Have a great day today!
Textures and Photoshop
Maybe you’ve noticed that I’ve been going crazy touching up my images with textures via layers in photoshop. I can’t get enough, it’s like a bad drug! Be patient, my obsession may subside in a few weeks!
I have been using textures for a while but then I came across textures and ideas from Kim Klassen. Something about her images are very inspirational to me. She offers short video clips on processing and techniques and I find them so easy to follow. I just love them and the new lift it’s given to my creativity!
Enjoy and thanks for looking
Bettina
Stop and smell the coffee….
Something to cheer you up!
Here is a photo I re-touched using some texture layers from Kim Klassen. Happy thoughts!
A December poem
An afternoon with the Fabulous Five
Well, maybe I’m stretching it with the fabulous part, little trouble making doxies! I’ve been talking to my friend Boomer about getting together for a fun session with her husband Brett and their posse of dachshunds. We finally found an afternoon that worked so off I went for a visit.
Now with Jack Russell terriers living in my house, we are used to alot of bouncing around and not alot of lounging around. I’ve got to tell you, even though dachshunds were bred to hunt badger way back when, if it’s time to relax that’s just what they do!
They are such a happy go lucky breed, I can see why Boomer & Brett have such a collection of them. I can’t speak for all five of their furry dogs but I know many of them are rescue dogs and for that I give them alot of credit. These dachshunds didn’t all come from wonderful beginnings and took some work to socialize them. But you wouldn’t know it by their behavior today, they are such loveable dogs with their own great personalities.
Zoe, rescued as an adult, sadly came from a puppy mill. Well this girl always places in the ribbons at the annual Missouri Earthdogs Trial held each May at Purina Farms. She loves the go-to-ground event and always does well every time. Even with her age and hearing almost gone, Zoe’s nose still works and finds the quarry at the end of the tunnel every time!
It was a great day to hang with my friends. You two are such a sweet and down to earth couple. Thanks guys, I loved every minute of it!
One of my favorite places to be
Any farm, anywhere, with the smells and sounds of good country living! I adore this family and when Michelle asked about photos I was all over it.
Their children Mark and Mikala have the most beautiful eyes and smiles. Mikala even told me she was having a great time! (The balloons may have helped, LOL)
I can’t wait to see them again, it won’t be soon enough!
5d2, 24L, 35L
Dakota is back!
First let me say I have lived in St Louis all my life and don’t recall ever visiting Suson Park! When did that get here? It’s a beautiful little park with barns & animals, lakes & lots of fishing. Think what my own grown kids have missed out on. But that’s another subject for worst mother (I’m the worst!)
Back to what this post is about, Dakota’s awesome family. I just love them! They are happy with life and the smiles Dakota brings! Always laughing and enjoying that wonderful little girl of theirs.
Now Dakota is a busy & energetic little girl! She loves those little feet running everywhere underneath her. Marching on without a care in the world while Mom and Dad smile. It’s fun just to watch and snap those awesome moments.
You may have noticed by now I’m not into the standard portrait poses. I take those too, but what I really love is taking it all in & capturing how families have fun with each other. Those special looks & genuine smiles you can’t always get when asking someone to pose. I love what comes naturally.
I sure hope to see this family next spring or summer. I will have to come up with some more surprises for Miss Dakota 
I hope you like these images, I sure enjoyed taking them!
5d2 & 24L
Addison is so big!
Time flies and before you know it Addison is already 9 months old! In another month Addison will be celebrating her first Christmas and then her first birthday, now that is exciting! I can’t wait to see them again, it will be here before you know it!
We were still able to get a session in and enjoy the fall colors, how beautiful it was. And they are such a beautiful family!
5d2 & 35L, 85L
Allyson | Senior – and special guest Rocco
It was nice to meet and work with Allyson for her senior shoot, she’s a very sweet and beautiful young lady. She just goes with the flow!
And well, you know how much I love dogs. When I heard Rocco would be joining her that was icing on the cake! He’s even more laid back than Allyson! I hope they had as much fun as I, shooting in some of my favorite places. Good luck with all your future endeavors Allyson!
5d2, 35L, 85L
