Meet the Ladies-Product Advertising

Hey ,
Hope everyone is well.  I am suffering with a cold right now.  A Summer Cold! WTH?  Well needless to say I took these photos before the aches and pains set in.

Each Guitar was an overhaul, providing new electrical wiring and of course, Single/Double Coil Pick  or DiMarzio Pick Ups replaced, except Olive. She is made from a solid wood, that was stained, sealed then given a nice maple neck. Strings: Ernie Ball. Each lady has her name printed on the head stock.

Meet Plain Jane

Meet Scarlet

Meet Olive

Wine&Spirits- Photos&Reviews

   Spring is here for the most and so as new, our senses change with the seasons.

New foods & drinks as we celebrate with our friends & family. I big Happy Mother's Day to Mothers everywhere, soon to be Mothers and Those who Want to be Mothers!

I enjoy trying new things, so I decided to taste test some things out there that you may or may NOT know about! I am not a spokesperson for any of these companies, but I did create these photos in my studio. ~Big Smile~

Wines~ I prefer Reds always with an occasional White.

Most Recent Try~ Beaujolais by two French brands:
 Manoir Du Carra &  Louis Jadot.

 This low tannin form of wine is made from the Gamay Grape of France.

  This is too Floral. This was so bad that I couldn't finish the smidge I put in my wine glass. It was for me what it would be like to drink PERFUME! ~HORRIBLE!~

Price $13.99

Louis Jadot- Is a better French Beaujolais, It has Great spice, Smooth $17.99

Manoir du Carra-France (YUCK)

 

 

The Kraken- Black Spiced Rum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rum: Distilled from the Sugar Cane with Major Production in the Caribbean, No wonder the Chance to Say " Release the Kraken, shall never get old Now that there is the Kraken Black Spiced Rum.

 

 I find it smooth and less spicy than Captain Morgan, which I like. I have associated Captain Morgan with cooking and the holidays, that I prefer not to drink it. The Kraken has more of a black cherry, vanilla undertone. I pair this with my favorite Cola to help out a sweet tooth. It's 2nd Shelf and in the price range of $16.90

 

 

Gin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gin, A distilled grain, then redistilled with botanicals such as the Juniper Berry. It's hard to say exactly how gin came about as it is derived in French, Dutch & Italian from the words that all mean Juniper.
  I prefer my Gin with a Tonic Water that gives you fizz with flavor, leaving out the sugar. Its good for hot nights in the South and it isn't heavy. I like this Gin, its clean and refreshing. In Price Range is $13.97


                                                                       E&J Brandy

Brandy is a Brandywine (burnt wine) Dutch word Brandewijn.

 It is Distilled wine. Served & Drank as Neat room temp or on the rocks.

 I like Brandy on cold winter's nights in front of the fire place with my puppy, a book or old movie. I liked this brand, its the Extra Smooth version in the Price Range  $11.95


Thanks for reading and checking out the blog. Please follow and find me on google+ and facebook.

Have a great day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dogwood Trees-Facts & History

The Dogwood Tree is a genus species ranging 30-60 in the Cornaceae Family, meaning flowering plant. Most of these are deciduous meaning the fall off at maturity like most seasonal plants. Adorning itself with white petals in the shape of a cross and tipped reds at its peaks.

It is said that the name came about from the English word "Dag" as in daggers or skewers. It was used to make small tools that were able to have strength such as mallets and needles.The North American Indians used it for arrows. Beyond the utilitarian , legends were created because man has always reminded himself that there is a creator.

It is said that the significance is that of the Crucifixion of Christ.. That the shape represents the cross in which Jesus died for our sins and the blood represents the nails in his hands and feet and the blood that trickles from his crown of thorns.

I am always able to spot my dogwoods in bloom beyond the wood line of my property. They stand out beautifully just like the legend.

I took my camera and walked the property with Henry.  I hope you enjoy the photos. Happy Easter! He is Risen!

Majority of the settings, ISO 100, 1/125th shutter, F8

What Inspires you?

