Hidden Beauty Photography

Landscapes

2013-05-01T01:51:00.001-07:00

I'm going to admit right here, I was a little bit worried when I was looking at the instructions for this assignment. We were supposed to try to get landscape photos without any man-made objects in them... And several years ago, I could have walked out my door and done that no problem! But there have been so many houses built that it's nearly impossible to look anywhere without seeing signs of civilization. So, I'm actually surprised with some of these. I love it when my ideas of what perception can do to a photograph are proven!

It's also incredible how much of a difference just moving around can make on a photo... The lighting in these is different, so many look like they were from a completely different shoot! I did do different types of processing on them, but mostly I stayed about the same.

Overall, I love these! Some of them remind me of paintings :) And even though there is a water... pipe... thingy in a few, I don't think it really takes away from the landscape feel.

I love to walk around and just find little patches of beauty like this one here... I don't even care that I had people staring at me from their backyards as I army crawled around this field with my camera. I mean, how is that weird? I think it's totally normal ;)

(I think this one is my least favorite :( Sad face!)

And, here is my first attempt at an HDR photo... I can't wait to play around with this more!

P.S. - I am obsessed with Golden Hour. I already was, but I had forgotten how much I loved it until tonight! AH!

Retouching

2013-04-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that all of you are aware of the skeptical nature of retouching... As a photographer, I'm faced with that subject every time I get on PhotoShop.

At least everyone has heard of the Dove Real Beauty campaign, and I would love for you to watch the following videos before you proceed in this post....

Of course we're all skeptical on this subject... How can we not be with how the media portrays beauty?

That's only made worse when we are shown photos like this (I simply googled 'retouched photos' to find these examples).

All of those women were just stunning the the before photos... The question that I have, as I'm sure every other person has, is why would they do that??

Now, on to my part of the post... This is my opinion on the retouching that I do.

I am all for retouching. Why? Because the way that I do it, I don't change who the person is. Acne? That's not a part of you, and I don't feel that I'm changing someone when I take it away.

I am an 18 year old girl, and I know just how much we can be afraid of how we look. The following image is me... This was taken by the very talented Wish Photography after she gave me my Elaina. I was 16, and was going through a very stressful time. My acne? It was absolutely terrible. Honestly, I'm even embarrassed to show you this photo. But I am, why? Because my acne does not define me. All that Kandis did was remove those to show who I was without it... She didn't change my face shape, take away my laugh lines (which I love, btw), or change who I am. She just helped me see who I would be without that acne.

Now look at these photos that I've taken. The before's are what I did for the basic edits, before I did any retouching or playing of my actions.

This is my beautiful friend Laura. Gorgeous, isn't she? She has eczema -- if you don't know what that is, it's a skin condition that can cause itchiness, rashes, etc... She's the second of my friends to suffer from it.

It's very painful, and not something they feel is a part of them. By taking out these blemishes, I didn't change who she was, I took away something that was there at the moment the photo was taken.

This is Lexi, another beautiful friend of mine. (I accidentally put the before on the right side in this photo). She looks basically the same, doesn't she?

Look at that! How minor were those touch ups? You can't see very well in the after, but her freckles are still there too. Why? Because her freckles are a part of her, so I do not want to remove those.

Another beautiful friend, her name is Grace. Practically perfect? I think so.

Look at those laugh lines, how adorable are those?? I love laugh lines, and I will never remove any lines on a face unless specifically asked by the client. All I did was take out a few blemishes. Did it change how she looks overall?

Meet Jessica... Can you believe that this girl doesn't believe she's photogenic?

Seriously, I barely had to do anything! Oh, and you see that freckle on her forehead? It's still there. Because it's adorable!

I could continue to show you examples, but I'll stop with all of those girls.

