What was I thinkin?

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 52

I am always surprised, when I go back through my photos at the end of the year, at how much I've forgotten. As I look back though the images I find my attitude changes regarding the prior 12 months. What I thought was a fairly uneventful time-line turns to a realization of how much has actually taken place. I find myself feeling blessed and full of gratitude.

 

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration: Week 52

There were sports teams and campaigns, new pets to enjoy, trips to new places, family reunions and friends... Even this 21 image pattern was not enough to fit all that I would have liked to summarize my year; but, it gives me a glimpse of 2013 and how full it was.

You can create your own year in review in just minutes by registering for a FREE account on www.Cropdog.com.

 

Happy Croppin'!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 51

There are some things in life you'd like to do over. Like Cole's first photo with Santa. I decided to buy his outfit at the mall. I thought it was so cute - he'd be all dressed in red, just like Santa!

I gave little thought to how that red outfit would actually photograph. And, I have to say, apparently I am not the only one who should have thought things out a bit more!

Let's take a look... Cole dressed in red melts into Santa's suit and Santa dressed in red blends into the BIG red chair, except for his black boots which blend into the black floor. I am calling this a Super Christmas oops!

 

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration: Week 51

 

So, if you have not yet headed out for those photos with Santa - let the photo above be a lesson to all. Wear something festive - but stay away from RED. :)

Happy Snappin' this Holiday Season!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 50

The year before my second daughter was born, the number 3 was an unplanned theme for Christmas. I bought some cute cards that said, "From the three of us" and I purchased this ornament (image below) because it had three riding on a sled. I probably thought I was accepting our family as a three some (and no more). My daughter was almost 7 years old. We wanted more children; but, we were so happy and grateful to have our little girl.

A few months later, with a little fertility help, we were delighted to learn that we'd be a family of four. Every year when I dig out this ornament it reminds me, both of the time when we were a family of three, and that you never know what blessing is waiting for you just around the corner.

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:50

Every year I take pictures of my newest ornaments. I've used the pictures as accents and as focal points in many of my Christmas layouts. Here is a page I created that included the photo above:

Page created in just a few minutes on Cropdog.com.

 

 

Happy Snappin' this Holiday Season!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 49

Sometimes you want to get a shot of the whole group. So you rely on the kindness of strangers to snap a couple of quick shots. On the very tiny screen on your camera the shot looks great - no one blinked so you give your appreciation and part ways.

Later when you load your photos to your computer you find the shots were not as sharp as you had hoped.

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:49

All is not lost! If you have photoshop or photoshop elements you can fix a little blur in just a few steps:

Once your photo is open apply "Unsharp Mask" - this is found under filter and sharpen. Try these settings: 150% radius and Threshold 10.  Save. Then before you do anything else, go to edit and select "Fade Unsharp Mask" - in the pop up menu change "Normal" to "Lumnosity."

Here is the difference:

Here they are side by side:

Before                                         After

 

The Holidays seem to go by so fast - you may think it was all just a blur when it is over. Save your memories - Fix the blur! :)

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 47

"You want me to spend time doing something I LOVE - well how can I resist!" :)

My niece was able to visit for a few days and asked if I would take a few pictures of her and her children. I've been learning how to use a few settings on my camera - thought I'd test my new found knowledge. My memory wasn't exactly sharp. I forgot some important things. It made the shoot a bit of a challenge - and some of the photos I took didn't come out the way I wanted them to. I thought I needed a re-do, but, as it turned out, we got a few shots that I LOVED.

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:47

 

Photo Collage I created with the above photo:

 "November Afternoon" was created on Cropdog.com

I hope you will come and give it a try with a few of your favorite fall photos. :)

 

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 46

Autumn is an amazing time of year filled with colorful changes in every direction.

