photo of the day {Wednesday}

how fun is this??? oh, to be young again for a summer! I love how

frecklemel 

incorporated the reflection in her composition.



Don't forget to try your luck in our Jessica Feely mentoring

GIVEAWAY! 

POTD [Tuesday]

LOVE. THIS. Photo of the day taken by Jamie{74}.

Mentoring Giveaway with Jessica Feely Photography

Jessica from Jessica Feely Photography has decided to do a great mentoring giveaway to one lucky TML reader! She has wanted to pay it forward for those who have helped her get started in the photography business…

Here is what Jessica has to say:

I think this is a great opportunity for someone who wants to learn more about how to use their camera, do some basic editing, shoot in raw, learn about resources, posing your subject, finding the light and more! The session also includes 3-4 hours of discussion of all of the above plus any questions you have for me. If you are able to make it out here for an ‘in person session’, we will have a model shoot where you can observe me and see how I approach and direct the subject(s). You will have a chance to ask questions at anytime during the shoot as well. Afterwards we can do a quick edit of some pictures and a rundown of post processing. Am I making it more tempting to come out to Seattle now? :)

The Guidelines:

1. Session must take place before September 30th, 2010 on a Friday or Saturday.

2. Session must take place in Seattle, Washington. (All you awesome out of state people, the session will take place via phone and internet unless you can make it out here!) Locals welcome.

3. To enter, please leave your name, email and portfolio link and why you think you should be considered for the mentoring session in the comment section.

4. Deadline to enter is July 1st, 2010 at midnight.

5. Three people will be chosen as finalists. The finalists will then be posted and anyone will be able to vote on who they think should win the mentoring session! Feel free to send friends and family to vote for you if you are a finalist!

Good luck! *Jessica*

[photo of the day] monday

this fab shot is from kelly west mars. you just gotta love diving into the TML pool. so refreshing.

{low down, throw down with kamee nuzman}

first of all...the winners of the sassy design and k.caldwell headbands
will be at the end of this post.

now on to the throw down. we asked our readers who they wanted to see and we heard you. kamee is the second reader's choice photographer and we are thrilled to be able to feature her!!!

i'd like to introduce you to kamee nuzman...

Name: kamee nuzman
Business name: kamee june photography
Location: southern california
Website/blog: www.kameejune.com www.kameejune.com/theblog/

First off. Congratulations! When we asked our readers to nominate someone to be featured on the low down, throw down, your name was chosen! Exciting, huh?

yes!!! so exciting! i am jumping out of my skin; i am so excited!! thank you so much; this is ultra cool!!

Tell us one sentence to describe your photography:
my photography is bright and spirited, and, i hope, it creates some type of needed human response: a laugh, a sigh, a smile, a longing, a happy-tear, and later a sense of nostalgia.


What's one thing that everyone should know about you?

i prefer to eat with plastic utensils, weird, i know. golden spoon, MUST be eaten with the plastic golden spoon, nothing else will do. if they forget to put it in my bag i have been known to turn around, return, and get one. i should just keep them stocked in my house; just in case. :)


Do you have any formal training or are you self taught?

i am self-taught. i used to be the yearbook and newspaper adviser at the high school where i taught. in the process of teaching my students how to take a picture and after publishing several annuals and newspapers, i learned a thing or two about photography.


If they made a movie about your life what would it be titled and who would play you?

it would be called, "the, relatively speaking, every once-in-a-while, great kamsby." it would be a period film, a romantic comedy with lots of situational irony. sandra bullock would be the first choice to play the lead. if she were occupied both incredible k/cates (winslet and blanchett) would be asked to accept the role, and if they were unavailable then perhaps marion cotillard. oh, and it would for sure be a musical, like glee.



What does beautiful mean to you?

there are so many levels of beautiful: time alone, target all by myself, sonic cherry coke at happy hour, the nordstrom half- yearly with my girlfriends, the stars at lake powell during the summer, a drive-in with my man sans babies, my baby's giggle, my son's toothless grin, jaren's belly-laugh when i say something so funny, feeling understood- truly understood and, being loved, completely and uninhibitedly loved, and loving selflessly in return.

One item in your life that you couldn't live without is:

my blackberry. it's kind of like a child to me. i know, sad, but true. i remember the time before cell phones; not sure how we lived without them. seriously, it has helped me stay on top of my life for sure, and i like that feeling.



What is your greatest post processing tip that you are will to share?

i love the the totally rad actions. my favorite set is the revenge. i run pool party on almost everything i shoot. i reduce the opacity to 20%; i have found it helps make really nice, even, and pretty skin tones!

