:: Palm Frond ::

When we bought our house in May, we were lucky because it was pretty much move-in ready. Expect for one room: our bedroom. The previous home owners used it as a tv room. It had a fishing theme wallpaper border, which some people may enjoy...but it was definitely not my taste. So, after a few hours of scraping, it was bye, bye fishies. We painted the walls a calming "Palm Frond," (I just love paint names!) took out the built-in speakers, patched the holes, and added a closet door.

bye, bye fishies

The walls were bare, so I took it upon myself to create something to go on them. I started with a canvas and scrapbook paper. I cut the paper in strips and arranged in alternating colors. I threw in one with more of a green color that is close to the wall color. I glued them down using Mod Podge (a water-based sealer, glue and finish). Then, I mixed the Mod Podge with white paint and when over it again. The square on the top right started out as white scrapbook paper with a black pattern. When I glued this square on, I used Mod Podge that was mixed with brown paint to tint the paper brown. The remaining bottom square was then painted orange for a pop of color. Next, I painted on the dandelion silhouette. Finally, I cut the bird from another piece of scrapbook paper, glued him on, and voila!

:: Family Xmas Picture ::

Every year growing up, we broke out the tripod, set the self-timer, and took our family Christmas picture. Inevitably, every year, one of us three girls would have a break down on this day. Someone's hair didn't look right, someone didn't have anything to wear, someone was tired and didn't feel like being in a picture...I guess that's what happens when you are in a family with three girls. (I feel sorry for my dad!) Anyway, I am really glad that our mom made us do it. They always ended up turning out ok, and now I am happy to have them to look back on.
This Christmas, I had the pleasure of taking the Peroutka/Buchanan Family Christmas picture. Between getting the 6 year old and the dog to look at the camera at the same time and making sure everyone's clothes, hair, etc. were all in place, it was a task. But I must say, it went a little smoother than any of my family pictures ever did. What a good looking family! We got some great shots. Here are a couple:

 

And the one they chose for their card:

:: Senior Pictures ::

I remember the day that I got my Senior pictures taken. It was fun to have all the attention on me. I felt so pretty. This is why I really love taking Senior pictures. I can put all my focus onto one person and truly try to capture their personally. Here are some of my favorite Senior pictures that I have taken:

Anthony.

Allie.

 

Maleah.

 Jenee.

 

Jane.

:: Is It Spring Yet? ::

Today, I found myself saying "Is it spring yet?" Why is it that we always wish we were somewhere else, or doing something else, etc? We should really try to just enjoy the moment more. Even though I abhor the cold, I just need to get used to the fact that I live in the mid-west and get over it.  So I challenge myself and everyone else, to enjoy each day for what it is worth...even if it is freezing out. I took the picture above when it was literally freezing out, and look how beautiful it is!

I used a technique called The Orton Effect on these pictures. It gives the pictures a somewhat surreal look. It is traditionally done using slide film, but now in the good old digital age, it is pretty easy to do using Photoshop. Here is a link to a good tutorial.

:: Gasparovich Wedding ::

 

I have taken senior pictures and some family portraits before, but up until last October, I had never shot a wedding. The thought of having to capture all the important moments on what could possibly be one of the most important days in someone's life was nerve racking. Besides the fact that I don't really have the proper equipment for professional indoor photography. But, this was my step cousin's wedding, it was outside, and my aunt had asked me to do it as a favor so, I reluctantly agreed. It was uncharacteristically hot and bright for October in Illinois that day, but overall, I am proud of the pictures I captured. Above is one of my many favorites. It was hard to choose just one to put up here so below is one more :) Congratulations Ashley and Bob!

 

This coming spring is going to be full of wedding celebrations. My sister and my best friend, Carly, are both getting married! I have been helping them out with some designs for their perspective weddings which I will put up after they have delivered them to their guests. This March-May is going to be crazy but I can't wait!