Jada {Love} Photography the blog

Out with the old...

2010-02-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

and in with the new! The new blog is {mostly} finished! From now on all new sessions and announcements will be posted on the new blog..

www.jadalovephotography.com/blog

Be sure to bookmark it and become a follower! Let us know what you think!

Just Sharing the Love..

2010-02-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

We have a handful of gift certificates left over from Christmas. They are for a full 1-2 hour session, including a disk with all edits. We don't include disks anymore for portrait sessions so we very well can't sell the certificates....

what should we do with them?

Hmmmm...

thinking...

thinking....

wait for it....

I know! We'll give them away! It's Valentine's Day. I'm in the mood. What the heck.

Ways to win:

#1 Blog the Love
Write a blog post about what you like about Jada Love Photography and why you would love to win a free, no strings attatched, photosession. Make sure to provide a link in your post to either the website or the blog. Contact me with your name and a link to your blog post.

Dave will be choosing his favorite post and I will choose one as well.
On March 1st we will announce the winners.

#2 Refer a friend
If you refer someone to us and they book a wedding this year, you will receive a gift certificate.

Rules:
We will travel anywhere within the range of Cache county to Utah county for the session. If you live outside of this range, you are welcome to meet us within the area.
Gift certificates will expire in 2011.

Qualifying sessions include:
newborn, maternity, family(up to 6 people), senior, missionary, bridal or engagement.

This is the biggest giveaway ever. You don't want to miss out.
Happy Valentines Day!

It's the goofball brothers!

2010-02-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

Yep. We'll admit it. They're ours. I was playing around with backdrops and lighting yesterday and needed models. Do you know how many gumballs I had to give them just to get them to sit on the stool in their pajamas? ALOT.

This is Jared. He is such a silly little guy. He has this new shifty eye look he gives us that cracks us up every time.

And this is Ashton. He learns from the best.

We love these little goofs so much. Don't know how we'd live without 'em.

So, we're experimenting with the world of studio photography using natural light. What do you think so far?

Spoiling everything...

2010-02-09T01:45:00.000-07:00

Ok so this isn't the new blog of course, but I couldn't sleep and started changing some things around on here. I couldn't wait!! I didn't want to show the new logo until I released the new blog but it was killing me!!! What do you think of the new logo? I actually put a lot of time and thought into this one, I wanted one that I really really like so that I can keep it for a very long time. I have had over 12 logos in the past 14 months and I decided that I need to find something and stick with it. I had some help from my friend Miss Mint of Peppermint Creative, who allowed me to use one of her designs in my logo. Really cool.

So hopefully within the next week I will get done what I really have been needing to get done so that I can finally call my new blog FINISHED. It really is done, I just have to add one more thing that is taking me forever to accomplish. Anyways, looks like I rambling..so goodnight all!!

Jessica & Mick Engaged!

2010-02-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

Mick and Jessica. Jessica & Mick. Messica. Scratch that.

I just found out on Jessica's blog that she is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

She is so gorgeous.

So I have to laugh because in the beginning of the session I tell my clients not to pose and to interact with each other and then later on I pose them if I need to. Mick was so confused. He was like "So you DO want us to pose??" I'm pretty sure he thought I was crazy. It's ok. I am.

He's a really GREAT poser though. Haha!

I love the next two photos. I told Jess to drag him along, but he was following all too willingly. Zero resistance. Come on men, can you blame him?

We went to some really swanky locations for the session. I am being sarcastic. It was muddy, I think I made Jess sit on broken glass at one point, and we came across a couple of abandoned shopping carts.
Sometimes you just have to get dirty to get the good photos.

You guys did such a great job and are so easy to work with. We are so excited to work with you on announcements and at your wedding!! Happy planning!

p.s. Mick, Dave is just now realizing he was calling you NICK the entire session. He's sorry :)

What's shakin' Bacon?

2010-01-28T23:52:00.001-07:00

I've been so disconnected from this blog!! I have been so caught up working on sessions and the business side of things, I kinda just throw some pics up and I haven't been very personal. I promise I will be better about letting my oddities shine through!!

As many of you know, my husband Dave has been assisting me at most sessions and weddings lately. I am so excited that he has decided to be my official partner and second shooter at weddings and assistant at most sessions when he can, which is great because he lends a great hand and offers such a fresh perspective. He is such a fast learner and picks up on things so easily. Alot of times he steals the camera from me and makes AMAZING off the wall images and steals my clients hearts away. I am quickly learning to just step back and trust his instincts because the images he takes never fail to impress me.

Dave and I are making some BIG changes to the business, a completely fresh look and a lot of much needed equipment upgrades. We are going all out.

Prepare to be amazed!

Mick & Jessica: A Preview

2010-01-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

Here's one of my faves from this afternoon's session..so much more to come!!

Big News!

2010-01-21T22:34:00.001-07:00

I am so freaking excited to announce that I am working on my new professional blog!! It has been a long and arduous process, but things are coming along and I'm getting closer to having it finished. So check back within the next few days for updates!

Trevor & Christina-Part 3

2010-01-20T17:02:00.001-07:00

This was a fun session! It was really really cold though, and these two let me drag them all over downtown.

Thanks for a fun afternoon guys! We're so excited for the wedding! xoxo

Your gallery is almost ready:)

Trevor & Christina-Part 2 of 3

2010-01-19T10:44:00.002-07:00

Just Kidding

2010-01-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

For all of my followers out there, please excuse the posting and then removing over and over..I am working on my web sharpen action, trying to perfect it and it is giving me a headache. SOO the teasing you with posts thing will be over soon..thanks to an amazing photographer named Julie Parker(I love the woman!!) I think we have a winner..so stay tuned, I will only cry wolf for another couple of posts until I have it right!

