New Inspirations

  I have always been the type who gets 'lost' in facebook or a photogs blog that inspires me for the week.  Sometimes I find myself 'lost' for hours on end.  All of a sudden I'll look at my clock and an hour has flown by and I'm still nose deep in great images and phenomenal techniques.  Today I decided to cook up some techniques of my own and I cannot wait to put them to use.  I found an awesome site filled with sweet brushes that I can start to utilize in photoshop.  I cannot wait to do a stylized shoot and fill up images with these goodies!  I'm still playing around with them and getting to know how I can use the endless menus that photoshop provides. 

  I took a photoshop class last fall where I commented to a fellow classmate that with photoshop, there are a million ways to do the same thing.  Shortcuts, menus, buttons, etc etc.  The possibilities with this program are endless.  Taking a class was just the beginning of my learning curve.  Most of what I have done with photoshop has been all self taught.  To the point of saying.... crap how do I do _______ and then youtubing or googling it, spending 15-20 mins on a tutorial and VOILA instant learning curve bump.  LOL.  I knew that my skills with this program were severely limited and that is why I decided to do the class.  Even learning the basics and some detailed stuff about aspects that I'd never knew existed was a huge upgrade for me.  I cannot wait to utilize the things I learned and make my photography even more astounding this photog season!!!

  Here's just a few images that I had fun with this afternoon.  Photoshop Art.

SNOW!!!

  Here in Michigan winter usually comes mid November.  This year proved to be unusual to say the least.  No significant snowfall until January 13th must be some kinda record.  We're finally getting our first healthy dose of the white stuff!  It's kinda fun (for a few days).  I totally love snow, dont get me wrong, but I hate driving in it.  I guess I wouldn't mind so much if I didn't drive a saturn.  I love my little car, but it SUCKS in the snow.  Last night I drove to a place that normally takes me 25 minutes to get to... double that time and that's now long it took me in the snow.

  Now I don't mind driving slowly, but to all the people out there who have to drive like bats-outta-hell... just go around me!  I really can't go any faster or my little 'Carl' (as my cousin named him) will end up firmly planted in the ditch.  Honestly.  40mph is about as high as I'll push it even if there is an inkling of snow on the ground.  You just go have fun in your SUV and enjoy spraying my car with your slush as you speed past little 'ole me.

  Even as I'm writing this I'm picturing slowing down to 20 to let someone pass me then getting back up to 40 and scooting along on my merry way.  HEHE.  Slow and steady .... stays out of the ditch .... wins the race .... gets there safely??? You be the judge.... I'll just take my time.

  Maybe some snow pictures on Monday's blog??? We'll see if I get adventurous.


   ..*{Amanda}*..

gorgeous

  52 degrees on January 11th in Michigan... crazy right!?  That's what I thought.  I just had to get out and capture the 'winter' weather through my lens today.  I headed to the coast... that sounds weird... this is more like we dutch folk say :: I headed to the beach.  That's more like it.  There were many people looming about walking, fishing, digging for buried treasures from summers past, watching ducks swim and muskrats munch on little fish.   I was out there to take pictures and to document the amazing weather the way I saw it.   I've been practicing a little bit with natural lens flare and captured a few good shots (one of which I've included in this blog below).  I also wanted to show a different side of the lake that I've never had the privilege to capture because I rarely get out to the lake when it's so calm.

  Usually I get calls when the waves are HUGE and the wind is whipping the sand into a tornado around my ankles.  Today I decided that I would capture a different side of our mighty Lake Michigan.  Something about being at the beach in winter when the snow fences are up and the trees and dune grasses are stagnant is... calming.   Sure there are a few people milling about but not your usual summer hoard of tourists longing for a slice of the beach to catch some rays. 

  Here's a few of the treasures I collected on this amazing 'winter' day at the beach ::

  365 :: Winter

 

..*{Amanda}*..

Consideration

    Today found me in a bad mood.  I guess you could say I woke up on the 'proverbial' wrong side of the bed (even though I can only roll out of my bed in one direction).  Usually I'm very slow to anger and a very patient person, but today I found myself with a very short temper.  Even now as I type this blog post my internet is acting up and things just aren't going the way I want them to.  So it is, with self in mind, my inspiration for today's post.  I Just wanted to steal 5 minutes from my ill-tempered day to reflect on what my day SHOULD have exemplified.

  Usually, like I said, I'm very even tempered and happy-go-lucky.  So this I challenge you (and myself) for tomorrow and the rest of the week :: Consider a few bad things ::

:: your bad mood can instantly ruin someone else's day ::

:: one word said in the wrong 'light' can make things worse than they already are ::

:: a sour attitude turns your entire day into nothing but stress ::

:: one frown turns into one angry thought ::

:: angry thoughts result in arguments ::

:: arguments turn to stress ::

:: stress turns into sleepless nights ::

  Well... you get the picture right!?


  This week I encourage you to :: Consider a few good things ::

:: open a door for someone ::

:: smile at someone ::

:: thank someone genuinely ::

:: turn one frown upside-down ::

:: make one angry thought a positive thought ::

:: avoid one argument by 'seeing the other side' ::

:: DE-stress yourself before bed so you can rest easier ::

  I too need to work on the good things when I have a bad day.  I dont have many bad days, but would my life be much less stressful if I learn to take a bad day and nip it in the bud before it gets out of control?!?!  Even I need to learn from my own words.  This evening could've been a whole lot better if I'd just been a bit more patient with a friend that needed a bit more guidance than I was willing to give.

Simple words :: Harder challenge


..*{Amanda}*..