If you could photography and celebrity (living or dead) who would it be and why?

princess diana, and james mcavoy (i have a huge crush on him.) oh and the bad brother, ian somerhalder, from vampire diaries; if he showed up at my doorstep, i would for sure let him snack on me! ;)

What have you found to be the best resources and/or method of advertising?

word of mouth has been my best form of advertising. i am so grateful for supportive friends and pleased clients who have helped spread some kamee june fever.

What is something that will will always find in your refrigerator?

milk. boring, but true. oh, and diet coke. (hook me up to the iv, on that one. ;))


What equipment do you use and if you had only one lens to use...what would it be?

i am a canon girl. i shoot with a canon 5d camera body and a slew of lenses (50mm 1.2, 85mm 1.8, 35mm 1.4, 24-70mm 2.8, 70-200mm 2.8, and a lens baby for fun.) if i could only use one lens it would be the 50mm 1.2; it's genius.



What has been your most embarrassing professional moment?

i called a groom "babe", on his wedding day. to his face, like, "i know what you mean, babe." still not sure where it came from or where my filter went, but i said it; they heard it, and we all laughed about it; thank goodness!! ;)

What was your first paid session like? Were you nervous? Did it turn out how you wanted?

my first paid session was a maternity one. i was so flattered, totally honored, and thrilled to finally be paid, and the chosen photographer, but was of course nervous because i wanted to do a great job! (i still get a little nervous before i shoot; i want everyone to have a great experience and i want them to be so happy with their photographs that some nerves are always involved. i think being a bit nervous is actually a good thing.) it turned out great! i was so pleased with my first paid gig, and they were too; which is always the main objective!



Is there a song that inspires you and lifts your spirits when you hear it?

i am a total top 20 girl. in fact if you pass me driving in my car, chances are i will be rockin' out, singing like i am on american idol or something. :) i have a bit of an old soul too in terms of music. i was raised on frank sinatra, nat king cole, jazz, and 40's big band. i love all their contemporaries: michael buble, harry connick, jaime column, and i love melody gardot. her, "baby, i'm a fool", is just so jazzy, sexy, cool!! sometimes i sing it in my head when i am shooting couples!! ;)

What is at the top of your wish list right now?

a 27 inch imac, and an 85mm 1.2


What is the first photographer that comes to your mind and why?

jennifer fields. she was so fundamental in helping me learn and grow. she answered all of my questions when i had them and was so willing to give me feedback for growth and progress. in fact, i know she dropped her own personal projects to help me with mine; she was/is always so generous with her time and knowledge. she made herself so available to me and was so encouraging and supportive. i admire her on so many levels. her work is incredibly clean and bright! www.jfieldsphotography.com

Do you use actions or presets? If so, what are your favorites?

totally rad actions, for sure are my favorites. the revenge set is ultra cool!! and i love kevin kubota's magic sharp.

If we surprised you at your home what would we see/notice?

that i could possibly, most likely, answer the door in my pajamas. it takes me a long time to get going in the morning, and if check email or facebook first thing then i am a goner for sure.i have to be super disciplined if we have an appointment at 900. i usually am not ready much before 10, sometimes 11. it take times to get us all ready and coiffed so we are presentable for the day! ;)


What photography based organizations do you belong to?

wppi, ppa, and digital wedding forum

And lastly.....when we started the maternal lens all of us filled out this questionnaire and shared our answers....now it's your turn :)

What is your favorite word? fortuitous and serendipitous (i had to include two.)
What is your least favorite word? i am laughing about this question and so are all of my friends; i have a list of words i hate!! sometimes they will run the words together, purposely, because they know it makes me cringe...my least favorites: moist and nugget. ewwwww.....
What turns you on creatively spiritually or emotionally? a good night's rest, a frosty cherry coke, a long kiss from my man, belly laughs with my best girls and my babies, color, texture, flavor, change, the mac counter, the apple store, barnes and noble, a new coffee shop, humor, quiet, itunes, and a delicious baked good...
What turns you off creatively spiritually or emotionally? intimidation and mean people. oh, and unnecessary drama
What sound or noise do you love? a dishwasher or dryer, and the sound of silence.
What sound or noise do you hate? whining
What is your favorite thing to say when you get mad? seriously?!? or unbelievable!
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? something in the film industry: acting, costume design, cinematography, directing, screen adaptations...something that could get me to the academy awards (i always wanted to go, and of course win one! ;))
What profession would you not like to do? anything with numbers or driving a trash truck
If Heaven exists what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? welcome home. and then i am going to ask him when he has time to chat because i have a whole lot of things i need him to explain. :)

a huge thank you to kamee
and all of those who nominated her!!

