tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801278439975833172024-03-05T03:40:13.505-07:00Blue Prints Photography--The BlogMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.comBlogger213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-20765432250807951812012-06-21T18:43:00.000-06:002012-06-21T18:44:40.585-06:00Newborn All Wrapped Up in HistoryLast Saturday I got to photograph a beautiful newborn girl. We went to her grandparents' home for the majority of the shoot, which turned out to be more amazing than I ever imagined. The home was filled with items that had been passed down from generation to generation, and we got to use some of them in the shoot. In this first image, the baby is wrapped in antique lace made by her great great great grandmother.<br />
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In this next image, she is holding her grandmother's pearls.<br />
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In this shot, she is laying on the lace in front of the fireplace with some feathers that her mother wore in her hair on her wedding day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4uSH0PHSSxoMtIGEYpK0Ix2uJXAoalYjoSC2yRtTuLzra-iMW08JaF-iaFsqAF0XYJ_x2yoqKzTfxpNZpWd-P_zVVuZFF9M3TrKtDUZ8cRA1-1iEQus4SXQkIWoLbgPFDIwDp56ZhSJR/s1600/Etta+Mae+3+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4uSH0PHSSxoMtIGEYpK0Ix2uJXAoalYjoSC2yRtTuLzra-iMW08JaF-iaFsqAF0XYJ_x2yoqKzTfxpNZpWd-P_zVVuZFF9M3TrKtDUZ8cRA1-1iEQus4SXQkIWoLbgPFDIwDp56ZhSJR/s640/Etta+Mae+3+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here she is in her great grandfather's Stetson hat.<br />
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At the end of the shoot, we went back to the baby's nursery to include some more history. Hanging in the armoire are dresses that she, her mother, and her aunt wore home from the hospital when they were newborns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoOOMyx63aGcUYhA-cXnMOwrhmLJUmF1yno0M6-a60zSuxvdMKOYSAzWsIaYp6t-Ym3B0tEHCgchXQHZu8vwWP7_Zl1_FOjBV1LNZdyEFjDeYNI5NWqoovSGJ8Usr0QdhsTi-hh2-tTHV/s1600/Etta+Mae+05+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoOOMyx63aGcUYhA-cXnMOwrhmLJUmF1yno0M6-a60zSuxvdMKOYSAzWsIaYp6t-Ym3B0tEHCgchXQHZu8vwWP7_Zl1_FOjBV1LNZdyEFjDeYNI5NWqoovSGJ8Usr0QdhsTi-hh2-tTHV/s640/Etta+Mae+05+for+blog.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lastly, here is a shot of her holding her mom and dad's fingers. She was such a sweet, beautiful baby. I can't wait to see her as she grows up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_zmXTTNeESrheqUdEciVAdsxUEhcV2QtbkW2DkvCRvEmwKcMRNu5-a85JRDG-SH7WpK4h5sdplo4kui5smNHF-pdagO5L7AMNNDJKdz-BqWyoXrtf3yIAIUdLIIj5aFZZfoJymb_BCpz/s1600/Etta+Mae+06+bw+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_zmXTTNeESrheqUdEciVAdsxUEhcV2QtbkW2DkvCRvEmwKcMRNu5-a85JRDG-SH7WpK4h5sdplo4kui5smNHF-pdagO5L7AMNNDJKdz-BqWyoXrtf3yIAIUdLIIj5aFZZfoJymb_BCpz/s640/Etta+Mae+06+bw+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-50323715100468811462012-03-19T13:20:00.001-06:002012-03-19T18:44:39.339-06:00High Fashion Photo Shoot in the SunLast October, I got the opportunity to work one-on-one with a famous, incredibly talented photographer named Nicole Van Valkenburg. (You can see my post about it <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/in-which-famous-photographer-comes-to.html">here</a> and you can go to her website <a href="http://www.nicholev.com/">here</a>).<br />
I finally was able to go out with my good friend and photographer extraordinaire, Jessica McAllister to try out some of the techniques I learned. I didn't have all the same equipment that Nicole had, so we made do with what we had. I think the results are quite beautiful. Here are some of my favorites from the shoot. (Jessica had other favorites, and you can see them on her blog <a href="http://www.flourishgallery.com/blog/melissa-blue-denver-portraits-photographer/">here</a>).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE3qedEXknBIAOkhSQxMpCzaGz9cKvDYTZTPJlSFEhlH1Wo8Hp6DHsK30gbtBsYQcAi5-0WPit7CzW8UMW_1zQw5HWaNHaVihtr2m03Lh99CuywfOW1ZC-YUsejuH33kG_Xw0iLe7apDx/s1600/Jess+01+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE3qedEXknBIAOkhSQxMpCzaGz9cKvDYTZTPJlSFEhlH1Wo8Hp6DHsK30gbtBsYQcAi5-0WPit7CzW8UMW_1zQw5HWaNHaVihtr2m03Lh99CuywfOW1ZC-YUsejuH33kG_Xw0iLe7apDx/s640/Jess+01+for+blog.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3E9OstgpEDKDeZseMR69rbtE-8ehQPuPEJx4JCfcMMbbJIzgH5pzdN0f-zf4HgBhfh1y_8mFkLR4lwI45_aHXNph9YH7CLT3G2il5hDBI5-gMgEn3nBJObmruAXJDcyJQAsXZqA4L7R4c/s1600/Jess+03+for+blog.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3E9OstgpEDKDeZseMR69rbtE-8ehQPuPEJx4JCfcMMbbJIzgH5pzdN0f-zf4HgBhfh1y_8mFkLR4lwI45_aHXNph9YH7CLT3G2il5hDBI5-gMgEn3nBJObmruAXJDcyJQAsXZqA4L7R4c/s640/Jess+03+for+blog.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvR7mWgNArw1HzQgyR2y8YWT1FmZKaHK9YfoWZYPj33s-a6udCBz19vmMZD-4dtb5pV0JU9gtaZ1K4fveNsnrY-tP2uiNFsWIkf8GIlGiLgGMK6GvxEr4JyvdhTg78uLUK-ggbis4agWjg/s1600/Jess+04+crop+crop+bw+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvR7mWgNArw1HzQgyR2y8YWT1FmZKaHK9YfoWZYPj33s-a6udCBz19vmMZD-4dtb5pV0JU9gtaZ1K4fveNsnrY-tP2uiNFsWIkf8GIlGiLgGMK6GvxEr4JyvdhTg78uLUK-ggbis4agWjg/s640/Jess+04+crop+crop+bw+for+blog.jpg" width="426" /></a></div> These are a couple of my favorites that Jessica took of me. I did the cropping and editing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzQDPr8a8e4bsTFvB3xzjmkjVME73wsOEl11BKprvvg0T263UZQUfPPke9q9Yk6xbtXaWv9bTuuh_N0BExsxQtZFTvjaQ0cqrEJyEmRNnWn5J17csDs5Z0ByBJVLiX442mdOMpS18RLRM/s1600/Me+01+midnight+sepia+4x6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzQDPr8a8e4bsTFvB3xzjmkjVME73wsOEl11BKprvvg0T263UZQUfPPke9q9Yk6xbtXaWv9bTuuh_N0BExsxQtZFTvjaQ0cqrEJyEmRNnWn5J17csDs5Z0ByBJVLiX442mdOMpS18RLRM/s640/Me+01+midnight+sepia+4x6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2tq8YriViILGHqfq2ZWCZ4PAu-gJRw8XDlqjb2fUvTsddIWlAU6YuEO8QuoDD5cocYhndVCHkD19MhfhljsjPd7zDJqpSrC9HXJsP_mRy9yxShdsTYRxmtbIlueEddEw1eYfD5hwLjWo/s1600/Me+02+faded+4x6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2tq8YriViILGHqfq2ZWCZ4PAu-gJRw8XDlqjb2fUvTsddIWlAU6YuEO8QuoDD5cocYhndVCHkD19MhfhljsjPd7zDJqpSrC9HXJsP_mRy9yxShdsTYRxmtbIlueEddEw1eYfD5hwLjWo/s640/Me+02+faded+4x6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-12158130118672755342012-03-06T11:44:00.001-07:002012-03-06T11:45:49.878-07:00Mrs. Colorado Pageant 2012This year I was able to sponsor my friend, Valentina Anderson, in the Mrs. Colorado Pageant. This is the third year I have sponsored her, and her best year ever! The pageant was held at the Buell Theater in downtown Denver and was hosted by Richard Ortner (local weatherman) and Emily Stark (for Mrs. Colorado and pageant director). The funniest thing happened very early on when Richard Ortner's pants almost fell to his ankles in front of the whole audience! Luckily, he noticed his excessively loose pants and grabbed them before we all got to see what kind of underwear he had on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTx0eKK6vv0nUmyYfkcH6U7CJUqxZQtvX6JkcmrsEv32RrbMoPBksdAvMMrU04NvCLgpDGe_2wsJU-QWRC2P0NjshRL9mlv6-M0t2FzU4sY_fFCUMU722qOLSwPl2MLCLgqfZzBxbDbTGM/s1600/Richard+Ortner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTx0eKK6vv0nUmyYfkcH6U7CJUqxZQtvX6JkcmrsEv32RrbMoPBksdAvMMrU04NvCLgpDGe_2wsJU-QWRC2P0NjshRL9mlv6-M0t2FzU4sY_fFCUMU722qOLSwPl2MLCLgqfZzBxbDbTGM/s400/Richard+Ortner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The rest of the night went off without a hitch :)<br />
Here's Valentina coming onstage for the first time as all the women introduced themselves:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Mf_oW-1egfBu7_WIFlGoSnt6cE7FA4WbvghnaApHt3k45L1NXtNbc_Te3e3hFGENsxpOlkXOdnsFxbqkFSguZO1eH_flCUffwvAPzshhPqDI9Js_P6eywcsOX_MrqIGwukRfFyiEGMXN/s1600/Val+2+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Mf_oW-1egfBu7_WIFlGoSnt6cE7FA4WbvghnaApHt3k45L1NXtNbc_Te3e3hFGENsxpOlkXOdnsFxbqkFSguZO1eH_flCUffwvAPzshhPqDI9Js_P6eywcsOX_MrqIGwukRfFyiEGMXN/s640/Val+2+-+Copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIw7TSDpBCQ2hlSvCyMuVdL7tC7tUHYVtWXmqIcQlKC_VsFe-53R8Kw197duDPP0WQFo98E77s_IN9x_EC7jEzFxgraBRTpLlLyCanosW6grFhIMKVVEl2RLIL4C0E7LAubm12vt9rU_8/s1600/Val+1+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIw7TSDpBCQ2hlSvCyMuVdL7tC7tUHYVtWXmqIcQlKC_VsFe-53R8Kw197duDPP0WQFo98E77s_IN9x_EC7jEzFxgraBRTpLlLyCanosW6grFhIMKVVEl2RLIL4C0E7LAubm12vt9rU_8/s640/Val+1+-+Copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>She made the Top 17! (Top 15 plus two more because there was a