Perks of Facebook Groups~ I am part of many facebook groups and online forums for photography. Its important that I do not become complacent in my field of work. My rule is that I read something about photography everyday and view other arttist' work. Being inspired sparks my own creativity. I have met a lot of great people. One of those people is Will Goodall Copestake. His zest for exploring and attitude make me feel like I have traveled right along with him. He picks up the camera takes us along for the ride. Places I could never explore for I don't have the endurance to survive the elements. I wish more young people had his attitude. He was one of the few who participated in my blog's Photo of The Day. Here is the post: http://laymanphoto.blogspot.com/2012/12/photo-of-week-will-copestake.html

When Will posted if anyone wanted a holiday card, I said yes quickly. Here is the long overdue card full of photos and a message.

 

Click on photo to see this message!

 

Tap Dance & Jazz Photographs

I had a Mother contact me about portraits for her child's dance classes. It was clear that they have had a bad experience with a photographer who didn't quite deliver in his skills and attitude. I really hate to hear this happening to anyone because it causes people to be a lil gun shy, in seeking a professional.

I decided to do a lot more for them by doing photographs with all outfits and several backgrounds. I also wanted them to have loads of fun!

I had a blast being able to provide them with what they needed. Such a wonderful young lady to photograph and a passionate Mother who didn't want her child to be left out. I am thankful for the opportunity!


I hope you enjoy a few more of my favorites. These are not in my album on facebook, as I do try not to post duplicates.

Gorgeous grey eyes!

James Bond Theme Song inspired this outfit!

I have the ability to make a teenager laugh! I love these shots because people often think, because my face isn't behind the camera, I cant get the shot! (remote shutter! ty!)

I also used high lighting.

Dramatics on the light set up.

Cyndi Lauper's True Colors inspired this outfit.

 

Thank you all for looking! I appreciate all your support!

A bit more than RIDICULOUS

RIDICULOUS: Inspiring ridicule,absurd,silly: Synonyms: laughable, idiotic, foolish, cockeyed, nonsensical

What Am I Talking About?

  I am talking about the massive amounts of software and the ability to distort photos. Over processed and what was once natural in its beauty becomes lost. Did you see the Photoshop Epic Fail that Target did on two of it's edits http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2014/03/target-apologizes-for-thigh-gap-photoshop-fail/

Have you seen the filter of instagram popping up as a preset on every photo software available? I have and I am getting tired of it. I often as a photographer join other photography communities and forums and even sometimes join the conversation. I am just irritated that so many people hit the like button in facebook for mediocre work. I appreciate the tools that are given in software, I just wish interpretation and use were put to what is in my opinion good use. Unless you are given an assignment specific to a concept, let's tone it down?? Anyone who knows me, has heard me speak of taking the best photo first and never relying on software to save you. You will never learn or hone any new skills that will help you AS YOU PHOTOGRAPH. A simple portrait can be stunning even if you use software... don't over do it. Here are two examples: Original and over edit.

I took this next photograph which is some of my first boudoir work and did a soft skin edit with a few tweeks. I am not always happy with the things I see sometimes when I look back at my own work. I am glad to know that I DO IMPROVE! This photo was taken when I didn't use anything other than exposure & contrast to help me edit portraits. My statement for portraits is, that I will make you look like a healthier you. I want you to look good, or I do not look good. I do think the original of this portrait was nice.. I decided with new skills and learning a new program to show you how less is more. I soften the skin, took out blemishes and brightened the eyes. I wanted Karin to remain as beautiful as I have always seen her with out heavy edits.

Any thoughts? Let's discuss... laymanphotography@windstream.net or leave a comment. Have a great day!

Do you remember your firsts?

Hello everyone! I hope all has been well. I wish I could say the same, but my health has been an issue due to extreme dental problems. Thank you to all for the get well wishes. I am on the up swing!! Yay! I have many photos to sort and process and share with all of you. I'm excited!! In my massive LightRoom Catalog, I stumbled upon photos that I take personally for myself. My own life events and moments that I want to cherish.. Sometimes as a photographer, these images sit all alone in a folder marked "Personal" and get pushed to the last of the list. The reason I did get to these few photos of my Lab was to clear up my photo count of 763, so when I look at the total, it doesn't stress me out. I know, its my own trick for the mind! I do have a lot of good news and photos to share, so stay tuned! My 4 year old yellow lab, Henry enjoying his first marshmallow! Do you have a few firsts to share? If so, send them to me, Id love to see them and share on my blog. Have a great day! Stacey