Changes & Progress

  Today I am working very hard to finish up my editing for the last of my 2011 sessions.  I am thoroughly exhausted and very much looking forward to relaxing this weekend... does that word even exist... relax!?  Then it's back to the grind on Monday.  I am very excited about all the changes that I'll be announcing in the coming few weeks and I hope you all are too!   2011 was a phenomenal year and I cannot wait to get 2012 rolling in the right direction.  Today I read a blog by Leah Mullett HER BLOG and she challenged people to share their goals for the year and for each month as well.  So that's what I'm gonna do!

  2012 Goals
:: blog as much as possible ::
:: double my business ::
:: plan out my 2012 calendar ::
:: implement a referral program ::
:: live a healthier lifestyle ::
:: purchase a new camera ::

  January Goals
:: finish rolling out new branding ::
:: get my taxes ready to submit ::
:: share a lunch with a good friend ::
:: take a sewing class ::
:: finish 1 book ::

  Those are just a few of my goals, but taking on all of them at once is destine for failure... there's that F word again.  I definitely do NOT want to fail.  I will NOT fail.

  As usual I can't write a blog w/o including at least one picture... so here's a favorite of mine from 2011

:: 365 -- goals ::

..*{Amanda}*..

Winter reflections

  Today I had a very good meeting with my business coach.  Kathi Jo with Joyous Journeys Her Website.  She has helped me develop my creative passion into a thriving business.  Today we talked a little bit about how winter is a 'dormant' time in most businesses.  Birds fly south for a time to rejuvenate.  Things slow down to a crawl.  A time to take a breather and relax.  A time to put things on a 'to do tomorrow' list.  Not for this lady!  Winter 2012 is a time for me to set some very S.M.A.R.T. goals.  If you're interested in knowing what that stands for get in touch with Kathi Jo.  You won't be sorry that you did!

  She has encouraged me to hit 2012 with a very attainable set of goals for this year and next.  Many times I find myself wondering what I will do tomorrow, let alone set goals for two years ahead of time.  So many people live day to day not knowing what is in store, completely out of control, and many times stressed to the max.  Coaching with Kathi Jo for almost a year now has taught me that without goals my business would fail.... yes FAIL... the F-word that no one wants to say.  I am proud to say that 95% of the goals I set for my photog business in 2011 have been achieved and pleasantly exceeded.  I will also say that setting higher goals for 2012 scares the dickens out of me. 

  Setting high goals lends itself to the 'what-ifs.'   What if I don't succeed.  What if I fall short.  What if I ... Fail ...  What if I maintain what I currently have.  What if I gain a bit of ground.  What if I grow and attain my goals.  What if I SUCCEED!!!  Yes... 'what-ifs' can be GOOD.  Yes... 'what-ifs' can be POSITIVE!  This winter I will not be dormant in my activities.  I will be growing my business to attain all the goals I have set for myself for the 2012 season.  (It may help with my enthusiasm that it's beautifully sunny out today)  But even on the dreary winter days I will always keep the little things in mind.  I cannot wait to see what this year has in store for my life!

:: 365 -- Winter  ::

  What are some of your 2012 goals and are they S.M.A.R.T.?

..*{Amanda}*..

Christmas reflections

  Now... I know that Christmas is done and over with, but we still have our decorations up at the Bouws House (yup they rhyme).  Whether that be for lack of time or the simple fact that Christmas this year was... how shall we say it... perfect.  I cannot remember a more wonderful Christmas in the 27 years I've been celebrating it.  Some of you may think I'm crazy because this year we didn't have the ever-cherished 'White Christmas'... but let me just say I think it was FABULOUS!  Who needs snow!?!?!  Don't we get it enough around here?

  We had many family gatherings (and some may say we have too many).  But isn't that what the holidays are all about?  Spending quality time with your family... RIGHT??  Anywho, enough of my babbling.  I just wanted to reflect on the moments we shared this holiday season.   Many photogs out there created wonderful images of bokeh'd
:D DEFINITION :D  lights on their trees so I thought I'd share a few of mine

:: 365 -- bokeh ::

 I also did a bit of light painting to light up the Christmas Tree ornament.  I used an LED flashlight with a coffee filter that was folded over 4x.  The LED flashlight by it's self was just too bright.

..*{Amanda}*..

:: New Year -- New Blog ::

  A new year brings about many goals and ambitions in a person's life.  New years resolutions that never see the follow through.  My simple goal is to grow my business but always remember to take time out for God, family, and myself.  So many times I see businesses fail because they forget the little things in life.  I'm going to attempt to blog once a day o.O  I know that sounds dramatic for me because I HATE blogging, but by-george I'm gonna do it to the best of my ability. 

  Today I found inspiration while I was sitting by my trusty imac editing away at the latest session I had the privilege to capture.  I looked up to my right and saw the small but steadily growing collection of antique cameras I've been acquiring.   This prompted me to pick up the awesome Christmas gift I received from my parents and look through it.  The gift I'm referring to is a uber-fabulous book of 500 different cameras and 170 years of photographic innovation.  It's spectacular!!!  BOOK LINK

  Lo-and-behold I did find the precious little gem amongst it's pages.  My Brownie Hawkeye!  Although the book has the flash model pictured I'm still in awe of the little pieces of history I've managed to add to my humble collection.  Most of you know me and how much of a huge dork I am so keep in mind that I nearly squealed with delight at the discovery of my little treasure.

  Inspiration for me most often gets captured on camera, so here is a photo so that you can share in my daily delight

:: 365 :: Cameras

..*{Amanda}*..