pronounced A-coon-c-us. LOL!! Were you saying it right? =)

From Barbara: how much time do you spend in post-processing per photo? mac or PC? and when are you going to have those elements actions?

Barbara, I've really cut my proofing time down a whole bunch....I've learned that correct/or the best exposure is a must. That's the key that can save you hours and hours in proofing. If I had to guess, I would say maybe 2 minutes at the max. Now that's not including cloning....I'll do things that are noticeable but not every little thing. If my client orders it, then I'll go back and clone out the imperfections and stuff. =)

I'm still on a PC....I'm not sure if I'll ever switch....but never say never right? I'm quite happy with my set-up now. =)

Soon....I promise soon.....I learned a couple of things recently that will help me out a bunch. It's just a matter of getting them loaded and seeing what version they work best in. =)

From Teresa: How do you upload your pictures and keep them so large. Also what is your process in PS and how do you save things. It seems like to take way to long editing on one picture.

Teresa, I use photobucket to upload my photos...it just works best for me with the boards that I belong to and stuff. Blogger does some wacky things to photos when you upload them....and since this is my business/fun blog, I needed my photos to look good. LOL!! I just upload them to Photobucket, grab the URL address and just paste it in the post box. =) I also pushed out my sidebar so I could get large horizontal photos on here too. =)

My workflow is pretty simple. I first save all the images to a dvd, then I open up a folder and put all good ones in there...I size them all to 5x7 and batch them. I'll run my actions on them and just go through each of them and see if they need a little something else like a vingette, burning, etc. I then run the Protouch Action on the ones that need it. (I wait to sharpen and run a bit action on them until I send them for printing.) I then open another folder and name it proofs. I will then take the previous ones, size them for the web, sharpen, and add the proof #. =) That's it. =)

OK....just one more day of questions and I'll have them all answered. =) WHEW....that was a long post! Hopefully you guys made it all the way to the end. =)

OH...and for those who have asked about RAD actions....you can find them

HERE

flickr mixer photos

2007-07-26T14:35:00.000-05:00

here's a couple more from the flickr mixer....we had a ball, the kids were cute and sooo funny! =)

OK...on to more questions. =)

From Stacey: So, here are my questions...raw or jpeg? And, what about wb? Do you fix it later or custom wb before and with what? Thanks!

Stacey, I've done both but I actually prefer jpeg. I like the sooc from jpeg over raw a tad better. But if I'm shooting in very difficult light, I'll shoot raw so I can adjust exposure. And I leave my white balance usually on auto. The only time I change it is if I need a bit more red in the photos.....like when I'm outside with tons of green around me, I then change it to sunny and it works great. I learned that from shooting in Gracie's green room. =) If I need to add or take away some color....I work in color balance or curves in PS. =)

From Tiffany: Can we see the whole scene of the swing? =)

Ha Tiffany.....my hubby came home and said to take a photo of the swing because you wanted to see it....I promise I will or he will. =) Thanks sweetie!

From Becky: My question is do you ever get any pictures of your girls together? Do your girls fight a lot.... is there jealousy? My girls are 5 and 2 1/2 and I have trouble with all of the above

Becky, although many people think that Sam was mine since I plastered pictures of her all over my blog, she's not...she's my niece. I use to watch her 4 days a week but I don't have her anymore which explains why you don't see her on here very much. =( I did get a couple of her and Gracie together but it was getting harder and harder because Sam could get up and exit the room. LOL!!

From Teresa: I do have a question.... do you have a certain way you enhance the eyes. Also have you taken any classes on light or are you self taught?

Teresa.....with Gracie having dark eyes, I really have to watch to see if I get light in her eyes. Now, I'm going to say this because I know there are so many out there that are sticklers for catchlights.....it really makes no difference to me. Of course I like getting light in them, but if I have a photo that I love and there's no light in the eyes....who cares. It's art, it's subjective and if you love it, that's all that matter. =) When people ask me how I learned it all, I tell them that you need to learn it all and then you can toss some of the tech stuff out the window. Photos don't have to be perfect all the time....do what you like to do and that's all that matters.

I don't do anything other than run Rad's Protouch action and lighten the eyes. I don't do it all the time but it's really awesome how it brings little specs of light out that you don't see. =)

I'm all self-taught....well, not self-taught because I learned tons from boards and other photogs, but I didn't take any classes if that's what you're shooting at. LOL!! Honestly, if you just practice with light you can get it....front lighting, rembrandt lighting, backlighting.....it all takes some practice and honestly, I'm still hit or miss on it but each time you do it, you learn what and what not to do. =)

OK....until tomorrow girls! Thanks!!

time for answers...

2007-07-25T16:37:00.000-05:00

OK girls....I'm going to split these up over the couple of days so it's not one massive, long and boring post. =)

From Adrienne: "I have a question for you.... unsharp mask. Do you have 'settings' or do you play with it on each different picture? I just got a new computer and reinstalled photoshop, and lost the settings I had set for it, which i really liked. Now I can't figure it out again!! THX! :)...also..what was your inspiration to be a *natural light* photog?"

Adrienne, I play with the USM setting on each photo because sometimes SOOC they are sharp as a tack and other times, they are a bit soft. With full resolution photos I start with #'s of 100, 2, 3 and tweak from there. With web-size photos, I start with 50, .02, 0 and work from there. =) You'll be able to tell if you go to far by seeing halos and almost a double-vision look. =)

My inspiration for being a natural light photog was Amanda Keeys. LOVE her stuff. When I first saw her work, I knew what I wanted to do. Everything seems to come at ease for her and you can tell she just connects with little ones. =)

From Ellen: I'm curious what lenses you use. Thanks!

Ellen, I'm a prime junkie though I'm really eyeing the 24-70L lens. LOL!! My lens that I use are the Sigma 30mm 1.4, 50mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8. They work well for me because I've got a great portrait lens and a good wide lens and one in between. The f-stop number is what I look at first when buying a lens....because I work indoors, I've got to have a fast lens that works great in low-light conditions. =)

From Michelle: my question is what camera are you using and what is your favorite lens? thanks!

Michelle, I have a Canon 20d and honestly, I haven't taken the 50mm 1.8 off my camera in a while. I know some people hate that lens but for the money, it's awesome. =) I would probably have to say my fav lens out of all 3 of them is my 85mm. It's SWEEEET!! Plus it was my first lens I bought when I bought my camera so it's got some senimental value to me too. LOL!!

