Pages of Our Life

Family Portrait Session | "S" Family

2010-03-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

A while back I had the privilege of taking part in a photography session with this wonderful family. They told me casually before hand that they found it very difficult to get good pictures of themselves. I think they were fibbing! We had so much fun and I found it very easy to capture the love they genuinely have for one another. What a joy! I think it is a wonderful thing to have pictures that show the laughter, joy, and love that a family shares. Thank you "S" family for letting me capture this for you.

The following is a slide show of their complete session. {Special Note: to watch it in high definition you need to push the {HQ} button.

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new {baby} and where I've been lately....

2010-01-14T17:36:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know me online and follow this blog you know that my posts have gotten less and less of late. I wanted to take a moment and touch base.

A new chapter has started in my life and I guess you could say that the tune around here or the beat has changed quite a bit. I have been able pursue some wonderful new opportunities that involve my love for photography. Doors have been opening that I would have never dreamed possible. I have felt overwhelmingly blessed.

I guess you could say that my hands have been very busy and I am loving every minute of it. Once I figure out how to dance to this new beat, I hope to begin blogging again.

Oh, and I almost forgot to share my new baby with you....

Here she is! My first {red rimmed} lens. This lens is like having a diamond on your camera instead of a cubic zirconium. The glass is just swwwweeet!

OXOXOXOX,

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I ♥ Faces {Sweet Dreams} Photo Challenge

2009-12-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

I'm joining in the fun this week over at I heart faces. You may submit one entry that symbolizes the theme {Sweet Dreams}. I love this shot, because it was one of those unplanned moments' when you are ready and just happen to catch "it". We were already done with this little man's photo session and then he started smiling. Maybe he was glad it was all over or maybe he just wanted to bless his mother's heart. Either way it's one of my favorite baby pictures that I've ever taken.

You can see more pictures like these by clicking on the picture below.

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Newborn Photography: Natalie's Sneak Peek

2009-11-20T07:39:00.000-08:00

Have you been missing me? I've missed you all. I have had to take some time off of blogging so that I could do some "things". One of those things has been some very intense photography classes which I have been eating up.

I had the pleasure of photographing Natalie yesterday in my home. Her mom, Emily, is a dear friend from high school that I was able to reunite with thanks to facebook. Natalie waited a long time to fall asleep, but once she did the fun began. Here is a little sneak peak.

Emily, thank you for the privilege of capturing your little one. The beautiful love you have for your family is inspiring.

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Custom Family Portraiture: B Family

2009-09-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

No one ever told me how much fun a photo session could be when you are taking pictures of a family with a toddler. Or, that you might have to do something silly like make monkey noises to get their attention. This family was such a pleasure to be with and capture. Here are a few highlights from our afternoon together.

Doesn't he have the most beautiful eyes?

This little man was a ball of life and adventure.

We had such a fun time. Can't you tell? :) Thank you B family for letting me capture your love for your family and each other.

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Georgia Flooding Update

2009-09-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Just a quick shout out to all of our family and friends to say that we are okay. For those who don't know Georgia was hit hard with rain and there are many without homes due to the rising rivers and flash flooding. Thankfully, we do not live near any of those rivers.

I spent what felt like all day yesterday in my car trying to get home from Atlanta. I had been with Dawn from My Home Sweet Home attending a local Photoshop Seminar. The main highway that goes through Atlanta was shut down and that was were I was. By phone, my dad was able to navigate me through the crowded back roads of Atlanta, where 50 bajallion other people were doing the same thing. It's no fun sitting in a car watching street lights change and not be able to go through them. It "only" took me close to 3 hours to get home. A drive that should have been only 30 miles.

I'm so glad to be home......

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I ♥ Faces Challenge: Contemplative

2009-09-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

The theme this week at I ♥ Faces is to share a "contemplative" picture that you have taken.

Their Definition: thoughtful observation; full or deep consideration; dreamily or wistfully thoughtful: a pensive mood; expressing or revealing thoughtfulness; quiet modes of apparent or real thought.

I love this picture because of the emotion it captures in the new-to-be parents anticipating their first born child.

If you would like to see more in this series from other photographers, head over to www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com or click on the picture below.

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It Came! Gallery Wrapped Canvas

2009-08-22T04:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, it felt a little like Christmas at our house.

Because this is what the UPS man delivered. It's a 24x36 Gallery Wrapped Canvas. I think I found the perfect place to put it too. Now, when football season starts my hubby will have all of our pretty faces staring back at him. LOL

And this is one of the proof books that I just designed for a client. I'm so pleased with how it turned out.

