About Me
- Name: Barbara
- Location: United States
Mom. Wife. Daughter. Digital Artist. Amateur Photographer. Digital Scrapbooker. Memory Keeper. Mompreneur.
I work and blog at Cherish Collages
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Total Meltdown!
Well, I am spending my time now working on getting a new computer loaded with all my goodies. My hard drive crashed a few days ago, pretty scary stuff. I had just, literally a few minutes before, moved my business folder over to a portable hard drive. Thank goodness! I only lost the new website I was working on, not a huge deal, and lost my personal email contacts, but business wise everything is fine. The good news is, a new state of the art, super fast computer is now running the show. Much better!
A re-vamped website is coming, obviously it’s going to take a little longer than expected. New products, and a new Wordpress blog, I am leaving Blogger.
Hope everyone had a great Christmas! I will return in the New Year with new and improved everything.
A re-vamped website is coming, obviously it’s going to take a little longer than expected. New products, and a new Wordpress blog, I am leaving Blogger.
Hope everyone had a great Christmas! I will return in the New Year with new and improved everything.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Merry Christmas!
Well, it's here, didn't I tell you it was coming soon months ago? LOL
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, hope you all get lots of digital fun stuff! I'm just waiting for the money so I can get my own digital goodies! I like to pick it out myself.
I hope all those last minute collage orders I processed over the past few weeks are much appreciated by the recipients on Christmas morning, they make such unique fun gifts!
My family is starting to trickle in as of today so I probably won't be posting until next week, a much deserved little break to enjoy Christmas before getting back to business. This year should be fun, my oldest is 3 1/2 and finally understands Santa and is so excited that he's coming to "my house" as he says. If he behaves that is. I've been playing the Santa card for months now, but it's not working too well. LOL I cannot wait to see his face Christmas morning!
Don't forget to take lots of pictures, perhaps a Memories of Christmases Past Collage is in your future!
Merry Christmas!
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, hope you all get lots of digital fun stuff! I'm just waiting for the money so I can get my own digital goodies! I like to pick it out myself.
I hope all those last minute collage orders I processed over the past few weeks are much appreciated by the recipients on Christmas morning, they make such unique fun gifts!
My family is starting to trickle in as of today so I probably won't be posting until next week, a much deserved little break to enjoy Christmas before getting back to business. This year should be fun, my oldest is 3 1/2 and finally understands Santa and is so excited that he's coming to "my house" as he says. If he behaves that is. I've been playing the Santa card for months now, but it's not working too well. LOL I cannot wait to see his face Christmas morning!
Don't forget to take lots of pictures, perhaps a Memories of Christmases Past Collage is in your future!
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
How to Photograph Christmas Lights
Driving around looking at all those pretty sparkling Christmas lights, have you wondered why your pictures of them never turn out...here are some tips from a pro on getting good holiday lights shots.
Digital Photography Tip - How To Photograph Christmas Lights
By Amy Renfrey
Christmas is coming and so is the urge for us who love digital photography to get out there in the burbs and photograph the beautiful Christmas lights. It’s a beautiful time of year and when you are as passionate about digital photography as I am, then this is the time you whip that digital camera out.
Taking photos of Christmas lights with your digital camera can be a very disappointing experience for digital photography enthusiasts. Pictures of Christmas lights in digital photography are aimed at being crystal clear with beautifully bold colours and hopefully we can capture the delicate glow that radiates from the lights themselves.
But…Christmas lights don’t always provide the ideal digital photography experience does it? J In fact, in digital photography, Christmas lights can turnout to be smudged dots of colour, like water over ink and way too dark. The first time I took a digital photography image of Christmas lights the flash went off accidentally causing a flattening out of my images not to mention the lovely colours disappearing and it ended up just being a digital photo of the neighbour’s front lawn. Not to mention how it set the dog off barking!
So just what is the digital photography secret to getting crystal clear shots of our suburban Christmas lights?
Okay now I’m going to share a secret with you. The best way to get suburb results of sharp, colourful Christmas lights is to choose the house you are going to photograph. Depending on where you live and how fast you can run, you may need to tee it up with your neighboughs first and offer them the photo. The same rules apply with your Christmas tree.