Each girl that I photograph knows each of her own imperfections. She's scared to go in front of the camera and have them shown to the world. By taking out acne, eczema, etc... I feel that I am helping the girl to see her own natural beauty. Look at all of those before and after photos... Look closely. Do the girls in them look like different people? Does it look like I took out anything that defined who they are, as a uniquely beautiful Daughter of God? If I did, it was totally by accident.

Retouching doesn't have to be bad. Retouching can be used simply to enhance what everyone else sees each time they look at the girl. Because guess what? Cameras have a way of capturing blemishes invisible to the naked eye.

These blemishes will fade and go away over time... Because they are not a part of us. Would you like more proof? Look at this time-line of me over the last 3 years...

In each one my face is the same shape, I have the same features, but my skin is clearer and clearer.

No one wants to have their awkward stages photographed, so I try to help a girl see that she's more than that. I want to help show my models -- my friends -- what I see every time I look at them.

They are beautiful. Their real beauty is there. I just help them to see it as well.

I hope that this has helped you to gain a new perspective on what photographers actually want to do when they retouch a photo!

Night Photography

2013-04-23T01:33:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with this assignment -- even though I froze my butt off (literally... I couldn't feel it when I got inside! sorry if that was TMI) and almost died.

Yes, I almost died! I was out taking photos in my backyard when I heard a growling sound... I'm not even making this up, okay. It sounded like it was only 3 feet away from me. I don't scare all that easily, but I almost had a heart attack. Soooo I ran inside and made my younger brother come out with me for protection. He brought our air soft gun to make me feel even safer. I have nice brothers ;)

Another adventure was shooting without a tripod... I know, I need one! Anyone want to buy me one?

Anyone? Anyone?

....Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

*sigh* fine. Moving on. So I was out in the dark, with my brother there, toting around a kitchen/bar stool and using my hat to balance out my camera if the stool was on uneven ground. It was pretty interesting.

But, at least one of these photos was worth it! So, without further... anyone, anyone?

Ado!

1. Nighttime scene of nature:

ISO: 200 || f/3.2 || Shutter: 5.00 Seconds
Canon 10D, 50mm lens

This is my FAVORITE. Oh my goodness I love it! I can't believe that it was almost pitch black when I took it -- or that the wind was blowing the branches every which way! I knew I had to do an edit like this on it... and I love it. Love love love it! Oh, that's kind of egotistical, huh?

2. Nighttime scene of architecture:

ISO 100 || f/4.5 || Shutter: 30.00 Seconds
Canon 10D, 50mm lens

This was taken in the very back of my yard -- the lights in the distance are actually a small airport that's down the street from where I live. Oh and... BOKEH. I love bokeh!!

3. Long-exposure with a flashlight/sparkler/lighter/or some other light source:

ISO 200 || f/3.2 || Shutter: 13.00 Seconds
Canon 10D, 50mm lens

This one I'm not all that crazy about -- I love the flowers, but the long-exposure flashlight just seems a bit too bright to me. I did all I could to make it not so overpowering! I like to think of it as a swarm of fireflies... It makes it better ;) Other than being a bit too bright right there, I think it's pretty!

4. Monochromatic nighttime shot:

ISO 200 || f/3.2 || Shutter: 20.00 Seconds
Canon 10D, 50mm lens

I would just like to say that I did not desaturate this in PS... I tried to get one that looked monochromatic SOOC, and I did it! I did some touch ups, of course, but this is basically SOOC. I saw this one star through the branches of this pine, and I thought it was gorgeous. Little did I know that a few others (invisible to my eye) would make a little appearance in the photo! Can you see them? This one is pretty fun for me, as well, because it's more abstract. If you know me and my photography, I don't do much abstract work. Still not my favorite, but it's fun! And pretty legit.

5. Free style! Whoo:

ISO 400 || f/13 || Shutter: 30.00 seconds
Canon 10D, 18-55mm lens

Isn't that so cool?? Okay, lemme tell you what I did here... After the shutter started, I slowly zoomed in all the way (manually, with my zoom lens). Then, once I was in all the way, I slowly came back out. I did this until the shutter was finished, that the above was the product! Awesome, right?? To help show what it looks like without doing that, here is one taken without zooming in and out...