***************************************************************************

finally...the winners!!!
the winner of the set of vintage headbands from kristen caldwell is.....
kelly!!
Kelly Beach said... I just love those new headbands - all of them, but especially the plum vintage ones. I would love to have some for older kids!
I really love the fancy frames from Sassy also!

and the winner of the $30 gift card from sassy designs is....
christina!!
christina tollett said... I "liked" both pages..can't wait to get updates from their pages.

if this is your name and your comment, email me at thousandwords@bresnan.net to claim your prize!

photo of the day {Wednesday}

oooh, man! there's some goooood stuff in the {tml}

flickr pool!

this amazing capture is from

murphyblue.

POTD [Tuesday]

{Brothers}



taken by PhotographybyTobi

[photo of the day] monday

in honor of the dad's in our life!! this image comes to you from erin drago photography - love it!

{super summer "selebration"}

happy 1st day of summer!!
it's the longest day of the year and i hope yours is filled with sunshine and laughter!!

and since it's the first day of summer, i thought we'd kick it off with a wonderful giveaway!
you know then and you love them....kristen caldwell and her amazing headbands and terry of sassy designs have offered to giveaway their products!

one winner will receive kristen's brand new vintage collection set. these are BEAUTIFUL!! the colors are amazing, the quality is perfection...and the cuteness factor is overboard! i have many of kristen's headbands and they are truly my favorite!! and these new vintage ones are amazing!




and there is now a size for older kids!


if you don't have them already, today is a great day to pick them up because during the giveaway they are 10% off. just use the code MATERNALLENS!


one more lucky winner will be receiving a $30 gift card to sassy designs. terry has the most beautiful papers around. any color, style, design...she's got it! and if you don't see what your looking for, just ask and she can make you a custom set!



*****************************************************************************

soooo...here's how to win!

visit BOTH kristen's shop and sassy design and then come back here and leave a comment telling us your favorite product that they offer.

1st bonus entry--make sure you are a fan of BOTH kristen caldwell photography AND sassy design on facebook. come back and leave a comment that you are a fan of both.

2nd bonus entry-- share the LOVE!! tweet, fb, blog.....shout it from the roof tops! however you choose to share the love, just make sure to come back here and leave us a link to where we can see your post about it!



good luck everyone!!
contest will end wednesday 6/23 at midnight!

{friday inspiration...and winners!!}

today's theme is...books!


1. In my Mailbox(1), 2. Bench Monday~ Potty training style, 3. books, 4. A room without books is like a body without a soul., 5. mama love, 6. Lost {in books}, 7. I ♥ books, 8. Library Bench, 9. Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss!!! Bench

~all photos are from the TML flickr pool

*******************************************************************************

and now, the winners of the pretty presets giveaway!!!
4 lucky winners will receive a $25 credit to the shop!!
even if you don't win, laura is offering $5 off for all of our readers for the next 24 hours.
to take advantage of this sale use the code 'TML'!!

and the lucky 4 are.........


Dawn Hudson said... I love soft vintage and silky smooth! I also am a military wife with three children and can completely understand the important of time. I would love to win this.
Great giveaway!!

Barb Ray said... As for what they have that I like...easy...I really like them ALL!!! I think I want to try the ACR ones instead of Lightroom...but I'm still trying to decide...I'm not a 100% lightroom convert yet! :o)

Liz Leighton said... Lightroom Presets look fabulous! I've been trying to find some good LR sets

Jo said... Shared the love on facebook!!

if this is your name and your comment, please email me, shannon, at thousandwords@bresnan.net

thank you SO much to pretty presets!

photo of the day [thursday]

Taken by bal93.

{low down, throw down with jasmine star}

you know her, you love her.
she makes you laugh, she inspires you.
she is an amazing photographer, she is an amazing writer.

that's right....jasmine star! i'm am sure you all know who i'm talking about...well, unless you live under a rock and don't have internet access and in that case, im sorry!

i had the pleasure to meet her at wppi and i have to say, she does not disappoint. she is even more charming, beautiful and kind hearted in person.

from her amazing photography, to magazines, to workshops...she is day by day taking over the world :) and how amazingly lucky are we to have her on our blog today!!! we are thrilled i tell ya, thrilled!!!

i'm over the moon to introduce jasmine star....

Name: Jasmine Star
Business name: Jasmine Star Photography

Location: Wherever my camera takes me
Website/blog:

w: www.jasmine-star.com

b: www.jasminestarblog.com



Tell us one sentence to describe your photography:

Lifestyle Photography for Fabulous People

What's one thing that everyone should know about you?

I love recklessly.

If you were told you could only eat one food for an entire week...what would you pick?

Cereal. I'm a girl of simple pleasures.

If you could own one exotic animal as a pet what would it be?

I've always wanted a baby monkey after Michael Jackson got his in the 1980s. He made everything look uber cool.