From Nancy: My question is how did you learn photoshop? Did you take a class or are you self-taught? Also, do you swtich lenses often or do you have one that seems to work best for your typical photo shoot?also, just a reminder that many of your fans are eagerly awaiting your actions in PSE 5.0-compatible form!

LOL Nancy, I know! If you guys haven't learned from me by now, I'm always behind! I need to take some time-management courses! LOL!! I did however learn today from a photog that my action does work in PSE5.0 up until the last stop and then it erases everything. So, it's just a matter of working it all out and stuff....I promise I will get them for you all though. =)

I learned basically on my own. I had PS 5.5 so I couldn't run any actions on it so I had to learn it all....well not it all but a workflow. It was a blessing and a curse at the same time....a blessing that I had to learn it, I had no choice and a curse because it was time-consuming to work on photos. LOL!! I do tell people not to be afraid of experimenting with PS, you CANNOT mess up your photo. =) Also, Scott Kelby has a wonderful book out that easy to understand and funny to boot. It gives you some wonderful starting points and then you can build from there. =)

With my lens, if I'm shooting family, I'll switch from my 30mm when shooting all of them together and then to my 50 or 85mm if I'm just shooting one or two of the kiddos. =) It can be such a pain in the rear to switch in the middle of a session but what I recommend is shooting the entire family first and then the kids and then candids. It will allow you to not have to switch lens in and out as much and the kiddos by the end they just want to play and they are pretty much tired of your camera. LOL!!

OK....oh and thanks Julie! What a small world! =)

I'm going to end this post and tomorrow I'll come back and answer a few more questions for ya. =) I'm leaving you guys with one of the sweetest pictures....I had the pleasure of meeting some fabulous photos on Monday. We got the kids together and had some fun. I'll put the links to their websites and blogs in tomorrow for you guys to check them out. These two were like 2 peas in a pod, they connected within minutes....plus they have the same name too. =)

website sneak peek....

2007-07-19T11:22:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick sneak peek of my new site....think Summer and Spring! Full of color and fun. =)

I'll keep the questions coming and I'll start answering them next week for you. =) Other than that, you all have a great weekend. =)

just a swinging.....

2007-07-18T08:16:00.000-05:00

Grady made Gracie a new swingset and she LOVES it! =) The thing is sooooo darn sturdy, nothing is going to bring it down...ok, well, maybe me and my big booty swinging on it. LOL!! Here's the first official pictures of her just happy as a clam swinging on it. =)

This one, she was trying to kick me....little turd! See, she's not so nice and sweet as most of you guys think. =)

And one from yesterday...

The website is taking a bit longer than I thought...sorry guys. I'm trying to finish some other stuff up for clients but I promise I'll post a sneak peek tomorrow for you. =)

Also....I've been getting a bunch of emails with you all asking questions so I thought like I did a while back.....why don't you guys post your questions here and I'll answer them for you. That why we can share the Q and A with everyone. =)

So ask away.....

a couple of things.....

2007-07-16T08:14:00.000-05:00

First of all, my dad wanted me to pass on a little note to all of you that were praying and thinking of him through his surgery a couple weeks ago....here's what he wanted to say:

"I would like to thank everyone for your concerns and prayers during my short stay in the hospital. When I was in the operating room, I did not know who the prayers were from, but I knew they were there."

Thank you again,
Richard (Brenda's dad)

And thanks again from me too....the outcome could not have been any better and I know it had something to do with all the well-wishes sent his way. =)

Now drumroll please..........

I know you guys are just dying too see Sam...be prepared, she's not a baby anymore....(sob, sob)

And check out those chucky legs! LOL!! With grass included....

We had so much fun at her party...it's funny because she's trying to hard to "hang with the BIG girls!" And YES....she has hair! It's almost a strawberry blonde too....totally from her daddy. =)

it's a birthday palooza!!

2007-07-12T18:55:00.000-05:00

Guess who turns 2 today??? Just guess??? If you guess the little stinker that runs everytime I take my camera out and who is the absolute cutest little angel ever....you guessed right! =)

It's Sam's birthday today!! Happy birthday little one!!

And also, a shout out to Leslie too.....today she turns.....LOL...I won't say your age Leslie though you don't look a day over 25! Leslie is my great friend and wonderful client that I take pictures of with the hats. Go check out her site....I think she has some new stuff up or she's getting it up soon. She's also revamping her site as well...it must be in the water! LOL!

I'm hoping (knocking on wood here) to have mine done at the end of the weekend. So keep checking...a bunch of new and exciting stuff coming. =)

Anywho....HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you two.....have a wonderful day and eat cake for breakfast! =)

Psst.....this is Gracie giving a shout out to the birthday girls! =)

splendor in the grass.....

2007-07-10T08:37:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love going back to old photos and reworking them? I do....I do it way to much though. LOL!! This one was taken back in OCT but I wanted to work with in in color and I'm so glad I did....I'm a b/w gal but sometimes color is just does it for me. LOL!!

A couple new things at Brenda Acuncius Photography. I am going to add a print minimum on all orders but if you have booked prior to this going into effect, this doesn't effect you. =)

I'm going to add packages as well as more a la carte prints, so stay tuned. I'm hoping the new site will go live by the end of the week. =)

Also, I am going to start offering custom framing. I said to myself, I would never do this but when I came across these, there was no way I could not. So, that being said, I am only going to offer frames from Saratoga Frame Co. These are fantastic frames...so unique and sooo awesome and I'm sure you will find some that you just can't live without.

Check them out here: Saratoga Frame Co. or click on the picture link in my sidebar. =)

They are a wholesale company so you photogs that visit here, don't delay, sign up with them and start showing them off to your clients. LOL!!

"always polish your toes..."

2007-07-07T15:07:00.000-05:00

Isn't this the cutest? I bought this canvas at the same place I bought the "G" hanging plaque. I'm redoing Gracie's room into a "big" girl one and thought this would work great...soooo divaish (if that's a word)! LOL!!

Say goodbye to the green walls....I'm thinking either robin's egg blue or a dark pink.