tie):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr1EofIDuQCjU0U6B8ZKGf3yzQim9CaasaXCoQJmpPoQEA_E58bZQWP2Vnm5zpXLo8f03_cbCckLLG_TbgtfRiFdVG4qmEsi7z0jSXLQPos0JzjbqzU55dDO7LKn4nGPSfHPkojRgGEer/s1600/Val+3+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr1EofIDuQCjU0U6B8ZKGf3yzQim9CaasaXCoQJmpPoQEA_E58bZQWP2Vnm5zpXLo8f03_cbCckLLG_TbgtfRiFdVG4qmEsi7z0jSXLQPos0JzjbqzU55dDO7LKn4nGPSfHPkojRgGEer/s640/Val+3+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiato4pB1cep3v895H1DZ8GctQxk3SIRaAREHThOaZGK_kqTcV2tusXu4tFaMYsvqMiHGYxN9F1tkSQu0N0gMJOIcUztc8-FGIRea-uETrtJ8plDn04rj2id5Z65aX8nVWuGrNbCD3Bf2f7/s1600/Val+4+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiato4pB1cep3v895H1DZ8GctQxk3SIRaAREHThOaZGK_kqTcV2tusXu4tFaMYsvqMiHGYxN9F1tkSQu0N0gMJOIcUztc8-FGIRea-uETrtJ8plDn04rj2id5Z65aX8nVWuGrNbCD3Bf2f7/s640/Val+4+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TxC7ZqD2nPvATQDCEVOgXfce7qgOmvPSdGZYKRnvOC5brG7gdOLFh48ghEbs1YL40wAsUBRgHZDMJPrWEdgJYaDrnp6dBSlVdPM-uekdZ91DnxqrRF6NoGc2vYOFZJJ6yi7Mj5ddQmvE/s1600/Val+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TxC7ZqD2nPvATQDCEVOgXfce7qgOmvPSdGZYKRnvOC5brG7gdOLFh48ghEbs1YL40wAsUBRgHZDMJPrWEdgJYaDrnp6dBSlVdPM-uekdZ91DnxqrRF6NoGc2vYOFZJJ6yi7Mj5ddQmvE/s640/Val+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Here she is strutting her stuff in her swimsuit:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcBFelglp2wXAHiqPnLrEIhX3oMeX3YW_9Fj-syMUyiokk6u6qIYC5h7mFw-5q6pfmAq-xPj8xD93GItzy1WfUCDmmAzEmkRfPU2FGXGJAuL6H0FiAeiTfw7fW3BaM-fGYKsYIwuB79mh/s1600/Val+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcBFelglp2wXAHiqPnLrEIhX3oMeX3YW_9Fj-syMUyiokk6u6qIYC5h7mFw-5q6pfmAq-xPj8xD93GItzy1WfUCDmmAzEmkRfPU2FGXGJAuL6H0FiAeiTfw7fW3BaM-fGYKsYIwuB79mh/s640/Val+8.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoZeC40b3a-cm9exCeUM42yHF8dBLS7-d3NnTL5IVuxE6yynJ3dhPBP-yQeLzsNazjMyI12O9Vo5RBebtFPrKRRGI0NCyIVVKaQffvJf9lzQaODAdjM9pZDQdg5vQxFXY9yyURCzuCWCA/s1600/Val+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoZeC40b3a-cm9exCeUM42yHF8dBLS7-d3NnTL5IVuxE6yynJ3dhPBP-yQeLzsNazjMyI12O9Vo5RBebtFPrKRRGI0NCyIVVKaQffvJf9lzQaODAdjM9pZDQdg5vQxFXY9yyURCzuCWCA/s640/Val+9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Walking onstage in her evening gown:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUwUSVZ3TwVAd3mimstUJX9hr816tw2BAjhsXfbdQ_gsx72SUzr7uTvHUYA9oub58J63PBT2Sw0kM0CAUzaLZezlRRO3aG288QjPVYzEQ-e3HDAUKdgpJw3oB9GeXMTiXyeALMe8-fY6K/s1600/Val+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUwUSVZ3TwVAd3mimstUJX9hr816tw2BAjhsXfbdQ_gsx72SUzr7uTvHUYA9oub58J63PBT2Sw0kM0CAUzaLZezlRRO3aG288QjPVYzEQ-e3HDAUKdgpJw3oB9GeXMTiXyeALMe8-fY6K/s640/Val+10.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>In the end, she did not win, but was very happy with making the Top 17. After the pageant was over, we had a mini impromptu photo shoot. For more pictures from the pageant, including images of the winner, you can go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BluePrintsPhotography">http://www.facebook.com/BluePrintsPhotography</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0e_MnjQ4YI2YDof0Qe1jhMVn3DpIvqkmy4rTvs0a4rHwt9hEI6w6bkmyTxsaS8TmfTd_yVkOZRX4JRTL_58SqK05l_OBaotqaIOsj2GtaXkg2GlkDOEQ5ZosYTy4GXlPrwgdN3uflCUCn/s1600/Val+21+bw+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0e_MnjQ4YI2YDof0Qe1jhMVn3DpIvqkmy4rTvs0a4rHwt9hEI6w6bkmyTxsaS8TmfTd_yVkOZRX4JRTL_58SqK05l_OBaotqaIOsj2GtaXkg2GlkDOEQ5ZosYTy4GXlPrwgdN3uflCUCn/s640/Val+21+bw+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGss5tTrw9dJGjSSX927OWI4UKH8LVxl8Zl8n8f-j7tJbCvCNHmTnoRVWVTrXyXrgSY7v73NdrD_54vX_-CZ7O4bBCec2OTmUTUlzU7wsmxKAdMT8M3gamuhABQm_ZcPyE3nDgXn8LW2H/s1600/Val+23+bw+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGss5tTrw9dJGjSSX927OWI4UKH8LVxl8Zl8n8f-j7tJbCvCNHmTnoRVWVTrXyXrgSY7v73NdrD_54vX_-CZ7O4bBCec2OTmUTUlzU7wsmxKAdMT8M3gamuhABQm_ZcPyE3nDgXn8LW2H/s640/Val+23+bw+for+blog.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Congratulations Valentina! You are amazing!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFjrzd5VSWe_Rk8s_80yyohM5g1Ev3iB8Aw0qq4OiOAQxOUoetpfDNzEMc9Ft0DPZAra-04d4a6xOIDT0vvngXkErIkXvq5Cbbo8eavwauntyzPS8zEUCmL25bW8VPSbVk64sePhREqPF/s1600/Me+and+Val+bw+4x6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFjrzd5VSWe_Rk8s_80yyohM5g1Ev3iB8Aw0qq4OiOAQxOUoetpfDNzEMc9Ft0DPZAra-04d4a6xOIDT0vvngXkErIkXvq5Cbbo8eavwauntyzPS8zEUCmL25bW8VPSbVk64sePhREqPF/s640/Me+and+Val+bw+4x6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-78527264822162256732012-02-15T11:08:00.000-07:002012-02-15T11:08:14.799-07:00Two and Blue Take TwoLast week this little guy came to my studio and things <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2012/02/two-and-blue-parker-baby-photographer.html">did not go so well.</a> Yesterday I went to his home to try again. What a difference! I got such sweet, precious images of him playing with his toys and just being in his natural environment. Things were going so well with him and his brother jumping in his crib--until he hit his lip. Then the photo shoot was over :( Luckily, I had already gotten a bunch of great shots. Here is a sample of just a few of my favorites.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1Lp25iTNJ5WgCvxb7JlNlI__J1RhvqQgjkXQljibQdMTt4cu9BUpWFZmHSFETf7U7UaQJwC6WeHoGF7yexCyKxAo-lhzOGrbpUAO_iYr1REt7oF5SOAQ8mhhG8b-b9OXvKuEzrx9tMua/s1600/Carter+05+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1Lp25iTNJ5WgCvxb7JlNlI__J1RhvqQgjkXQljibQdMTt4cu9BUpWFZmHSFETf7U7UaQJwC6WeHoGF7yexCyKxAo-lhzOGrbpUAO_iYr1REt7oF5SOAQ8mhhG8b-b9OXvKuEzrx9tMua/s640/Carter+05+for+blog.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-21587017970841822652012-02-13T10:26:00.001-07:002012-02-13T10:29:02.384-07:00Valentine's Day Movie ListBecause tomorrow is Valentine's Day, I thought I would share with you my list of not completely-obvious Valentine's Day movies. These movies just make me happy, and they're perfect to snuggle up with your honey and watch together. As a bonus, they're all rated PG, so you don't have to worry about any awkward moments. Can you think of a movie that should have made my list? Leave a comment with your favorite Valentine's Day movies, and tomorrow, we'll have a vote to determine the best one!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nZkdv3VKpiLg97Hw43dK8hbvTjqpeQcsF8W9tLDDhzapnHxnTMuVG-6_D86d5zO7fQvl0rwg2lEyMrwxsHTHrg38lY5VlT2nUp0l0NcRcV5Dc7huhnx3m7Ni0yhFtkwzdCWOKz_JI2Bu/s1600/leap+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nZkdv3VKpiLg97Hw43dK8hbvTjqpeQcsF8W9tLDDhzapnHxnTMuVG-6_D86d5zO7fQvl0rwg2lEyMrwxsHTHrg38lY5VlT2nUp0l0NcRcV5Dc7huhnx3m7Ni0yhFtkwzdCWOKz_JI2Bu/s1600/leap+year.jpg" /></a></div>1. <em>Leap Year</em><br />
This is the most recent of the movies I'm recommending. When I first rented this movie, I was afraid it was going to be dumb and slapsticky. I found it instead to be completely charming and lovely. I can't get enough of Matthew Goode asking for a bit of mercy in his Irish accent. Love, love this movie.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgx-LtYOAS7lDJ82yUAUDvsA5n75XWOwvTOlbOUPp72SBtchnbQ4HSdOpvOsVu9zGyVpSqtwKxuMwVYFEGTFkV-1azwS8Fm6tLS9GzWDA33WyiZEoxhyphenhyphenunfxKuO_SFG7-VwS1o88K1p8-/s1600/win+a+date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgx-LtYOAS7lDJ82yUAUDvsA5n75XWOwvTOlbOUPp72SBtchnbQ4HSdOpvOsVu9zGyVpSqtwKxuMwVYFEGTFkV-1azwS8Fm6tLS9GzWDA33WyiZEoxhyphenhyphenunfxKuO_SFG7-VwS1o88K1p8-/s320/win+a+date.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>2. <em>Win a Date With Tad Hamilton</em><br />
I know, I know. The name alone sounds so stupid. I thought it would be a huge waste of my time to even watch this movie, but I was wrong. My husband even loves it. Topher Grace delivers a wonderful deadpan humorous performance and seeing his scrawny little body next to Josh Duhamels, uh, not scrawny little body is just so funny.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dpEWUaGloNJ8vrOf_uXt-_vSIOqVlWx7T41QUTCqdqjakaiIimcbQlqi7vJAqHiapnyd0vfx_P-OB71n00zgThysDh0bqxp11SCgiANwrmRajNTMcZTW5T-6A2ltx835IqLjfJWajA8L/s1600/That+thing+you+do.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dpEWUaGloNJ8vrOf_uXt-_vSIOqVlWx7T41QUTCqdqjakaiIimcbQlqi7vJAqHiapnyd0vfx_P-OB71n00zgThysDh0bqxp11SCgiANwrmRajNTMcZTW5T-6A2ltx835IqLjfJWajA8L/s1600/That+thing+you+do.jpg" /></a></div>3. <em>That Thing You Do</em><br />
Warning: These songs will be stuck in your head for a week. But they're all awesome, so it's really not a problem. While not technically classified as a "romantic comedy," this still has a sweet romantic element to it. I love Steve Zahn correcting someone who calls their group "The O-need-ers" (it's spelled Oneders, as in Wonders) by saying, "Hey, that's O-ned-ers to you."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xrYEypohysXn6wFtiIs1Ky2tcYrUUjFH4MNm3reOrrXMX6-TLu3-qs7_Yo4MGP8_m958jw3sgmovopi82FDZIfUdGVFgsBILOxdOoK0myDe__fnvf8uV2iuPlBY0oSe8zljBG-X0E-D_/s1600/Penelope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xrYEypohysXn6wFtiIs1Ky2tcYrUUjFH4MNm3reOrrXMX6-TLu3-qs7_Yo4MGP8_m958jw3sgmovopi82FDZIfUdGVFgsBILOxdOoK0myDe__fnvf8uV2iuPlBY0oSe8zljBG-X0E-D_/s1600/Penelope.jpg" /></a></div>4. <em>Penelope</em><br />
