Decision 2010

I told myself that I would decide by January 1st if I was going to keep this blog or not.

So I finally made my decision...

It's a keeper.

I will use this blog for journaling purposes. Just like its always been. My photography blog will be used for primarily photography purposes. But I do like to include things about my family on there as well. Like my almost once a week "You might be a great parent if..." post. As well as any other cool photographs I want to share.

So just like I have in the past I encourage you to visit us there. Where you can see cool photographs like this one of us on our visit to the Grand Canyon.

Weddings!!!

Hey everyone, shameless plug here. It's my blog, and I can plug if I want to! (I'm actually sticking my tongue out at you right now.) J/K!

I am looking to build my wedding portfolio. I am obviously looking for a very specific type of model. So...

• If you know someone who is getting married before April of next year and is looking for a wedding photographer please send them my way! I am willing to shoot their entire day, for F-R-E-E! They will then have the option to purchase a CD complete with all their images and rights to print, or buy their prints straight from me. Please have them contact me for pricing.

Or...

• If someone has recently been married, and was willing to model for me that would be fabulous!!!

If you know someone who may be interested in either please have them email me lori@calhounink.com or call 623-680-9660.

Thanks,

Hey everyone

take a quick second and nominate someone for a free shoot on www.calhounink.blogspot.com.

Hello old friend!

I have debated a lot lately. That is weather to keep this old blog of mine or not. I post so much on my photography blog it leaves little time for this old friend. But...I have had it for two years now. I can't just get rid of it! I do plan to turn it into a book. You know just for us. But what about the pictures of my kids in the sidebar, the cute header up on top (that I loooove!), The pretty colors? Well...for now it stays. But like I said I post a lot on my other blog so check us out there too!

I think this blog is in desperate need of a Calhoun update, so here goes...

• I attended my 10 year high school reunion. It was a very small, and informal gathering. But fun to see people I haven't seen in a while.
  

• let's see what else...

• Richard had 4 wisdom teeth pulled. That was fun. Poor guy. I felt bad for him. Even though I secretly wanted to squish his swollen cheeks.He was a big trooper. Even managing to watch the kids while I took pictures at the Marley Park Fall Carnival, and while I attended my friend Mia's wedding. He even took all 3 kids to the grocery store, by himself! Something Iwon't don't even do when I'm not sick.

• We went camping for a night in the White Tanks. You can read/see pictures about it here. See I told you I update there too.

• I am offering a Photoshop Workshop. You can read about it here.

• Lastly, and totally random. I wanted to share the things I love about the weather change. Jeans, sweaters, and close toed shoes. Not having to shave my legs as much, like I did it a lot before??? Warm cinnamon oatmeal. Hot soup, which I still eat year round. It's just much better when it's cold outside. Snuggling up in bed, and reading twilight books. I'm reading eclipse for I don't know...the 19th time. They never get old to me. Making friendship bread from scratch. Halloween! Thanksgiving! & Christmas! As a bonus this year I'm not completely depressed. Which is nice, and hopefully doesn't change. Since it was mostly hormonal I'm sure it won't.

Well if you made it to the end, I guess that's it for now.

Pictures from Grandma's 80th birthday.

I interrupt your day -

For another post of randomness. First item of randomness.

1. Summertime Designs has a new cute Halloween scrap kit out. It's getting me super excited for Halloween! Plus it's huge! "that's what she said."
2. Some of you are all registered for the my next workshop. I am getting super pumped. If you liked the last one you are REALLY going to love this one. So what are you waiting for? Go register, quick.
3. If you want to keep up on all things Calhoun you'll have to make the switch. Yes, over to http://www.calhounink.blogspot.com/. Starting real soon I'll only be posting their. Plus, I've made some neat changes. Rotating header (ctrl F5 to refresh, and see what I'm talking about), join me on facebook, and twitter, etc. Plus I have some really exciting things/changes coming for Calhoun ink. Like slide shows, print ordering, and even books. Oh, and did I mention wedding. Yes, a wedding. So don't miss it.
4. You'll want to book your photo shoot real soon. I only have a couple of spaces left before Christmas. Call me to book 623-680-9660.
5. I wanted to tell you about some of the work shops I'm going to offer starting next January.

• Photo shop for beginners - $10.00. (this cost is to cover materials.)
• Pimp my blog 101 - Free.
• Pimp my blog 102 - Free. I just think there's to much to cover in one session. But you'll most definitely want to attend both.
• Shooting Manual and Raw - further details on pricing to come.

Lastly, Some of you have been waiting patiently for the pictures from Grandma's birthday party. Tomorrow, I promise.

My next workshop

I had such a blast teaching the last workshop, and am excited to offer more. The thing most of you want to learn is more, more, and more photo shop. I am happy to oblige. First, I think it's important that we all learn how to take a good picture. You can be extraordinary at photo shop, but it's not going to matter if you can't take a good picture. So I wanted to offer this workshop first. Plus, it will be just in time with the upcoming holidays.