Oh and thanks for the heads up on the subscribe thing...I don't think I have it installed correctly so I'll work on that or either do a different one. =)

4th of July...

2007-07-06T12:17:00.000-05:00

Here's a couple from the 4th....I'm always late on posting...can you tell? LOL!!

She came prepared didn't see...she wasn't going to miss anything. =)

I've seen this done before and have always wanted to try it, I took it from my mirror in the front seat....that look she's giving me doesn't look good! LOL!!

The lighting and colors were BEAUTIFUL over the lake! I took this as we were driving across the bridge to park and plant our tushies to what the fireworks. WUB, WUB!!

And I wanted to try this too with Gracie but she didn't want any part of it so this guy had to do! LOL!! I should have tried it about 15 minutes earlier so I could get more of the warm sun colors in it.

OK...you guys that signed up for the email subscribe list, can you let me know if you received an email of the update? I would sooo appreciate it...I don't think it's working but just want to check. I'll have to go back and figure out what to do. =)

Have a great weekend everyone....it looks like we might get a small break from the rain..WOOHOO!! We really need it...the lake that we drive over is looking BAD....boats use to be able to pass under the bridge but now the water is right at the bottom of the bridge...I've NEVER seen it that high before. The park off the lake is flooded and the parking lot too....they had to close off the frontage road off the highway there because it's completely flooded. It's crazy!!!

checking to see....

2007-07-05T17:02:00.000-05:00

if my new subscribe feature works! =) Hopefully it does! It will send you an email when I post so you don't have to check everyday....I'll let you know if it does. =)

changes coming soon!

2007-07-03T18:09:00.000-05:00

I've been hard at work making some changes to my site and also I'm going eco-friendly too. No more information packs to send out...everything is being changed to the internet. It will be sooo much easier for you, for me and earth friendly too! =)

Keep checking back for the revamp site to unveal. =)

And all you guys have a fantastic 4th of July! If it doesn't stop raining here, we are going to need an ark....we'll float away! I think we are going on day 9 of rain and still counting...it's crazy! LOL!! Hopefully it will gives us a break so we can watch the fireworks...Gracie is excited to see them this year. =)

thank you for the well-wishes!

2007-06-29T07:52:00.000-05:00

All is good here....just really really tired! LOL!!

The surgery went wonderfully.....they found the scar tissue that was causing all the problems and they smoothed that puppy out! LOL!! It was about an 3 1/2 hour surgery and he was awake the entire time through it....can you believe that? He said he felt a couple pings around his heart but other than that, that was it. They had to go up through both legs to first locate the problem, so his legs are sore and a bit weak. He has to be on some potent blood thining medication so he has to be extremely careful over the next month. If he cuts himself, it could be really serious.

I've received so many emails asking about him and the comments on the blog here and I wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the prayers and well-wishes sent our way....we needed them. =) I promise I'll get back to each of you in the next couple of days but just wanted to post an update here. He's home and taking it easy for the next couple of days and he'll be back to his good ole' self. =)

xoxo,
Bren

ok....I told a fib!

2007-06-26T13:14:00.001-05:00

I said I probably wasn't going to post again over the next couple of days but I forgot to post these yesterday and they definitely deserve a post by themselves! =)

I know it's almost July, but you really need to seriously start thinking about Christmas cards! Believe me, I know, waiting until the last minute could spell disaster (remember my issue)! Anywho, I got these FANTASTIC Christmas card templates from Miss Tina and I LOVE them! They are sooooo sooooo easy to use and the whimsy papers and patterns are just what I love.

Here are a couple of examples for ya (my photos aren't really Christmas-like but I just had to play.....

And here's a look at her whole set.....

Don't wait...mark this off your list that you have the templates...all you need to do is insert a photo and add your personal saying! =)

I have a thumbnail to the right to take you straight to her site or you can click below. =)

Tina's Templates

While you're there check out the rest of her goodies....she is one TALENTED girl!!

good Monday morning to you!

2007-06-25T16:30:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to be able to post for the next couple of days.....I'll be out for awhile. Remember the post about my dad and his heart transplant...well, he went in for his annual and they found a flutter. They say that is common with heart transplantees but they don't play around with it and they wanted him to see someone about it. It turns out that he has scare tissue that is affecting his blood flow so he is going in for 3-hour surgery on Wednesday to smooth it out. It's nothing major and he could have said "no" to it but if he had, I think me, my sister and his doctor would have had to do some serious butt whooping! Your chances of having another heart attack and/or stroke decrease by like 80% if you have it done. So anywho, just wanted to give you a heads up on while I'll be gone.

Also, I'm revamping my site......AGAIN! I'm waiting on a few changes and it will be a complete overhaul! =) Hopefully within the next week or two, I'll have it done.

And for all you PSE users......they are coming! I PROMISE!! =)

OK....and on to some photos to tide you guys over! The first one cracks me up....she's picking out an outfit for the day and she was taking forever. She told me and I quote you on this, "Mom, it has to be the perfect outfit!" I guess you even have to look good when you're doing absolutely nothing for the day! LOL!!

And you know I LOVE windows and using them! I didn't completely blow out the bg on this like I normally do....

And last of all, I came across this blog.....I could just sit, read and look at everything for hours. I'm a fabric junkie....LOVE it! Oh, you betcha that I'll be making those Yo-Yos. She's got a wonderful fabric line and some great little how-to's also. OH and check out her studio....I'm in LOVE!!! I wonder if they will adopt me! LOL!!

Hello, my name is Heather

xoxo,

Bren

sharing some more....

2007-06-21T11:10:00.000-05:00

Here's the rest for the action site....warning! BRIGHT COLORS!! =)

This is a bit different for me...I did a vintage on it with some red. =)

Whewww...that's it. =)

photos for my actions site....

2007-06-20T17:16:00.000-05:00

Gosh, it's been so long since I updated the photos on my action site but I decided to do it today....just need to add them but first I wanted to share with you guys. She wanted to get in daddy's truck and I thought photo op! LOL!! She's a little cowgirl at heart. =) Check back tomorrow on my action site and hopefully (crossing my fingers), I'll have them up. =) I did get some feet one's up but I have more.

I got a little bold with the color...normally not me but I think these called for it. I ran my color boost action 2 times on it and then did a heavy duty vingette too.

And of course, what's a post without a b/w version too. LOL!!

my little nut.....