ISO 400 || f/13 || Shutter: 30.00 Seconds
Canon 10D, 18-55mm lens (at about 50mm)

Still cool looking, but not nearly as legit, right? I do love the clouds in this one though. It looks like someone (maybe He was!) is painting the sky right there.

ISO 400 || f/13 || Shutter: 30.00 Seconds
Canon 10D, 18-55mm lens (at about 20mm)

And, because I was thinking I had to do a portrait while I was out there, here is that. For this I actually set it all up, then went and got into position then had my brother push the button for me (I had to walk quite a ways to get here). That still counts, right? I just had him push the button. I'm not sure...

For all of these I used the timer, so that my camera wouldn't have any shake from me pushing da button.

It was nice to see that I can actually do pictures in pitch black -- as long as there isn't moving from it or the camera. Or, at least as little as possible. I love these assignments that push me to test my limits!!

Cubomania

2013-04-12T14:15:00.001-07:00

Have y'all heard of Cubomania before? I hadn't before this week! That was our assignment in Photography, and let me tell you... I've never felt more like Pablo Picasso before. Why? Take a look at what it is!

Trippy, right?? But super fun. Of course, I went a bit more extensive than we needed too so it took me forever!

And if you want to see a color version...

I'm not entirely sure what I was going for in this design... I knew I wanted to focus around her camera in the middle, and then I just wanted it to be fun and whimsical. And super random! That's why I did the varying sizes in the squares/rectangles. For the black and white, I just wanted something sort of vintage and whimsical -- like the old abstract paintings. They all display some sort of emotion, and I guess I wanted to portray something like that too? I'm not really sure.

(Fun fact: my image contains over 55 shapes, all making up the original image)

Food Photography

2013-03-18T22:58:00.003-07:00

Hey everyone!! Sorry I haven't posted in a while -- you know those times when life just takes over and you kind of lose all control? Yeah, I've been having one of those times. But, I'm bouncing back!!

Have you ever thought/learned about food photography? If not, look it up. I'm serious, even if you're not a photographer, it is pretty fascinating! And it explains why the food you order never looks like it does in the menus ;) I never thought about how much work goes into food photography... it seems like it would be really straight forward, right? Wrong. Despite having Instagram convince everyone that they're a food photographer, food is not necessarily photogenic. Once you can understand the basics, it gets easier, but it's not something you can just snap a photo of and have it look delicious! Weird, right? I'm not even kidding, go look it up!

I don't know if this is something I could ever do professionally, but it was really fun to play around with it! I used my giant reflector I got for Christmas two years ago to help get the light I needed -- after I set myself up by a window in my house.
Here are my attempts, perhaps not Food Network worthy, but I feel like I captured the juicyness of the grapefruit/s! They've been a favorite of my Dad and Brother lately, so I tried to capture what our favorite way to eat them is: just sprinkled with sugar. I felt that these ones came out the best, because they displayed what I pictured in my head the best -- I tried to keep this shoot really clean and simple, but maybe in the future I'll go for a more rustic feel. I don't know what I'll try next, and that's what I love about photography!

Lighting Experiment

2013-02-26T13:56:00.004-08:00

I'm a little bit late getting this up, but here it is!

Last week for photography club our assignment was to experiment with lighting, to try something that we've never done before. SO, I wanted to shoot in pitch black. I went and got some candles and shot in the middle of the night -- some of these are outside, and some are inside. Both of them were shot with no light except for the candles, and a little bit coming from the moon. I'm actually really proud of how well I did, I haven't been able to shoot in the dark ever. I suppose that the next step in trying this out is to shoot with an actual model!

And, just to show you that I didn't do all the recovery in PhotoShop, here are the Before and Afters!