Capturing Memories - The basic rules of photography and how to brake them.

Saturday October 10th 10:00-1:00 in Surprise Az

• composition


• lighting


• basic camera settings


• tips and tricks to make your photographs stunning.

*Registration is $25.00 and is due by October 2nd to reserve your spot. Lunch is included!

I know, I know

you all are probably getting sick of me directing you over to my photography blog. But since it's linked to my website, I like to do my photography post there. Don't worry this is the second to the last time. I have one more amazing shoot I am dieing to share with you, and then I'll stop. I promise. At least for the most part. I have been busy trying to finish up some Calhoun ink stuff plus keep up with all my regular duties. You know being a mom, wife, house keeper, etc. I am looking forward to taking most of next week off (except for the fabulous work shop coming up that you can still RSVP to.) and catching up on my regular blog. I have some post already started, and I am in desperate need to finish them. So I figured next week will be a good one. Since after that I've booked quite a few shoots which I am so excited about! Things are picking up at just the right pace, and shooting is becoming so second nature to me. I shoot (and am completely comfortable) in manual now. I also shoot raw, and will never go back. It is a-mazing! I can now make things happen with out really giving them much thought, and I feel more and more like a real photographer. Don't get me wrong I don't think you ever stop learning. Ever! So I'm excited for what the future holds. For the now hop on over to my photography blog, and check out a few of the images I shot at the wedding in California.

Free digital scrap booking workshop.

Everyone who is interested in learning to digital scrap book is invited. This work shop is ABSOLUTELY FREE! However, it is an RSVP event only. It will be held here in Surprise on Tuesday September 15th at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested in coming please RSVP, by either leaving me a comment here on this post. Or by emailing me at lcalhoun4@cox.net. I hope everyone can make it! I have put a lot of hard work and time into preparing this event, and it is sure to be a blast!

Look what I'm going to do today!

That's right today I am taking pictures at Jace's preschool. As kind of a trial run I am donating my time to give each student a school portrait and class picture. If it goes well and we get some good response. I will donate my time in the future, and offer small printing packages for the students. They would be very reasonably priced, and probably cost around $3-5.

Cards, announcments, and story boards

I finished creating some cards, announcements, and story boards. Hop on over to my photography blog to see them. If you haven't checked out my new website yet you can from there. Or you can click here.

So...I've been thinking.

I have had lot's of friends and family asking me to teach them various things pertaining to blogging and photography. Things such as designing their own blogs, digital scrap booking, and how to take better pictures for their blogs. I have thought a lot about offering classes. Some would be smaller and absolutely free! Others would be a little more intense and probably have a small fee. So what do you think? Would you be interested? What kind of things would you want to learn? I'm super excited, and totally pumped. Can't wait to hear your feed back.

As good as it gets

Yesterday after dinner my kids were playing in the backyard with the dog. (Good thing for them are backyard is completely shaded in the evening.) They were running around and she would follow them. They would throw toys, she would retrieve them. As I watched I honestly thought this is as good as it gets. It truly filled my heart with joy. I didn't take any pictures because I was completely lost in the moment. Although I was, and still am very content. I couldn't help but wonder if the only thing that was missing was a little set of bobbing pig tails.

On a completely different note. Because what is a post if I don't talk photography. I had two weekends open up in September. So let me know if you are interested. Plus I still have most of November, and if you schedule your appointment by Dec 12th I promise to have them done by Dec 18th. Oh, and don't forget to ask about the friends and family discount. If you are reading this blog, you are considered a friend, always.

A post full of exciting things!

My new website is finally done! Please check it out http://www.calhounink.com/ and tell me what you think!

On another good note. I ran 1 1/2 miles this morning. I'm almost halfway to my goal! I want to do a 5k in October. That's 3.1 miles. Think I'll make it;)?

There are so many of you who mentioned wanting to do photographs in the fall. You might want to consider booking now! Also If you book before August 31st I'll through in a custom Christmas card. I have a few I've already done. I'll display them soon.

Lastly, definitely not least. Tomorrow I am heading to California with Mi Madre. I am going to shadow shoot a wedding with Jules Bianchi. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! She is amazing, and I am thrilled to learn from her. I can't wait to blog about it when I get back.

p.s. I just wanted to mention that from now on most of my photography post will be on my photography blog. If you like to see (or read) these post you should definitely add it to your favorites or your readers. I'm sure there will be those that cross over, but for the most parts that's where they'll be.

Sneak Peak - Dines Family

This pictures is from when we first stepped outside. I hadn't yet adjusted my camera settings, and the image was blown out. I absolutely love it!
I got this totally cute phone from the antique store. I love this picture as well!