2007-06-18T15:05:00.001-05:00

Here's her go at a goofy face......

taking a new road in life!

2007-06-14T17:25:00.000-05:00

I have been so blessed with wonderful clients....I truely have and I'm so thankful to be a little part of their lives when they hire me to photograph their family. =) But I have been just taken back by a family that I just wanted to talk about how wonderful they are. You know that when you meet someone, you just click? Well, that was the case for me and Melinda. We instantly got along like we've been friends forever and the rest of the family are simply beautiful....so kind and caring, fun and just so easy to photography to boot. LOL!!

Anywho, they are taking a HUGE leap of faith right now.....they are moving out of the country tomorrow to Romania (yes, Romania) and I wanted to tell them how extremely pround I am of them for taking this step.....it takes so much courage to do what they are doing but honestly, they act like it's a breeze (me, I would be a total basketcase) and that's what I LOVE about them. =)

So, John and Melinda and the kiddos....good luck with everything! I know only wonderful things are to come for you guys because you all are good people. I'll miss you all and we will definitely keep in touch! =) Plus, you guys are going to fly me out to visit...remember my dream! LOL!!

Hugs,
Bren

a quick mini session....

2007-06-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

You may remember these cuties from a month or so ago.....we got together again to take some family photos but of course I got a couple of just the kiddos....they are sooo sweet and sooo photogentic, I just couldn't help myself. =)

I call this one...Miss Sassypants....just look at that cute little smirk! LOL!!

And I love this one....so special! What it is to be a mother! WUB!!

one tough cookie.....

2007-06-08T08:29:00.000-05:00

well, at least she thinks she is! LOL!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! =)

some new ones and revisiting some old ones.....

2007-06-06T08:58:00.000-05:00

Just playing around! =)

back to regular programing.....

2007-05-31T16:54:00.000-05:00

No YouTube video today but I do have photos to share. =) It's kinda like my older work.....my fake wooden floor set up and wings...but the bigger ones. The little ones are about shot. =(

I bit of a different processing too...back to Michelle's Funky Color Action. LOVE it! =)

Michelle Black Concepts

inspiration....

2007-05-29T12:50:00.001-05:00

It's funny where we find inspiration....I look at magazines so differently now and I'm sure my husband hates watching movies with me because I'm looking at shots and the big picture instead of following the storyline. LOL!!

Anywho....we watched Charlotte's Web this weekend and I was just taken back with the illustration at the end off it....LOVE it and I could watch it over and over again. =) LOVE the odd crops, the DOF and of course the vintage colors. So I wanted to share it with you guys....especially you photogs and our endless need to find inspiration. =) Plus the song rocks too...I do think I'll make this my theme song..especially when I feel I'm in a rut and may not be cut out for this. LOL!!

Here's the lyrics for you guys to sing long....go ahead don't be embarrassed and reach for those high notes! =)

It’s not that usual when everything is beautiful
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

The sky knows when its time to snow
You don’t need to teach a seed to grow
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own

Isn’t it remarkable?
Like every time a raindrop falls
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Birds in winter have their fling
And always make it home by spring
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

When you wake up everyday
Please don’t throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we are all a part
Of the ordinary miracle

Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?

Its seems so exceptional
Things just work out after all
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

The sun comes up and shines so bright
It disappears again at night
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

It’s just another ordinary miracle today

PINEAPPLE!!

2007-05-25T16:05:00.001-05:00

OK...get ready for a good laugh! A group of girls on a forum turned me on to Ross! He is sooo funny so get ready to cry cause you're laughing so hard...and warning, don't drink anything while watching this video...otherwise, it will end up in your nose or all over your computer! =) This one is for you girls at AGAAC (especially you Erica)! I wish it was a better video, but you'll laugh your tushy off!! =)

wind.....

2007-05-21T16:38:00.001-05:00

Luckily, I had her facing the right direction....otherwise all that hair would have been in her face! LOL!!

WOWZERS.....

2007-05-18T12:15:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much everyone! I've received soooo many emails about my last post and I'm just so grateful! Many of you have been touched by someone waiting and/or received an organ and it just goes to show, it's not uncommon at all. Some of you guys just wanted to say thank you for bringing this to light....but I want to thank you for being a donor. It's the most simplest thing you can do and the most rewarding just knowing that you are a donar. =) So thank you again everyone.....you are the BEST!!

And just because I haven't shared any photos lately, I'll share a couple. The first is my absolute fav from a recent session. I posted one earlier of her but somehow missed this one, so I'm thrilled to have caught it. Isn't she just a little beauty?

And last but not least....guess who? She has one more week of school left and then I'll have her all summer....I love her to pieces but boy is she a chatterbox so my computer time will be very limited!! She can talk to a wall if I let her. LOL!!

Thanks again everyone and have a wonderful weekend!!

Something close to my HEART!

2007-05-17T10:37:00.000-05:00

Sorry no pictures today girls....I've been busy but I wanted to take a moment to mention something that is really important to me......BEING AN ORGAN DONOR!

My Dad has battled heart conditions since I was little, having heart attack after heart attack...some major and some minor but all the same each one damaged his heart. He had bypass surgery, stints, defibulaters...you name he's had it done. About 9 1/2 years ago he had another attack and became very very ill.....he was basically put on life support because his heart was giving out. My sister and I were told by the doctors to stay close, they didn't think he would make it....it would be a matter of days.

It then was suggested that he be put on the heart transplant waiting list....they evalute new patients and older ones on the list every Friday (here in Dallas) and put them on according how sick they are. That Friday, my dad was put on the list at the top spot. Friday night, he's difibulater had shocked his heart even while he was on support that was pumping his heart....it just didn't look good at all. Saturday night, I received a call from the transplant cooridnater saying they had a heart for my dad....we couldn't believe it! We gathered all our stuff up as soon as we could so we could see him before they took him into surgery. Close to 10 hours later, he was out and being put in a room in ICU. I won't go in to his recovery, but he's doctor calls him his miracle patient.

Later on, we found out the heart was from a 14 year old boy who had been sick. The boy and his family are truely angels sent from above....they gave the gift of life to my father who would not be here today if they had not. He would not have met his granddaughters or seen his daughters get married if it hadn't been for their gift! It's hard for me to convey what they mean to me.....they saved my Dad's life and I'm forever grateful to them.