Trevor & Christina-Part 1 of 3

2010-01-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

We went to 3 different locations for this fun session so I'm blogging it as I go. Here's part one..

Don't go far, part 2 coming soon!

Trevor & Christina-Preview

2010-01-13T16:27:00.009-07:00

More of these two gorgeous people coming soon..

Day 12

2010-01-13T16:02:00.003-07:00

You know what I love about this picture? It makes me warm and reminds me that spring is only a few months away and that there are so many fun adventures in store!

Day 11

2010-01-11T19:22:00.001-07:00

Drip

Day 10

2010-01-10T20:39:00.001-07:00

The keys to my heart

Day 9

2010-01-09T18:03:00.001-07:00

Have your cake and eat it too.

Day 8

2010-01-08T22:06:00.001-07:00

I'm a little late getting this started, I was planning on starting this on the first, but better late than never, I always say. Actually, that's a lie, I rarely ever say that! Anyways I am doing a little project mostly for my own amusement, I will be taking and posting a picture a day for a year. Because as they say, "A picture a day keeps the frowny away!" Really, I just made that up. Here's day 8. We'll just pretend that I already did days 1-7. Enjoy:)

Day 8:

Frost

Two pictures because I couldn't decide which one:)

A New Year's Eve Wedding..Steve and Patti

2010-01-08T12:25:00.005-07:00

I like to get to know my clients before their wedding day. I believe that to truly capture the emotion of such a milestone in a two people's lives, you really need to feel it yourself. I was asked to do this wedding about a week prior to the big day. So, I typed Patti's name into Google hoping to find a blog or something similar. I was not prepared for what I found. I think I spent about 3 hours pouring over post after post with tears streaming down my face. Patti's husband died of cancer about 2 years ago. I have never met a woman with so much faith. She is amazing to be around and fills every room she enters with life and laughter. Patti and her family have been through so much in the past and I felt so honored to take part in this event in their lives.

Patti and Steve chose to be married on New Year's Eve.

The Northhampton House in American Fork was decorated so beautifully for the season.

Congratulations to you both, I am so excited for your new life together and wish you both the best. It was truly such an honor.

And here's the dance video that Dave took with his phone. I apologize for the poor quality. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of my blog and pause the playlist:)

what I'm working on..

2010-01-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

Coming soon..

Winners!

2010-01-01T20:16:00.001-07:00

First of all I need to apologize for not posting this last night as promised. I wish I had some really forgivable excuse like I came down with swine flu or bigfoot ate my computer..buuuut..I don't. I seriously just...forgot! LOL Hope you all can still love me! Anyways, I am so excited to announce the winners of the December drawing so here they are:

1st place winner

Jana Glass

2nd place winner

Jesi Dewey

Thank you so much to all of you who entered and for all your awesome comments and compliments. It means so much to me to have people enjoy my work and appreciate my passion for what I do. Keep entering, January contest coming soon so don't miss it!! xoxo

Oh and I need your addresses so I can send your gift certificates to you!
And for the 3 people that entered the blog/logo design contest, email me with some more details (and some visuals if you have them) of what you want done on your blog:)

Logo/Blog design giveaway

2009-12-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

As many of you have probably noticed, my logo and my blog change more often than the seasons! There are 2 reasons for this: #1 I love to keep things fresh. #2 I love creating. No, I am not a graphic designer but I design all of my own stuff and I love doing it. SOO my point is, I am going to direct more of my creative energy towards others out there who are looking for their own style but don't know where to start.

I will be selecting one person for a custom logo and blog design.

If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me. Include basic information about yourself and a blog/web address if you have them. Tell me what style you are looking for, color schemes, ideas, etc. I will be choosing one person on New Year's eve and I will announce the winner of the giveaway on my blog at the same time as I announce the winner of the monthly drawing. I can't wait to hear from you!

Free Photoshop Actions!

2009-12-23T21:30:00.003-07:00

Introducing....

my first ever action set!! *my apologies for the deformed cupcake;)

I wanted something that I could use to quickly spice up my photos. So I sat down at my computer and these delicious desserts were concocted!! I hope you download them and try them out. Also, feedback is appreciated. Let me know how you like them, what you use them for, any issues, etc. They are also really cool on black and white photos, with the opacity taken down a bit. Have fun with them!!

Download HERE

{and that's a wrap...er, a Rapp!}

2009-12-23T16:14:00.001-07:00

First I must say that I am now in love with a green building in downtown SLC. Second, I'm not loving leaving the warmth of my home at this time of year, and third, my husband is amazing. Let me explain:

It was FREEZING, I'm saying F to the R to the EEZING for this shoot! These kids couldn't have smiled if they tried, their mouths were frozen! So my husband David stood on his head, and by george, it worked!

What a brave little bunch of kids! They were so incredibly sweet about posing for me even though they were close to tears. We made it quick and got out alive;)

The little one wasn't feeling very good and he tried SOO hard not to smile for me or look at me for that matter, but my camera peak-a-boo game almost got him to crack. Which is funny because most kids just look at me like I'm a total idiot. No comments on that please;)

Heather, thanks so much for bringing your beautiful family to me and for being so flexible. Your gallery is ready:)

Zach.and his parents too.

2009-12-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

Holy cow this kid has so many expressions! He really kept his parents on their toes during the session!

I love photographing new little families. It's so exciting.

Thanks for a great half hour guys! Your gallery is almost ready:)

{just a couple of New Zealanders}

2009-12-17T16:17:00.003-07:00

Meet Josh and Latisha.

They are so funny. I was down in Santaquin for another shoot and they asked if they could have a quick shoot with me so we headed out to the tracks.

For the record, these aren't engagement photos! Just for fun, right guys?