Take your tripod with you. Take your digital camera off “auto” and take it off “auto flash”.
Now try a method called bracketing. Set the aperture at a wide f stop, such as 2.8 or 3.5 for example. Then proceed to try some different settings. Set the shutter to 1/30 or higher. I’d recommend, if it’s really dark in the street something around the one second, two seconds or three seconds shutter speed.
There is a groovy little trick you can also do for helping you learning faster, about what works in digital photography and what doesn’t. That’s recording and documenting your digital photography experience. I usually take a note pad with me and write down the number photo and the f stop and shutter speed so when I look at the photos I know which digital photo has worked and what has not.
But in the dark it’s very hard to write down anything so you can do what I sued to do, and that is record on Mp3 what your settings you had on what photo. For example you can record yourself saying “picture one, f stop 2.8, shutter speed 2 seconds.” Then again as you have tried another setting “picture seven, f stop 22, shutter speed 1 minute.”
These are just examples but they really work. Don’t forget the basics with your night time photography such as wide aperture and slow shutter speed and the necessity of a tripod.
If you are in a moving vehicle for example and you are taking shots of Christmas lights from a bus or car, then you can always use the maximum aperture and a smaller shutter speed. For example f stop 1.4 and a shutter of 1/350 or higher.
And don’t forget if you do have the time to set up a tripod and try the bracketing technique (ideal) also remember if you have the shutter open for a while the light can bounce off other objects such as windows and roofs. If you get too much reflective light, simply reduce the time the shutter is open.
Good luck and may you have a beautiful Christmas!
Happy Shooting,
Amy Renfrey
P.s Take a look at the photo used to describe the article; www.nomorebadphotos.blogspot.com
Amy Renfrey is a digital photographer, teacher and author of “Digital Photography Success.” She’s sold tens of thousands of copies since the start of 2005 when she went online. Amy’s new book, soon to be released, titled “Advanced Digital Photography” to propel photography enthusiasts from amateur to semi professional level. Amy is known for her thorough and easy to read style, giving her readers challenges and expert advice to get their precious memories looking like picture perfect images. “Digital Photography Success” can be found at http://www.DigitalPhotographySuccess.com
Technorati Tags digital photography
Digital Photography Tip - How To Photograph Christmas Lights
By Amy Renfrey
Christmas is coming and so is the urge for us who love digital photography to get out there in the burbs and photograph the beautiful Christmas lights. It’s a beautiful time of year and when you are as passionate about digital photography as I am, then this is the time you whip that digital camera out.
Taking photos of Christmas lights with your digital camera can be a very disappointing experience for digital photography enthusiasts. Pictures of Christmas lights in digital photography are aimed at being crystal clear with beautifully bold colours and hopefully we can capture the delicate glow that radiates from the lights themselves.
But…Christmas lights don’t always provide the ideal digital photography experience does it? J In fact, in digital photography, Christmas lights can turnout to be smudged dots of colour, like water over ink and way too dark. The first time I took a digital photography image of Christmas lights the flash went off accidentally causing a flattening out of my images not to mention the lovely colours disappearing and it ended up just being a digital photo of the neighbour’s front lawn. Not to mention how it set the dog off barking!
So just what is the digital photography secret to getting crystal clear shots of our suburban Christmas lights?
Okay now I’m going to share a secret with you. The best way to get suburb results of sharp, colourful Christmas lights is to choose the house you are going to photograph. Depending on where you live and how fast you can run, you may need to tee it up with your neighboughs first and offer them the photo. The same rules apply with your Christmas tree.
Take your tripod with you. Take your digital camera off “auto” and take it off “auto flash”.
Now try a method called bracketing. Set the aperture at a wide f stop, such as 2.8 or 3.5 for example. Then proceed to try some different settings. Set the shutter to 1/30 or higher. I’d recommend, if it’s really dark in the street something around the one second, two seconds or three seconds shutter speed.
There is a groovy little trick you can also do for helping you learning faster, about what works in digital photography and what doesn’t. That’s recording and documenting your digital photography experience. I usually take a note pad with me and write down the number photo and the f stop and shutter speed so when I look at the photos I know which digital photo has worked and what has not.
