So I made it a point to watch Oprah yesterday when I saw what the subject was. Our food. Although my diet is far from perfect, I do try to be a somewhat conscious eater and am passionate about this issue. I was very inspired (and saddened) by the show! So for those of you who didn't see it I wanted to pass along the info that there is a special offer to purchase the movie Food, Inc. on her site through tomorrow night!

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Kelli

The nursery is *almost* done! I'm waiting for Chris to come home from LA (for work) so he can hang some things for me! We've had two WONDERFUL baby showers with loads of gifts from our very generous friends and family and I wanted to share one of those. My friend Cheryl, that I went to CCS with, made us this SUPER CUTE little felt owl in this shadow box! I was delighted and excited since I had been hinting that an owl would be cute when she started felting! I highly recommend checking out her etsy site for more cute things and you can read more about my new gift on her blog!

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Kelli

I want to thank you to those of you who checked back this week. I hope you found these tips helpful. Ready for #5!?

Tip #5: Try something different!

One of the best part of digital photography is that you can play! If you aren't happy with the result it's as easy deleting the photo from your camera or computer! So go crazy and think outside of the box. Try crazy angles, extreme close ups or different crops. A portrait doesn't have to be your baby sitting in front of you with the whole body in the frame. You may be pleasantly surprised at the results! Have fun!

Check out this close up of this cute newborn face.

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I love this photo on the left because I was leaving the room and turned around to take this photo from the hallway of a nice quiet moment between a Mom and her baby. For the photo on the right, the swing was going so high, that it makes it look like I was laying on the ground! :)

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This portrait always makes me smile. You don't need a face or full body photograph to have a portrait. This little girl was ALL girl and wouldn't take off her pink sparkle shoes or tutu so Mom put on the pants to keep her warm so we could go outside for a bit!

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Happy Friday!

Kelli

Tip #4: Give them something to do!

Not too many of us get very excited to stand and smile for a photo, well kids don't love it either! It's boooooooring! :) Give them something to do, something to play with, tell them to sing you a song, etc. Often times this is how you will get the most natural smailes and expressions!

Obviously the threesome on the left was told to jump! And the handsome man on the right was very excited to show me how he drives his car!

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We made a game out of running through the arches with the little man on the right.

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Check back for my last tip tomorrow!

Kelli

Tip #3: Read your camera manual!

I know, I can hear all of you groaning! :) This tip is not glamourous or fun but it's a must! In order to get the most out of your camera and the best photographs you can, you need to know what that baby can do! Cameras are getting better and more complex all the time. You are doing yourself (and your camera) a disservice if you're just fumbling your way through it! I do practice what I preach, I've read my camera manual, parts of it twice!

Happy reading!

Kelli