I wanted to give you guys some stats on people waiting for transplants:

* 15 people pass away a day who are on the list waiting for an organ

* 13 people are added a day to the waiting list

* 1 person who becomes an organ donor can save the lives of 8 people waiting to receive an organ

My Dad was a rare case.....he did receive a heart quickly because he was ranked as the priority and the heart that was received matched him perfectly.....a miracle within it's self. Most people have to wait 3 month to receive an organ and for many people, that is too long so please become an organ donor.......make sure you regsistrar with the DPS and it's on your driver's license and also, make sure your family knows your wishes as well. Even if you are signed up to be one, if one family member says no, that's it, they will not donate your organs.

Here's a wonderful site that you should check out, it's full of great information about becoming a donor and the story of Lisa Landry Childress.

Pass It On

The first 10 people that tell me that they have discussed becoming an organ donor with their loved ones and have a donor card and/or checked yes on their license, I will send you my actions. I can't check so I'm taking your word for it! LOL!!

Email me at Bleann@msn.com

We are back....

2007-05-10T12:17:00.000-05:00

and tired! Disney was a blast, but sooo much to do...I know we missed so much, so I guess, we'll just have to go back! LOL!! I did see a croc though...he was just hanging out along side the road in some water. How crazy is that?

I didn't take my mac-daddy camera and I'm glad I didn't!! It was sooo crowded and I know I would have just gotten frustrated at trying to get the "perfect" shot so the p&s it was. Gosh....looking at them, I was laughing so hard....I had to use the flash (what's a flash), the color is all wonky but it's the memories that count right? I'll share some later on...now, I have to return emails, place orders and finish proofing. =)

Oh and get this....ask Gracie what her favorite thing there was? Nope, not the Princess', not Minnie or Mickey......it was BIG THUNDER!! A rollercoaster (and a fast one bumpy one I might add)! LOL!!

Just a reminder....

2007-05-01T20:46:00.000-05:00

I will be out from May 3rd-May 9th. Any emails or phone calls will be returned starting the 10th. =)

Oh and I wanted to give a shout out to Michelle Black...she's got some awesome new actions out!

If you're looking for some edgy urban actions....she's your woman!!

For the image above, I use a mixture of three.....Vintage, Bleach-Out and Getting Warmer. They are very versitile and tweakable...you gotta love tweakable actions!! Tell her Brenda sent ya. =)

Michelle Black Concepts

And another sneak peek for Melinda....just to tied you over until I get your gallery up! =)

Mommy has them trained so well.......

2007-04-29T18:07:00.000-05:00

cause these cuties just knew EXACTLY what to do when they saw my camera! Even little Miss N!

Here's a sneak peek Melinda....You're kiddos are GORGEOUS and I had a blast today! =)

And Happy Birthday Miss A.....have a fantastic time today!!!

What a green popicle bribe will get you.....

2007-04-27T13:57:00.000-05:00

a green tongue! =)

And a couple more and my little mini wing session with her is over...now it will be another 6 months before she agrees to another one. =(

Oh and I worked this one in color....I'm trying to get myself to like color better, it's hard but it's slowing happening (but I will always be a b/w gal)! LOL!!

You guys have a wonderful weekend!

As requested by Holly....and a couple more!

2007-04-24T20:28:00.000-05:00

In b/w.....shhhhh, I think I like it better!! =)

And a couple more....she agreed to a little mini session as long as I gave her a popicle when we got home....bargining little turd! LOL!!! We have a wonderful old bridge by our house and every time I drive by it and tell myself that I need to take photos there....I finally had time to the other day. =)

And some in our backyard....I pulled out the angel wings again...they are about done with, I need to order another pair. You konw me and wings...LOVE THEM! =)

Lots of photos today! =)

A new fav......

2007-04-24T07:33:00.000-05:00

I just love that little grin! =)

From yesterday...

2007-04-22T11:31:00.000-05:00

We didn't throw a big shin-dig for Gracie's B'day because we are taking her to Disney World but we did have family over for cupcakes, ice cream and presents. Here's just a couple.....

Sam was keepin' close watch on the cupcakes!

And feeding the baby...

Can you tell I LOVE BACKLIGHTING? =)

I don't think I'm going to take my camera to Disney World....I'll just stick with my point and shoot. It scares the heck out of me if I dropped it and I feel I wouldn't be able to enjoy the whole "Magical" experience because I'd be so worried about it. But in the same sentence, I know I'm going to kick myself later for not having it and I'll keep thinking of all the shots I could get so much better if I had it....ARRGGHHHHRRRRGGG!!! Anyone got any advice for me?

Look who is turning 6!

2007-04-19T07:20:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it.....how the time flies! =) My baby is turning 6 on Saturday! I'm freaking out about how old she is looking....pretty soon she'll NOT want to talk with me because I'm not cool and I don't understand! =(
She's already boy-crazy....well, honestly she has been since she was 18 months, but now I'm seeing the girly-girl stuff come out....I'm dreading when she gets in her teens! LOL!!

Just an oldie that I had on my computer....way before I get interested in photography so don't laugh. It was taken with my p&s....

Look how little and sweet she looks!!

And a recent! WUB!!! She got into my makeup and put some lipstick on! LOL!!

Virginia Tech....

2007-04-17T08:03:00.000-05:00

I can't wrap my mind around why someone would do this and I really don't know what to say except I'm my heart goes out to the families that lost loved ones, the students and the staff there. The world is a little less brighter today with the loss of them.

God Bless!

Would you hire her.....

2007-04-15T15:05:00.000-05:00

to cut your hair?

I walked in to find this little set up! LOL!!! And don't you like her hair...she did it herself along with picking her own outfit out today!!

Being Brave.....

2007-04-13T08:54:00.000-05:00

Most of you guys know, I have a comfort zone when photographing......definitely indoors natural light and outside with tons of shade or an overcast day. Direct sun scares me.....I just can't read it that well and I think I tend to over-think things.