Tisha, I hope you like these, you are gorgeous. You should really model.

You too Josh. If being a chef doesn't work out at least you have something to fall back on! LOL I've heard you make a mean dish.

Thanks for a fun and freezing 15 minutes guys! Next time you're in the states we should do it again!

{The Hone Family}

2009-12-16T11:00:00.001-07:00

I've been taking this little guy's pictures since he was a newborn and I'm so excited that his parents finally got to join in on a session! What a good little sport, it was FREEZING out!

He REALLY BADLY wanted the reflector Davey was holding. Can't you tell?

You are the cutest little family. Thanks so much for letting me be a small part of your lives. xoxo

{gray boy and his girl. part 2. the wedding}

2009-12-15T23:19:00.018-07:00

I don't even know how to begin blogging this wedding. I have been sitting here for hours putting together collages, trying to narrow it down to my favorite images but not being able to decide which ones I can do without. I wish I could have taken you all with me. I want to blog this so well that you all can get a feel for just how amazing this day was. I don't think I will able to to, but I'm giving it my best shot.

The day started out at the Las Vegas LDS temple.The weather was B-E -A-utiful! When they walked through those big white doors, they were glowing. They are so cute and so in love.

The support and love family and friends displayed for Nate and Chelsea was definitely strong.

The group was so great to follow my lead and did everything I asked. They were so much fun and had an amazing sense of humor..and if you know me at all, you know I appreciate that!

Nate and Chelsea are so cute. I cannot stress it enough! LOL They are such good sports and always willing to try my ideas.

Um, SHOES?!? Purple is my new favorite color!

The reception was fantastic. Chelsea and her Mom got resourceful and went online and found ideas for the decor and made it all themselves. You so cannot tell! It looked amazing!! From the ribbons tied to the palm trees right down to the details on the table centerpieces.

I felt kind of bittersweet when it was over and they got in their car and left. It was such a fun day, I could have done it twice, although the Vegas sun was dropping as quickly as the temperature! I am so happy for these guys and I definitely will be stalking their blog forever! Love you guys! XOXO

Blogging Tips

2009-12-15T17:50:00.001-07:00

Here are some pretty sweet HOW TO's if you've got a blogger blog and have the courage to play around with your HTML code. Just remember to back up your template before making any changes just in case you might make a mistake. Trust me, it happens. Feel free to check out the following tutorials and contact me if you have any questions. Happy blogging!

Add a linkbar under your header
Change the background to be different from the main section
Add a background image
Widening your post section to accommodate larger images

{Ello There}

2009-12-09T23:20:00.003-07:00

I just about DIED when I stumbled upon this little Etsy seller! If you want your wedding invites and save the date's to stand out, you have to print through these guys. If I could do it all over again just to be able to send these little babies out, believe me I would! Check it out!

{camera for sale}

2009-12-08T16:14:00.004-07:00

It's time again for an upgrade! My Rebel has served me well but I am ready to move to the next level. This camera is amazing, user-friendly, and a great camera for beginners as well as advanced users. I got her in April of this year and she has been very well taken care of. So, here's what I'm selling:

Canon Rebel XSI 12.2 mp DSLR
Canon 18-55 mm EF-S lens
usb cord
RCA cable (to hook up to a tv)
neck strap
user manual/software
2 batteries & charger
2 HDSC memory cards(4 GB and 8 GB)
Victorinox Swiss Army backpack
USB memory card adapter
ONE photography mentoring session(1-2 hours), models provided
ONE photoshop mentoring session(1-2 hours) YOU MUST HAVE PHOTOSHOP:)

This really is everything you need to get started if you are wanting to get into pro photography. This is a lot cheaper than if you were to try and buy all this stuff on your own. Plus I will teach you how to use the camera and how to take portraits.

$1000

Tell your friends and family and feel free to contact me with any questions. Thanks and have a great day!

*Note:This is a package deal, I'm not selling anything separate. Thanks!

{..Preview X3..}

2009-12-06T16:29:00.004-07:00

I am a very very busy bee and have so many fun things in store..

Stay tuned..

{December Drawing}

2009-12-01T12:21:00.005-07:00

This month’s drawing will be held on New Year’s Eve!

Entries are being accepted all month long!

You may enter multiple times by doing the following:

*join the group on facebook and leave a comment(1 point)

*become a follower of this blog and leave a comment(1 point)

*add the button to your blog and send me a link(1 point)

For each point your name will be dropped into “The Hat” and two names will be drawn at random and announced via facebook and the blog at 12:01 am January 1st 2010!!

The 1st place winner will receive a sweet gift certificate for a 1-2 hour photo session at any location within Cache, Box Elder, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, and the surrounding counties(as in, I will come to you!). Disk of appr. 40 high resolution edits will be included along with a password protected proofing gallery for 2 months!

The 2nd place winner will receive HALF off any session of their choice! Oh Snap!

So for those of you who missed out on last month's drawing, here's your chance to WIN!!

I love you all! xo

{Las Vegas..a preview}

2009-11-28T11:44:00.002-07:00

Last weekend was amazing. Stay tuned..

{Lurking Strangers Winner}

2009-11-27T14:35:00.002-07:00

I hope everyone's Black Friday was a safe one, I know I stayed safely hunched over my computer. It's time to announce the winner of the {completely random} drawing! I am always pleasantly surprised when people come out of the shadows, I get quite a variety of different people. Thank you so much to those of you who entered..keep entering my contests, the odds are you will win. Now on to the winner! (can I get a drumroll please?WHAT? No drumroll?)

The Winner is....

Katrina!

Congratulations! Email me with your details so I can send you out your certificate!

{Holiday Gift Certificates}

2009-11-27T13:50:00.007-07:00

Give the gift of pictures this year with Holiday Gift Certificates.