You can't get much sweeter than this movie about a girl who discovers true love while having a pig's nose. I've even forgiven the movie makers for casting James McAvoy (who is SO not attractive). You get over it by the end.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJGxLD5TKJd44mVVC4Uf13RiEtW5jJrrVM9solVggZiSm7EdK9hs8FEylhJcyPS64ObjT8LEpgiYMNVTt_XvUxxAS-y0C2tGomxarf3m_UZTrzZ1j_HB2hjySerWPTJ6lFyaRkRPdsiQk/s1600/strictly+ballroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJGxLD5TKJd44mVVC4Uf13RiEtW5jJrrVM9solVggZiSm7EdK9hs8FEylhJcyPS64ObjT8LEpgiYMNVTt_XvUxxAS-y0C2tGomxarf3m_UZTrzZ1j_HB2hjySerWPTJ6lFyaRkRPdsiQk/s1600/strictly+ballroom.jpg" /></a></div>5. <em>Strictly Ballroom</em><br />
I believe this was the first movie done by Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrman (who also did <em>Moulin Rouge,</em> which I absolutely hate. I thought everyone involved in that movie was on drugs). If you love ballroom dancing and Australian accents and way over-the-top hair, you will love this ugly-duckling-turns-into-swan-movie. This is the first movie I saw after my mission, and as soon as it was over, I rewound it (yes, this was in the days of the VHS tape) and watched it again. One of my all-time favorite movies.<br />
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So, there you have it. Something a little different for Valentine's Day. If you have any other favorite movies to add, please let me know in the comments!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-7910086393016997632012-02-09T09:59:00.001-07:002012-02-11T11:08:35.747-07:00Chocolate Mint Brownies (The Best Brownies You'll Ever Eat)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsCn38hYdzcl6_dpAjjipVRjttLrQXMsvb1UHCNLkZIJDNyrGYf6GKzWahODX598OV6YMOVHrTcIStA2gfVYdUkEDVLTj-0oc2YVpR7HSk_0KMRNjz-f0SNB3pY8fQvaHXag4NVDy72Dg/s1600/chocolate+mint+brownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsCn38hYdzcl6_dpAjjipVRjttLrQXMsvb1UHCNLkZIJDNyrGYf6GKzWahODX598OV6YMOVHrTcIStA2gfVYdUkEDVLTj-0oc2YVpR7HSk_0KMRNjz-f0SNB3pY8fQvaHXag4NVDy72Dg/s640/chocolate+mint+brownies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Take away the mint from these brownies, and you're left with the best chocolate brownies ever. I don't think I can ever make brownies from a box again. The texture of these is perfect. They're rich, dense and moist, but hold together to make serving a breeze. Add the mint, and you have something divine. You can also make these with other flavors, such as orange (yum!) lemon, raspberry, etc. They'll always be amazing. I got this recipe from <a href="http://deseretbook.com/Our-Best-Bites-Mormon-Moms-Kitchen-Sara-Wells/i/5053191">Our Best Bites.</a><br />
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Brownie ingredients:<br />
4 one-ounce squares unsweetened baking chocolate, or 3/4 cups chocolate powder plus 4 Tbsp. oil<br />
1 cup butter<br />
4 eggs<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 1/4 cups flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />
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Frosting ingredients:<br />
1/2 Tbsp. milk<br />
2 cups powdered sugar<br />
1/4 cup butter, softened<br />
1 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract<br />
Green food coloring<br />
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Chocolate glaze:<br />
6 ounces (about 1 cup) semisweet or dark chocolate chips<br />
6 Tbsp. real butter<br />
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Instructions:<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 inch pan with foil, making sure the foil extends over the edges. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.<br />
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Chop the unsweetened chocolate and butter into chunks and place together in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until just melted and smooth. Set aside to cool, stirring occasionally. (I have never done it this way. I take the easy way out and just do the next step--mixing together the butter with the eggs and sugar, etc., and then add the chocolate powder and oil).<br />
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Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla for 2 minutes. While the mixer is running, add the melted chocolate slowly. Add 1/4 of flour and the baking powder and mix. Add the remaining flower and mix until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-30 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.<br />
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Cool completely on a metal rack. Combine all the frosting ingredients, starting with 1 1/2 Tbsp. of milk and beat until light and fluffy. Add more milk by teaspoonful as needed. Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies and chill the brownies in the refrigerator.<br />
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While brownies are chilling, prepare the chocolate glaze. Place chocolate chips and 6 Tbsp. butter in a small pan on the stove. Melt over medium-low heat. When all melted and stirred together, remove from heat and let cool for about 15 minutes. Then carefully spread on top of the frosting layer. Return to refrigerator. When chocolate has hardened, use foil to remove the entire sheet of brownies from the pan. Cut and serve. Store leftovers in the fridge. (For a Christmas treat, use red food coloring for the frosting layer and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top).Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-5634502455194118222012-02-08T10:56:00.000-07:002012-02-08T10:56:42.382-07:00Two and Blue {Parker baby photographer}I've been photographing this adorable boy since he was born. You'd think he'd be used to getting his portrait done by now, but actually, now that he's old enough to know what's going on, he doesn't like it very much :( After trying all the tricks we knew, his mom and I decided to try again next week at their home where he is likely to feel more comfortable. However, I did manage to get some super-cute images of him, in-between the tears and escape attemps!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VMLqdFI3Vh6VyaKRMAW5L0UvxAEy0MjArZZFkrlv-t6xARMvqkxXCZ0wGR6xrzxM-iaNx5NtAkmKKzrhX-LpsaiTaFLjsYKHV4cSlRxLuNftcB0a-ugCZhTbnm8VBhGZ5R70O_hLtq0V/s1600/Carter+03+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VMLqdFI3Vh6VyaKRMAW5L0UvxAEy0MjArZZFkrlv-t6xARMvqkxXCZ0wGR6xrzxM-iaNx5NtAkmKKzrhX-LpsaiTaFLjsYKHV4cSlRxLuNftcB0a-ugCZhTbnm8VBhGZ5R70O_hLtq0V/s640/Carter+03+for+blog.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-82036806966416054122012-01-30T10:45:00.000-07:002012-01-30T10:45:41.814-07:00Getting BaptizedMy daughter, who just turned 8, will be getting baptized on Saturday. (In the <a href="http://mormon.org/">Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,</a> we baptize our children at age 8 rather than in infancy). We got a gorgeous dress for her and had a photo shoot with her wearing it. She also wanted to have some pictures in her new swimsuit, so I made up a fun montage of her jumping. She is a willing model, and a natural in front of the camera. I love the black and white where she is just staring into the camera. We are so proud of her, and so excited for her upcoming baptism!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-doPKyU5VqZ_zZU8ipfvk3wGOenpRPtLDiQVZPr35O6lx34dsxD7fFCoTLzZ29R-I3JWMiFB3JWgmjX01jZqqohgO32wpE0oRPqaiQSObjq9xNAKJz14ANeGoC476Edi3cHGOXbRhA7Ag/s1600/Nat+8-2+bw+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-doPKyU5VqZ_zZU8ipfvk3wGOenpRPtLDiQVZPr35O6lx34dsxD7fFCoTLzZ29R-I3JWMiFB3JWgmjX01jZqqohgO32wpE0oRPqaiQSObjq9xNAKJz14ANeGoC476Edi3cHGOXbRhA7Ag/s640/Nat+8-2+bw+for+blog.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq5655hnsqgipN-YeJSe8Q4EaJFEwl_gXkwvhK0O6_4JMzX6AP1B_qTeEAuQwdyhMwewq6_6-Cvep3KszbMcT2-VNaSsksDiz6o7c4vgp1AVr20-BrnS0ismsJ2MWdAcLB4FXclrEsuXG/s1600/Nat+8-4+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq5655hnsqgipN-YeJSe8Q4EaJFEwl_gXkwvhK0O6_4JMzX6AP1B_qTeEAuQwdyhMwewq6_6-Cvep3KszbMcT2-VNaSsksDiz6o7c4vgp1AVr20-BrnS0ismsJ2MWdAcLB4FXclrEsuXG/s640/Nat+8-4+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMy7njgLmNrG9IbnD5PbiarryayL5YCtQ9aAnLyzp0pzJHYZLpVqqZWjeZx6uc6lE04WeRfMivB6KVncpj3_FaJAAZ5JBPF3BhLzIOAhHZIIdJRdX5o_HRkku-LSdk4rk_2GJRJEF7tn4e/s1600/Nat+montage+1+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMy7njgLmNrG9IbnD5PbiarryayL5YCtQ9aAnLyzp0pzJHYZLpVqqZWjeZx6uc6lE04WeRfMivB6KVncpj3_FaJAAZ5JBPF3BhLzIOAhHZIIdJRdX5o_HRkku-LSdk4rk_2GJRJEF7tn4e/s640/Nat+montage+1+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-81343702228900908152012-01-27T10:41:00.000-07:002012-01-27T10:41:17.992-07:00What's Wrong 4--Discussion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiT8j9te11rFt6HCkIYwIhYMzl1Ru2pBgFaf253BGAEPxkafRpJ4FUajU6GuYxPogQgDphB1ier5nfi_juetWyptbn366Q1GBYX9-L7gucIReQN1zVFUnfPOsgaOGh_qV3S9CHd1VSuIz/s1600/81+bw+explanation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiT8j9te11rFt6HCkIYwIhYMzl1Ru2pBgFaf253BGAEPxkafRpJ4FUajU6GuYxPogQgDphB1ier5nfi_juetWyptbn366Q1GBYX9-L7gucIReQN1zVFUnfPOsgaOGh_qV3S9CHd1VSuIz/s640/81+bw+explanation.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>This is from the second wedding I ever did. A friend of the bride called me up at 8:00 the morning of the wedding, said that the other photographer had bailed, and would I do the wedding pictures at 12:00. Since it was a desperate situation, I agreed. I did this wedding for only $100 or $200 (I can't remember) and gave them all the images on disk. This image just goes to show you that you get what you pay for!<br />