{ SOOC = Straight Out Of Camera }

Finding Home

2013-02-15T00:11:00.001-08:00

This week in Advanced Photography our prompt was Home. Our wonderful teacher, Mrs. Ashley Webb, asked us to think about what home means to us; what makes a home? And this week, for the first time in the last 4 weeks I didn't have an idea right away! And you know what?

I loved it!

This topic was a challenge to me, it really made me step back and think! I went through so many ideas... And then suddenly I knew what I wanted to do.

I'm going to introduce you to one of my very best friends: Shana Gardner of Starlit Photography.

We actually met through Facebook, but we really only live about five minutes away from each other; she took some photos of one of my friends and that's how I was introduced to her.

Immediately, after having maybe two interactions with me, Shana treated me like we had always been best friends! She even emailed me when I hadn't been active on Facebook for a while, just to make sure I was okay. And when I wasn't, she truly wanted to help. We quickly became friends, and then after that I became friends with her family.

And I have to say it... Her family is the most loving family I have ever seen! Of course all families love each other, but I've never seen a family willing to express it the way that they are. Every day they not only tell each other how much they love each other, but they show it! They write each other love notes, give hugs and kisses all the time, and just make each other feel loved. It was truly amazing!

But beyond that... They took me in without a second thought and treated me like one of their family. There were a couple times I called Shana in tears asking for help, and she immediately made plans to get me up to her house to help me.

And that's what home is to me. Home is not just with the family you were born to. You don't have to have one set home... Home is wherever you feel love. And I know that many people say that, and it may seem overused, but it's true. Home is with my Daddy, my brothers and sisters. Home is with my best friends that are practically my family. Home is behind my camera. Home is in my bed. Home is where you can be yourself without fear, because you know that no one will judge you. Home is where you can feel happy, where you can relax and dry your tears. Home is where you love to be. To me, that is home.

Rules of Composition

2013-02-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

I loved the shoot I had yesterday -- I have said it many times, and I will say it again: I have gorgeous friends! Lexi was such a trooper, she modeled in a dress while in SNOW and cold without once complaining! She's the perfect model!! I love them!

(I have a lot more too, be on the lookout for a post with this session in the future! But for now, here are the ones I'm submitting for my assignment!)

I also want to apologize right now for my writing/descriptions... my brain isn't feeling very wordy right now. It's stuck on visual mode!

Rule of Thirds

This photo is a perfect example of using the rule of thirds, because the main point of interest (her face/eye) falls right on the intersection. To help create a visual, I have included a photo with the grid!

Rule of Thirds
Canon 10D, 50mm

Simplicity

To create simplicity in this photo, I made sure to have a background that was not busy at all. Instead of distracting from the model, you only focus on her! In addition to keeping the background plain, I shot at a closer angle to keep distracting objects from intruding.

Simplicity
Canon 10D, 50mm

Emphasis

This entire image is focused on emphasis -- by having my model stand next to a frozen lake (also covered in snow.. Yeah, it's been cold) and ensuring that only snow was in the frame around her, your eye immediately goes to that gorgeous girl. The bright red color of her dress only helps to strengthen the emphasis!

Emphasis
Canon 10D, 50mm

Leading Lines

The most obvious lines in this image are, of course, the railing to the bridge. However, they aren't the only lines! Every single line (almost) is leading to the model; the branches along the top, the shore of the river, the lines on the bridge she's standing on, etc... This is a perfect example of using lines to draw attention to your subject!

Leading Lines
Canon 10D, 50mm

Balance

Why is this photo balanced? Well, because her hair on the right side of the frame balances out her face on the left side -- both create a very 'heavy' feel, which balances it all out! (Also, her eyes are amazing. I had trouble deciding to edit this in B/W because of her blue eyes!)

Balance
Canon 10D, 50mm

Framing

While taking this image, I used all of the trees surrounding us to frame my model. The most obvious, of course, is the tree that curves over her head. However, the tree on the left hand side of her, and all the ones in the background, help to add a frame around my model.