Recipient will get a 1-2 hour session on location,complete with disk of appr. 30 images with print rights and an online proofing gallery for 2 months. Certificate can be mailed to you or directly to the recipient, beautifully gift wrapped.

$75

{gracias.merci.danke.mahalo}

2009-11-26T21:37:00.005-07:00

In the spirit of today's celebration, I sit down and reflect on this past year...the trials, the mistakes, the highs, and the lows; I can't help but be humbled by the fact that I am extremely blessed. Blessed in my personal life but also very blessed in my business.

With that being said I just want to take a moment to say a great big THANK YOU to all of the people who have helped me along in this photography journey. I have been so privileged to have served 100 clients so far! This is a milestone for me personally, I never thought I would hit that number by my one year mark, but somehow I made it. Thank you to all of you friends and family who have supported me and encouraged me along the way, and even let me get away with taking HORRIBLE pictures of you at times. You are all saints....

....for believing in me and helping me to see my true potential..hiring me time and time again..

....for modeling for me on a whim a BAZILLION times and for watching Benjamin Button with me even though you hated it and wanted to die..

...for hours and hours on the phone talking about photography and dreams..being there for me during a big event in my business. the SUPPORT you give when most others would be competing

...for loving my work no matter what...

...for stalking my blog and not telling..hehe

...for pulling me back to my feet when I was overwhelmed and discouraged..

...for financial support through the beginning months..

and last..

..for mean, judgmental, or critical comments or emails, you only fuel my fire to achieve and make me so grateful for forgiveness and the opportunity to be better in everything I do..

You all know who you are. Happy Thanksgiving.

xoxo

Ashley Hawkes

{Can I keep them?}

2009-11-25T23:24:00.005-07:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love photographing family! These are my husband's brother's kids. Holy freaking cute.

And this is the little girl I would like to clone for myself. She's my favorite little person. (No offense to my own children of course haha)

I bribed her with my cell phone and she took off with it, made a few calls, booked me some clients....

This is Spencer. He's so full of it. Every time I see him I get a great big hug.

He does the BEST pirate impression.

One word. CURLS.

And these amazing people are responsible for all the above mentioned cuteness.

Thanks for a fun shoot!

Your gallery is ready:)

{strangers lurking in the shadows..come out, come out wherever you are!!}

2009-11-24T23:29:00.007-07:00

There are a handful people that I KNOW of who regularly visit and comment on my blog. Bless you. But then there are those mysterious lurking strangers..I only know of them because once in a while I meet one and hear shy confessions of blog stalking;) You know who you are. Well, I want to know who my readers are!

I propose a contest. It's time for a contest.

Leave a comment on my blog and a link to your blog if you have one and I will enter your name into a drawing to be held on Black Friday. So leave your comment, go shopping, spend some dough, hell, spend ALL your money cuz you won't need any for this awesome deal.

If your name is drawn, you will recieve a gift certificate for one FREE photoshoot by me. Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift.

The redeemer of the certificate will receive:

1-2 hours on location
disk of all edited images (approximately 25-35) with full print rights
online proofing gallery for 2 months
happiness

So, come on, what are you waiting for? All you gotta do is get over your social networking/comment leaving anxiety for one day. I know it's hard. But it will be so worth it!

No haters please:)

{OH SNAP!}

2009-11-23T23:05:00.004-07:00

5 Reasons why

I.LOVE.THIS.FAMILY.

#1. um, hello? GORGEOUS.

#2. Style.

#3. Dimples!!!

#4. It. was. FREEZING!! Those little girls are TOUGH!

#5. They did whatever I asked. Yep, even the Dad.

You guys ROCK.

Can I say HOT MAMA?!? Shana knows how to work it. And Steve could just plain be a model too. GQ!

Thanks for a fun half hour you guys!! Hope you love your pictures!!

{Ruby Slippers}

2009-11-23T16:42:00.004-07:00

"Who killed my sister? Who killed the Witch of the East? Was it you?"

More to come...

{my weekend}

2009-11-23T14:31:00.003-07:00

Need I say more? I have so many fun things to post so don't go far!!

{rebecca + three}

2009-11-19T23:25:00.006-07:00

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." ~Irving Washington

This is my sister's beautiful family. She is a single Mom (any takers?) to 3 energetic boys, and I know for a fact that's not easy. She amazes me.

These boys are so sweet, even though I doubt that's their favorite term to be called , they really are. I haven't had the opportunity to spend very much time with them during their lives so far, but that is changing. I learned a couple of things from the shoot..namely..

#1 kisses from aunts aren't THAT bad

and #2 girls DONT have cooties

Who would have known?

{Those Eyes..}

2009-11-16T22:43:00.003-07:00

Stay tuned for more of my beautiful sister and her boys..

{LiNkiN}

2009-11-16T21:42:00.002-07:00

I am so late posting these!! I was burning his mommy a disk tonight and realized I hadn't blogged these yet. Sorry Jess..I'm slacking in my frienderly duties! This was so much fun!! This little guy is so funny..I love the squishy face laugh he was doing and how he DID NOT want to take his attention from the excitement going on on the ground (cigarette butts, leaves, rocks LOL) Next visit we shall do this again-and I will be quicker about getting the pics to you!! XOXO

{Ramses & AnnaDee}

2009-11-05T17:50:00.004-07:00

LOVE these two. I met up with them in Ogden yesterday for our little session and it was a blast.

Ramses is from Texas, they met online, which I think is awesome!

Thanks guys for a fun afternoon, and thanks for putting up with my space case brain!! Happy wedding Saturday!!