But in the dark it’s very hard to write down anything so you can do what I sued to do, and that is record on Mp3 what your settings you had on what photo. For example you can record yourself saying “picture one, f stop 2.8, shutter speed 2 seconds.” Then again as you have tried another setting “picture seven, f stop 22, shutter speed 1 minute.”
These are just examples but they really work. Don’t forget the basics with your night time photography such as wide aperture and slow shutter speed and the necessity of a tripod.
If you are in a moving vehicle for example and you are taking shots of Christmas lights from a bus or car, then you can always use the maximum aperture and a smaller shutter speed. For example f stop 1.4 and a shutter of 1/350 or higher.
And don’t forget if you do have the time to set up a tripod and try the bracketing technique (ideal) also remember if you have the shutter open for a while the light can bounce off other objects such as windows and roofs. If you get too much reflective light, simply reduce the time the shutter is open.
Good luck and may you have a beautiful Christmas!
Happy Shooting,
Amy Renfrey
P.s Take a look at the photo used to describe the article; www.nomorebadphotos.blogspot.com
Amy Renfrey is a digital photographer, teacher and author of “Digital Photography Success.” She’s sold tens of thousands of copies since the start of 2005 when she went online. Amy’s new book, soon to be released, titled “Advanced Digital Photography” to propel photography enthusiasts from amateur to semi professional level. Amy is known for her thorough and easy to read style, giving her readers challenges and expert advice to get their precious memories looking like picture perfect images. “Digital Photography Success” can be found at http://www.DigitalPhotographySuccess.com
Technorati Tags digital photography
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Win a Dream Scapbooking year!
Scrapbookers, win a dream scrapbooking year from Memory Makers Magazine!
Memory Makers Magazine is celebrating their 10th anniversary with a fun contest, win a dream scrapbooking year, including events, products from top manufacturers, a free scrapping blog, and much more.
Enter to win at Memory Makers Magazine
Technorati Tags scrapbooking
Memory Makers Magazine is celebrating their 10th anniversary with a fun contest, win a dream scrapbooking year, including events, products from top manufacturers, a free scrapping blog, and much more.
Enter to win at Memory Makers Magazine
Technorati Tags scrapbooking
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Kate Spade brings style to your photos!
Sweet! Here is a gift for the Princess on your list. A Kate Spade leather keychain frame. It's adorable! Comes in several color choices. You'll never lose your keys with this keychain! From Sendaframe.com
Technorati Tags Photo Frame keychain frame kate spade accessories
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Xmas shipping deadline...
The time has come, I can no longer guarantee shipping by Christmas so I can no longer take Christmas orders. I am already seeing a slow down in the shipping service in the past week and I don't want to take any chances.
I will accept "design only" orders for local printing. I will design the collage and email the file to you for local printing. That, I can still do. 8x10 sizes can be printed at any photo service from your local drugstore to supermarket. Larger prints are a little more difficult, I know that Kinkos has done large format prints for customers in the past. It is the only place I know of that can do them quickly.
Hope everyone is getting everything done and not stressing too much this holiday season!
I will accept "design only" orders for local printing. I will design the collage and email the file to you for local printing. That, I can still do. 8x10 sizes can be printed at any photo service from your local drugstore to supermarket. Larger prints are a little more difficult, I know that Kinkos has done large format prints for customers in the past. It is the only place I know of that can do them quickly.
Hope everyone is getting everything done and not stressing too much this holiday season!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Objects of Desire...
I love Pier 1 Imports! The store never ceases to be filled with stuff I want. Here are some great, unique photo frames from Pier 1. Aren't they great and inexpensive too. I believe they are all on sale right now for under $10.00.
They make great stocking stuffers too!
Technorati Tags Photo frames stocking stuffers Pier 1
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Amazing Photo Memory Books
I made one of these a few weeks ago and when I got it, I was amazed! It's gorgeous!
I used a full picture on the cover and it's printed right on the book, not on a sleeve. It's beautiful. I actually made digital scrapbook pages and uploaded those so every page is a full page scrapbook page. They have tons of layouts though for putting your pictures in and backgrounds. You can easily make a scrapbook style book without knowing anything about scrapbooking. It's a 12x12 scrapbook, just printed right into a hardcover book. They also have 8x8 books. I cannot express enough how great it looks!