What is your greatest post processing tip that you are willing to share?:

The best tip I can give is to keep post processing to a minimum. Seriously. I'm a firm believer in clean, fresh, and vibrant pictures and overly Photoshopped images just detract from the essence of what a picture should be.

If you were given $500 today what would be the first thing you would do?:

I'd give $100 to my church. My daddy's a pastor and he always raised his children to give back whenever they could. Then I'd GO SHOPPING!


What have you found to be the best resources and/or method of advertising?:

I don't advertise or use traditional forms of marketing. I've discovered the best form of acquiring business is word of mouth referrals and creating a dynamic online presence.

What type of sessions are your favorite (children e-sessions weddings newborns....) and why?:

I only shoot weddings and engagements, but I'd have to say that engagements are my favorite!


What equipment do you use and if you had only one lens to use...what would it be?:

I shoot with the Canon 5DMII and my favorite lens is the 50mm, 1.2. I shoot with this dynamic duo more often than not, and it's truly helped define my style.

What moment in your life makes you smile every single time you think about it?:

When I was 10 years old, I had a leg cast that reached from my toes to my thigh. It was a hot summer day and I heard children playing over my neighbor's backyard fence. I wanted to peek on them, so I climbed the pool latter to get a better look. Next thing I knew, I fell into the pool with my 40-pound cast and couldn't swim to the surface. My twin sister jumped in and pulled me out by my hair like a caveman. Just writing this story makes me laugh all over again! :)


What is at the top of your wish list right now?:

35mm, 1.4 lens...I'm DYING to get it...

What is the first photographer that comes to your mind and why?

David Jay...because he was my wedding photographer.

What's the best meal you cook?

I make pretty good manicotti. It's my claim to fame...or least my husband lets me think so!

If you had an entire Saturday to do whatever you wanted...what would you do?

JD and I would go running along Laguna Beach, then eat our favorite breakfast at Nick's, then sleep on the beach, then we'd take Polo to the dog park, then we'd go home and make dinner with organic vegetables, then cuddle on the couch with Ben&Jerry's ice cream.

If we surprised you at your house today what would be the first thing we would notice?

I wear socks with holes in them.

And lastly.....when we started the maternal lens all of us filled out this questionnaire and shared our answers....now it's your turn :)

What is your favorite word?

Fabulous.

What is your least favorite word?

Goodbye.

What turns you on creatively spiritually or emotionally?

People.

What turns you off creatively spiritually or emotionally?

Arrogance.

What sound or noise do you love?

My husband breathing next to me in the middle of the night.

What sound or noise do you hate?

Alarm Clock.

What is your favorite thing to say when you get mad?

Umm, can I plead the Fifth Amendment on this question?!? ;)

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

To become a writer.

What profession would you not like to do?

A lawyer.

If Heaven exists what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Well done my good and faithful servant....and, wow, you're having a great hair day! 

a HUGE thank you to the fabulous J*!!

[pretty presets] - giveaway alert!!!

it's giveaway time here at the maternal lens and we've got a great one for you!! laura from pretty presets would like to help you photogs save time on your editing and give you more time doing what you love with the people you love!

-Laura has a great story to tell!-

How it began

My love for Lightroom began when I started my photography business. My sessions started piling up, along with hundreds of images to edit. Somewhere between being overwhelmed and exhausted by the time spent editing; I started creating my own presets. I knew I needed to speed up my workflow, and by creating practical and pretty presets I would be more proficient. After creating most of the presets from Collection One and Two, I soon found myself in front of the computer less and enjoying my job more. I started editing my sessions in a day instead of a week. My clients were pleased, I was happy and my family was glad to spend more time with me again. When I shared my presets with fellow photographers, I received awesome reviews. They shared their pictures and most importantly they shared the amount of time they had saved because of the presets.

By saving time, I had more time to spend with my family

Being the wife of a soldier and a mother of two toddlers, my time with them is extremely valuable to me. When my husband is home, I don’t want to be sitting at the computer editing when time together is few and far between. When my kids are awake, I want to play with them and leave the editing for nap time. I have managed to use these presets to cut my workflow dramatically. This gives me the opportunity to stay at home with my children, have plenty of time for my husband and still run a business from home.

Here are some examples of pretty presets for Lightroom

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FOUR (4) WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE A $25.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO

PRETTY PRESETS!!!

Here's how to enter!

1. Visit Pretty Presets website check it out and come back and leave a comment with the preset you would love to own.

2. bonus entry - visit Pretty Presets on facebook and "like" it!! come back and tell us about it.

3. bonus entry - share the love - go ahead and shout it out on facebook, your blog, twitter and come back and leave us a link with that shout out!!

Good Luck Everyone!! Thank you again Laura!! xo
contest ends thursday at midnight.