Now Enter Deb and Dee.....I'm doing their workshop on creative light and they are really pushing me out of my comfort zone and I love it. I'm by no means anything near what they capture with sunflare and so forth but I'm sooo proud of myself to attempting these. They are by far not correct but I hold them dear to my heart because I feel I'm opening a new door in my photography. =)

This one is a daring for me....the sun was too her right and I actually got some flare. =)

I was talking with Deb yesterday and she said that by the time I'm done with the class she has vowed to get me comfortable with using sun outside that that's all I'll want to shoot and that I'll have images that leave people speechless. She said that would make her sooooo happy....I love they are doing these workshops because they are determined to help others and that's important to me. =)

If you guys are interested in their workshops, check out the Workshop link to the right. They have a just starting out workshop as well if you feel you aren't ready for tackling sun. I have to admit, we are only on assignment #2 and I'm having a tough time with it so it's not for everyone. If you want to just get comfortable shooting, getting to know your camera and getting creative, I'd definitely do their JSO workshop first. =)

Kristen Erwin and "Road Rage"

2007-04-10T10:21:00.000-05:00

I was contacted by Kristen a couple weeks ago and she asked me if she could paint a picture of Gracie. She is doing a series on little girls...what they are made of, the lives of and all the fun stuff in-between. She says there is so much art out there that focuses on the negative aspects of the world whereas she likes to focus on the lighter side of life, like children running and playing...or in this case, Gracie full of spunkiness....she says it makes people feel good and I can't agree more.

Well, she had a showing of her work and she said Gracie was a HUGE hit and the painting was bought by a woman in her mid 60's. She told Kristen that when she saw it she about fell over. She said it reminded her of how she was when she was that age. "A little toot!" =) Funny thing is, I call Gracie that all the time!

Anywho, check out Kristen's portfolio, you'll love her stuff. She's going to paint another picture of Gracie for me and I'm having a heck of a time deciding which one! LOL!!

Happy Easter Everyone!

2007-04-08T16:55:00.000-05:00

Sam in her Sunday best! =) Yep, still not looking at me! She's watching Daddy, Grandpa and Uncle Grady hide Easter eggs.

Mass Craziness!!

2007-04-06T10:04:00.000-05:00

Gracie had their Easter egg hunt at school yesterday and OMG, I laughed my tushy off at them! It was a free-for-all! LOL!! Each child had to bring 12 eggs and number them 1-12. So when it was time to look for them (and that's another story), they had to find #1 first and then #2 and so on and so on. So if they found a #8, they had to put it back until it was time to find that number and try to remember where it was. I tried my hardest to get photos of them hunting but by the time I was ready, they were long gone and I was left standing there! =)

It was a combination of 2 classes and I had to hide over 200 eggs! By the end, I was just throwing them all over the place...it was quite sad...so much for the hunt! LOL!!

This is Gracie's "boyfriend!" Her main squeeze....

I am forever known her in class by the other kiddos as "Hey Gracie's Mom!"

You just gotta love that! =)

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday! Here in Texas, it's suppose to be a high of 57 on Sunday.....CRAZY!! Don't they know it's Spring? I'm not complaining because I know some of you guys are suppose to get snow.....in APRIL???

Hugs,

Bren

How luck can one girl get?

2007-04-02T17:21:00.000-05:00

2 gorgeous kids, one fun family (and not to mention a cute little dog named Pico), and awesome natural light all equals one FANTASTIC session! =)

Kim....here's a sneak peak! Thanks again for welcoming me into your home...I had a blast! =)

Well, I can get a turtle to smile at me.....

2007-03-27T17:22:00.000-05:00

and a blowfish.....

but not Sam! LOL!!

We went to the Dallas Aquarium last week...I've lived in the Dallas area for close to 25 years and have never been there! That's so wrong!! It was awesome....so cool to see all the animals, though I did stay clear of the snakes! LOL!!

One of my favs...

Some of you Aussie might reconize this one....

And Happy Feet has nothing on this little guy!

And what would a post be without photos of Gracie....

Last one...

Goodness, that was a lot of photos!! LOL!!

Just a reminder....

2007-03-24T16:58:00.000-05:00

If you are looking to book a session with me, please email me at Bleann@msn.com and not through my contact page on my site. Unfortunately those emails are getting bounced back and I'm not receiving them. I'm still trying to figure out what is wrong so in the meantime, please contact me at the above email. =)

Thanks so much,
Brenda

Little Heartbreakers....

2007-03-24T10:09:00.000-05:00

My heart be still......these 2 were so sweet, handsome and polite! I had a ball photographing them! =)

Long time, no see.....

2007-03-20T14:52:00.000-05:00

Sorry for being MIA....just been busy wrapping some stuff up, starting new ones and all the fun stuff in between! =) I'm cleaning up my computer again...I let it get a little out of control and I came across this one. She's 5 going on 16.......YIKES!!!

She's definitely working the camera! =)

Oh, I wished she would have looked up here but after I took this one, she bolted!!

sneak peek....

2007-03-15T17:42:00.000-05:00

You know, when I took this, I knew I would LOVE it!! Just look at those cheeks!! =)

one bad little dudette....

2007-03-14T16:54:00.000-05:00

Doesn't she look tough? I wouldn't mess with her! In fact, our little mini session was done after this one! LOL!!

Inspired by J.CREW!! =)

My website email isn't playing nice!!

2007-03-12T14:43:00.000-05:00

I've been informed from a couple of clients that when they email me from my website's contact page that it gets bounced back, so if anyone is interested in booking me, or getting a hold of me, you can contact me at Bleann@msn.com until I can get it fixed. =)

Thanks so much,

Brenda

Just a couple of quick ones.....

2007-03-10T21:22:00.000-06:00

We went to a park today to scoop it out for a session I have this week. Of course I brought my little light tester....=)

And guess who came along too? The little stinker...after 3 months of not having the camera in her face, absent doesn't make the heart grow fonder! LOL!! She still hates it!

I'm in the dark and moody mood......

2007-03-09T08:43:00.000-06:00

Again, not my usual but it's fun to try new things.....

OK...you girls have a great weekend! =)
Hugs,
Bren

What one chocolate bunny cost me....

2007-03-08T08:45:00.000-06:00

I'm having to bribe her now! It's getting sad....before she even does anything she asks me what I'm going to give her......

On another note, a good friend of mine who is sooo creative has opened up shop! She makes flip-flops, bows and as her little girl would say "stylish" headbands! Take a peek at her goodies!

Little Painted Piggies

Workshop.....

