Party Like a Rockstar

We got a jumpstart on the 4th! :)  Tonight we all are having quite a great time hanging out on the back deck.  We've grilled out some really yummy food- brats, burgers, zuchinni, vegetarian brats, polenta, and then had some yummy brownies, homemade salsa, and a variety of other munchies.  The Milittis and the Perez' came over and visited.  The boys mostly hung out front while us girls laughed and laughed out back.  We've even seen some fireworks but that is not surprising because Omaha, NE is crazy when it comes to the 4th of July.  Anyway, here are  Sara and Lynette showing us how to pose in a picture.  I think....

The Many Faces of Becca

Today, Lynette came over to photograph Becca.  She did an amazing job and I really dig the theme of her shoot.  It was very vintage 1940s.  Lynette had said she wanted Becca's hair and makeup to reflect that era.  We spent some time on the net looking at tutorials- Lynette had pictures of what she had in mind for her hair and makeup- and then we set out to shop for the supplies.  Once we got home it was all business (which basically means me stabbing Becca with bobbypins trying to perfect a victory roll and Lynette helping hotroll her hair, Becca smudging her red lipstick and all sorts of silly chaos).  After Becca was all dolled up, Lynette picked up her camera and that is where the chaos came to a screeching halt.  It was like watching a well oiled machine. :)  You just have to go see her image she shared on her 365 blog from today's shoot.  I'll share the link under my image for today.  Otherwise, you just won't get the full effect. ;)

Anyway, Becca was beautified and the shoot went well.  Lynette left, we took a friend home and then hung out at the neighbors.  After getting ready for bed, Becca came out to kiss me goodnight - she had purposely left her makeup all smeared because she knew I would laugh.  So, here is my image of Becca from today:

Now go look at Lynette's. :)

Coraline

This evening I watched Coraline in 3D with LMR.  Great movie, although I don't necessarily believe it is a children's movie.  Lela would be scared out of her mind!  It would definitely fall under a 'children's horror flic' in my book.   In an interview I listened to with Tim Burton, he mentioned that he believes his fairytale is no more scary than the ones we grew up on i.e. Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, etc.  I have to admit, Alice in Wonderland was always super creepy to me as a child. Oh and how about the Secret of Nimh? *yikes*  Anyway, Lynette had the idea to snap a silly photo of ourselves with the cheesy 3D cardboard glasses before we started the movie.  Here is my version of our Coraline self-portrait. :)  You can view her's here.

Back to the Daily Grind

So my sister and her family left this morning.  Like always, I am sad to see them go.   Anna hung out most of the day which was nice.  She helped spruce up the house and we kept each other company.  Towards the end of the day it was getting a little too run of the mill....that's when Lynette stopped by the house.  Lynette kept us entertained.  What a goof ball.

 

I Have No Words.

It's true. I think. Maybe just this once. I must have used them all while visiting with Lynette. Then again, maybe I am just tired. :)

Headshots with Imagene

A friend of mine had a 'photo emergency' and asked if she could book a session with me.  Thankfully, we were able to find a date that worked for both of us during the day.  She needed some professional headshots so I met her at this awesome location that she turned me onto (thank you J!- can't wait for the snow to melt and get Big Funny Kid out there!) and we went to work.  I had a riot photographing her- she is funny, super nice and very photogenic- which is always great!  Lynette was able to accompany me and help out as my grip.  This is always awesome for me as well because I could not ask for a better pair of extra eyes and hands.  So, thank you, Lynette! <3

I am using one of her headshots as my image today because J needed these super quick and I spent the majority of the day/evening working- taking about a couple hour break for a playdate with friends after school.  I did not have time to photograph something else for the day and besides, I fell in love with this image.  Thanks, J!

Oh it's good to be home! :D

1) I already miss my family.
2) It was a great visit.
3) It's good to be home!

I really enjoyed being in IL and seeing family.  Part of what made the trip so amazing was knowing that my hounds and house were in good hands!  Lynette was so helpful and very kind during our vacation.  She stayed the entire time at my house and held down the fort while we were away visiting.  Have I mentioned how much I love her??? 

I really cannot tell her enough how much I appreciate our friendship- and not just because she did me such a huge favor- but because she loves beer!  I heart her; it was great catching up tonight.  It was all cameras, beer, good food and lots of laughter.  I love you, LMR!  Thank you again!!  Btw, you can view Lynette's blog here.

