Bokeh

Last night I went to a coffee shop class taught by R.J.  He as taken it upon himself to teach whatever he has learned.  I think he just really likes teaching, but hey if I can take advantage of that I’m ok with it.  The subject yesterday was Bokeh.  I’d heard the word thrown around a little, but didn’t have a great understanding of. So I thought it would be a great learning experience. And it’s free!

Bokeh is a combination of a good lens, the distance from your subject and the Depth of field.  It’s the combination of all three.  A good lens doesn’t guarantee you’ll have good Bokeh.  The no brainer terms, it means a small portion of the photo is in focus and the rest is not.  Pretty cool when you see it done well.  I suppose it could be done in the computer, but I would much rather have it done in camera.  Less time in front of the computer, the better!

Here’s what I came away with.  I don’t know if it’s the best Bokeh, but I was pretty freak’n excited about!  The only post process was a little brighting. 

Alan and Erica

About a month ago I asked Alan and Erica if they would model for me. I really had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Alan and Erica are good friends of Cody and I, and we get along really well. They’re not the ‘PDA’ type couple so I thought it would fantastic to get them all lovely duddy with each other and get some shots. Well there’s a reason Alan is not a Model, and it’s not because of his looks. He’s not exactly comfortable in front of the camera. But he made it soooo much fun! Alan, your hilarious in front of camera! I just pitty Erica 😉

I did get some really great photos, that really show how much these two love each other. And that’s what I really wanted to do.

We started out a little serious, nothing to challenging….right? I got this…

So I split them up.

Is this the sweetest kiss ever!

Can’t you see them sitting on a bench growing old together?

I think he’s trying to dip Erica.

There we go, much better!

I’m sorry Alan, but this one makes me laugh ever time.

I think we’re getting somewhere.

Now this is getting steamy!

one of my favorites.

Oh Alan…I really thought he was doing so well.

Thank you Alan and Erica, for putting up with me. I had a wonderful time! really! I hope you enjoy the results of our adventure as much as I do!

I2, Models!

 A local photographer, innovative image makers, puts together a little mini model shoot every couple of months.  This month was children and maternity.  It pretty cool idea really.  The ‘models’, mostly your average Joe, come in exchange for the photos.  I personally would think it would a little intimidating to have 6 or more camera pointed at you at once , but that’s why I’m behind the camera not in front.

I’m really happy with how they come out too.  I would love to do kids more!  …if you have kids call me!….

He is just to cute!  I think I’ll just take him home with me, no one will notice!

She just keep running in circles around me for over 5 minutes!  You would think she would get tired, or maybe dizzy?

It’s all about presentation

You’ve heard it before, but I don’t think you can stress it enough.  Presentation sells.  I ordered a vintage fabric pillow off of the website etsy.com.  This website is awesome, it’s all small artist that sell their work thru Etsy.  You can find some really unique items there.  Anyway, I was excited to get the pillow before I even saw it, but when it came I get even more gitty.  It was beautifully wrapped.  It really made me feel like I was getting something really special.  Something no one else had.   When I took it out of the box I almost didn’t want to open it.  I think apple computers makes you feel the same way.  Their presentation is just simple, but classy.

I think any time you’re giving something to someone whether it’s a gift or something they paid for, you should make them feel as special as possible.  Make them feel like it’s a one of kind, something no one else has.

She even had a little thank you note inside the card.

The pillow now resides on our bed, a photo is below in ‘This Old House…’

This Old House….

We we really haven’t had any really big advances in the house lately, but we did finally put things up on the walls. And we bought our couch, YEA!

The house is finally starting to look like someone other then college students live here. There are still several things we want to add, but all in good time.

Notice the fabric on the dining room wall?

The hallway was a prefect place to display our wedding photos. I love the rails, I can change the arrangement as much as I want without putting new holes in the wall. Cody hates holes in the wall.

Visitors from the north

Last weekend my good friend Rachel (she spells it wrong) and her boyfriend were in Denver for a few days. It was an absolutely beautiful weekend here in Colorado. Hell has to freeze over before it’ll reach 70 degrees in Minnesota in February! I think we may have convinced them to move here 🙂

We took advantage of the great weather and went for hike and played in the park. It was great having you guys! I hope you come more often, or maybe just move here!

I think we may be lost….

…wait, nope we found another hike.

The novice photographer Rach’e’l took this.

The novice herself!

Even twirling a frisbee he still manages to avoid the camera!

And I think we tired them out. Hopefully they come back 🙂