Photography Tip: FREE Photo Editing Software

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You’ve heard of Photoshop but have you heard of GIMP? GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program that works just like Photoshop except it’s freeware meaning you can freely download and use the software. If you don’t have or want to spend the money on Photoshop or even PaintShop Pro, this might me the answer you’re looking for.  Before I had Photoshop, I used GIMP. Although GIMP does NOT support the CMYK color space there are current developments of CMYK plug-ins to support its use.  This shouldn’t matter for most people but for those that combine photos with graphic designs to create press products (i.e., business cards, greeting cards, stationary, etc.) the ability to work with CMYK is a big deal.

Here’s what GIMP’s screen (version 2.6.6) looks like…

If you’ve used photo editing tools such as iphoto or picasa, you know how easy it is to edit your photos.  GIMP requires a bit more know-how but it allows you to do so much more than these automatic photo editing tools (like those I just mentioned). If you’re adventurous and the type to just go for things and learn as you go, this will be right up your alley.  The installation is pretty straightforward.  On GIMP’s site, there are plenty of instructions on how and what else you’ll need to download and install it.  If you’re not tech saavy like me, i’d recommend having  someone to help you download this application.

The best way to learn to use GIMP is to just use it! (Like anything else really).  Well, I hope this post finds to be helpful.

Click HERE and you’ll be linked to where you can download GIMP for Windows.

Click HERE and you’ll be linked ot where you can download GIMP for Mac OS X.

For photographers, here are tutorials by the GIMPguru I think you’ll find very helpful.

Until next time…

The Beautiful Mama

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I previously posted a sneak peek of this beautiful mama and I am finally getting to share more pictures from her session here.  She’s on baby #3 and expecting in just a few weeks days! I loved getting a chance to take her pictures!  But since she’s a photographer too, I was a bit nervous about how these would turn out and if she’d like them at all.  It was a relief to get an encouraging message from her after my last sneak peek post! Thanks J!

By the way, for those of you who aren’t familiar with my style, I’m aiming to take photos that express you and your life.  Anyone who has me take pictures for them will be able to take a look back and remember what you did and how you felt at at that point in time.  With that said, you’ll notice that what I capture from one shoot to the next is totally different because each person, family, or event is different.

So let’s get to the pics…here’s a good friend and a beautiful mama!

J shared with me that she’s been craving milk, powdered donuts and Fruity Pebbles with baby #3.  So I had to take a photo break and let J enjoy some milk and powdered donuts! =)

This is a picture of big brother showing his little sister some love!

You can tell from this picture that mommy’s got a great helper and baby sister is going to have the sweetest big sister & best friend.

If you can’t tell by the picture, J is reading “Guess How Much I Love You!” to her little princess #2, the same book her and her husband had often read to their kids K and A.

This baby is going to be SO LOVED! A beautiful mama and family!

The princess cracks me up!

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I just had to post this picture I recently took of my daughter (the princess) during our trip. We weren’t at the pool or the beach but in the middle of my father-in-law’s family room just hanging out when she approaches me wearing her brother’s swim mask and says “Mommy, look at me!”   She just cracks me up! She’s a beautiful princess with a great sense of humor! She always puts the biggest smile on my face!

Note*** Here is the (unedited/raw) shot from my camera. =)

I hope she makes you smile too!

Until next time…

The beginning of Summer 2010

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The summer has officially started! We’re in Orlando, Florida enjoying some time away. On our vacations, one of the things we love to do is sample the local foods. It’s a MUST DO on all our trips away from home. As you’ll notice if you read my blog, not only do I love photography, but I L-O-V-E  FOOD!!! And more than any kind or type of food…I love desserts.

So we tried 2 new spots (new to us since we haven’t ever tried it before)…first, we went to check out the Sweet Shoppe (from a family member’s recommendations) off  Lake Mary Blvd. in Lake Mary, Florida which is just north of Orlando.  It’s such a cute ice cream shop!