2007-03-06T13:35:00.000-06:00

I am sooooo excited about this, you guys have no IDEA!

I've drooled over these 2 awesome photog's photos for the longest time, just wondering how on earth they play with the sun and light they way they do. Photography by Detra and Deb Rogo have decided to team up and offer a mentorship workshop. It's in the works...they are doing an online 60 day workshop as well as an on-location one. Here's the information so far....they are just fine tuning the details but sign up is already taking place. At first I believe that they were only planning on doing an on-location one but they got flooded with emails asking if they would consider doing one online, so don't wait to sign up. The classes are going to be small so they can focus on giving cc, answering questions and checking our homework (LOL).

WORKSHOP

Going through some oldies.....

2007-03-02T08:37:00.000-06:00

Some of you may or may not have seen these but I'm making a slideshow of my work so clients can see it. I've been going through some older photos and redid some of them before I created my b/w2 action.....I like them much better now! LOL!!

This I have to say is my fav, I'm getting this one on a gallery-wrap canvas....I just love it sooo much! =)

Sorry some of these are soooo small, I wish you could seen them bigger but I had to size for the blog without jacking up all the side links. =(

Another fav...she was twirling away in there. =) I've got to learn to take more candids of her.

Another possible gallery-wrap! =)

And I don't think I've ever showed this one before. It's fun going back and looking at old photos because I always miss some the first time around. =)

I've gotten a bunch of questions about my conversions lately. I'll answer some here to help you guys out. =)

"Do you use your own b/w action on your photos?" Yes, I use my b/w2 conversion on all my b/w photos. Sometimes I stop it mid-way through, and othertimes I run it all the way.

"What do you do to tweak your conversion?" Honestly, I do maybe 3 major things...I adjust the levels at the first stop. And sometimes I'll add a duplicate Shadow/Highlight layer and play there. It really depends on the photo. Othertimes, I will make an adjustment curves layer and click on each eyedropper and make a slight s-curve.

"How do you get that brown tone?" It's in the action but you can just click on Hue/Sat and put the numbers 30, 8, 0 in. It really depends too....with the second number, I usually stay between 4-8 meaning 8 brings more brown tones in and 4 makes it a true b/w.

"What opacity percentage do you usually use with your vintage action?" I stay right around 40%.

"I like the look of the b/w gradient map in your vintage action, do you have any pointers on that?" Yes, there are a couple people that I know that run the color booster action all the way to the vintage action and don't adjust the layer opacity to bring color back in. A tip that you can do is just click on the gradient map adjustment layer and click on the map bar and bring your black slider over to your right. That brings out the shadows a bit and darkens your blacks.

"Are you going to make actions for PSE users?" I sure hope so....since my actions uses elements that PSE does not have, I'm trying to make them as close to what I have. I may have to do a .psd file and that really leaves no tweaking for you which I don't like. I want you guys to be able to make it your own. With an .atn file, I can't support it, I have no clue how to load them and I don't have PSE either so I can't try to figure it out. I don't want to sell something that I can't back and support so I'm trying to come to a happy medium with them. Just bare with me. =)

I think that's it...let me know if you guys have any other questions.

Have a great weekend,
Bren

Another bunny pic.....

2007-03-01T13:32:00.001-06:00

I missed this one...not sure why but happened upon it again. The bg is a bit lopsided and annoying but I just can't pass up that sweet look she has. =)

The colors of Spring....

2007-02-26T11:49:00.001-06:00

Leslie with Wiggy Studio has some wonderful new hats for her Spring/Summer line....they are soooo adorable....you just can't help but think of beautiful weather, flowers and April showers when you see them.

I'm so lucky that asked me to do photos for her line.....she is just a wonderful person to work with and such a great friend. Gracie was not in the mood to have her photos taken so I only got a few....we'll hopefully try to get some more later.

I just finished an awesome book! It's called My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. It's soooo awesome but very sad! I was crying like a baby by the end of it...I had a hard time finishing the last pages because I couldn't see through the tears. A friend suggested it to me and when I read the back cover for what it was about, I thought that maybe it wasn't my kind of book. I can't believe I'm going to admit this to everyone but I LOOOVVVEEEE all the Harry Potter books! Call me a dork but J.K. Rowlings is a fantastic writer, I finish her books within 2 days usually. So when I looked at getting this one, I just didn't think it would keep my attention but it did. =) I totally recommend it if any of you guys are looking for a good read.

Somebunny loves you......

2007-02-23T14:30:00.000-06:00

Oh, I'm soooo going to the bad place for this.......I couldn't resist myself! =)

And a colored version of the car series....what's up with me a bright colors lately.....I must be thinking of Spring! =)

Everyone have a great weekend!
Bren

We need some b/w's here.....

2007-02-21T12:41:00.000-06:00

I just noticed that I posted 3 color photos....wow...so not me! LOL!! So to get things back to normal, I'm sharing my crazy little driver! I'm soooo scared when she turns 16 and gets her license!

This is her road rage look...

This is her look like she just ran over something...

And this is her look she'll give the police officer to get out of a ticket...

Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments about my sb....believe me my hair looks much better than that. I'm sure you guys thought I totally played it up but between running back and forth from the camera to the spot....it just went completely flat...and man does it look greasy too!!! LOL!!

Good grief......that was hard!

2007-02-20T15:56:00.000-06:00

My self portrait abilities are going down hill! LOL!! I had nothing to focus on.....Gracie was in school so I rigged something up! Between running back and forth.....getting a workout....my hair went flat! =) It's much better than it looks but this one will have to do. =)

This is probably going to come down really quickly! LOL!!

Jump for joy.....it's Friday!

2007-02-16T11:59:00.000-06:00

Nothing new to post........I'm going to attempt a self portrait for you guys to see the new do! LOVE some of the excuses on why you all want to see it....especially the one that I have brown eyes too and I want to see what the cut looks like with brown eyes.....good one Joy!

May Cupid be good to you...

2007-02-14T07:20:00.000-06:00

this Valentine's Day! =)

Just messing around with some old photos! Have a wonderful V-day everyone!

Wash and go........

2007-02-12T11:42:00.000-06:00

yep, that's my new haircut! Super easy! LOL!!