The Skousen Family

2009-11-03T21:13:00.004-07:00

Dave and I had the pleasure of spending a morning with this beautiful family from Arizona. They were so much fun to work with and were even willing to do some of our crazy ideas!

Thanks so much for giving us a shot and for your willingness to try all our ideas, even though some of you (ahem-DAD) couldn't stop laughing through half of them! XO

{Pruden Family}

2009-10-28T20:09:00.008-06:00

Cherish your family for they are your treasure, a storehouse of riches, wealth beyond measure. ~author unknown

Meet the Prudens.

We had so much fun with this sweet little family. They did everything we asked and the kids were so well behaved! Not to mention ADORABLE!!

Thank you so much ALL of you, for allowing ME to capture these amazing moments for you. I hope you guys enjoy your pictures. xo

Oh and Dave was an amazing reflector holder;)

{magic recipe}

2009-10-28T16:08:00.010-06:00

Ok folks. I'm sharing one of my secrets to editing here and I don't do this very often but I'm in the mood. I've had a lot of people ask me what actions I use and how I edit my photos. Well, to be honest, it just depends on the picture. I use different actions and methods for every set of pictures I edit.

SHH a secret: you don't have to spend any money for the actions I used to edit this photo! I took this picture straight from the camera and applied actions in photoshop from two different free sets to achieve the look you see here.

First you will need to download the free actions by following the links below:

Pioneer Woman Action Sets 1 and 2:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2009/08/pioneer-woman-action-sets-1-and-2-updated/

MCP High Def Sharpen and other free actions:

http://www.mcpactions.com/main.html

Once they are downloaded and uploaded into photoshop the magic can begin:

Run MCP High Definition Sharpen.

Using a soft round brush at 100% erase the action off the skin. That is one trick to obtaining that soft skin effect, you never want the skin to look sharp. Avoid erasing off areas such as creases and dimples.

after note * make sure to get the lips or they will appear dry.

Flatten image.

Run Pioneer Woman's Fresh and Colorful from set 1.

Play around with the opacity of the layers until you achieve the desired look. In this photo I have the soft light layer at 88%.

Flatten.

Run PW's "Bring on the Eyes" from set 2.

Using a soft round brush paint over JUST the colored part of the eye.

You will want to reduce the opacity of the layer quite a bit depending on your picture. I have mine at 12%. You don't want to overdo it or your subject will look posessed:)

Flatten.

Run PW's "Sharpen THIS"

Paint over hair and eyes, or even jewelry, depending on what you want to be especially sharp.

Again, avoid painting over skin.

Flatten.

TIP:

Run MCP Crystal Clear Web Sharpen before uploading to the web. Be sure to erase the action off the skin and you are good to go. If you are using Photobucket to upload to your blog, upload at LARGE 640-x480 px for best resolution:)

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions:) And please do give me a link to your photos if you use these actions, I want to see what you come up with!

{tim + sara. married}

2009-10-21T22:41:00.006-06:00

I have to say I loved being part of this wedding. Honestly most of the weddings I have had the honor of photographing have had some level of stress and tension at some point in the day. But not this one. The bride and groom are so amazing! They were so chill throughout the entire day. Also, my husband Dave was able to assist me at his first wedding and he loved it as well. Normally I would freak out if my assistant showed up wearing jeans and a black t-shirt, (we gotta take you shopping babe!) but at this wedding everything was really calm and laid back.
Both sides of the family were so awesome and friendly and very cooperative when it came time for formal pictures.

These two love each other so much. I know this because they weren't into all the hype and traditions of most weddings. They honestly just wanted to be married and share a beautiful day with family, friends, and good food. The afternoon was gorgeous, they couldn't have asked for better weather, and the dancing after dark was so much fun!

This is really cool. They had a table covered in white paper and boxes of crayons laid out for the kids. Now Sara and Tim have a collage to put in their apartment!

YES. Everybody knows I love cake fights. And if you didn't know that, I LOVE CAKE FIGHTS. Especially when the frosting is SMURF BLUE. I love it.

The father of the bride BBQ'd all of the meat and holy smokes it was AMAZING!!! This was one wedding where I was obliged to sit down and stuff my face! He even sent us home with an entire stuffed chicken! BON APETIT!

I figured out why everything ran so smoothly. The groom and best man had their own little "to-do" lists, drawn out and checked off . Take that, wedding planner!!

My favorite thing about this is that the groom was all over the cake topper. He pulled those little lego people out of his bag and fervently arranged them on top of the cake. I was slightly apprehensive, a little afraid of what the bride's reaction might be. But no. She walked in and got a huge grin on her face. I love these guys.

Thanks Tim and Sara for allowing me to be part of something so amazing and special. I hope I captured your moments in a way that you will be able to look back on for years and years and still remember the smells, the emotions and the excitement of your wedding day. XO

{Introducing..MINI SESSIONS}

2009-10-21T22:01:00.004-06:00

*NOTE: all digital products used in this demo are copyright Peppermint Creative. All of you digital scrappers out there head on over to www.peppermintcreative.com and check out all of the AMAZING products Miss Mint offers for digital scrapbookers, vinyl printers, and hybrid crafters alike!! Just be super careful, digital scrapbooking is highly addictive and may lead to hours and hours of digital bliss..and potentially epileptic seizures. DO IT ANYWAY!!

{upcoming..}

2009-10-21T20:32:00.003-06:00

So my posts are all behind and out of order but better to blog unorganized than not to blog at all right? So I got to spend an afternoon with a good friend from high school (go BR!! uh..right))anyways, we had so much fun (umm..you have a cup on top of your car)and I think we did more talking than actual picture taking but who cares!! We got some really cute shots of her little man and what a handsome little man at that!! I will be posting a ton of these for sure once I finish them up!!