Photo taken from The Sweet Shop Facebook Page

We had gelato and a few other treats! I’m not a gelato expert so I can’t tell you it’s the best you’ll ever have. But it was good enough to satisfy my sweet cravings.  The gelato line-up that night included cioccolato (chocolate), vanilla, creme brule, caramello, key lime pie, lemon, mango, straciatella (hazelnut chocolate), coconut, gooey chocolate brownie, tiramisu and a few more flavors I can’t even remember.  In addition to gelatos, the shop also sells frozen yogurt (like Red Velevet Cake … YUM!) and soft serve ice cream. Man…the list goes on. Definitely a yummy place to be!

Note**** Since I’ll be posting away from home, the posted pictures will basically be limited to unedited raw pics from my camera.

The second place was Tijuana Flats, a tex-mex joint we ate at for lunch after church Sunday. Though you wouldn’t think much from the look of the place on the outside…

it’s actually a fun with funky atmosphere andgood place to eat.   There were cool little things about the place.One of the fun things about it is their “Hot Bar”. The Hot Bar has over 12 different hot sauces to choose from ranging in heat measured by these cute faces appropriately named sissy sauce, middle weight, tear jerker, and death wish.

Definitely a great little joint to enjoy some very good tex-mex food, and at the very least, sample some varieties of hot sauces!

So what would you recommend as “must eat” places in and around Atlanta? I guess there’s a difference between  “a must see and eat” kind of place like Varsity that is part of the Atlanta experience and just a “must eat” kind of place because you love the food and think it’s one of the best of its kind in Atlanta (and possibly any other place you’ve tried too!).  Either way, please share your thoughts. i’d love to know! I’m always looking for new things to eat and do in Atlanta! =)

Until next time…

Sneak peek: Summertime and a beautiful Mama

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My son just finished his last day of school yesterday and my daughter finished last Friday. They were so excited for their last week of school. Of course, I was excited because it means summer activities get started.  Can I just tell you that I love the summer time! One of the not so fun things about summer in Atlanta is the heat but trying to find ways to beat that heat is full of fun, fun, fun! I can’t wait to spend time with friends over the summer enjoying sites around Atlanta and the pool! Yay!!!! Water time…one of the best ways to spend your summer. The kids love it! And this mommy loves that the pool helps drain a lot of the energy stored up in my lil’ munchkins. So if you can’t already tell, I AM looking forward to this summer and can’t wait to share with you the pictures we’ll be capturing through our lazy days of summer.

For now I wanted to share a sneak peek of pics I got to take this past weekend.  I couldn’t have a post without at least one picture.  So here’s a couple of my faves from the session…she’s a beautiful mama and will be holding her newest bundle of joy sometime in June.  I’m working on this beautiful mama’s pics now and can’t wait to share more with you soon!

Until next time…

My life…

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As you may have noticed, my post have recently been fewer and far between.  Life’s been pretty busy and with a pretty busy schedule I couldn’t do any recent photo sessions.  I have some sessions scheduled in the next week or so and look forward to sharing new pictures with you but in the meantime, I thought it would be nice to share with you what’s been going on with me recently.

My brother came into town visiting from California.

He’s such an awesome brother and uncle! My kids LOVE him so much.  I wish he lived closer. The kids and I have been trying to persuade him to move to Atlanta. Of course, it’s a bit of a hard sell for someone living in sunny San Diego.  But it doesn’t hurt to try right? So our methods of persuasion… food! My brother laughs because every time he visits, our main activities always surround food. Well, they do say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So we’ve definitely been working that angle! =) Talking about food, i’ve got to share about these special treats!

Here are some of the best if not THE BEST doughnuts in Atlanta! Sublime doughnuts…YUMMO!!!!!

Imagine flavors like Nestle Crunch, Nutella, Red Velvet, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Oreo…man, these are simply amazing! You won’t be disappointed with this place! If you haven’t had a chance to eat these heavenly delights, you’re missing out.  This wonderful place is located right near my husband’s Alma mater, Georgia Tech! Warning: These are not cheap doughnuts but OHH SOO WORTH IT!

So let me get back to what else has been going on…

My son turned 4…

My daughter had her ballet recital…

Mother’s Day…

which included a great lunch and visit to the mountains…

and walk around Amicolola Falls! So beautiful!

Sights like this just bring an immediate peace to your soul!

So these were just a few of the things that had been occupying my time recently besides the normal day to day life of a wife and mom.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time…