I can't wait to deliver this book today to them. I hope it feels like Christmas to them too. : )

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Photoshop: How to Get Better Black and Whites

2009-08-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

Recently, I discovered a new place of inspiration ... I mean photography blog.

Her name is Becky Earl and her site is "be art". Now, I'm warning you do not head over and check her out, until you have like an hour to spend with a cup 'o' joe by your side. Her style is amazing! And her pictures are just breathtaking. One of my favorite things about Becky, besides her work, is the love she has for sharing what she is learning.

While you're there check out her question and answer page for some great tips!

That's were I found out how to take a muddy black and white picture in Photoshop and turn it into something really sweet.

Becky's Photoshop black and white tutorial "Helpful Hints: Black's and White's".

I hope you enjoy her site as much as I did.

Ta ta,

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New Portrait Lens: 50mm f1.4

2009-08-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

See that cutie patootie up there? He's funny isn't he? My amazing hubby just bought me a new portrait lens and I love it!!!!

It was his idea to take our tripod to a local park and practice with it. I think at the end of the evening he was a little spent. LOL

but...we got some great pics and finally got a family portrait taken! I can't tell you how long it's been since we've had that done.

Thanks, Babes for the sweet candy!

Photography Notes:

I'm still learning how to use this lens to it's fullest, but I can already tell that I am love. The sharpness and color straight out of camera are amazing. It's actually quite hard to take it off my camera.

I do like this lens better than my 24-70 f2.8. I can tell the difference straight out of camera on the sharpness.

If you'd like to see some awesome portraits with this same lens check out my girlfriends Angie and Darcy. (Just click on their names)

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Photography: Why Hiring a Photoshop Expert Matters

2009-08-11T04:23:00.001-07:00

When you hire a photographer, you want your pictures to be perfect, right? Well, guess what. There is "almost" no such thing as a great picture straight out of camera. There is a process that every professional photographer has to go through to get that picture you see hanging on your wall. Trust me, they didn't just upload it to the nearest lab and click print.

I would like to educate you, the potential client, on what goes on behind the scenes to make a great picture. See that first picture. It's a great pose and setting. The camera was a professional one with a very expensive portrait lens. But, wow, look at the difference in the second picture. That difference is why you should hire not only a photographer, but someone who is skilled in Photoshop too!

Here is what all went into making that good picture a great one:

1. Customized the white balance to correct the color.

2. Did a localized exposure adjustment in Lightroom on my face, because it was so washed out.

3. Customized the sharpness for a portrait.

4. Removed the blue cast that was a result of the shade.

5. Lifted all of the shadows with a curve adjustment.

6. Brought out the eyes with layered sharpening and brightness.

7. Applied a highlight layer under the eyes to remove the dark circles.

8. Performed a whitening and polishing dentine adjustment on all of the teeth.

9. Nip and Tuck: removed some of the "junk" in my "trunk". :)

10. Brought back the color in my cheeks and around my eyes.

11. Added a tiny bit of color saturation.

12. Dramatized it a wee bit with a black vignette.

When you hire a photographer, you're not just paying for them to show up and take your picture, your also paying them for the time it takes behind the scenes to make your pictures spectacular. A customized portrait setting averages about 20 + hours of work that the client is not aware of. This is why the average sitting fee for a natural light customized photographer is around 250$ which does not include any prints. And, also, why it takes a few weeks before you have your proofs. After all, I like it when I can have a little junk in my trunk removed. How about you? When you hire me, you can be assured that your pictures will turn out great, because of the loving care that goes into each and every one of them.

Let's Look at that one more time.

Interested in hiring someone who shoots on location and is skilled in Photoshop?

You can contact me at pagesofourlife@gmail.com for information on booking a customized outdoor portraiture session.

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Saddle Up! A Day on the Ranch

2009-08-10T17:39:00.001-07:00

Today, we met up with a few of our friends from our homeschool group and went horseback riding.

This awesome lady set it all up. Thanks, Jumara! Now, doesn't she just have the most adorable daughters? I think they take after their momma very well.

As cool as this place was, eventually, the boys found their way to the creek and began to discover "things". I think they preferred the salamander hunting to the horses.

Me, well, I preferred capturing this sweet little angel, who kept saying "yes, mam" to everything I said to her. Her momma is doing something right.

Oh, and just one more of this sweetheart. This time in black and white. Now, I have to go put my feet up.

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Hi, I'm Beth. Welcome to my blog!