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I had no clue what I was doing at this wedding. Quite a few images came out like this, and at first, I couldn't figure out why. It all has to do with the sync speed of my on-camera flash. What this means is that my flash will only fire at a maximum 1/200th of a second. When your ambient light requires a slower shutter speed than this (say, 1/60th of a second) there's no problem. But in my case, I had my aperture set to f 2.2 (very wide, thus letting in a lot of light) and my corresponding shutter speed should have been something like 1/2000th of a second because of the outdoor light. However, since I used my flash, this automatically set my shutter speed to 1/200th of a second, thus letting in WAY too much light. So I did what any amateur photographer would do--I changed it to black and white and pretended I did it on purpose to be "artsy." <br />
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Now, do you want to trust your wedding pictures to someone like me? (I mean, someone like I USED to be?) Make sure you get a PROFESSIONAL who has lots of experience, and who is preferably a Certified Professional Photographer. Yes, you will pay more, but it's your WEDDING. It will happen ONCE, and when it's all over, your photographs are all you will have left. The flowers will die, the cake will be eaten, and you'll probably never wear your dress again. But you'll look at the images of your special day over and over and over. If you have to, skimp on the cake and the flowers--NEVER THE PHOTOGRAPHY! (Since I don't do weddings, I can refer you to fantastic wedding photographers. I do bridals and engagement shoots, though, so don't hesitate to ask me about those!)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-21875648753345388962012-01-25T09:33:00.000-07:002012-01-25T09:33:42.705-07:00What's Wrong WednesdayHere's where I once again embarrass myself by posting a "professional" picture from my early days in which I really screwed up. It's up to you to discover how! Tell me everything that is wrong with this picture, and for a bonus, how I achieved this "artistic effect." Just leave a comment at the bottom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9cQvkf5dx4sFAxjx8yZlRncEcpuHBPop87OcU5du4Z3EwM0ReYus8ftS58QshDUpxSjwcEwbV2Dp_IOY2K2kwf-FDb3SfuSzwmnAzgaWWBr2rOUWWuqpOBvlzixO8TIbK-JM-5Bler9Q/s1600/81+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9cQvkf5dx4sFAxjx8yZlRncEcpuHBPop87OcU5du4Z3EwM0ReYus8ftS58QshDUpxSjwcEwbV2Dp_IOY2K2kwf-FDb3SfuSzwmnAzgaWWBr2rOUWWuqpOBvlzixO8TIbK-JM-5Bler9Q/s640/81+bw.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-3729349359622015222012-01-23T11:04:00.000-07:002012-01-23T11:04:24.403-07:00Music I Can't Stop Hearing in My Head<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXqDYJkiwj7p_09oz4q23epbSSnvjyuMy5-sSW5mZXUCeAbH2U2wjVRnZLWZ60XYiKt5dHQQiAjLaWPTOlPEyN77ApkJlXVqzwmdbH2U4y1WuLR3gVRYl8enbo40S5Rp5FxI0AMOH4PUg/s1600/Vocal+point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXqDYJkiwj7p_09oz4q23epbSSnvjyuMy5-sSW5mZXUCeAbH2U2wjVRnZLWZ60XYiKt5dHQQiAjLaWPTOlPEyN77ApkJlXVqzwmdbH2U4y1WuLR3gVRYl8enbo40S5Rp5FxI0AMOH4PUg/s1600/Vocal+point.jpg" /></a></div>I don't know if any of you saw <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEiysgijLyY">these guys</a> on The Sing Off on NBC, but they are AMAZING. I got our family their latest CD for Christmas and we have listened to it pretty-much non-stop since then. This means I can't sleep at night because a different song from the cd is stuck in my head every night. But oh, what songs!<br />
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The CD is called "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Back-Blue-BYU-Vocal-Point/dp/B004QEHVPS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327341078&sr=8-2">Back in Blue</a>" and the group is Vocal Point. They are an all-male a capella group from BYU. If you are thinking "amateur," think again. These guys are polished and professional and just a joy to listen to. Just click on the link to listen to samples.<br />
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Track 5--Remember When it Rained (Tribute to Josh Groban). Just close your eyes and channel Il Divo. So rich and luscious.<br />
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Track 9--Opera #2 (Tribute to Vitas). I had never heard this song before. Be prepared to be amazed. My girls cannot believe it is a man singing.<br />
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Track 6--Grace Kelly (Tribute to Mika). What the heck kind of a song is this? It makes absolutely no sense. But it is so much fun and I must admit this one has kept me up at night more than any other on the cd.<br />
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Track 13--Telephone Opera (Tribute to Sesame Street's "Telephone Opera.") This one is aboslutely hilarious. It chronicles a young man's efforts to get a date and all the ridiculous excuses the girls give him as they decline. Be prepared to laugh and laugh a lot.<br />
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The whole cd is uplifting, and you will be amazed at every turn by the vocal gymnastics being performed. Catch the base line in Track 4 and wonder how a human can do that, and do it in tune!<br />
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Vocal Point is not paying me for this endorsement. Vocal Point has no idea who I am. But I have an idea who they are, and I love them! You will, too! Guaranteed.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-88578396020502109142012-01-19T11:04:00.000-07:002012-01-19T11:04:51.660-07:00Thai Chicken Satay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURsUf0XZZadE8mfCCMMuqIevaKiN9B785-vCz9VUkOqBnVYj-WwRCsYZEvH6RgCIvZjqpAO7-5OnENzwm5PRhfD_K0vLwjO6rbaLw3mca1JGMx_hncPQvsNSmcDynOVJtFZf2dL2_ZVDD/s1600/Thai+chicken+satay+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURsUf0XZZadE8mfCCMMuqIevaKiN9B785-vCz9VUkOqBnVYj-WwRCsYZEvH6RgCIvZjqpAO7-5OnENzwm5PRhfD_K0vLwjO6rbaLw3mca1JGMx_hncPQvsNSmcDynOVJtFZf2dL2_ZVDD/s640/Thai+chicken+satay+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I don't know what I ever did before I knew how to make this. My life was incomplete and I didn't even know it! This is an amazingly delicious combination of chicken, vegetables, peanut butter, honey and ginger. Are you salivating yet? You should be. Even my kids love this (well, all the ones who aren't allergic to it). Make this for dinner tonight and you will be a star!<br />
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<strong>Stir Fry</strong><br />
2 cups chicken cut into bite-sized pieces<br />
3 tsp. garlic or 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed (can use less if desired)<br />
1/2 cup sliced yellow onion<br />
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into chunks<br />
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into chunks<br />
6 green onions cut at an angle in 2-inch pieces<br />
1 cup shredded carrots<br />
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<strong>Sauce</strong><br />
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter<br />
6 Tbsp soy sauce<br />
6 Tbsp honey<br />
1 tsp ginger (I like to use fresh ginger if I have it)<br />
1 tsp garlic (or one clove, minced or pressed)<br />
1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (I used red pepper flakes)<br />
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<strong>Instructions</strong><br />
