Legoland

Ethan's FAVORITE thing from Legoland
See Ethan on the stairs in the white shirt

To see the video full screen click the out arrows button at bottom far right.

Picture Summer Day 21: Spacey

This assignment was to use empty space as composition to enhance the subject.

Photoshop Elements Edited Photos

Last Sunday at tea, Julie and I were talking about Photoshop Elements. I am learning to use it for creating Digital Scrapbook layouts, but also for editing photos. Here is an example of the difference Photoshop Editing can make in a photo. This is a picture of Ethan from last Saturday, this was taken on the beach after Dad & Debbie's wedding. I knew it was going to be a great image, but the details were blown out and it needed some attention.
On the left is the image straight out of the camera on the right, the edited image.

You can see how much more detail & color I was able to get out of the image by editing it.

Laura has a great tutorial on how to edit photos on her blog Cameron Crazy Mom, this was my jumping off point, it's easier to do it her way than how I did it before. I do like to click on the "Quick" tab (at right) so that I can see the original image on left & edited image on the right, it helps me see what I'm doing, but I don't really know what I did to set it up to do it that way.

A Day at the Beach: July 21

Wednesday we went to Laguna Beach to spend the day with Dad & Debbie. It was overcast & cold, but the waves were high, all the surfers were out.

Picture Summer Day 5: Tall Drink of Water

My summer beverage of choice: Chai Tea Latte Frappuchino

These photos would be more effective if I just picked one, wouldn't they. Ok so I'll pick this one & not show my insecurity by showing you 2.

Picture Summer Day 14: Summer Breeze

Playing with my camera. Captured a web. Can you tell it's blowing in the breeze? Do you think I can use this for Summer Breeze?

Beach Portrait

Updated photo 07/23/2010 Side-by-side comparison posted here

My Father's Wedding Day

Yesterday my Father and Debbie were married. It was a beautiful day, and a lovely wedding.

The happy couple

The location & guests (click & click again on flickr for larger view)

"It was a sight beyond compare. I ought to know, for I was there."
(The quote is from Brigadoon)

Picture Summer Day 7: So Subtle

Today I was to look for soft & subtle color

Picture Summer Day 16: Friday Light

Today's photo assignment was to take a photo where light was the star of the photo.

I'm so indecisive. Now I think I should have chosen this one instead.

Picture Summer Day 10: Making Memories

On Monday, Debbie and I went together to get pedicures, these will be our wedding toes. I hope this will be the first of many girl times we will get to share. Tomorrow Debbie will marry my Dad.

Picture Summer Day 9: The Shape of Things

runner up

This was the day we were at Disneyland, it was difficult to take photos of shapes when there were so many personal photos I wanted to take. I really like this one, but it doesn't really go with her explanation of the prompt for shapes.

I don't know, which one do you think I should put in the class gallery? Or should I cheat & use this one from last Saturday? It is most like what I think she meant for us to do...

Picture Summer Day 11: Treat Yourself

Busy Busy. I'm here in Southern California. Been to Disney & running around.

This is my very favorite pie in the world. German Chocolate with Meringue from Marie Callender's. It has coconut, a layer of chocolate on the crust and scrumptious chocolate sprinkles on top!

We don't have Marie Callender's in Houston. There are no pie shops where live, so this is something I anticipate having when I get to California each summer.

Picture Summer Day 4: Traditions

This photo is a little rough, but to me it embodies the best tradition of Independence Day. I grew up in a part of California where fireworks became more restricted every year until all that was left were the public displays. Then I moved to Texas, where we have fireworks that I never could have fathomed when I was in California.

Picture Summer Day 3: Centerd

This was another overcast & rainy day, but I did catch this photo. As the Mom of a Boy grass & a tire swing sing summer to me!

I Got A New Camera

It's a Sony Cybershot DSC HX1. It does all kinds of cool stuff, including Panoramic Sweep. This means I hold down the shutter button & pan, the camera takes several photos stitches them all together & makes them into a single panoramic photo.
Check it out, I took this one of the backyard this morning. It was so easy I haven't even read the manual yet!

Click Photo for larger view.

Picture Summer Day 2: Splashy

It's day 2. It's still a phone cam. It's still raining, but that's OK because today's photo prompt is "Splashy."


If you'd like to see the full un-cropped photo of what this actually is... (it's steps out my front door) Click here.

Picture Summer Day 1: Here Comes The Sun

Taking another class from Big Picture Scrapbook. Picture Summer taught by Tracey Clark.
Today is day 1 is called Here Comes the Sun. Supposed to photo an icon of summer... but it's raining here. There is a hurricane in South American and we are supposed to get at least a week of rain. Well Texas gets a lot of rain, even in summer. So this is my icon (for today).

I will call it Here Comes the Sun as a show of optimism.
Oh yes, one other disclaimer. My husband has the camera yet again so this photo was taking with the camera on my Motorola Droid.