Dani

I have no doubts that I'll be posting many of Dani on this site.  She is simply amazing.  So patient and has been so helpful in helping me expand my knowledge of photography.  We recently did a trash the dress session at the beach (and we have more to come ;) ) but prior to putting on the gown, we took some shots in casual... These were 2 of my favorites.

Dani

One of the sessions I enjoy doing the most is Trash The Dress.  Dani was gracious enough to model for me in a very casual long dress that was perfect for this shoot...

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....

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...  :)

hmmmm....

Well, I broke down.... I'm on facebook now... kinda... trying to figure it all out... Sooooo didn't want to go there... but... when my brother Paul says... HEY...I have a FB... please set one up too... I couldn't say no... so, Now I have one...
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Came across this picture...

May 2007... right after my surgery.... 194lbs... heaviest I have ever been in my life....
It will be 3 years this May...

I've lost 54lbs...staying pretty steady since this picture last February and think i'll stay at this for now.... Wouldn't mind losing another 20 but hey... I'm still somewhat ok for 41 years old... LOL