For stir fry, heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp. of oil if desired. Cook vegetables, garlic and onion until tender-crisp. Remove from pan and add chicken. Stir fry until cooked through. Add the vegetables back with the chicken just before pouring on the sauce. For sauce, heat in a separate pan over low heat until combined. Pour over stir fry just before serving. Serve over rice.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-43424970208836773912012-01-16T11:06:00.000-07:002012-01-16T11:06:19.189-07:00And the Winner Is....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwySKw_yy6aKBijich-TRf5VAjF8sbYoI313Nt_H26yR2u6xaQ5bkrWaKZgsmmSasOfq0MLFk4jXzXOF3YAZ2z4_wx9Iwf9PBhOOYpylI5FMaodpCcEj6VOsCrW_1Dpg0ABpeI-pDzo6j/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwySKw_yy6aKBijich-TRf5VAjF8sbYoI313Nt_H26yR2u6xaQ5bkrWaKZgsmmSasOfq0MLFk4jXzXOF3YAZ2z4_wx9Iwf9PBhOOYpylI5FMaodpCcEj6VOsCrW_1Dpg0ABpeI-pDzo6j/s640/4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Congratulations Andrea and Dallin! You just won $100 to spend on another session, more prints, or accordion albums!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-65521802481754745572012-01-10T11:31:00.000-07:002012-01-10T11:31:19.736-07:00Top 10 of 2011--Vote For Your Favorite!I went through all the images I took last year and picked my 10 favorite. It was a very difficult task, but I made myself narrow it down. I decided to have a contest to see which image would get the most votes. The subject of the winning image (or parents of the subject) will win a gift card worth $100 that can be applied to a photo session, prints, or accordion albums! You may only vote once on my blog, but you can also vote on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BluePrintsPhotography">Facebook page,</a> giving you two votes total. To vote, just leave a comment indicating which number is your favorite. Contest ends midnight on January 15th and the winner will be announced on Monday the 16th. So start voting!<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">1. <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">This baby was the most smiley, happy baby I think I have ever photographed. Every single portrait of her has a wide smile. She made the <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/04/happiest-baby-on-block-parker-colorado.html">session</a> so easy! I love the hat and tutu. This just screams "girl" to me.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03WEwPV37g6uO_M_-z2FLA1fNxDLoRPDnwJ9dYMGKBEERcCAjy9SUjm392iBLQmtmL2ONQBTCN0siFQV17mad8s8daMYVabz7Rc6qdZlBFkfuQsC_9DNHzP6q77YkTR3nErTYhkKg7JPd/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03WEwPV37g6uO_M_-z2FLA1fNxDLoRPDnwJ9dYMGKBEERcCAjy9SUjm392iBLQmtmL2ONQBTCN0siFQV17mad8s8daMYVabz7Rc6qdZlBFkfuQsC_9DNHzP6q77YkTR3nErTYhkKg7JPd/s640/1.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">2. <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">This was taken at the <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/02/one-year-old-parker-colorado-baby.html">one year session</a> of this little boy. I just love the diagonal line created by his mother's arm and how it creates a frame, and also a feeling of security while he is sucking his thumb and staring directly into the camera. One of my all-time favorite images.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzO7_Gr4Oy_gLODcVk52o93nZ-6yl0pMPzd3DGYcrfta-TOqkODhCx96GWZ3uxM8O6ICrVlzr74JjApnTDKGOYzKhKS6zg6Xrk93lCCneHcwOJ4zTrZdykc7VZZYz_JTB3nhAkvW2QPTf/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzO7_Gr4Oy_gLODcVk52o93nZ-6yl0pMPzd3DGYcrfta-TOqkODhCx96GWZ3uxM8O6ICrVlzr74JjApnTDKGOYzKhKS6zg6Xrk93lCCneHcwOJ4zTrZdykc7VZZYz_JTB3nhAkvW2QPTf/s640/2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">3.<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> This was from a <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/another-newborn-doll-denver-baby.html">session</a> where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Except for the fact that I got this completely adorable portrait. It looks like this baby knows something funny that she isn't telling the rest of us. This is complete sweetness.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQdutqozCtBcmeckFmvPWQXp6YVhXS3hAu-vvFKHYAzGwohDvTij3SIsYyGT08siejvxHl-BXQoDE0giSYU1YnqVL4R6B-Z0BOvjc54H_dXGe30ABhOyycy3PpP0TSsf9bxkI_-BTUUCy/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQdutqozCtBcmeckFmvPWQXp6YVhXS3hAu-vvFKHYAzGwohDvTij3SIsYyGT08siejvxHl-BXQoDE0giSYU1YnqVL4R6B-Z0BOvjc54H_dXGe30ABhOyycy3PpP0TSsf9bxkI_-BTUUCy/s640/3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">4. <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I got to do the <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/07/andrea-and-dallin.html">engagement portraits</a> of this couple, and then the <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/09/andrea-and-dallin-wedding-reception.html">reception images</a> after they were married in Utah. The setting was gorgeous, and I love the kind of "Gone With the Wind" feel of this image. The sky, the grass, the kiss.... Ahhhhh.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVw52eD6HQyB8wsaoJ3PCy68PJMwq2hlRRIAm51p_J-edfNlzecvaltpYj3WvKOZ14jR3l_MaLZDbXpub0BJp_CC-VN9SR5zmSMjxfoLKLemeqxZ3iL2cWFs-2DHFDW9tIOfH95kGfEVa/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVw52eD6HQyB8wsaoJ3PCy68PJMwq2hlRRIAm51p_J-edfNlzecvaltpYj3WvKOZ14jR3l_MaLZDbXpub0BJp_CC-VN9SR5zmSMjxfoLKLemeqxZ3iL2cWFs-2DHFDW9tIOfH95kGfEVa/s640/4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">5. <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">We went out on a windy day in October to one of my favorite trailheads. After getting some <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/friends-in-fall-franktown-family.html">really great images</a>, we crossed the bridge and saw this field with all this gorgeous fall foliage. The sun obliged us and hid behind some clouds so I could get this quintessential Colorado portrait. The colors, the composition--everything is just perfect.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMncrgrFwFl4mP3cP1h0CnwgMZATbb4gBaC_jXlMY3Aq187ChO3Fbdiwq1nzDDnka3cP83hxeg5FVUDRLpVKzGgByCrHeTh4hkzeIcXlX5L99LKQ7NoWV10enGr9hJqK4V_NwylOrk9JV/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMncrgrFwFl4mP3cP1h0CnwgMZATbb4gBaC_jXlMY3Aq187ChO3Fbdiwq1nzDDnka3cP83hxeg5FVUDRLpVKzGgByCrHeTh4hkzeIcXlX5L99LKQ7NoWV10enGr9hJqK4V_NwylOrk9JV/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">6. <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">This is from an shoot I did with <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/11/sophie-saves-day-littleton-photographer.html">twin 15-month-old girls</a>. As you might imagine, they were not so interested in getting their pictures taken! I brought out some beads, and that did the trick! This little girl wrapped herself up completely with them, and then stared at the camera just long enough for me to get this endearing shot.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZYBbqDxKZKIo0pgG7hnAQ0FCpDvqZ8Y1NR57WdN8lOgLJZWf3K4Tzwi1fTlYqqrQ3XYog9ZC0pyi80xrBNaj41-RBz32nGmSUvScSdRuIwfU7qnThCtJsh_14lkRmdGv4gjzyJ1tjfBc/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZYBbqDxKZKIo0pgG7hnAQ0FCpDvqZ8Y1NR57WdN8lOgLJZWf3K4Tzwi1fTlYqqrQ3XYog9ZC0pyi80xrBNaj41-RBz32nGmSUvScSdRuIwfU7qnThCtJsh_14lkRmdGv4gjzyJ1tjfBc/s640/6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">7. <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">In February, I went to Oregon for my father's 80th birthday. While there, I went down to the beach with my sister-in-law to do <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-first-beach-shoot-denver-colorado.html">this amazing photo shoot</a>. Any of you who have been to the Oregon coast know that it is WINDY and COLD! (Especially in the middle of February!) But this image looks like we were in the Bahamas or something. What a great actress my sister-in-law is! She really suffers for her art :)</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFd8DlIjzVo2ih5OUKy6j0J_SgSlY9Fokhk83ZNlGruz3fvh_-FZqOsvXr0xDx5CzfSxMV-0BOIP4bBiLlt0nuOu_dRRQGyo0pPzKNZuhbiLyJskTiwwRHQYrsLpbYUe1QMZwMfNBPj4D/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFd8DlIjzVo2ih5OUKy6j0J_SgSlY9Fokhk83ZNlGruz3fvh_-FZqOsvXr0xDx5CzfSxMV-0BOIP4bBiLlt0nuOu_dRRQGyo0pPzKNZuhbiLyJskTiwwRHQYrsLpbYUe1QMZwMfNBPj4D/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">8.</span> This was one of those "happy accidents." I was shooting <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/07/second-memo-to-me-centennial-family.html">family portraits</a> with the kids, and when I was doing some mother/daughter shots, I got this look on the mom's face. When I saw it after the shoot, I could not stop staring. There is something so intense and beautiful about it. I couldn't decide if I liked it better in black and white or color, so I included both.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uWfOoc53au_2v6uCXuw_mfT8RTZUWj3fy-RP1ctj1WSCSxfue0wWTXXrHbULv1mC7NR2SZ2IMvAllORZyeRa2t0hS5-fkCFlGuR9YD47yw5tVB1we0kbqHLxrY4nIgep9MzBlemp3Kc_/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uWfOoc53au_2v6uCXuw_mfT8RTZUWj3fy-RP1ctj1WSCSxfue0wWTXXrHbULv1mC7NR2SZ2IMvAllORZyeRa2t0hS5-fkCFlGuR9YD47yw5tVB1we0kbqHLxrY4nIgep9MzBlemp3Kc_/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">9. <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Oh my gosh, what a little darling! This was a shot from a <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/06/little-angel-highlands-ranch.html">2-year shoot</a>, and I love everything about it. The soft, creamy colors, the pearls, and especially the tongue! It's classic cuteness!