Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Facebook giveaways!

I have to admit, I am a sucker for a good giveaway! And I LOVE to play along! So here is another great giveaway http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mulberry-Lane-Photography/129451850470780

Mullberry Lane Photography is hosting this fantastic giveaway, and I am thrilled about it! If you haven't already, head on over to her facebook page and check it out!

Monday, July 18, 2011

New feature post.... look for it soon!

Just an FYI, I am working on a new feature post, "What NOT to do in everyday photography". This post will be a regular series in my blog. I will address simple mistakes everyone has made when taking a picture. I will show you what NOT to do, and then what you can do to avoid doing it again! Most tips are very simple and super easy to remember!

For example, have you ever taken a photograph of someone indoors, and you realized after the fact that it was completely washed out by the flash? Or how about when you take a quick snapshot of a giggling friend and it turns out blurry. Or perhaps you have taken a picture while at the lake or the beach and it was prettier in your mind than in your camera!!

I will take one subject at a time. Take a sample photo of what NOT to do and what it should look like done correctly. I will be using my Olympus digital camera to take the photos, so you will see that you don't need a fancy DSLR to take great looking pictures!

What I would like from you, my faithful readers, is either a suggestion on a specific subject you would like to learn to help you improve your photographic abilities, and/or photo submissions, you may submit photos that you personally have taken that didn't turn out the way you had hoped, and I will address the problem. You can email the submission or request to me @ bobbie@bobbielyons.com Be sure to include your name, describe what you wanted to accomplish in the photo. (You may only submit photos that you have taken personally, no vulgar or nude photography, I will need your consent to post them in my blog. I reserve the right to refuse any submission and delete submissions at any time without notice)

Subjects can vary from camera settings to editing tips and tricks! So keep a look out for the new series! Be sure to share the info with your friends too! Everyone has the ability to improve their photographic skills and I am determined to prove that you don't have to be a pro to be a good photographer! You will learn how easy it is to take great looking photos with your family camera!


Until next time my Snap Happy Friends!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Ever had one of those days?

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like your kind of floating through the day? You know, like things are getting done, but your not completely sure how or who got them done, you just know it's done. You know you made phone calls, you know you sent out mail, you even know you ran all of your errands for the day, but it feels like someone else was in your shoes doing all the work! This probably doesn't even make sense to some of you, but I had one of those days today. In fact this week, so far, has been awkward at best! I know I've taken care of things, but I feel like it should be Monday and I should just be getting things going. Maybe I am sleep deprived, maybe I am lacking a nutrient... whatever it is, I am sure this is one of the weirdest weeks ever! I think, (although I hate to declare it), I am almost caught up!!!! WHOA! I'm not even sure I know what that feels like anymore, but I am taking a leap here, and proclaiming, that I have just about got all the 'need to do' stuff done! You all know what that means don't you??? PLAY TIME! Wahhooooo! Now I can focus on my new packages and new shoot ideas and hopefully get all my ducks in a row to be able to reveal things to you very soon! It's very exciting! You've already seen my new logo and new ad style and I really hope you all like it! I love the colors and the style. 

So stay tuned and stay snappy!!

Friday, July 8, 2011

My favorite subject....and a new logo!

  So thought I would reveal my new logo with this blog post. I am very pleased with it! I hope you all like it as well! I am updating various aspects of the business and this was the first thing I wanted to share with you all! Keep a look out for even more updates, and new specials!

Now, on to my favorite subject:

  Food, animals, flowers, bugs, nature. All of those subjects are fun in their own way to photograph. Each one has different obstacles and challenges to overcome. Each have a unique way of conveying the beauty of life. For many people, their favorite subject to photograph has personal reasons behind it. That is true for me. I love taking pictures of animals. They are all unique characters and I love how the expressions captured would otherwise have gone unnoticed! The simple sweetness and delicate nature of flowers has always captivated me when I photograph them. Event photography really speaks for itself.... it's always eventful! I never get bored when I am photographing groups of people at an event! But, despite all the fun I have when photographing all of those subjects, there is yet another subject that I love even more. In fact, I can't seem to ever satisfy my need to photograph this subject!

