We are just about to open up the Bloom Forum to the public but just tweaking a couple things here and there! Be the first to find out when the Grand Opening is by subcribing to the newsletter! In the meantime you can read a little more about it HERE!

When I first started my journey into the world of photography, I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on equipment and stuff. I knew that I wanted a certain look (aka studio lights) but didn’t have any at the time to use. No lights, no seamless paper, no backdrop stand, no reflector….you get the picture. So what I decided to do is make due with what I had. Why on earth I had a big white foamboard is beyond me but I did so I dragged that out, leaned it up against my ottoman, pulled out a hairdryer and went to town. And you know what…it worked! So I decided to do it again (partly because I’m to lazy to set everything up and some of my equipment is at the studio). Here’s one of the final results…nothing fantastic, some may probably say imperfect but there is something about it that makes it hard for me to stop looking at it. Maybe you feel the same way too.

Also…don’t forget the Ketti Handbag Giveaway over at the Bloom Blog! It ends today so make sure you get your comment in!

Then head on over to the BLOOM BLOG for a Ketti Handbag Giveaway! Don’t miss your chance to get your hands on her Summer Swirl Bag!

of documenting everyday life. I tend to forget that but today I needed a break from working on the forum and I had the itch to shoot BUT, one kiddo is in school and the other was napping so I pulled out Grant’s favorite little toy that he likes to tote around and captured it…torn sweater and all. Gracie had this bunny when she was a baby too so I thought it was important to photograph it and maybe just maybe their kids will play with it and love it like they did/do.

xoxo,
Bren

I’m mentioned this extraordinary foundation headed by Lidia Boicu before on the blog. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing lasting memories through the beautiful art of photography to the families with children who are facing life threatening illnesses. With the help of photographers worldwide, they are able to give a beautiful album that will carry the love, joy and everlasting memory of each individual family. They are hosting an upcoming True Rumors Auction on September 30th with LOADS of wonderful donations from various vendors from all over for you to bid on with the proceeds going towards the foundation. If you can make it…please do…I may see you there! If you can’t make it please consider a small donation…any little bit helps. Just head over to the blog and click on the donate link at the top.

* In fact…let’s run a special…anyone that donates $25.00 to the foundation today, gets ALL my actions/presets/textures for free! Hurry because this special will end today at 5:00 p.m. CST! When you make your donation, just forward your receipt to Brendaleann@gmail.com and I’ll get your goodies sent to you.

Thanks so much,
Bren

YES, you read it right…Kristy and I are about to open up the BLOOM forum soon! It will be open to everyone but have a little something extra for all of our wonderful BLOOM students. Make sure you watch the BLOOM BLOG for details!

And I had to share this shot too….I LOVE it (still from Fredericksburg)! I’m thinking a LARGE gallery wrap! I took these right before the skies opened up and poured! BTW…that field of flowers…they were ALL over the area! I was so giddy when we got into town and I saw them. We don’t get big fields of wildflowers here in Dallas. LOL!!

We took a mini family vacation to Fredericksburg Texas. If you’ve ever been there then you know how GORGEOUS it is and how time really just stands still there. We hope to move there one day but for now we have to settle on vacationing there throughout the year. I just now am getting to those photos…how sad is that? I’ve been sooooo busy with the workshops, one-on-one mentoring, client sessions and the new forum that I haven’t had time to edit them. I finally sat my butt down and played with at least one of them! And did I play…I added about 5 textures on it to give it a vintage storybook feel. LOL!!

So, I have a question for all you blog readers out there….my kids eyes are soooo sensitive to the sun. Even if it’s cloudy, they still squint. Do you guys have any sure fire tricks up you sleeve on how to get them not to squint? I’ve done the whole counting to 3 then open your eyes, but then they look scared! LOL!! While the grass is still green around here, I’m wanting to get a shot of the both of them laying in the grass with their heads together. So if you have any suggestions, please post them so I can give them a try! Thanks!!

The good news….the mullet is gone….the bad news….so are the curls!

Not that the logo won’t give it away but head on over to the BLOOM WORKSHOP BLOG and see! We are super excited about having her join us!!

Rae Pulver: “Just went to facebook and clicked the like button on Nicole’s fanpage. It wasn’t a stretch, I really do like her stuff. It’s gorgeous!” Congrats Rae…Nicole will be in contact with you about your prizes! Thanks to everyone that played!!