Framing
Canon 10D, 50mm

Avoiding Mergers

This one was really difficult to take without having a merger... If I had her positioned just wrong, the spoke of the wheel was behind her head and she had a halo/crown thing growing out of her head. Not good! So I positioned both her and myself at an angle that the merger would not only, not occur, but would also be very clear that there wasn't anything coming out of her head!

Avoiding Mergers
Canon 10D, 50mm

Perspective

To get a new perspective than I had for the rest of the shoot, I decided to focus on this spikey weed thing (which are REALLY pokey, by the way) and have my model beyond the DOF. This still has a slight feel of a portrait, but thanks to the perspective it is not really (but I love portraits... they're probably my favorites)

Perspective
Canon 10D, 50mm

Harmony

To me, this entire photo is so harmonious! The lines, form, colors, etc... All work together. They compliment each other, yet still stand by themselves!

Harmony
Canon 10D, 50mm

And finally....

Rhythm/Repetition

The background in this photo has a rhythm and repetition to it, so instead of distracting from the model (or even just adding random blobs of color), the lines and repetition of the background add more of a texture, rather than a subject, in the background.

Rhythm/Repetition
Canon 10D, 50mm

Bad Photos

2013-01-29T12:44:00.004-08:00

Yes, this weeks assignment was to take some examples of bad photos. Yeah, that's kinda fun. But my instincts still want to kick in and go, "No!" But, I still did it ;)

I took my brother outside to do these... He's quite the little archer. He's actually really good too! So I asked him to bring his bow and arrows, and we got our bad on. Whoo! Hehee

* * *

The first 'bad' photo I needed was one with an obvious merger... So I decided to give my brother antlers. Heh heh hehee.

Merger
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/600s -- f/3.5 -- ISO 100

The next example was to be where the entire image is out of focus.

Out of Focus
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/600s -- f/3.5 -- ISO 100

Out of Focus
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/4000s -- f/5 -- ISO 100

And then one with an 'accidental' motion blur.

Motion Blur
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/80s -- f/3.5 -- ISO 100

And then, an overexposed photo (warning: it kinda hurts your eyes).

Overexposed
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/320s -- f/3.2 -- ISO 100

Lastly, to underexpose a photo.

Underexposed
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/4000s, -- f/13 -- ISO 100

Now the question is... Can a 'bad' photo still be a good photo? Personally, I think this answer will vary from person to person, photograph to photograph, artist to artist, etc... Everyone has different tastes, and sometimes a photo is purposefully over/underexposed, blurred, or out of focus. I suppose it's all about the artists vision.

Honestly, one of my favorite things to do is to take bokeh images, bokeh is just beautiful!

For those of you who don't know what it is, that's what it's called when light is blurred and appears in shapes, like the lights on the tree in this photo I took of our Boston Terrier at Christmas:

One of the greatest things about art, is that there are no specific set rules. It's ever changing; one of the few things in the world that is freely open to interpretation. That's why, as photographers, we're encouraged to take risks, try new things. Don't follow the rules of composition all the time. Step outside of your comfort zone, and see what you find!

* * *

And, just because, here's a photo that I took of my brother while we were outside (It's not the best, I know. In my defense, right before I went to take a good photo of him, it started snowing horizontally. Yes, it was FREEZING!)

Posting Comments

2013-01-28T01:02:00.002-08:00

If you're in my photography class (or even if you're not, and want to know how to make it so that people don't have to use the word verification to comment on your posts) PLEASE read this!

I know I'm not the only one that gets annoyed to death with those 'please verify that you're not a robot' word verification things. And in our photography class, when we have to comment on other people's blogs, its so time consuming to have to do that every time! So please, consider (and then do) what I'm going to tell you how to do... turn it off!