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyL4VbMl8XNc-F0atFAInkjO9ezCkJy8CbSI-BecxpUW08Zs6NrsxCbgKv5WQ-xKml4KBy30P8yEBBd3KOJUH_B1f8_cuqQLqCChxDHjg-qdlm6beD81JQqeO5X3BVNOKzOLq6lGDsbnD/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyL4VbMl8XNc-F0atFAInkjO9ezCkJy8CbSI-BecxpUW08Zs6NrsxCbgKv5WQ-xKml4KBy30P8yEBBd3KOJUH_B1f8_cuqQLqCChxDHjg-qdlm6beD81JQqeO5X3BVNOKzOLq6lGDsbnD/s640/9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;">10. <span style="color: black; font-size: small;">This is a gorgeous, completely un-posed shot I got at a <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-splendor-aurora-child.html">summer session</a>. The backlighting, the roses, the soft, flowing dress and hair (and the pink toenails!) just make this a stunning image.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9miiGZKfnMThTXaGKIagupwC2MczWDHLsVnBNOhvCkLEIjC3PEKgNtfoPnVZ7UFmh7WAbEHk9rL3NCOeLn_ZAPRy4KiT8akp8e08D9m_ZcS8sy7g1N2nZIFS9VoBbk3QuTOXDh7SjWzu/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9miiGZKfnMThTXaGKIagupwC2MczWDHLsVnBNOhvCkLEIjC3PEKgNtfoPnVZ7UFmh7WAbEHk9rL3NCOeLn_ZAPRy4KiT8akp8e08D9m_ZcS8sy7g1N2nZIFS9VoBbk3QuTOXDh7SjWzu/s640/10.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-17253652765189870512012-01-06T09:35:00.003-07:002012-01-10T10:49:52.285-07:00I Am a Certified Professional PhotographerIn December I took the exam to become a Certified Professional Photographer. I just got news that I passed! This was the second requirement to gain this certification. With less than 8% of photographers worldwide being certified, this is quite an accomplishment! The first part of the certification process is submitting 20 images taken over the past 2 years to a panel of judges. These images must be from paying clients (no cute pictures of your own kids allowed!) and must meet a strict standard of excellence in order to pass inspection. It's quite nerve-wracking to wait for your results in the mail, but I was thrilled in April when I received the news that I had passed. <br />
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So what exactly does this mean? Well, it means that I get to put "CPP" behind my name and that I join an elite group of photographers who are recognized by the photographic community as attaining a standard of excellence. Does this mean that I know everything and am the best photographer in the world? Absolutely not! If anything, this process has just taught me how much more there is to learn! The photography world is always changing with new equipment and techniques, and I am constantly inspired by other photographers who are doing absolutely amazing work. I will continue to learn and grow as a photographer. And maybe after a while, I'll go for a more advanced photographic degree.<br />
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Are certified professional photographers the only ones who are good photographers? Absolutely not! I have many photographer friends who are amazing, but have not yet taken the steps to become certified. <a href="http://www.ashleyphotography.com/">My friend and mentor</a> just became certified last year, but before that, she won second place in the cover contest for Professional Photographer magazine, and later had an article published about her in the same magazine. She had won numerous other contests and had images selected for the PPA Loan Collection (Professional Photographers of America). Clearly, she was amazing even before becoming certified, like so many other photographers. But when you're looking for a photographer, the CPP designation gives you added assurance that this photographer has the experience and knowledge to truly give you an exceptional product. (For more suggestions on how to choose a good photographer, please see <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-choose-great-photographer.html">this post).</a> <br />
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I am so excited to have accomplished this goal. I look forward to continuing my education and to becoming the best photographer I can be!<br />
<br />
(For information on the CPP exam and what subjects are covered, click <a href="http://certifiedphotographer.com/resources/cpp-resources/cpp-certification-exam-specifications/">here.</a> For information on image submission, click <a href="http://certifiedphotographer.com/news/important-changes-to-the-image-submission-review-effective-june-24-2011">here.)</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-31658468541194397472012-01-02T16:20:00.000-07:002012-01-02T16:20:07.707-07:00Turning 40 and Doing GoodThis year I will turn 40. This is shocking to me. It has made me take stock of my life and review what I have accomplished thus far, and what I still wish to accomplish. I decided that I should make a goal of something special I would like to do this year. Like maybe train for and run a 10K (the Boulder Bolder--or vice versa), write a book, cook all the recipes in a particular cookbook, etc. Then I thought that in addition of doing something for myself, I should do something to bless the lives of others. Whether this means significantly helping someone I know personally, or choosing a charity to work with, I would be happy knowing that in 2012, I had in some small way made the world a better place. I invite you to join me, and make just one goal to help others in a meaningful way this year.<br />
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Below are a list of charities to give you some ideas:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/">Latter-day Saint Charities</a> is the humanitarian arm of the <a href="http://mormon.org/">Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</a> Through this charity, they provide wheelchairs, clean water, immunizations, neonatal resuscitation training, and more to people in developing countries. Last year, they helped over a million people gain access to clean water through building wells and spring water systems.<br />
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<a href="http://www.intlprincess.org/">International Princess Project.</a> This is a program to help rescue women in India who are enslaved in prostitution. Their mission, as stated on their website is to "Establish self-sustaining enterprises in partnership with indigenous organizations that provide for physical, emotional and spiritual needs of women formerly enslaved in prostitution." One way they do this is to have the women make <a href="http://www.intlprincess.org/index.php/ipp/section/C2/">Punjammies</a>, gorgeous pajama bottoms made with traditional Indian material. The women are able to sustain themselves and make a life outside of prostitution.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kiva.org/">Kiva.</a> This is an organization that provides micro-loans to people in developing countries. A woman can sew to provide for her family, if only she could afford a sewing machine. A micro-loan will get that for her, and she will pay back the loan as she is able. On this site, you can actually choose the entrepreneur that you lend to, and loans are only made in $25 amounts. This is doable for everyone and is a way to help people who are trying to help themselves.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hki.org/">Helen Keller International</a> is an organization started by Helen Keller to help prevent blindness and malnutrition. Operating in 22 countries around the world, they help people raise their own nutritional food, provide free eye treatment, and do a host of other things to improve the lives of some of the most impoverished people on the planet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.againstmalaria.com/">Against Malaria</a> is a charity that distributes nets to protect people from malaria. Only $5.00 will buy a life-saving net. With 1-3 million people dying from malaria each year (and the hardest-hit being pregnant women and young children) this is such a simple way to help. You can see exactly where your nets are distributed and see videos and pictures of distribution. <br />
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<a href="http://www.thecitizensfoundation.org/Default.aspx">The Citizens Foundation</a> is an organization that builds schools in Pakistan and provides opportunities for impoverished children to attend. They strive to maintain a 50% enrollment of girls, believing that everyone is deserving of education, regardless of gender or social standing. Pakistan has an alarmingly high illiteracy rate. With radical fundamentalists offering free meals to entice students into their camps, alternative and healthy education is sorely needed.<br />