One of the fun fall activities enjoyed by kids - young and old -  is raking leaves into piles and jumping into them or running through them. It is also a very fun photo opportunity; however, I discovered several years ago, that after all the leaves have fallen from the trees and we are ready to begin the chore of raking, the leaves have all turned to a dull brown - the beautiful colors faded away.

Now, I make sure I get out and photograph the leaves as soon as possible, while they are still on the trees or shortly after they have fallen to the ground so, I can capture the color.

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:46

I used the photo above on this 5x7 photo collage card.

 

"Autumn in Virginia" was created on Cropdog.com using our NEW 5x7 Landscape Card Project option.

I hope you will come and give it a try with a few of your favorite fall photos. :)

 

Visit the above design and more on the Cropdog Gallery.

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ Photo Inspiration: Week 45

One of the items on Alexis' New York City to do list was "ride the subway". NYC subways are kind of dark and grungy; but, they are a great way to get around. As a tourist, I'd recommend avoiding subway travel during the peak hours, unless you enjoy being sandwiched between strangers.

My focus that day was on Alexis, who didn't want me to take pictures. I told her I could absolutely NOT agree to the NO picture rule - but, I did try to cut back.

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:45

I was so focused on "living in the moment" and not taking too many pictures, that I almost forgot to get my usual texture shots; but, I saw this green post with the layers of paint and it snapped me back into "photographer mode." I grabbed a couple of shots just before we got on the train.

I used the photo above on this page:

 

"Subway" was created on Cropdog.com

 A note about the pattern used above:

This 12 image pattern has a 1x6 square border down the right and left sides of the page. I used this as an opportunity to show two different sections of the same photo. I used the same photo a third time in the bottom left corner spot.

See image used below.

 

 

 

Visit the above pages and more on the Cropdog Gallery.

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 44

I didn't get one really great photo!

...But, that doesn't mean I don't want to remember the trip, the things we did, and that cute macaroon shop in Greenwich Village.

I am not going to say that your photos aren't important, the better photos you take the more you are going to LOVE your pages, but saving your memories, especially the ones that are going to make you smile and connect with your loved ones, is even more important.

So take pictures - lots and lots of pictures! Then, create pages with them - because even when the individual photo's aren't "stand outs" when you put them together on a page you create a bit of memory magic.

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:44

I tried the Salted Carmel Macaroon, Alexis proved to be more adventurous - she tried the Rose flavored macaroon. I hope that one day, before she is all grown up, we will get a chance to go back and try a few more flavors together. :)

 

I used the photo above on this page:

 

  "Sugar Plumm" was created on Cropdog.com

 

Visit the above pages and more on the Cropdog Gallery.

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 43

If you have been listening to "photo chatter" you've probably heard people talking about "The Golden Hour" or the Magic Hour as that perfect time of day to take photographs. So, when is the Golden Hour today? There are quick and easy ways to find out! I added a link below. (Don't you just LOVE the Internet!)

Golden Hour.com - http://www.golden-hour.com/

If you have a smart phone - there are apps to help you out! I've been trying a FREE app called Magic hour. If you want something a little fancier then check out the Golden-Hour app (currently listed for $5.99).

Keep in mind that cloud covering will effect that "golden hour" and just as the time of sunrise and sunset vary each month the time of day changes for the Golden Hour.

So what if you can't make it to that perfect time? Cloudy days and large shaded areas are a great solution for better outdoor portrait lighting. Make sure it isn't mottled lighting created by trees - better to use the shaded side of a building for more consistent light.

 Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:43

A little too early for "magic hour" this shot was taken on the shady side of a building about 3:30 PM in November.

 

I used the photo above on this page:

 

  "Family Session on the York River" was created on Cropdog.com

 

Visit the above pages and more on the Cropdog Gallery.

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ Photo !nspiration: Week 42

It's a little bit corny this feeling inside... oh did he say funny, oops! I have corn on my mind. :)

It is my "Professional Snap Shot Taker's" opinion that dried corn stalks are a necessity to the photo stocks of every shutter bug. They have great texture, color, and are a perfect addition to a fall photo mosaic.

 Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:42

You are likely to see a few cornstalk bundles at your local pumpkin patch, or local theme park/family entertainment center. Add a few shots of bailed hay and some pumpkins and you have the perfect formula for a fabulous fall page.

I used the photo above on this page:

"Fall with my Best Buds" was created on Cropdog.com

 

Here are some additional fall pages you can view on the Cropdog Gallery:

Page above created on Cropdog.com by Grannymac

 

"Disney Halloween" created on Cropdog.com by Stan

 

Page above created on Cropdog.com by Billi - 2013 Mosaic Moments Design Team Member

 

Visit the above pages and more on the Cropdog Gallery.

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 41

Mums the Word!

I am not sure if I've let a fall pass by, in recent years, without taking a few photos of the beautiful mums. I've been adding Chrysanthemum photos to my pages since I first began creating pages with the Mosaic Moments system.

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:41

I used the photo above on this page:

"Hanging out with the Scarecrows" was created on Cropdog.com

 

And a little peek into "Chrysanthemums" in years gone by...

"A Season Filled with Festive Fun" created on Mosaic Moments™ Cream Grid Paper.

Consider adding a little "fall floral" to your next page. :)

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 40

Living in Williamsburg, VA our family has easy access to a theme park that is open from March through December. We frequently spend family time at Busch Gardens. It is a beautiful place and with the routine changes in decor, it is a fun place to take pictures. I try to snap as many shots as I can while we are there; however, it isn't always easy to capture my kids and all of the scenery. A little tip I've discovered - I can focus more on catching good shots of the kids if I visit the park without the kids occasionally, to capture the landscape.

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:40

My favorite area of Busch Gardens Hall-O-Scream this season is the Pirate section. It's new, fun, and reminds me of the years I spent as a pirate (at East Carolina University.) I had a great time taking pictures of the displays.

I used the photo taken above (plus several other favorites), and added in one taken on another day of my favorite little buddy, to create the page below.

Page created on www.cropdog.com

Do you have a park, garden, or multi-season place you like to visit with your family or friends? Try adding a couple of extra visits in the coming year just for you and your camera. :)

 

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 39

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. The weather is so pleasant and the changing scenery is breath taking. Every year I try to fit in all the activities we love - but, I find there just aren't enough weekends to do it all! This year we decided to fit the Virginia State Fair into our busy fall schedule.

Mosaic Moments photo !nspiration week:39

So, What is on your fall schedule? 

Picking Apples? The pumpkin patch? A corn maze? A scenic drive? A trip to the State Fair? 

I included the photo above on my "Virginia State Fair" page:

 

I hope you have some colorful plans scheduled in the coming weeks.

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 38

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One of the things I love about Virginia - Pansies! Due to our regions relatively mild winters, I can plant pansies and keep them blooming all winter long. Every spring Busch Gardens shows off a colorful variety of Pansies and, of course, I can't resist snapping a few shots.

 

 Mosaic Moments™ Photo !nspiration: Week 38

I don't always want a lot of mulch showing on my pages. So, I try to get a few close up shots.

I used the Pansy photo shown above to add a bit of color to my page (shown below).

This page probably seems like a it is about a day at a theme park - and it sort of is; but, for me, it is really about capturing Cole while he is still a little guy. This was such a brief moment - my little boy with missing front teeth (a few months later they are grown in). He is challenged when trying to get down from a horse on the carousel ride. He can still crawl inside that tree, and he still wants to climb around in the kids area at Dragonland. It all goes by way too fast!

Page above was created using an 8 image pattern.

You can create your own Mosaic Moments™ style pages in minutes on cropdog.com.

 

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 37

Everyone who owns a computer has heard the advice - have a back up! This week I learned a double back up lesson.

Mac computers have a automatic back up feature called Time Machine. My computer is set to back up automatically to an external hard drive - just in case my computers hard drive failed me. But, my automatic back was having a little trouble keeping up and I was getting messages that Time Machine had not been able to complete the back up.