12x12 Baby's First Year Memory Book
Technorati Tags Photo Book Memory Book Christmas Gift Baby Book
scrapbook
I used a full picture on the cover and it's printed right on the book, not on a sleeve. It's beautiful. I actually made digital scrapbook pages and uploaded those so every page is a full page scrapbook page. They have tons of layouts though for putting your pictures in and backgrounds. You can easily make a scrapbook style book without knowing anything about scrapbooking. It's a 12x12 scrapbook, just printed right into a hardcover book. They also have 8x8 books. I cannot express enough how great it looks!
12x12 Baby's First Year Memory Book
Technorati Tags Photo Book Memory Book Christmas Gift Baby Book
scrapbook
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Photo Collage Tips
Here are some tips of ways to use photo collages.
1. Calendar Cover
Create a custom photo calendar using an online photo service and make a collage of the 12 pictures you use in the calendar for the cover.
2. Framed Photo Collage
A custom photo collage is a perfect birthday gift. Create a collage of a person's life or a special event. Then find the perfect frame for it. Use a ribbon tied nicely around it and it makes a great and personal gift.
3. Mousepad
This is a great custom gift that people will enjoy everyday! Make a simple collage of someone or a collage of pictures from a special vacation and have it printed on a collage using an online photo service.
Technorati Tags Photo Collage
Friday, December 01, 2006
Reflections...
Well, winter is on it's way to the Northeast...it's been unusually mild so far, but December 1st is here and a lovely storm is brewing. By this evening things will get nasty. But that's ok, I'm hibernating at home today, comfy cozy inside, working, playing, watching Caillou and Rudolph over and over again and reading The Big Red Barn for the 100th time...
I've been reflecting on the past year. I have been home now, a stay at home mom, work at home mom, for 1 year. I came home from the hospital after having BabyBeep soon to be Toddler Beep on this day last year and nothing has been the same since. LOL It's been an interesting year, very different from working outside the home, but great. I can't believe it's been a year though, it went by so fast, it does not seem possible.
And thinking about the year ahead. Kids are growing, so much more starting to go on in their lives. Little Man will probably start some sports in the New Year, we're thinking soccer and swimming lessons. He's in pre-school now. He's going to have a more active social life than I do. I have plans for the business side as well, working on new products/services and a small re-vamp of the website to feature these new products.
I guess at this time of year we all start thinking about the past year and what coming in the new year. I'm not one for New Year's resolutions although I made one last year and managed to fulfill it so who knows. This coming year I think my goal will be to take better care of myself with a little help from the Hot Mama Makeover. This free guide is great for ideas on little things moms can do to stay in style and make themselves feel better. It's so easy to fall into a rut, especially when you are home all day with kids and no adults to chat with. So my goal for 2007 on the personal side is to keep the Hot Mama Makeover handy and take the advise to task.
Tis the Season!
I've been reflecting on the past year. I have been home now, a stay at home mom, work at home mom, for 1 year. I came home from the hospital after having BabyBeep soon to be Toddler Beep on this day last year and nothing has been the same since. LOL It's been an interesting year, very different from working outside the home, but great. I can't believe it's been a year though, it went by so fast, it does not seem possible.
And thinking about the year ahead. Kids are growing, so much more starting to go on in their lives. Little Man will probably start some sports in the New Year, we're thinking soccer and swimming lessons. He's in pre-school now. He's going to have a more active social life than I do. I have plans for the business side as well, working on new products/services and a small re-vamp of the website to feature these new products.
I guess at this time of year we all start thinking about the past year and what coming in the new year. I'm not one for New Year's resolutions although I made one last year and managed to fulfill it so who knows. This coming year I think my goal will be to take better care of myself with a little help from the Hot Mama Makeover. This free guide is great for ideas on little things moms can do to stay in style and make themselves feel better. It's so easy to fall into a rut, especially when you are home all day with kids and no adults to chat with. So my goal for 2007 on the personal side is to keep the Hot Mama Makeover handy and take the advise to task.
Tis the Season!
Finding ways to Cherish the Moments of our lives through photographs.
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