Going Away Party

Tonight there was a going away party for our friend, Doug.  He is moving to Des Moines, IA.  Towards the end of the evening, Lynette joined us.  Here is a snapshot of LMR and me at Tanners. :)  We took the photo together. It was a fun evening.

Catholic Schools Week

This week is Catholic Schools Week.  Today the girls' school celebrated with a pizza luncheon and family or friends were invited to attend with the children.  Thank God I was able to make it.  I have been so sick the past few days that I was seriously questioning whether or not I was going to be there for my daughter.  I was able to go to lunch with Lela and Lynette went to lunch with Becca (THANK YOU, Lynette!).  Here is a photo of Lela and her best friend at the pizza luncheon.

Feeling a Little Cocky

I had a shoot today with Lynette. I fell in love with those peacock feather earrings she wore this afternoon.  I need a pair!

Imagene + Jackson Street Booksellers =

Old Market FUN!!!  Today I went downtown to the Old Market with Lynette.  She wanted to take in a couple galleries (which we did) for her class.  I brought along Imagene (for those of you who don't know and wonder who Imagene is, why that's my lovely 7D Canon DSLR!). I love shooting down at and around the Old Market.  I prefer the street photography side of things in lieu of the architecture but hey- it's all yummy in the end!  Anyway, right before we left I begged Lynette to go into the Jackson Street Booksellers bookstore. Poor Lynette didn't have a chance; had she said no I probably would have pushed her into the oncoming traffic or tripped her as we were jaywalking.  Plus, I had conveniently parked in front of the bookstore *wink wink* so it only made sense to take a looksee. Right? 

Thankfully for me and luckily for her, Lynette agreed and we went inside to browse the ENDLESS shelves of books.  Now, you have to understand...aside from God, my husband, children, family, Imagene and an assortment of other photography related items I LOVE BOOKS!!!  Seriously.  Remember that 365 blogpost about my affinity with perfume?  Well, I like to read whilst spritzing fabulous scents on my wrists. (not really but not a bad idea).  I seriously love love LOVE books.  I think it is because of the endless knowledge that can be gleaned from them, the places they can whisk us away to and the history they hold.  It's all very romantic.  *sigh*  Anyway, here is my image for today.  Thank you Jackson Street Booksellers for having such a ROCKIN' bookstore!

Architecture Fun :)

I went with Lynette today for a shoot she was doing for her large format class.  She was busy shooting with a 4x5 camera and of course I brought along Imagene. ;)  Here is a shot I wanted to share with you on the blog; my attempt at architecture.  I kept the shot it in color.  I did debate whether or not I wanted to turn it black and white but in the end I decided to go with color; I really enjoy the red in the image.  *sidenote*  While Lynette was setting up a shot I thought her feet were in the frame...turns out I was wrong; I am not used to looking at an image upside down and backwards!  Seriously, it made for a good laugh and I wish that you could have been there to laugh with us.  Anyway, here is my photograph today.

"Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall......"

I heart James Taylor ...and I heart Lynette, too. :)  Today I am going to share with you a photo of her.  I snapped it on Becca's point and shoot (I salivate over those little point and shoots.  I truly need to just bite the bullet and buy one for myself soon).  Anyway, Lynette is a great friend.  We share a lot of things in common (age not being one of the them) and always have a fun time together.  I feel blessed to have such a genuine person in my life that I can call a true friend.  Today, we ran some errands and had lunch at the house with Becca.  I snapped this picture of her as she was attempting to put on her boots before leaving. I suffered the wrath but I like the photo.  I would do it again....especially if I had my own p&s...imagine the fun!

Barefoot and in the Kitchen....

My very good friend and fellow photographer, Lynette, came over tonight for an evening of wine and good cheer.  She and I have went out and about on several occasions with our cameras, Imagene and ...well, okay so Lynette doesn't feel the need to name her camera (poor camera)...anyways, I digress- She came over tonight.  She is doing a 365 Project, too.  We figured we would fool around with the cameras this evening and get a photograph from our festivities to include on  our 365 blogs.  She came up with idea to photograph her barefeet w/ the Barefoot wine bottle.  You can view her image here:  Lynette's 365 Project.  I decided to photograph her photographing her feet...it was a toughie to decide which image to use but in the end I knew which one I had to go with...   I am a sucker for short depth of field and I loved the light.  Take a look-see for yourself. :)