Also, this has been a long time coming but I am finished editing this beautiful laid back wedding and still putting together storyboards..here's what I have so far..

{PaRtY oF thRee}

2009-10-11T22:54:00.003-06:00

hat greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories. ~George Eliot

These guys are family. It has been a while since I've had the opportunity to do a shoot for someone in Dave's family, and I've missed it! There is something different, unique, about taking pictures of family..

These guys are the cutest little family, bringing little Kade into the world wasn't an easy task for them, but he's so stinkin cute!

Love you guys!

fall.is.falling.fast.

2009-10-07T20:32:00.002-06:00

INTRODUCING...

Fall Family Sessions $65

LIMITED TIME OFFER!!

You receive:

1-2 hours on location
Password protected proofing gallery
your choice of 10 free edits($2 each after 10)on a disk
an amazing fun time with me!!!

BOOK NOW!! Spots are filling up fast!

uPcOmiNg.

2009-10-07T12:52:00.001-06:00

{Mr. MiKeY G.and FaM}

2009-10-03T23:27:00.004-06:00

This session was fun. We were starting to lose light when we got there so we had to make it quick..I'm pleased that we still got some good shots out of it, epecially for how dark it was. Mikey was so cute!! All smiles. I've never had a child be so cooperative, ever. Melissa & Israel, you guys made a cute baby!! He really is something special. I can't wait for our next session!!
XO

These are a little dark, but I just HAD to put them up here!!

2009-10-01T23:02:00.002-06:00

I was so excited when Melissa called me for this shoot..it has been 8 months since I had this little guy in my lens..stay tuned!

aNnouNcEmeNt: My husband Dave will now be assisting me on most shoots. We work so well as a team and it is so so nice to have the extra pair of hands and an extra eye during a session. Obviously you can see the effect he has on babies(well, everyone really). That's why he is SO hired! You're all gonna LOVE him!!

{gRay bOy & His GiRL}

2009-10-01T17:19:00.005-06:00

When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. ~Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally

You two are so much fun. I checked out your blog today and it hit me how amazing and fun your life together will be. You two are so great together! I'm so honored to be able to take part in your wedding day-in 50 days, right? But who's counting?;)

{feLiCitY.baPtiZed}

2009-10-01T16:55:00.002-06:00

If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.

-Vincent van Gogh

{diScoNNecteD}

2009-09-29T13:40:00.002-06:00

In case any of you: friends, clients, family, stalkers (yeah you know who you are!!) have been wondering, No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth, I just moved into a new place and I wont have internet until Friday...so hang tight..I might actually get something done since I won't have Facebook there to distract me from my editing! Good things to come!!! Rock on!

{tWo PrEviEWs..}

2009-09-24T13:49:00.002-06:00

First a beautiful baby on her baptism day...

Then a gorgeous couple's engagements...

Stay tuned!!

{TriNa & BoYd}

2009-09-21T13:00:00.005-06:00

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller

The wedding took place at The Bungalow in Pleasant Grove..so beautiful.

This by far was the best cake fight I've had the pleasure of witnessing. First of all, the inside of the cake was RED. Second, these two had cake so far up their noses I'm sure it took a few days to get it all out! So much fun! Thank you so much for letting me be part of your day!! xo

{BoYd & TriNa SnEAk PeAk}

2009-09-14T21:32:00.004-06:00

This was one of the most beautiful, simple weddings I have been to yet. It was so perfect...Trina, I promised you a glimpse, sorry it's so late at night but here it is! The rest to come very soon..stay tuned!

{ThRee TiMes ThE FuN}

2009-09-11T10:00:00.004-06:00

"Little girls dance their way into your heart, whirling on the tips of angel wings, scattering gold dust & kisses in our paths."-- Author Unknown

I took these pictures about a month ago..does that tell you how behind I am?? A former client of mine hooked up with her two friends to get pictures done of their little girls..it wasn't easy, but so stinkin cute!!

Thanks Ladies!!

{Mr. & MrS. JenSeN}

2009-09-02T12:00:00.004-06:00

I'm still working on your reception pictures but soon your gallery will be ready!! XOXO

{DruMrOll PlEasE....}

2009-09-01T21:15:00.003-06:00

Ok Jes. You have been waiting long enough...BUT...........

I'm gonna make you wait longer!!! Ok ok here's just one to get you started..I can't wait to show you the rest!! Here's a quick preview of Jesica and Troy's wedding day at the SL temple..

Hang tight!!

{in cAse You Are WonDeriNg..}

2009-09-01T10:29:00.002-06:00

I am currently working very hard at getting caught up in all my editing. For those of you waiting on pictures, thank you so much for your patience...you will be seeing previews very soon!!! I have had some setbacks but hopefully things will be settling down soon!! Thanks so much!! XOXO

{fAcEs}

2009-09-01T10:20:00.002-06:00

Last month I took pictures for my sister-in-law's extended family. What cute kids!! Here are the headshots from the session :)

{AlaDdiN & JaSmiNe}

2009-09-01T09:37:00.002-06:00

This is Bobby and Fathima (a.k.a. "fattie"). They won my drawing for free engagement pics waaaay back when and they recently booked me for their bridal/groomals. I LOOOOOVE these guys. Not only will Fathima do just about every weird idea that pops into my head, she will do it in a wedding dress. They are so fun and bubbly, I can't help but smile when I'm around them.

It's funny, Bobby is a huge Disney buff. He grew up in California and actually almost got a job at Disneyland playing the part of "Aladdin". What's even funnier is that with Fathima by his side, they fit the part all too well.

She is so beautiful...

WAIT FOR IT......

DISNEYLAND FACES!!!

