Seaworld

We had to go to Seaworld. It was our first time. What can I say.? It was a zoo. Kids everywhere. Trying to keep track of everybody. Exhausting.

But look at those happy faces. All worth it in the end.

I am afraid Ryan looked a bit like a polygamist with all of these sister wives and kids. Can you imagine.? LOL

Purely Photography (Mission Beach)

I need to get this post out of the way and then I will post the pictures from our fun beach vacation in Mission Beach.

This first one is a picture of a flower/ succulent plant thing. It was just so pretty. The second picture is HDR. I like the first one better. Just interesting to see the difference.

The houses are near the Mormon Battalion in Old Town San Diego. I didn't get to stay in the museum for very long, Emmett was very cranky and wasn't having any of it. So I had to leave, and it was super cool too. Dang it. But I got to shoot a bit.

And check out this little sitting room in the museum. What a sweet little spot to think. The bust of Christ was lit up so beautifully on the table. The whole scene was so sweet.

Little Emmett walked up to that statue and put his little hand on it. It was an amazing moment. I love this picture.

This last one was interesting because I usually don't shoot straight into the sun. I had to over expose by 3 stops to get the over exposed shot for this HDR image.

Frame series

I love seeing what other photographers are doing. I was on Instagram (iphone App) and one of the IGer's had these really cool pictures and I was inspired. Amanda, Alli and I headed to the beach for some nice scenery and started snapping. I took 2 pictures, one with the person and a frame (it had a cheesy beachy picture in it), and one with out. So I just put the pictures one on top of the other in photoshop and then brush away the picture out of the frame and blammo. See right through me.

Yes I can see how this might be a sad message if you look too deep. Like Oh look there isn't anything on the inside. Or Oh ya I can see right thru you. But really, it is just a fun effect. Alli's turned out awesome.

Check out Nunu. Love this one. It was the first one. Man it is so much easier to shoot adults. Kids just don't sit still.

Here we are. Missed Lindsey, they were going to head out to vacation with us but had a car accident. Everyone is fine. But we sure missed them.

I put a water mark on this one. Still trying to decide on a name for my photography. No I am not going into business. Just a dream for the future.

End of the Year School Programs

I need to catch up on some of the events for these boys.

Tyler got to play his guitar in the talent show. It was so fun to see him. He chose the song and handled the whole deal. He is growing up. He played Tarantella or something like that. The name escapes me. Great job T.

Burton had a cute program and sang songs and danced. He is a silly kid. Kindergarten suited him well. This was his teacher Mrs Sessions. He loved her.
Like I said, silly.
He is named well. Burton Andre, who's eyes disappear when he smiles. Ha.
Oscar's class did an, um, interesting play about nature. More to the point don't damage the cacti in the desert, and clean up after your self when you go and picnic in the desert. Um ok. They sang songs all around that theme. Like I said, ...interesting.
But, it was patriotic. All about AZ so that's good. Here he is with the long hair. His best friend is there on the end with the peace sign. Right back at cha JT.
Wesley's grade didn't do a program. They stagger them so there isn't too much all at once. Great job boys.

Bear and Arrows

Back in October Oscar got his bear and Tyler got his Arrow of light and passed on to scouts. I found the pictures and had to post. These boys are so awesome. Oscar was so funny. He had to hunt the bear and conquer to get his award. (Dad behind the curtain)

He Got the Bear Pelt. Way to go Oscar.

Our Tyler walked along this bridge to cross over to scouting. We are so grateful to his leaders for all their help and encouragement. Tyler is a hard working boy and wants to climb high in scouts. Always looking to the next merit badge and class. Great job T.

Father's Day

The boys call it Daddy in the bed. (Breakfast in bed) I hate to correct those funny sayings. It is pretty cute. Look at all those darling boys. Nate is a great dad and we are so glad he is ours.

Early Morning Date with a sunrise

Yes I made it. I had a little help. My parents needed a ride to the airport, otherwise. I would have been unconscious. Super happy that I got to spend a little early morning time with my parents, and the added bonus of making it to Tempe Town Lake before sunrise.

Only regret is there weren't any clouds. That makes a big difference. Well to me it does. So once again these are taken with HDR. This means that there are 3 pictures combined together with a program.Photomatix So an over exposed, Under and correct exposure. The program can combine the best parts of the pictures.
100 ISO f/29 and of course 3 different shutter speeds. I love how still the water is. Seriously exciting stuff.




ok This was cool because I thought that the original shot was better than the HDR. Less saturation is better sometimes.
Original on top and HDR on the bottom.
How cool is that.? Look at the difference. HDR is pretty big right now with landscape photography. I see it everywhere.