2009-08-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

Pages of Our Life, is where I love to post an uber amount of pictures and share the joy I have raising two fine boys. I'm a writer and budding photographer outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

Who am I?

Adoring wife of John, who I've had the pleasure of laughing with since 1992.

Grateful to be the mom of boys, who are known in the blogosphere as Sketch and FC (short for Frog Catcher)

Passionate photographer who enjoys taking pictures of almost anything. Really.

If you'd like to see how I get frogs to smile for my camera, click here.

Absolutely loves hanging out at B&N with a Starbux of course!

One of the proud moms who devoured, savored, and loved reading Twilight this year.

Can't get enough of 24, even though it makes me have crazy dreams. Sometimes.

On my bucket list, is taking our crew on a Mediterranean cruise, so we can see all the places we've studied in Ancient History together.

Should now have a degree in Latin, Math, and History, since I've been homeschooling since 2003.

Can't keep Google gold to myself so I share it here in lieu of Photoshop tutorials, Lightroom presets, and my favorite books.

Writes for Heart of the Matter on things like How to Survive the Mommy Meltdown.

Somehow gets blamed when the Oreos disappear in the house.

You can find me:

On Twitter
At my Flickr photostream
On the I ♥ Faces Network
At Heart of the Matter Online as Beth

Thanks, for stopping by!

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Contact

2009-08-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

Do you have a question about homeschooling or photography?

Email me at: pagesofourlife@gmail.com

Engagement Photography: David & Andrea

2009-08-06T16:59:00.001-07:00

Recently, I had the privilege of capturing my Uncle David and his soon-to-be wife Andrea. They were so much fun. On the way to our meeting, I passed a cornfield and instantly became inspired with the idea to shoot there. The shots we took in the cornfield are my favorite ones. In case your wondering how I did it. I used a ladder and it gave me the elevation I needed to capture their happiness! When we left that night my youngest son piped up from the back of the car and said, "Mom, I think he found the perfect wife." :) I think so too!

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First Maternity Shoot: Jonathan & Ryan

2009-07-28T04:21:00.000-07:00

I had the privileged last Sunday of meeting up with Jonathan and Ryan. It was so much fun photographing them. They are going to be great parents. There is nothing quite like being able to capture the love two people have for each other and their excitement to be first time parents. Thank you, Jonathan and Ryan, for allowing me to capture this special time in your life. Here is a sneak peek of some of what we did.

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Photography: Capturing my Boys Manual Style

2009-07-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that summer break is almost over.

It's also hard to believe that I will have a son in 5th grade this year!

If only that saying were true...

That you could put time in a bottle.

I'm not ready for them to grow up.

Not yet...

So, I better do all I can to capture them.

One picture at a time!

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Celebrations: Food, Family, and Fireworks Oh Boy!

2009-07-06T05:05:00.001-07:00

When the day has come and gone, I will probably not remember what happened as we walked out the door...

How a certain someone accidentally dropped our signature family dish full of peach cobbler. And, how it broke into a million pieces on the driveway.

Nope, I will remember all of the fun we had at my parent's home shooting fireworks off of their dock. I will remember the excitement on the kid's faces and how one son said, "Mom, this has been the greatest holiday ever!

So, how was your holiday? Did it go off with a bang?

If you would like to see more patriotic photos, head over to http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/. They are sharing family stories patriotic style this week and it's not a contest. :D

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Photography Help: Taking Your Profile Picture

2009-07-03T04:33:00.000-07:00

After listening to the Women Inspired Conference on better blogging, I realized that my blog needed an "about me" page up there in the opening links. Something that allows you the visitor or passing friend to have a quick insight into who I am. Well, you can't have an about me page without a picture can you?

And, since I had no one around who knew how to take a "skinny" picture. You know the kind that takes away 10 pounds, not adds it when you smile. I decided to hire a professional. A professional lego builder that is. My 8yo son, who we lovingly call, Frog Catcher, loves to take pictures. Seriously!

He was a ham I tell you. Mom, "tilt your head this way" saying that while all the time being totally professional. It was his idea to take this next shot. He said, "Mom, you need something that shows your personality more." You know that side of me that loves reading to my kids and buying way to many books for them.

Photography Notes: How We Did It

Do you need a profile pic, but have no one but your kids to take it? Try this.

1. Secure your camera on a tripod.

2. Open up your door to let the light in, you sit just inside it, and place your camera outside. The light will be smashingly perfect, if it's not nighttime.