A few days ago I had to restart my computer and it wouldn't come back on. After doing some analysis, Kevin determined that he would need to replace the hard drive (a long process that would would not save my files.) But, that is okay we had a back up right? Well, the two external hard drives we had backed up on both failed. Not Good News!

Lesson: Have a CRASH PLAN!

Thankfully Kevin had not ignored the warnings from Time Machine. A few weeks ago he signed up for an online back up service called Crash Plan. If it had not been for Crash Plan I would have lost ALL my files: my business files, my personal files, and MY PHOTOS!

It is going to take days to get all of the files back onto my computer (I have a TON of photos) but at least I know I will have them to work with again soon. In the mean time I am sharing my LOVE for Crash Plan with you as well as the most recent page I made on Cropdog.com (all the images I uploaded there are also safe and sound.)

Mosaic Moments™ Photo !nspiration: Week 37

This 4 image page was created using Cropdog.com

You can create your own Mosaic Moments™ style pages in minutes on cropdog.com.

 

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 36

Best photography tip: Always have a camera with you, because you never know when the opportunity for an impromptu photo shoot might arise...

When Kevin and I arrived at Busch Gardens (a local theme park) we noticed the line to renew passes was short (only two people.) We all needed to get new cards (ours were really worn out.) It seemed like a great time to make the update without cutting into our park time too much. Little did Kevin know that he'd still be standing in line 15 minutes later. 

The kids and I were waiting and waiting and… I got out my camera and started snapping. My kids aren't always highly cooperative with me and my camera but, given the situation (waiting with nothing else to do) they sort of starting "hamming it up" and I took full advantage.

This weeks inspiration isn't a single photo - because with some subjects it is just way more fun to keep on clicking!

Mosaic Moments™ Photo !nspiration: Week 36

At one point Alexis even managed to get her camera shy brother to join the act!

I'd play the proud mom and show them all but, there are Sooo MANY and I am sure you get the idea. :)

When I got home I loaded the photos onto my computer and created a quick page on Cropdog.com using this 12 image collage pattern. Background color - #7ac5cc.

You can create your own Mosaic Moments™ style page in minutes on cropdog.com.

 

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 35

 

I read a status update by a friend on facebook this morning and it took me back a little. She had just spent hours transferring photos to her computer and must have been a little frustrated with the experience. She said she was making a mid year resolution to "Stop taking so many pictures."

My instinctive reaction was, "WHAT? NO!!! Don't take less pictures!"

She continued with, "I mean, really, how many pictures do I need? I'd rather be doing stuff with the family than taking pictures of the family doing stuff without me."

Having a few minutes of early morning quiet time to ponder, her comments turned my mind to this weeks Photo Inspiration.

Mosaic Moments™ Photo !nspiration: Week 35

Several years ago I decided that there were times that I needed to put the camera down and just enjoy time with my family. The first time I put the camera away was Christmas Day. It was the best decision I ever made.

WHAT! You don't take pictures on Christmas Day? 

I discovered I could get all the shots I wanted and needed before Christmas Day: Counting down on the advent calendar, playing with the nativity, seeing Christmas lights, Santa's lap, drinking hot cocoa, reading the Christmas story, wearing santa hats, kids shaking the gifts trying to figure out what is inside, baking cookies, decorating the tree, the gingerbread house...

Just 16 Fridays before Christmas!