Thanks so much for another fun afternoon!! You guys ROCK!! xo

{ThE NiBarGeR FaMily}

2009-08-14T11:13:00.003-06:00

What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories. - George Eliot

{Haize 9 MonThs}

2009-07-29T23:31:00.002-06:00

I love this baby! His mom is my amazing hair do-er/fixer and she will not ever be getting rid of me! She is stuck with me forever whether or not she likes it! LOL I am so excited for fall so I can see this little man again and this time get his mommy and daddy in the action! (minus Daddy's bright yellow shirt!) XO

{wHy so SeRiouS??}

2009-07-28T23:36:00.002-06:00

Remember Haize? I love this little guy. He was so serious for me tonight! He cracked a few grins but I just had to put this one up cuz it's so cute!!! More later....

and I have to add, his eyes really are that shocking blue...I didn't do anything to them!!!

{thinGs I leArnEd from jaYme...}

2009-07-27T16:24:00.002-06:00

I was honored to spend Saturday afternoon with Jayme Sayes of Jayme Kanani Photography. I learned so much! I hope maybe she was able to learn something new from me, probably not much, but I enjoyed hanging out and I feel like I've gained a friend. These two little monkeys were our models. They are my husband's nephews, and they behaved so well. I think most of the time they were incredibly BORED but we didn't hear any complaints! Jayme helped me with my exposure, reminded me about some common photography "rules" that I have lost sight of, and took me down to the "dungeon" for some photoshop tricks. It is so refreshing to have my passion for photography revived and what a good feeling to be moving forward again! Thank you so much Jayme, you are priceless!! XO

And thank you Michael and Jayzon for being such CUTE good sports!

{ThE HeaLy FaMily}

2009-07-27T00:06:00.005-06:00

These are my awesome neighbors. They put up with a lot of yelling and screaming that comes from my house, and they are always very helpful with my boys. I had so much fun on this shoot, they were crackin' me up left and right.

See what I mean?

Remember this gorgeous senior?

I am on this new "angles" kick, trying new things and branching out. Bear with me on these, I haven't figured out yet that I can actually tilt my camera to the OTHER direction!!

We can't forget Lollie can we? Dog's are horrible models though!!

Every time I thought the dog was posing, it was actually squatting to do it's business!!

What can I say, B-E-A UTIFUL family! Thanks for so much fun!! XOXO

{ChAsE}

2009-07-24T20:49:00.003-06:00

This is actually the first and only photo I have edited of this session, but I couldn't help but put it up here. This is Chase, the bestest babysitter in the whole world! I did a shoot of her whole family, but Chase is my favorite. Sorry, it's just the truth:) Stay tuned!

{tHe HaSkEll FaMilY}

2009-07-24T18:41:00.003-06:00

I had so much fun with this adorable family! Hope you guys love your pics, your gallery is almost ready!

{HaSkEll FaMilY pReView}

2009-07-24T05:29:00.000-06:00

Stay tuned.

{feLiCitY}

2009-07-24T05:25:00.002-06:00

Remember Julie and her beautiful belly? Well that belly is long gone now (she looks amazing!) but it has been replaced with this sweet little angel named Felicity.

Thanks so much Julie, can't wait for the 6th!

{LuKe & JoRdAn maRRiEd}

2009-07-24T04:07:00.007-06:00

Wow. That's all I can think of to say about this wedding! It was such a blast, I was honored to be able to travel out to Fresno to take part in Jordan and Luke's amazing day!! I love these two so much!! Their wedding was amazing, so much thought and time put into every small detail. It literally blew me away! I am also so very grateful to my best friend and fellow photographer for joining me for a fun, caffeine filled girl's weekend! Thanks so very much for all of your love and support Bekah!! XOXO

Um...sucks having to edit these YUMMY pictures!!!! I want some!

To see all photos from this wedding, check out my website and click on "featured wedding".

Thank you so much Luke and Jordan! XOXO

{AnYthiNg BuT OrdiNaRy}

2009-07-24T03:26:00.003-06:00

CAn't sleep, so I stole this off Kellee's blog (thanks for sharing!)

Is it just me, or is it 3:30 am?

I LOVE LOVE people who dare to venture away from tradition, to break free from what society tells us we must do. Check this out

Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of my blog and stop my playlist so that you can hear this!

{uM.... Ash? WheRe aRe yOu!?!?!}

2009-07-15T10:50:00.002-06:00

A great question. I have even asked myself that a lot lately. I have had some major distractions and a few setbacks (pc crash, car breakdown, nothing too serious LOL) but I have been working! I have so many fun things to post, a wedding, bridals, a SERIOUSLY cute baby girl, no worries, I am still pluggin along!! Thanks for everyone's patience!! XOXO

{ J+L teaser}

2009-06-26T21:49:00.003-06:00

{MaSoN is OnE}

2009-06-26T18:44:00.003-06:00

Remember this little guy? He has grown so much since his last session with me! This time he was joined by his Mom and Dad. His Mom and I go way back (junior high!) and it is so much fun to get together and see how much our lives have changed! Thanks DeeAnna!!XO

AND something weird happened when I was trying to sharpen the pics for the web, they look kinda funky on here, I am working on fixing it!!

{coMiNg SoOn}

2009-06-25T20:31:00.000-06:00

{AsHliN & DoN}

2009-06-25T11:47:00.004-06:00

I followed Ashlin and Don to the courthouse to get married! We were able to have the ceremony outside under a huge tree. It was very simple, yet Ashlin pulled together some details that made it elegant. After the ceremony, we walked around Provo and found some fun spots for photos. They were really fun and easy to work with! Thanks Ashlin and Don for a fun afternoon! Your gallery is almost ready!

{fOr AsHliN}

2009-06-21T01:47:00.003-06:00

There are so many good things comin' your way. You just wait. Seriously. Thanks for being so patient everyone!!