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<a href="http://www.gems-girls.org/">GEMS</a> is an organization in the United States that helps girls who have been sexually exploited and trafficked. From their website, "GEMS is committed to ending commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking of children by changing individual lives, transforming public perception, and revolutionizing the systems and policies that impact sexually exploited youth." They work to both prevent exploitation, and help those who have been victims.<br />
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There are, of course, many more charities to work with. If everyone does just a little, it will make a big difference.<br />
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</tbody></table></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-16973665032399586742011-12-20T18:16:00.000-07:002011-12-20T18:16:06.679-07:00Merry Christmas From My Family to Yours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HDrIIFjA6FlZrMsoTtcjhShDbyHhWVsBKgBQXlTlY-moDrwuQ9f7onsXDcNkbVSV4SI2TYniWSiqETcM-KSdZ26zZsPn8SQ3NvhTgsaW3bi33rDact8OfnwvLVSlWvj7-u28FCqKy-ww/s1600/Family+pic+December+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HDrIIFjA6FlZrMsoTtcjhShDbyHhWVsBKgBQXlTlY-moDrwuQ9f7onsXDcNkbVSV4SI2TYniWSiqETcM-KSdZ26zZsPn8SQ3NvhTgsaW3bi33rDact8OfnwvLVSlWvj7-u28FCqKy-ww/s640/Family+pic+December+2011.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>At this time of year, my heart is filled with gratitude for the many blessings I enjoy daily. One has only to watch the news to realize how many things we have to be thankful for. I especially am thankful for my belief in Jesus Christ and His atonement, which offers me forgiveness despite my many shortcomings. I owe all my happiness and all my blessings to Him and my Heavenly Father. I hope that during this Christmas season, we can all remember the real reason we celebrate--because a holy baby was born who would forever change the world and offer us all the hope of eternal life.<br />
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Merry Christmas!<br />
Love, MelissaMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-51975480176647880982011-12-06T10:35:00.000-07:002011-12-06T10:35:58.064-07:00Photography ClassI am really excited to be offering my first photography class! It will be held on Saturday, January 28th. The time is still TBD, but will probably be at 9:30 or 10:00 a.m. and will last 2 to 2 1/2 hours. If you have a DSLR camera but leave it in auto all the time, this class is for you! We will talk about ISO, aperture and shutter speed and how they all relate. We'll go over white balance, composition, and flash (when to use it, when not to use it). I'll also answer any photograpy-related questions you have. If you are interested, contact me soon, as space is limited! The cost is $59, and well worth it!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-6369270652379594082011-12-05T09:55:00.001-07:002011-12-05T09:55:55.564-07:00White Chocolate Candy Cane Drops--The Perfect Christmas Cookie<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKV-zGRBYDgWude4g4VbtlIeAv4hzMV1XdtxePFazuTCyI44ZCzqAKlb0vcBIU4HX179Tqdf5S8GX2_uyh30DCehO-REdcTedSOM-miWtHrm8SYlVHhkyX93yTZu6woY_1EWbrGtrHc6A/s1600/candy+cane+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKV-zGRBYDgWude4g4VbtlIeAv4hzMV1XdtxePFazuTCyI44ZCzqAKlb0vcBIU4HX179Tqdf5S8GX2_uyh30DCehO-REdcTedSOM-miWtHrm8SYlVHhkyX93yTZu6woY_1EWbrGtrHc6A/s400/candy+cane+cookies.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">These are the best cookies ever. Seriously. And they are perfect for Christmas. I make them every year and give them out (or just eat a ton myself). If you want to impress your friends and neighbors, these are the cookies to make.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">8 oz. white chocolate baking squares or 8 oz. white chocolate chips. (Try to use chocolate with cocoa butter, as this will make the most tender cookies).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1/2 cup butter, softened</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1 tsp. baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1/2 tsp. salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">1 tsp. vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2 3/4 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">2/3 cup crushed peppermint candy canes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Chop 4 oz. of the white chocolate (not necessary if using chips) and set aside. In a small saucepan, cook the remaining 4 oz. chocolate over low heat until melted. Cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium or high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat until combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat in melted white chocolate. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in the rest by hand. Stir in the remaining 4 oz. white chocolate or chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Drop by rounded teaspoons two inches apart onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or waxed paper. Or you can use stoneware with no paper. Bake 8-10 minutes (longer on stoneware) at 375 degrees or until lightly browned around the edges. Transfer to wire rack and cool. Makes about 50. Store cookies in layers between waxed paper in an airtight container.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Note: I have found that it is best not to have the candy canes pulverized into powder, but to just try to get them into small pieces.</span></h3>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-11401622526314978202011-11-22T16:18:00.001-07:002011-11-23T12:58:43.396-07:00Thanksgiving TastinessIf you are looking for the <a href="http://tastyvittles-howell.blogspot.com/2010/11/classic-thanksgiving-pumpkin-pie.html">the perfect recipe for pumpkin pie</a>, look no further. I get rave reviews every time I make this.<br />
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If you want something to really wow your Thanksgiving guests, this <a href="http://tastyvittles-howell.blogspot.com/2010/11/chocolate-pecan-pie.html">Chocolate Pecan Pie</a> is a must!<br />
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What about <a href="http://tastyvittles-howell.blogspot.com/2010/08/twelve-hour-rolls.html">dinner rolls to-die-for</a>? The best part? You make the dough the day before and then cook them on Thanksgiving!<br />
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Want some super-yummy salads? Try <a href="http://tastyvittles-howell.blogspot.com/2010/11/frog-eye-salad.html">Frog Eye Salad</a> or fresh and tasty <a href="http://tastyvittles-howell.blogspot.com/2010/11/layered-salad.html">Layered Salad.</a> Or you can make this <a href="http://tastyvittles-howell.blogspot.com/2010/10/melissas-world-famous-broccoli-salad.html">Broccoli Salad that will get raves for years.</a> (Seriously, I once made this for a wedding reception for some friends, and they said that people were like, "Hey, congratulations on your marriage. Who made the broccoli salad?)<br />
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These recipes are sure to make everybody happy at Thanksgiving. Give them a try! You won't be sorry!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-68747891944804016032011-11-21T11:41:00.000-07:002011-11-21T11:41:12.042-07:00Nichole Van's Textures and ActionsIf you have been reading my blog, you already know how much I love <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/in-which-famous-photographer-comes-to.html">Nichole Van</a>. I was introduced to her work a few months ago when I asked a photographer friend of mine where she got the textures she used on her images. When she pointed me to Nichole's website, I was blown away by her work. No wonder she has been on the cover of Rangefinder magazine (twice) and has gotten so many awards. She is so humble and generous, and gives workshops to teach those of us who are not quite as awesome how to become more awesome :) (You can go <a href="http://workshops.nicholev.com/?splash">here</a> to learn about her workshops).<br />