First, go to your Blogger Dashboard, then to your blog settings

Then go to your 'Posts and Comments'

Scroll down, and you'll see a 'Show word verification' option.... Select no!

Now all you have to do, is save and you'll be done! Yes, it's that simple! So PLEASE consider doing this... We'll all be much happier. Please please please!

Photography Challenge

2013-01-28T00:27:00.000-08:00

Well, it's finally that time! My advanced photography class has started. AH! So super excited about it.

Well, for the first weeks assignment we were given a list of 20 'subjects' for a photo, and we were to choose 10 and photograph them.

I texted one of my best friends, and we set up a date for a photo-shoot... And of course I had a theme in mind! I wanted to go for kind of a... 50's girl, waiting for her man to return from war. And I didn't exactly get that, but I'm really happy with what I did get :)
Anyways, here are the photos I'm submitting. I hope you enjoy them :)

* * *

While we were walking through town, I fell in love with this location. I kind of have a thing for clock towers, I just love them (I'm not entirely sure why...), and we had our own mini-Big Ben here!
I took artistic liberties while editing, and I love what I came out with!

"Time"
Canon 10D, 18-55mm
1/50s -- f/3.5 -- ISO 400

This was the basis of my whole inspiration: a letter from a love in the war.

I don't know what I would do if the man I loved had to go and fight... I'm scared enough having my brother in the Marines (and SO proud... Semper Fi!).

"Handwriting"
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/40s -- f/1.8 -- ISO 400

I loved the combo of her nails, pants, clutch, and boot. Some girls can't pull off that many colors, but this girl can. I tell you, she could wear anything and it would work!

Also, the letter!!

"Bold Colors"
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/100s -- f/3.5 -- ISO 100

This photo holds so many meanings to me... When I took it, I wasn't sure whether I was going to use it for a faceless portrait, or of something in the distance. But I knew I was going to love it.

I'm not going to go into a whole rant about what this means to me, but I'll just say... I love my Church, and I love this Temple. For as long as I can remember, this has been one of my favorite buildings in the world. This is where I will get married (whenever that may be). This is where I will be sealed to the man I love for time and all eternity. So I told my friend to stand by the reflection pond, and look up at the Temple. I wanted to show a longing, and hope. She's holding the letter behind her back (it's kind of hard to see), and she's looking at where she will be someday with the man who wrote it.

"From a Distance"
Canon 10D, 18-55mm
1/60s -- f/4.5 -- ISO 100

Okay, okay, before you go all gung-ho and grab your pitchforks to tell me that this isn't a photo of luxury, let me explain... To me, this photo shows luxury for two main reasons.

1) The location. I love lamp posts, and they just seem so old-fashioned and classy to me. The building was gorgeous, and the landscaping beautiful. In movies, it's the type of building you see high-class people living in (in the Victorian Era/ish).

2) The edit. To me, it's very clean, very chic, very elegant, and very classic.

"Luxury"
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/125s -- f/2.2 -- ISO 200

As I said at the top, I was going for kind of an old-fashioned feel. While not all of them came out entirely like that, I had a vision in my head when I snapped this photo... and this is what it was. Perhaps not exactly, but pretty darn close! Once I had the black and white coloring I wanted, I added a texture on several different blending modes, varied the opacity, played with layer masks, etc... Until I got this. And I love it!

"Faceless Portrait"
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/40s -- f/1.8 -- ISO 400

This photo makes my jaw drop. Not to toot my own horn or anything... I just wonder how I was blessed with such gorgeous friends! Everything about her is so classic, elegant, and beautiful. She's one of the sweetest, most amazing girls I know, inside and out. And I think that's part of why I love this photo... you're not just seeing her outer beauty, but you can see her inner beauty shining out.

