Fix it Friday–Sun flares

I haven’t done I Heart Faces’ Fix It Friday in a while and this lovely shot caught my eye.  Even without work, you can see the potential.

Opening this in Photoshop, I tried doing an all-over level adjustment, but I wasn’t happy with what I was getting.  I went in with my dodge tool and lightened midtones in his face and some of the foreground as well as a few streaks of sunlight on his shoulder.  Then I used the burn tool to darken some of the shadows on his clothing and his long lashes!  The sponge tool let me saturate just the tall weeds and the blue areas in the sky.  I also used the clone tool to get rid of most of the lens flare on the bottom right.  A little contrast made all the difference at the end.  It’s more of a tweak than an all-out change, but I like it!!

Want to play along? Visit www.iheartfaces.com .

SEW–My Goodnight Book

Grandma Melody (my mom) sent us books so the kids can read with her once a week over the phone.  She also sent Piper some books.  As soon as I saw this book, I knew why she chose it.  Look at this cover.  It’s Piper!!!

       

Don’t you think?

Special Exposure Wednesdays are hosted by 5 Minutes for Special Needs.

I Heart Faces–Anything but a face!

This week’s photo challenge at I Heart Faces is “Anything but a face”.  It was once again a hard choice to make, but I love this shot so much I thought I’d give it a try.  This photo was from this summer, the day I turned my back for a second and discovered JC had found the only mud puddle around as was wading in!

THIS one was my first runner up for today’s post.

Want to see other entries?  Please visit I Heart Faces!!

I believe you will fly…

I believe you will fly
because you told me so.
Your limitations don’t apply
where you’ve decided to go.
Your strength is in your heart
rather than your frame.
You are a work of art
you inspire me the same.
The Lord has blessed us with you
and has given you a task.
We will help you see it through
you never have to ask.
I believe you will fly
and I will be your guide.
You’ll succeed in what you try
because I’ll be at your side.

Canon EOS
ISO 100
f/8 at 1/125
28-55mm lens
no flashCanon EOS
ISO 100
f/9 at 1/160
28-55mm lens
no flash

See more Special Exposure Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Special Needs.

Special Exposure Wednesday - Softball

The big kids are in baseball and softball.  Piper gets to watch.  T-Ball doesn’t start until they are in Kindergarden here.  She says she wants to play.  I won’t stop her from trying.  In fact, I’ll be right there cheering her on.  Right now she has no limitations as far as she’s concerned.  I’m not about to tell her any different. 

                 

She can hold the bat! That’s a good start!!

Shot with a Canon EOS
no flash
most at f/2.5 and 1/100 seconds
ISO 100
fixed 50mm lens (love it!!)

Special Exposure Wednesday is part of 5 Minutes for Special Needs.  Stop by for more SEW!!

Block Party 2010

Our church’s annual Block Party and Safety Fair was a big success!
 

The people we had from the fire, police, and ambulance crews were awesome.  They were excited to share their jobs with the kids and give them some hands on experience.

JC helped me at the tattoo booth.

There were bouncy houses!

All the kids sampled the free food. Several times.

Hey, it wasn’t just the kids that had a good time!!

First Round Pictures

I was recently asked to show some photos locally and I need some help deciding.  Here’s my first set of photos to narrow down.  Please take a look, then vote for your FIVE FAVORITES in the poll on my sidebar.  Please leave a comment to let me know what you liked/disliked about your picks!! THANKS!!

Red shoes

Family walk

Sweet Dreams

Mud is fun!

Escape

Always the princess

Maximus Defender

Twirl

 

Red Umbrella                               Sparkly Shoes 

Exploring

Blue Eyes

Meeting the new baby

Dancing in the leaves

     

Baby Jackson                   Sisters and Friends

A Moment

Family Fun

Holding Hands

Prom Dress

We Love You

Cherry Frost

Flood and the Farmer

Dandelion