Soon it will be time to get out those holiday decorations once again. Do you have a Christmas Photo Check List? Here are some images you might want to consider:

1. Children writing notes to Santa
2. Addressing Christmas cards
3. Stack of Christmas cards ready to mail (try adding a ribbon tied around the stack)
4. Putting letter to Santa in the mail
5. Picking out the tree (or setting up the tree)
6. Looking at special ornaments
7. Detail of Ornaments (see photo above)
8. Decorating the home
9. Hanging the wreath on your door
10. Reading Christmas Stories together
11. Baking or making treats
12. Plates of Christmas cookies
13. Decorating a gingerbread house
14. Putting up the Christmas lights
15. Assembling gifts/toys (might want to keep these out of the scrapbook for now if the toys are from Santa)
16. Wrapping
17. Dressed in pajamas on Christmas Eve
18. Photo with santa
19. Photo in front of the tree
20. Stockings hung in a row
21. Making holiday crafts
22. All dressed up - for party or church
23. Drinking hot cocoa, eggnog, or spiced cider
24. The gifts under the tree
25. Wearing Santa hats
26. Children sleeping on Christmas Eve
27. Enjoying a favorite holiday flick

Please add items from your Christmas Photo List that I've forgotten.  I'll choose one comment (at random) to receive a $25 SNAPNCROP Gift Certificate. (Comments close in one week- September 6th)  :)

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 34

 

If it catches your eye, if it is bright and colorful, if it is stacked up high or placed neatly in a row... it is probably going to make a great shot for a photo mosaic.

Mosaic Moments™ Photo !nspiration: Week 34

Colorful Life jackets are part of the fun at Water Country (They make floating along the Hubba Hubba Highway a relaxing experience and I love not worrying about my kids sinking to the bottom in the wave pool.) 

 

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Here is how I integrated colorful life jacket images into my page:

Create your own pages in minutes - register for a FREE account on cropdog.com.

 

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments™ photo inspiration: Week 33

This week is a little continuation on a theme - Food. Last week I was snapping photos of snacks this week, well...

Mosaic Moments™ Photo !nspiration: Week 33

 

What would a back to school shopping trip be without a little treat? This photo was taken in my car, right after I yelled, "WAIT! I want to take a picture before you eat those!"

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I like to take pictures of meals, treats, etc. especially when we go out. The food is part of the experience, right?

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I added the cupcake image to my latest facebook cover update:

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You can create your own Mosaic Moments™ style facebook cover on cropdog.com.

 

 

Happy Snappin & Croppin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 32

Tomorrow I am going to the beach and I will have lots of fun stuff to take pictures of. Today is Friday and I am at home, working. I was feeling a little uninspired... until I went into the kitchen and saw the snacks.

I started thinking about packing school lunches and how different lunch is now then it was when I was a kid. We didn't have Goldfish and Teddy Grams!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 32

Someday my kids are going to look at this picture and they are going to get a little excited and say, "I remember those Winnie the Pooh cookies!" 

Including some favorite snacks in my children's "School Days" albums might trigger a memory one day - may be it will be a story about those smiling fish. :)

So, I guess I didn't need to wait to go to the beach to have great subjects for my memory Albums!

 

One of my Pinterest boards is dedicated to images of things I remember from my childhood. I even pinned a favorite treat. (Future generations may not know what we are taking about when we tell them we used to love those Hostess Ding Dongs and Twinkies.)

 

 My "When I was a Kid" Pinterest Board.

Do you have a "when I was a kid" board"? - we'd love to see it!

 

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 31

Recently one of our design team members, Candy Spiegel, posted a fun page where she took photos of herself with crazy props. I happen to be a big fan of "crazy prop" pictures. Though mine do not always come with a willing human subject.

Busch Gardens has some of those "crazy props" scattered around their park right now.  Though I was not able to get my kids to pose with any of them, I had a good time snapping away at the summer time decor on my last visit.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 31

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Here is how I used the frog:

Page above made on our new cropdog.com digital program.

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Props are generally fun, bright, and cheerful - exactly what I love to add to my memory files. I'm sure the pink snail will find it's way onto a companion "Busch Gardens 2013" page.

Do you have any great "prop" pictures? Share them with us on Journella.com or our Mosaic Moments facebook page.

 

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 30

During our recent family reunion, we spent a day at the San Antonio Sea World. Theme parks are one of my favorite places to take pictures; however, I found it a bit more challenging to get my shots while I was trying to keep up with a large group of active kids and adults.