I heart faces - silly faces photo challange

Here is my favorite silly face photograph! A one year old playing peek a boo! It doesn't get any sillier than that. Every time I see it, it makes me smile.

My photographing tips

I may or may not be the first person you would come to for photographing tips. But I have been asked a lot about what I think does and doesn't work. So I thought about it and compiled my own helpful list in Q and A form. Plus provided some helpful links. I hope it helps as you get ready to take your Holiday photo's this fall! I know, I know. It still seems far away. But pssst...It's not.

*Please know this is my own personal opinion and in no way intended to offend or put anyone off. Also, if you have attempted one of the faux pas in the past please know you are in good company.

Q. What should I/we wear? This is the number one question I am asked. Even when I'm not the one taking the pictures. Which is still totally cool by me!

A. Wear fun and vibrant colors. The one's that look best on you. Stay away from prints that are two busy and will take away from your pretty face. Unless you can pull it off like this, don't wear white. It's not a very flattering color for anybody. If all else fails bring an outfit change.

Q. But I really want us all to match? Okay that's really not a question but I get that a lot.

A. DO NOT! I repeat DO NOT all where the same color. Instead color coordinate. For instance... Our family photo's this spring. I picked out different but coordinating shirts for my boys. They were all brown with hints of blue and orange. Then Richard wore blue and I wore orange. These were with out question my favorite family photo's we have ever taken. Look around and get ideas off the internet or your friends blogs:) If all else fails "bring an outfit change."

Q.Can we schedule my appointment for after I get my hair done?

A. Yes!!! Try to coordinate this. The same day if at all possible. We all feel pretty after we've just gotten are hair done. Pictures turn out the best when we feel good about our selves. Make sure your children feel cute/pretty as well.

Q. What kind of props should we bring/use.

A. My very favorite props are the ones you wear. Wear your cutest blinged out jewelry! Rings, earrings, necklaces, etc!!! If you have something that is extra special like an heirloom, what better time to wear it? Hats, scarfs, and shoes are extra ways to spice up your pictures! I say the funkier the better! If you have a special interest like an instrument or motorcycle's you should bring that too!

Q.Where should we shoot?

A. I think places that are special to you are the best! Your home, where you first met, etc. Places that are unique or have great architecture are great. Hip and funky pictures are really in right now. Urban or junk yard photo shoots, anyone? Remember there needs to be shade. It should be a public place where you won't get kicked out. Private property is a big no, no. Unless you get special permission.

Q. Any other special advice you can give me?

A. I think I covered almost everything. But here is a fabulous post from a photographer who's blog I follow. She gives some great information for glamed out photo's.

Are you thinking ahead?

Because I am! Summer is coming to a close (less than one week till school starts), and fall is just around the corner. I know it's hard to believe as hot as it is here. I just have to tell myself "it will cool down, it will cool down" I have already started thinking about Halloween and what my kids will be (I only have a few short years left where I can actually influence what they wear), then about Thanksgiving(the glorious,glorious food), and then Christmas will be here before you know it! I am much more amped for Christmas this year than I was last. I have lot's and lot's of fun ideas!

Anyways, I had a point!

I was going to be offering card's this fall, and I need some of your help. I wanted to try my hand at designing a few. That's were you come in. It will be easy I promise.

Send me a picture. Any picture. It can be of your family, newborn, or your children. I will design a card(Christmas, announcement, birthday, etc) If you like it you get to keep it, and use as you wish. I will get to use it to display. I already have some layouts in mind, and I am going to try my hand at embellishing!

If your interested send your picture to lcalhoun4@cox.net. Write what kind of card you were wanting (Christmas, fall, birthday, or announcement), and include any message or additional info you want on the card.

I'll take the first 5 emails, and come back here to let you know when I have them. Thanks!

p.s. A lot of you had mentioned doing fall family pictures. All of my weekends in October are all ready booked. So I am encouraging you to book now! It's painless I promise. You can shoot me an email lcalhoun4@cox.net or call 623-680-9660.

cool new photoshop action

I downloaded this cool new FREE action from Coffeeshop. You know how I love those vintage photo's? I was a little over whelmed when I first read the tutorial. But decided to just go for it. So I did. It was actually pretty easy. I played around with the opacity to get the results I wanted, and I love this picture!

Grandma's birthday party invitation

Here is grandma's birthday invitation for those of you who are not yet logged into to the Slade Family website.The address is blurred for obvious reasons. But if you need it, you can email me.
The background is from Summertime Designs. I purchased a commercial license from her. But you can download kits for your own personal use for free on her website. I used some old photographs I scanned earlier this year. Then used two different fonts (Scriptina, and 1944 typewriter) that I downloaded from 1001 free font's. It's really easy and they give direction's right on their site.