Photoshop isn't just to "save a crappy photo" as I was once told.....

I am shocked that it's been over a month since I've written.... I had a lot going through my head in July... and I'm finding the right way to put it into words.... working on developing a new page for a fresh start... but while that's a work in progress.... I still wanted to put something up :)

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We attended my Mom's family reunion this weekend... it was SOOO much fun... which I have photo's I may post later.... but what I wanted to post today was pictures of my cousin Tara. Tara had absolutely no idea I was going to take her "hostage" and photograph her... Actually, I had no idea myself !!! LOL
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She and I were talking and catching up, it had been 2 years since I had seen her... She has grown up so much... She is a senior this year in high school and is hoping to attend a culinary college after graduation.... She had been swimming prior to my arrival and really, she was just ready to get back into the pool ... BUT, then I happened... LOL
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She was hesitant for only about.... a hot minute... and then she was all for it... :) ... neither of us cared that her hair was haphazardly pulled up and that she had very minimal make-up on... I actually was happy for both.... So, around the farm we went..... I have to say, I am VERY happy with how these turned out...
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OHHHHH... and before I go forward... I was once told that I use photoshop because my pictures aren't so good and I try to mask them and hide behind photoshop and try to be something I'm not....
So, I've come to realize that isn't true.... I've never claimed to be a "professional photographer" and I've never had a class... So I KNOW my pictures aren't top of the line... BUT they are from my heart and soul and the best ability I currently have to capture memories for myself and everyone.... I use photoshop to help me express a different type of art from the photograph.... I like my pictures just fine without these affects(effect??? ugh I get them confused)... but I chose to add them because I like them.... and I just love what I do.... :)
Now.... on to Tara... a good sport and a great person

~~See the difference in the next two effects?? I just couldn't chose my favorite... I love them both for such different reasons

~~ So the next one... I saw that old disassembled car and just had to use it... but I have to say...I can't take full credit for the next picture.... My 4year old Nephew actually took it... !!!! I just added an effect I liked to it... he did a pretty good job

~~now this next one.... I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT... I know it's all blown out... but there is just something about it that I just really really like....

Wesley is 4!!!

My youngest nephew turns 4 today... Tommy and Rachelle celebrated it yesterday with a carnival theme... They had many "stations" set up in the backyard for the kids to play carnival type of events and win tickets for prices... it was so cute and a ton of fun...

There was face painting:

His sister Hailey wanted a butterfly... so a butterfly she got... looks pretty good to me...

Hailey even talked me into it... She knows me so well... she automatically painted a dragonfly... LOL

The cake was baked by my sister in law Rachelle,  she has amazing talents with cakes

And then there was Wesley's "big" gift ... boy have times changed... This thing is powered not by pedals.. seat belts and everything... Now I wonder if I should trade my car in for one of these!!!!  It's nicer than my car... LOL

His reaction when he came out and saw what was there

And the radio was a TRUE radio.. amazing

Judging by his best friends face and the look of  "I'm on a mission get out of my way" on Wesley... I think it was the right idea to stand to the side of them  LOL--I LOVE this picture

Happy Birthday Wesley... I love you so much...

Just a new pic

Hiya... Just putting an updated pic... My hair is finally growing back out to a length I like... I went from Mid back to above my jawline.. and yes, I won't be doing that again... at least not THAT short.. LOL

I want to post but at am a loss for words... odd for someone who talks quiet a bit... well, used to... I'm just hanging around tonight... not getting into too much... Nate is on call to assist Milton Fire Department... so, I'm just playing around with photoshop a bit....   
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This is a fence we parked beside on a foggy day at slaughter beach... I really like the unfocused softness and think the black and white set's it off... kind of somber... but I actually really like this

Floyd hanging out on the table... I made this a stark black and white...

This is something new for me... I've learned how to do different vintage fading and add texture to pictures... This is Cortney... Such a great person... incredible heart & soul...

I'm going to jump off here for a little bit.... Play around in photoshop some more...  :)

Lauren's wedding Part 2 ;)

This truly was a beautiful day... I just wanted to share a few more photographs......

I was off in a distance... this was taken as they were walking away from the ceremony... I added a little sun flair effect... I like it :)

Lauren wore locket sized photo charms of relatives were have passed away... Here she is sharing a memory with one of her guests....

And now sharing some of the portraits

I had actually cropped from this from a different photo... although the trees look crazy in the background.. and the flowers are slightly out of focus... I like this picture... although I may end up toning down the background when I edit more....   Notice the three charm photo's...