I wasn't happy with the low amount of "detail shots" I ended up with; but, I did find some interesting characters to shoot. I knew, as soon as I looked into their eyes, they would be displayed on one of my Sea World pages.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 30

When I am at a theme park I look for bright colored objects and stuff that is going to recreate that FUN atmosphere on my pages.

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It isn't always easy to snap on the go; but, I think it is worth the effort. Here is how I used the two photos above as details on my page:

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Page above made on our new cropdog.com digital program.

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The googly eyed characters offer a bright, cheerful addition to my page, as well as a visual reference to the place where the photos were taken.

 

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 29

After spending the morning walking around the Garden District, we weren't sure we had enough energy for a stroll though New Orleans Audubon Zoo; but, how could we resist when we saw the elephant fountain (image below) off in the distance beyond the ticket counter.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 29

Though the mix of heat and humidity was on the verge of unbearable,  I was so glad we decided to go inside. The great thing about going to the zoo - though the animals are often similar, or even the same, from one zoo to another - the unique environments, created by the habitat designers, give each zoo its own personality.

I can't resist taking pictures of the animals - especially when they are as gorgeous as the white tiger shown above. And, as usual, my family had to DRAG me away from the adorable otters (image below).

But, zoos have so much "photo-candy" to snap (even if the animals are all napping.)

Zoos are filled with both flora and fauna (so don't forget to take a few shots at the plant life) and just like a beautiful garden usually has ornaments - zoo's are filled with creative signs, ornaments, statues, etc.

 

I made this quick page using some of the photos shown above on our new cropdog.com digital program:

Beautiful surroundings make beautiful photos and beautiful photos make beautiful pages. Sounds like a great reason to spend an afternoon at the zoo!

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 28

When we started walking down the streets in the French Quarter I knew I wasn't going to have enough time to capture all that I wanted to. I really feel like I need a week to go back and snap all the wonderful colors and textures.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 28

The photo above is where it all began. It was one of the first "must stops" for my daughter who has a great fascination for old books. This store was loaded with them. In fact, it was difficult to walk down the narrow isles that were stacked not only with books on shelves but also on the floors.

As usual I was left behind while trying to snap as many shots as I could. I fell in love with the textures created by the chipped paint, old wood, and metal details.

I have plans for a "photo-art" page to be created with my French Quarter/New Orleans photos.

Fabulous Textures and colors surround us where ever we go. Vacation is a great time to capture the  details and add them to our memory files.

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 27

I had today's post all planned out. I was going to enjoy the fireworks with camera (on tri-pod) and I'd have at least one really amazing shot for my photo inspiration. But, Kevin wasn't feeling well and ultimately we decided to skip the fireworks last night. (Busch Gardens has fireworks all summer - so we will catch them another time.)

Thankfully I had a backup plan for today. Yesterday morning Kevin took Cole to our neighborhood festivities. (They had a great time; but, that is probably why he didn't feel well later that night.) I saw him preparing the camera and I reminded him to take LOTS of pictures. I have Kevin well indoctrinated - he knows what I mean when I say "LOTS of pictures."

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 27

The photo above, taken by my wonderful husband, was a shot of some of the items provided for the kids to decorate their bikes before the parade. Not necessarily a shot many people would take, but Kevin knew that I would make use of it.

Image above - My current facebook cover. Created using Cropdog.com - I know I am a tease; but, It will be available to you soon too. :)

My Inspiration TIP of the Day is: When you can't be there yourself, make sure the person you hand your camera to knows... take those detail shots!  :)

 

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 26

 

Thursday was our wedding anniversary. With a big road trip coming up, Kevin and I decided to stay close to home this year. We made plans to do one of our favorite activities… take pictures.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 26

I think every city has some sort of botanical garden. Before I go on a trip, I often google the botanical gardens in the area I plan to visit. Richmond, Virginia has two fabulous gardens. An estate called Maymont and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Kevin and I couldn't decide between the two; so, we went to both. :)

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Gardens are wonderful places to take pictures of flowers and plants - obvious, right? So I thought I'd mention one of my other garden photo op loves - garden ornaments.