  I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't photograph my favorite subject! My last count, which was several months ago, I have well over 2,000 photographs of this subject! Some of my best shots have been because of my favorite subject. I have learned new techniques, new styles and made new mistakes! I really feel that I have grown so much, as a person and as a professional, since I started photographing this subject.

  I am sure that by now, you've looked at the picture and figured out what my favorite subject is. It is my son. As a professional photographer, I love taking pictures of children and families. I love the intimacy of each picture. I love how the relationships between each of the individuals shines through in the photograph. You can see secrets being told to each other in just a glance. You can feel unspoken respect and love. You can feel unmatched faithfulness and loyalty. But, when I take a picture of my little man, all of those emotions are intensified!

  Of course, you don't have to be a professional to appreciate a good photograph or feel emotions when you look at it. I personally enjoy going to art exhibits and viewing other artists work. I still feel the same emotions. And, really, that is the goal of any artist. To move, motivate or otherwise inspire your audience.

  I am really excited about the upcoming events for my business. I hope that I can reach you, my audience, in ways you've never expected! I look forward to sharing with you my newest work and latest creations!

  Until then, don't hesitate to pick up your camera, record those moments and preserve those memories, keep it snappy!!!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

NEW: Lady of the Month Spotlight Interview

This is the very first Lady of the Month Spotlight Interview! Each month I will highlight a very special business Lady. You will be able to learn about her, her business and get some creative advice, tips and fun facts!

So, for my very first Spotlight Interview we are shining the light on Nataly Kimball of Beautifully Elegant!


 What got you interested in making jewelry?

 I took a jewelry and metalsmithing class my first year in college. I immediately fell in love! I wasn't that great at first, but knew that if I kept at it I would eventually get better. This class got me hooked on jewelry making!

 How long have you been making your jewelry?

 I have been making jewelry for about 5 years now. It was a hobby for a while- I just made jewelry for myself and family.

 What is your favorite piece you've made?

 My favorite piece would be the summer fun necklace. It is my favorite piece because it was the first piece I made for my etsy shop. I love the colors and textures of this necklace. I would defiently wear this necklace all the time if I could.


 What other creative things do you with your time?

 I also dabble into a lot of other things like owl collecting, calligraphy photography, and graphic design. I am currently working on making my own greeting cards to sell.

 Where does your design inspiration come from?
 I know it sounds cliche, but my inspiration comes from all around me. I look at what people are wearing and certain ideas just pop into my head. I always carry a pen and paper just in case I get a great idea while I am out and about. I also follow a lot of great blogs that inspire me as well.
 If a reader wanted to buy your products, how can they find you and your store?
 www.beautifullyelegant.etsy.com
www.beautifullyelegant-beautifullyelegant.blogspot.com
@belegant05http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautifully-Elegant/196477937055815


 Do you have any advice for young girls who are thinking of starting their own business?

 My advice would be to never give up on your dream. If you always have wanted to own your own business- go after it with all your heart. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.


So, now that you have met Nataly, be sure to check out her Etsy store! She is an amazing woman with a passion for jewelry and an eye for fashion! I hope you enjoyed this Spotlight Interview with Nataly!

Finally back!

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been a while! We finally got our Internet back, the move went well, I am so glad it's over with! I am working on a new blog post, you will LOVE it! It's very exciting! I wasn't able to go around and take the photos of my hometown last weekend, but I was able to get a few shots of a local hot spot... Blue Ridge. It is absolutely stunning! So beautiful, the photos don't even do it justice. We were able to spend a few hours up there and have a family picnic. It was so much fun! I strongly recommend you take the time to go up there, if you are ever in Arizona. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes you will ever see!



Well, I better finish the new blog, so be sure to check back, you won't want to miss it! I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve right now, so, be on the look out! I have some exciting new projects I am working on, a new package that will blow your mind & an incredible offer you will want to take advantage of! Have a great Friday Eve!! Yay! It's almost the weekend!

Keep it Snappy!!