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I bought her <a href="http://shop.nicholev.com/product.aspx?sec=0&cat=0&prod=a-chic">Chic Vintage</a> action and textures set, and I love it! Here are some samples of my images with some of her actions and textures. Her sets are very reasonably priced, and you couldn't be establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with a better person.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rPEe2J4xwvzIaYY1lYg0nOtiYZ685x6EyWfpndoS1mcpCsHY1ASO5GBBzpMN_tvlXpaX_mVNBdS2Hzd8jDtwxAxuuJQLoZOYIcyoOS6TDTg487SEgyDiuwmib43sSpV5RWQyjkSwJwCW/s1600/Side-by-side+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rPEe2J4xwvzIaYY1lYg0nOtiYZ685x6EyWfpndoS1mcpCsHY1ASO5GBBzpMN_tvlXpaX_mVNBdS2Hzd8jDtwxAxuuJQLoZOYIcyoOS6TDTg487SEgyDiuwmib43sSpV5RWQyjkSwJwCW/s640/Side-by-side+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlynokGCz9mLNFlfM2dhirpyjcmMmRCj_q46mR9qe2hsazfJBNytjo8Xm8NbbPcQumS9hJb1kP4WvRAntvlZVUOiDbYCsncAcEG57TXTEvdcbw6A_8bkTeDjIHCrEXJoyPu6HY0FlI-_G/s1600/Nichole+Van+sample+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlynokGCz9mLNFlfM2dhirpyjcmMmRCj_q46mR9qe2hsazfJBNytjo8Xm8NbbPcQumS9hJb1kP4WvRAntvlZVUOiDbYCsncAcEG57TXTEvdcbw6A_8bkTeDjIHCrEXJoyPu6HY0FlI-_G/s640/Nichole+Van+sample+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FrDBkcaPz_jw_yUTF6djMQVxFeqIlnDuxfkZ34MkMcOiSwxI4j-v3_EejQhe3RtEIGVEu6wj-hCG1fRyRbWubaNs-m1W8BtgI5nSojVV59_dT3d4i1rBmZtRIzo6qz_yZpxIWkyY9hLb/s1600/Nichole+Van+sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FrDBkcaPz_jw_yUTF6djMQVxFeqIlnDuxfkZ34MkMcOiSwxI4j-v3_EejQhe3RtEIGVEu6wj-hCG1fRyRbWubaNs-m1W8BtgI5nSojVV59_dT3d4i1rBmZtRIzo6qz_yZpxIWkyY9hLb/s640/Nichole+Van+sample.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-58909536747299702842011-11-21T11:06:00.000-07:002011-11-21T11:06:34.713-07:00Shop Nichole VanIn an effort to win a workshop with <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/in-which-famous-photographer-comes-to.html">Nichole Van,</a> I am posting a link to her website here. If you are a photographer, she also sells textures and actions to take your images to the next level. If you haven't seen her work yet, prepare to be awed. To go to her site, click <a href="http://www.nicholev.com/">here.</a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-31905246346505485422011-11-18T11:45:00.000-07:002011-11-18T11:45:23.586-07:00Being on T.V.On November 16th, I got to be on T.V! My friends, Brandi and Jen, have a craft blog and business called <a href="http://holidaysnobs.blogspot.com/">Holiday Snobs.</a> They got to be on our local Fox station's morning news demonstrating a Christmas craft and talking a little bit about their business. The news station wanted at least 10 other women there crafting with them, and I got to be one! Here are some pictures from the event (that I stole from Brandi):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgex8_NDimp4rrbQ5WZ-wLKY_YDx-m52BX-jECDXbeWMN_WOAWLrvwW4myPm1NJaqawni9abnZwlhIMPh7dFS-R90OWbbyz8LTNehmgw0qai1Yu-y_Ob96QRtZ0abng1hNtV9X7PKu2QcTy/s1600/Napkin+tree" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgex8_NDimp4rrbQ5WZ-wLKY_YDx-m52BX-jECDXbeWMN_WOAWLrvwW4myPm1NJaqawni9abnZwlhIMPh7dFS-R90OWbbyz8LTNehmgw0qai1Yu-y_Ob96QRtZ0abng1hNtV9X7PKu2QcTy/s400/Napkin+tree" width="267" /></a></div>This is the craft we were doing. It is a Christmas tree centerpiece made out of festive napkins.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsfDHjQ7iqa9M1BnMtcHDyY3z0GtvtqYKvqKPLVFfnAHVbObuZs-nCAQ9_kGD3hU-mv5cJG7Akaaevali2Ys1Hv7gB9ckistiyy9BG54f7thuOpSn2StaqH9pwl3GU37ZW_PcWWcGBmGH/s1600/Me+on+t.v" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsfDHjQ7iqa9M1BnMtcHDyY3z0GtvtqYKvqKPLVFfnAHVbObuZs-nCAQ9_kGD3hU-mv5cJG7Akaaevali2Ys1Hv7gB9ckistiyy9BG54f7thuOpSn2StaqH9pwl3GU37ZW_PcWWcGBmGH/s400/Me+on+t.v" width="267" /></a></div>This is me, sitting in the corner. If you watch the video, I am standing in the back on the left-hand side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GJeM_gbT_gs0SPYRCDDCs5B-khFcgXuXJIxeTOZ18Pzd7rjCX_PfUSLwDwV9A1t0RBRkbktuacrnA0ni1whPuUQxRCfg2Hy8V1vtvlraJyigOgandAJjktQ72qBmQSJRyH1wwOwOc9YG/s1600/Dan+Duru" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GJeM_gbT_gs0SPYRCDDCs5B-khFcgXuXJIxeTOZ18Pzd7rjCX_PfUSLwDwV9A1t0RBRkbktuacrnA0ni1whPuUQxRCfg2Hy8V1vtvlraJyigOgandAJjktQ72qBmQSJRyH1wwOwOc9YG/s400/Dan+Duru" width="267" /></a></div>The man on the couch is Dan Daru, the newscaster who did the segments. He was CRAZY. (I guess you have to be to work on a morning news show that starts at 5:00 a.m!) During one segment, he ran upstairs to surprise Brandi's husband and ask him what he thought about all this crafting. Luckily, Sterling saw him coming up the stairs on t.v. (he was watching the show in his bedroom) and hurried and came out of the bedroom before Dan could burst in!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwXumkEKuYSQWmbx1KZuDmHtjtVSKtUt95UwyAW4PJ3LUjau0V23cquWTyyS8y7p0iZYC_JmnTxOZ3-8Gla256UPgZbiKM1Ia6AhvOU6OZVKIOM5G8uC2T_ct-l0cngwuRSlNpHcSxGNw/s1600/Fox+31+van" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwXumkEKuYSQWmbx1KZuDmHtjtVSKtUt95UwyAW4PJ3LUjau0V23cquWTyyS8y7p0iZYC_JmnTxOZ3-8Gla256UPgZbiKM1Ia6AhvOU6OZVKIOM5G8uC2T_ct-l0cngwuRSlNpHcSxGNw/s400/Fox+31+van" width="267" /></a></div>Here's a picture of the Fox 31 van. You can't see the top, but there was a huge spinning antennae (or dish, or something I don't know the name of) at the top of the pole that was broadcasting what we were doing at the house.<br />
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Here is a video of one of the segments:<br />
<embed type='application/x-shockwave-flash' salign='l' flashvars='&titleAvailable=true&playerAvailable=true&searchAvailable=false&shareFlag=N&singleURL=http://kdvr.vidcms.trb.com/alfresco/service/edge/content/5c5fe918-1462-4399-8e8b-cb1e3fda0294&propName=kdvr.com&hostURL=http://www.kdvr.com&swfPath=http://kdvr.vid.trb.com/player/&omAccount=triblocaltvglobal&omnitureServer=kdvr.com' allowscriptaccess='always' allowfullscreen='true' menu='true' name='PaperVideoTest' bgcolor='#ffffff' devicefont='false' wmode='transparent' scale='showall' loop='true' play='true' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' quality='high' src='http://kdvr.vid.trb.com/player/PaperVideoTest.swf' align='middle' height='450' width='300'></embed>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-15733144635939751772011-11-17T11:24:00.000-07:002011-11-17T11:24:43.380-07:00Take Two! {Littleton Baby Photographer}When this little guy was here a <a href="http://blueprintsphotography.blogspot.com/2011/11/sophie-saves-day-littleton-photographer.html">a couple of weeks ago</a>, I didn't feel like he got enough face-time in front of the camera. (His whole family, including grandparents and cousins were all here!) So I invited him back so he could get the one-on-one time he deserved. He really rose to the occasion and favored us with lots of smiles and happiness. Can you say "adorable?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX6hzH7iFmk2SlKMAmQDAGyrC3TuOWNwRLkIQa5AEpt-VUKRX00z2tEhInLkiHnEJIGi7zb1fIH5nVvMN7aYZ-RhCzwrB_kIw_JJkNehlOZfSHMXEf9RBanUfchRKite7K9l0Oisc7D0S/s1600/IMG_1390+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYX6hzH7iFmk2SlKMAmQDAGyrC3TuOWNwRLkIQa5AEpt-VUKRX00z2tEhInLkiHnEJIGi7zb1fIH5nVvMN7aYZ-RhCzwrB_kIw_JJkNehlOZfSHMXEf9RBanUfchRKite7K9l0Oisc7D0S/s640/IMG_1390+for+blog.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyV03sK5OFkdXZaNPmGH9eV5YqB0CkaZOatf5zmyA3l1_lre5-6kzrIxC-4uFgYJWQFCWbg_7Vj-EsemBKnZTc6UaaTbCXGlls1N6KUda31Q83B1OccqkpDF2RCHUySVY-chNDp92lJqx/s1600/IMG_1402+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyV03sK5OFkdXZaNPmGH9eV5YqB0CkaZOatf5zmyA3l1_lre5-6kzrIxC-4uFgYJWQFCWbg_7Vj-EsemBKnZTc6UaaTbCXGlls1N6KUda31Q83B1OccqkpDF2RCHUySVY-chNDp92lJqx/s640/IMG_1402+for+blog.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0K2ai5Q9Ex7ESY7VX1Ekf4czJ7eMBsEpppo5Ds6qwQSz9QUT7g1ewqu-L2ZCV2vnT6okhdNedK0YI2X1Pc0ORAgj-KLOehHiu6fLmHpKwjCX1tue9_UlEZ92M6XvVnjtIxxQojdFRL_KJ/s1600/IMG_1430+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0K2ai5Q9Ex7ESY7VX1Ekf4czJ7eMBsEpppo5Ds6qwQSz9QUT7g1ewqu-L2ZCV2vnT6okhdNedK0YI2X1Pc0ORAgj-KLOehHiu6fLmHpKwjCX1tue9_UlEZ92M6XvVnjtIxxQojdFRL_KJ/s640/IMG_1430+for+blog.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacNFkonGYmlE3hk7hx4letlNljuR90DuOCNFt5gJGcawQYz-qJ9k_H782b2Z2zN205xTpefNuQq9UeIcvmotYNQJYG1_kX1ViO0Ioq6FfWs4YOTV2c4eame56N3Klzd1eAa-TOpkRKNL7/s1600/IMG_1457-1+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacNFkonGYmlE3hk7hx4letlNljuR90DuOCNFt5gJGcawQYz-qJ9k_H782b2Z2zN205xTpefNuQq9UeIcvmotYNQJYG1_kX1ViO0Ioq6FfWs4YOTV2c4eame56N3Klzd1eAa-TOpkRKNL7/s640/IMG_1457-1+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380127843997583317.post-87728889001277077062011-11-15T11:25:00.000-07:002011-11-15T11:25:36.705-07:00See Me on T.V!Tomorrow morning (November 16th) I'll be on Good Day Colorado helping promote my cute friends' craft blog! I know these girls through church, and they are so darling and have so many stinkin' cute ideas. You can check out their blog, called <a href="http://holidaysnobs.blogspot.com/">The Holiday Snob,</a> and then tune into your Fox station tomorrow morning at 7:45 and 8:45 to see me! (But mostly to see them, as I am only there to provide crafty support as requested by the news station. They'll do all the talking).Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17162550253703038825noreply@blogger.com0