Over the years, I have found that garden ornaments fill a great purpose on my photo-journal pages. Flowers are beautiful and make great photographic subjects; however, I feel that my pages need a little something beyond the "Daisies" to keep my attention.

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I haven't seen a well maintained garden that didn't have at least a few "ornamentals." There are birdfeeders, pots, statues, bridges, gazebos, fountains, sundials, birdbaths, etc. that act as attention getters, adorn the flower beds, and provide baths and feed to feathered friends.

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I hope you have time to "stop and snap the roses" this week, and while you do, take a few shots of the "designed by man" works of art too.

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 25

 

I take a lot of pictures in my yard. One of my favorite subjects is my butterfly bush. It gets huge and I often think I should move it but when it blooms it smells so good and it attracts all kinds of fun photo subjects - the butterflies are my favorite. They generally come a little later in the season.

Today I discovered that I am not the only one who enjoys my butterfly bush.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 25

I had to take this shot from a distance (as not to scare Mr. Bunny away) and since I don't have a good zoom (we sent mine away to be fixed) I took this shot with my 60mm macro lens. I was able to get the rabbit in pretty good focus despite the distance by setting my camera to a "single" focus area instead of the typical default (Dynamic).

I also set my metering to single spot instead of matrix. That way I was sure to get the correct exposure for the rabbit. See uncropped/original image below - Notice that the image has a lot of dark and light areas. If I had used matrix metering it would have averaged out the light to determine the correct exposure. The rabbit would have been dark because it was in the shadows.

What I ended up with was some "blown out areas" in the bush and the grass. Not a big deal because I was planning to crop the image anyway.

The butterfly Bush was busy today...

What's buzzing around your home today?

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo Inspiration: Week 24

 

We had a quick storm on Thursday and the power went out - and stayed out for awhile. Thankfully we have a generator to keep the necessities running, unfortunately the internet was not cooperating. So, I am running a little behind this week.

Tomorrow is Father's Day and I can't help thinking about breakfast when I think of Kevin, father of my children. (Breakfast is one of Kevin's many talents.)

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 24

I started a "Photo Recipe" album many years ago. It started out with images and recipes from my mother but quickly became a book featuring Kevin talents - as he is the daily cook in our lives.

Today I took a photo of a new "chefs specialty" - Veggie Omelet and Zucchini hash-browns.

To add to the page, I will add photos of the fresh vegetables and eggs that go into the recipe AND of course a photo of the cook (with his "kiss the cook" apron on.)

Happy Fathers Day weekend and

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 23

 

My daughter decided to run for Sophomore Class president and like any good mom I helped out a little. After she took her first batch of campaign goodies to school, it occurred to me - I should have taken pictures!

So I got out the camera and started shooting the remaining loot.

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 23

 

The Students voted on Thursday and Alexis told us the results would be announced on Monday. I think the "goodie shots" will be great for her "campaign memories" page.

Friday came and I almost forgot to write this post because of an unexpected distraction. I got a text from a friend who said, "I hear congratulations are in order!"

Alexis confirmed the news when she got off the bus.

 

She is over the moon, and Kevin and I are over the moon for her!

With so many graduations, end of grade celebrations etc. this time of year I'm sure your cameras are super busy.

 

Happy Snappin!

 

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 22

 

Do you have your summer vacation all mapped out?

Mosaic Moments Photo !nspiration: Week 22

Before you go, take a shot of your destination on a map.

Later, you can use your 2.125 inch punch to create a Location embellishment. OR maybe a heart punch, if you really fell in love on your vacation.

 

Can you guess where I am going this summer? :)

Happy Snappin!