3. Line up your camera so that all your child has to do is hit the button.

4. Don't forget to show your personality. Include things that represent you and your interests if you can. It will put your stamp on the pic and allow the observer to have a better picture of who you are.

5. Don't forget the skinny angle! If you want to shed some weight around your jaw line, try poses with you looking up at the camera.

6. Now just have fun and click away!

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Diving into Summer with a Splash!

2009-06-30T14:05:00.001-07:00

Whew! The heat index has been close to 100 here in Georgia and it's just too hot outside to go anywhere. Not to worry though we are surviving quite nicely. I can't imagine not having a pool with boys. Every mom of boys needs a pool.

Today, while they were swimming, I climbed up on a ladder and practiced taking pictures in "manual" mode. Yes, you heard that right. Manual. I learned how to set the exposure manually and to change it for different creative effects. I'm a little excited. All of these pictures are SOOC. By setting the exposure manually the histogram reading seemed to be perfect every time.

So, how are you all surviving this heat??

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Photoshop: Adding Textures to Wow Your Photos

2009-06-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

Before: No Texture Added

Oh my! If you have Photoshop Elements or above you can do this! Recently, on Pioneer Woman Photography Jodi of MCP Actions gave an excellent tutorial on how to add textures to your pictures to create dramatic effects.

So, this morning I loaded a recent picture I had taken of my son, followed the instructions, and Wa'La. I'm not so sure this would be the best texture to use on this type of photo but for a first trial and effort I found out that it was super EASY to do. You can see how adding texture can totally change up the look.

After: With Texture Added

Did you know that you do not have to buy textures to do this? If you follow me on Twitter you know that I love to pass on all of my freebie link finds there. One of my recent finds was FREE textures. There are many people on Flicker who have taken the time to upload these for free. And they are awesome!!

Here are the links you need:
1. Jodi's tutorial on how to add and play with textures
2. One cool person on Flickr you can download from to get ya started

And, while we are chatting about Photoshop, do you see the "Clickin Moms" picture link over in my sidebar? I just joined their awesome forum. I can highly recommend them. They have a slew of freebies on their website, along with tutorials. Just Saying...

Happy Friday!

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12 Years Ago....

2009-06-20T06:17:00.001-07:00

We started a garden.

Originally, there was nothing in it but hard clay.

But, with time, hard work, and a little sunshine and rain...

Something beautiful has emerged...

Oh, and did I forget lots and lots of manure

Baby, I love you! 12 happy years of marriage sure can produce quite a few flowers. I love what is growing in our garden. Happy Anniversary Sweetheart! I wouldn't want to get dirty with anyone else but you. :D

Photography Note: All pictures were taken at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. It was my first time trying to capture flowers up close.

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Week 23: Photo Challenge "Sepia Toned"

2009-06-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

This fun shot was taken this morning using window light and some awesomely-cool black fabric I just bought for a background. The subject is my oldest son, who kindly posed before heading outside to the pool.

Photography Conversion: I used the default sepia preset in Lightroom 2 and then moved the sliders around to adjust for different dark and light areas. The eyes were doctored using Pioneer Woman's free actions on her photography website. The frame is also a freebie that you can find by visiting one of my favorite bloggers Jodie of MCP Actions.

Disclaimer: I welcome constructive criticism.

Join in the fun at www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com

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Every Mother Needs...

2009-06-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

Her own Happy Trail.

You know the one where there are no dirty dishes or never-ending laundry piles.

Yesterday, a friend and I loaded up the car with a picnic and went to a local park with the kids. It was refreshing.

When you go hiking, do you stop to see the art in nature? Having a ready camera has encouraged me to open my eyes to the art that is everywhere and especially out in nature.

Our hike ended here.

Where are your favorite places to enjoy nature?

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If You Visited a Powhatan Indian Village...

2009-06-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

You might see something like this.

There are two separate museums near the original Jamestowne site. (Jamestowne was originally sepelled with an "e" on the end of it.) This re-created village is part of the larger Jamestown Settlement attraction which is not on the island.

The Jamestown Settlement is one of a kind. Along with this re-created village and a recreation of the original settlement it has one of the largest museums I have ever seen. What makes this place extra special are the people walking around in period dress. They give the experience a whole new meaning to the word living education. If you ask them a question, be prepared to listen. We found their knowledge of the subject matter to be quite extensive and enjoyable to listen to.

Travel Tip: If you are planning a visit, I would suggest a full day here along with the island tour. And if you are able, follow it up that evening with one of the fantastic Clipper Ship Cruises. Only make your reservations before you leave. The cruises fill up fast.

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