{JaReD & MyLeNe} Happy Anniversary!

2009-06-21T01:22:00.003-06:00

These two just had their 8th anniversary!

I know Jared wasn't exactly thrilled at having pictures taken, but hopefully Mylene followed through on the "new tires" bribe I overheard them whispering about!

Ummm..can I say SUPERMODEL anyone? This girl is gorgeous!

What a beautiful couple! Can't wait until I can get my lens on their kids! AHEM!

Thanks so much for allowing me to torture you Jared! You were a good sport! Hope you guys enjoy these!

Special thanks to GARY and his red-headed, freckle-faced little gaurdian of the property for allowing us to take pics by the old trucks!

{KaYlA & BrOnSoN} an Alpine Ut wedding

2009-06-21T00:47:00.011-06:00

The details

The "groom's" cake! Remember that white jeep they were sitting on in the engagement photos?

I love how Kayla had to stick out her tongue to do the fakeout!

This is why I cry at weddings. Not the ceremony, not the first kiss, the Dad dance. Gets me every time. Don't know how I ever know what I'm taking pictures of because of the tears blurring my vision!

I walked away from this wedding not tired, (or hungry for that matter!), just feeling happy. I had so much fun, Kayla's friends are a blast, they cracked me up the whole time. Thanks so much Kayla and Bronson for letting me a part of such a rockin' good time. XOXO

Special thanks to TAWNY for being my awesome assistant the entire time and for letting me talk your ear off! I hoped you learned SOMETHING from all that jabber!

{AsHliN & DoN} preview

2009-06-07T22:36:00.008-06:00

Here's a {small} preview for you Ashlin, you are gonna love your pics! Rock on!

{JaReD & MylEnE} preview

2009-06-07T16:28:00.005-06:00

Still working on wedding pictures but edited one of these for Mylene. I know she is excited to see some!!

{Kayla & Bronson Bridal/Groomal session}

2009-05-31T15:10:00.003-06:00

These two are so much fun! Kayla is an actress and there wasn't anything she wouldn't for me! I love brides who are willing to get down in the dirt and humor my "creativity"!! I am still working working working on the wedding pics, but I hope you like what you see so far!!!! XO

ThankForLooking ;)

{K & B HiTcHeD}

2009-05-28T17:30:00.003-06:00

Kayla and Bronson got married Saturday. I took so many pictures. I filled my 8 GB and my 4 GB twice. So, I will be working on the photos for the next few weeks, but in the meantime, here are my faves from our bridal and groomal session. Embrace the grunge.

{My AmEriCan IdOl ExPeRieNcE}

2009-05-27T15:05:00.003-06:00

Ok so this was back in February. I took these photos for a magazine (http://www.elanwoman.com/) and I couldn't put them up until the article was published in April. And then I just plain forgot! I was invited by a friend to attend the American Idol review in Provo at the Covey Arts center. The editor (Darcy Hansen, who is a peach!) and I went into the dressing room of David Osmond and his wife Valerie, to talk with them about David's AI adventure and also his battle with MS. Then we got to go sit in the audience and watch David perform with his band. Way too good for AI if you ask me! I also got to meet and chat with Austin Sisneros, who also competed on AI, and I watched him perform as well. Not only does he have talent, he has an amazing passion and attitude that will take him far. I also met Bret from Jericho Drive, I sat next to him during the concert. Didn't know who he was until I asked him who he was. Anyways, enough chatter, here's the pictures. They are ok considering I was taking them in a room full of MIRRORS! Kinda tricky when the goal is to DIFFUSE the flash. LOL

{PlAcE oF LoVe aNd BeAuTy}

2009-05-24T15:38:00.003-06:00

These images are a by-product of a photoshoot that didn't happen. Enjoy!

{JeSiCa pLuS tRoY}

2009-05-24T14:56:00.003-06:00

This is my beautiful neice..she has been waiting 2 weeks to see these images up here and so I thought I would just take a moment and blog them.

I love the way he is listening to her in this photo. They are so genuinely in love and their regard for each other is apparent.

Thanks so much for choosing me to take part in such a momentous occasion in your lives as your wedding day. I am so looking forward to August!! XO

{JuSt A PeEk}

2009-05-21T18:45:00.003-06:00

Alright Jess, you can have your cake...but you can't eat it too! I just whipped a couple up for you because I know that you are torturing yourself and I can't bear to watch!! LOL But this is all you get;) it will be worth the wait!

Ha ha I know I am so evil...bwahaha

{DaViS FaMiLy}

2009-05-21T18:41:00.003-06:00

Just a quick preview to let these guys know that I haven't forgotten!! I love clients who keep coming back for more! Thanks Chris!

{HaRmOniE}

2009-05-21T17:18:00.004-06:00

Check it out! This woman is amazing. I can't take all of the credit for how good she is, all I did was teach her a few photoshop tricks, but I just wanted to pass the word on that she is in business!! She just helped out at her first wedding and her pictures turned out amazing!

Go see!!

http://www.oopsydaisyphotos.blogspot.com/

{WaTtlEWoRtH FaMiLy}

2009-05-18T09:42:00.005-06:00

Oh my gosh, can I say GORGEOUS family!! I had so much fun with them and they were so easy to photograph. This is their youngest, Callie.

Sisters and don't ask me to spell their names!

This kid just got his blackbelt in Karate. He showed me some wicked moves!

Thanks to all of you for being so cute for my camera!

{sO hApPy ToGeThEr}

2009-05-13T22:34:00.001-06:00

Okay Rebecca, here is your sneak peak at what I am working on. They are not done yet but I couldn't leave you hangin without anything! I hope you like what you see so far! Your family is AWESOME!