OK...a little background if any of you guys are interested. I use to have a pixie short haircut a LONG, LONG time ago....I finally was able to grow it out to about the middle of my back....the longest I've ever had my hair. I swore up and down if I could bare growing it out, I would NEVER cut it.....well never finally came. I was soooo tired of it. I always wore it up, I looked like a horse with a long mane, never did anything to it and the time it took to dry....OMG, eternity! So I decided to just go and get it cut just a little pass my shoulders. 10 inches later, I had a hair cut that I HATED!! I didn't go to my regular hairdresser thinking why the heck spend 60 bucks on a super easy cut. Bad idea....bless the lady's heart, she had no clue what I was trying to tell her.

So yesterday we went to Northpark Mall in Dallas. For you guys that aren't from here....that is the best mall! It's got everything you need.....even a wing just of little kids stores, it's awesome! We live in a smaller town just outside of Dallas and we felt we were in a different universe! LOL!!, I guess we are country bunkins!! Anywho, to get back to the story.....I had found the cutest hair cut on this model in an Anthropologie magazine and I saved the photos. I carried in my bag just incase I got a wild hair up my b*tt and decided to chop it all off. We where walking by Toni and Guy and I told my hubby, I should just go ahead and cut it off.....he actually didn't object. I guess he hated my new cut just as much as I did. I LOVE Tony and Guy....that's where I normally get my hair cut so I knew that I'd be in good hands. Well, and hour and a half later and a total of about 13 inches wacked off (from the 2 haircuts) later.....I have a new pixie hair cut! I LOVE it.....and seriously, I just wash it and put some pomeade in it and I'm set....it's so cool!! It's not as short as I use to have it....I think if I wanted to grow it out, it'd be much easier this time around, but that won't be happening anytime soon. I actually feel like wearing something else other than sweatpants each day! LOL!!

Oh and the first cut....I saved my hair and I'm sending it to Locks of Love....at least something good came out of the first cut. =)

OK...enough about my hair.....I've been tagged by Frederique and Alana to list 6 things that make me happy. =)

1. My family and my friends are most definitely #1!
2. Ok, this may sound goofy....but photography. It's a great release for me and when I see that
I get that money shot, that makes me smile.
3. The TV show LOST! Strange huh? I love that show and I know it's an hour that I have on
Wednesdays to unwind....forget everything that needs to be done.
4. A clean house and all the laundry done! Heck YEAH!
5. When Gracie comes in our room and wakes us up in the morning....that's pure sweetness. =)

6. Excedrin Migraine...the only thing that works on my migraines.

ETA: Ha...a picture of me....not in this lifetime! I hate being in front of the camera...isn't that they way it works? Since you guys want to see the cut, I took pictures of the photos to get around the copyright laws.....very crafty huh? This is not me.....I wish it was but it's not! Instead I have brown eyes the color of tree bark! LOL!! The cut looks just like this. I forgot to mention....Maria (the hairstylist) looked at the photo ONE time and that was it...now that's good! =)

Thank you everyone......

2007-02-09T09:58:00.000-06:00

for all the coupons at Stock20.....you guys are great! And a thank you for all those wonderful comments that you leave and even you lurkers too! LOL!! It means a lot to me that I have a wonderful group of people that are here for me and support my love for photography. Oh and thanks for the comments on the new site....wait a month and it will be completely different! LOL!!

Just a couple of my little cupid.....she put together her jazzy little outfit! A job in the fashion industry is probably a big no!! =)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

A couple new adventures....

2007-02-06T08:28:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been gone for awhile....as most of you guys know, I'm very fickle! =) So yet again, I'm changing up my website (and still in the process of it). I've changed the music to a MUCH NICER tune...not so annoying as the old one.

Also, I'm in the middle of doing a slideshow for a client...it's pretty cool. My first one so I'm learning and experimenting as I go. This is definitely something I'm going to offer in the future. I got some really AWESOME music at Stock20.com. All songs are $7.00 and you get all different versions of it. If you guys are looking for some music...you can use my referral link and you can get a free song (and I get a free song too.) What a deal!!

Here's the link for the referral:

Stock20 Music

Just sign up.....it takes a couple of seconds and presto...you have a $7.00 credit (one free song).

A couple that I really love are:

Daddy's Girl

Little Star

Breathless

And last of all.....one of the little Bug! =) Don't let her sweet look fool ya! LOL!!

Peek-A-Boo.....guess who?

2007-01-30T14:09:00.000-06:00

A fun and very candid session......

2007-01-26T16:55:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been proofing like a crazy woman the past couple of days....hence the blog being boring! LOL!!

I did a session with this lovely family that I had a ball with......they were so much fun and I can't thank them enough for welcoming me into their home.

Here's just a couple of my favs.....

And now it's game time....the winner gets my set of actions! =)

I'm sooooooo stinkin' excited the Colts are finally going to the Superbowl....it's about time! LOL!! So in honor of them finally going to the BIG GAME, I have a couple of trivia questions for you and whoever gets all of them right and the first to post the correct answer in the comments wins! So here goes....

1. Who's the quaterback for the Colts?
2. What number does he wear?
3. What college did he come out of?
4. What company does he do his funny commericals for?
5. What's his brother's name and what team does he play for?
6. What's their famous dad's name?

Can you tell I'm a HUGE fan of his? It's just not normal for a girl to know all this stuff.....why do I know all this stuff? LOL!!

Want to hear something funny?

2007-01-18T12:13:00.000-06:00

OK....so Gracie's homeroom mom and I were talking the other day and she told me she had to tell me something that she thought I'd get a kick out of......

I little background info to set this up.....each week in Gracie's class is a student of the week. The teacher sends home a blank piece of posterboard and you're suppose to put a photo of your child on it and help them write their favorite color, about their family and all that fun stuff. So of course being me....I put one of my favs of her on it. I don't think you've seen it but it's with my red seamless and she's wearing her famous piggiebuns and giving herself a big hug....very cute if I do say so myself! LOL!!

OK....so here's the conversation that took place between the two of them:

Miss Shirley: "Gracie, I like that picture of you.....did you have it done somewhere or did your mom take it?"
Gracie: "My mommy took it."
Miss Shirley: "Wow....is she a professional photographer?"
Gracie: "She tries!"

LOL.....I can't even get the respect from a 5 year old.....talk about a downer in confidence!!