"Smile"
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/40s -- f/1.8 -- ISO 400

This part of the shoot was actually very personal to me... I made the letter for our shoot myself, but I wasn't sure what to do for the envelope. So, I decided I would just grab an envelope from one of my cards/letters and use that.
This is actually the envelope to a birthday card (which is still inside) my Daddy sent to me from Japan in 2006. He was travelling on business and was unable to make it home for my birthday. He sent us all postcards from there, but this was so special to me, and still is.

"A Memory"
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/60s -- f/1.8 -- ISO 200

This photo was so tricky to get. I knew that I wanted to get a silhouette, and I tried to all day long. But, it was so overcast that there wasn't enough backlighting to get one. I had officially given up, when I turned around and saw the perfect location. We were standing under the roof of an entry-way to a building, and the lights from the city were enough to allow me to take this. This was maybe 5 minutes before the sun went down completely, it was so dark. I'm seriously surprised at how perfect the lighting is!

"Shadows"
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/60s -- f/1.8 -- ISO 200

And finally... This might be one of my favorites, but it's hard for me to pick. To me, this one just screams old-fashioned beauty, don't you think?? She looks like a classic movie star, like Audrey Hepburn (not that she looks like Audrey, she's just my reference). The black and white was the perfect fit for this photo, and I love it! Plus, she got the exact expression I wanted her to have... A mixture of sadness, love, hope, and longing. It kind of breaks my heart, honestly, the expression + looking out the window + letter from a sweetheart in the military... Agh. (Yes, I'm a serious hopeless romantic).

"Glass"
Canon 10D, 50mm
1/60s -- f/2 -- ISO 200

Thank you so much for being my model Jenesse, you're beautiful and perfectly wonderful!

Merry Christmas!

2012-12-17T19:35:00.004-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!! I know I don't blog as much anymore, and I'm going to tell you something....

I'm not sorry for that.

Not even a little bit.

I love blogging, I truly do, but it's been so time consuming! I have had to work on other things, so blogging hasn't been on my to-do list at all. But, I wanted to write one in honor of Christmas! It's my favorite time of the year.

To start, how about 5 things I hate that are associated with Christmas?

5. Egg Nog. Ugh, I think it's disgusting

4. The 12 Days of Christmas. That song drives me insane!

3. Frosty the Snowman. That thing creeps me out...

2. Lawn decorations. You know, like those plastic mannequins and blow up decorations. I cannot stand them, they're so tacky!

1. Calling it X-Mas. It's Christmas, what's so hard about that? I'm not going to go into a rant about people taking Christ out of Christmas, but that's what saying X-mas does, and I hate it.

And now, to lighten the mood, what I just love love about Christmas!

Honestly, I'm too lazy to take the time to write a long list, so I'll just say the main reason.

Christmas-time feels so much happier... The world is just better. The spirit around is so uplifting and joyful. Everyone cares, and everyone is happy. Everyone wants to help out. Everything just feels... Better. I love it.

Merry, Merry Christmas!!

Just a Quickie...

2012-10-01T00:28:00.002-07:00

Hey all! I hope you guys are all doing fabulous :) I know I've been absent for a long, long while, so I just wanted to stop in real fast and rant to/inform you all!

I love to blog. I love to email. I love love LOVE photography. I love to Facebook. I love to chat. But right now, I'm not able too. I wish I was, but I'm simply not! Sometimes, I just want to tell everyone who talks to me that I'm still a 17 year old girl -- I'm a senior in high school, with loads of pressure and stress. More-so than a normal teenager.... A LOT more. I'm not saying I'm the only one with problems, but I'm saying that to me, they are life threatening; in so many ways.

I've been getting overwhelmed, and have been forced to re-prioritize my life. In doing so, I've missed things, forgotten things, and accidentally neglected things. If I've done this to you, I'm so sorry! I truly feel like I have Alzheimer's sometimes!

Anyways, my point is, I love all of this and someday I'll have the time and energy to devote to it once again. But for now, I have school, family, and my future to worry about. I've got so much going on, and there are times I just cry and wonder why I can't be a teenager. Please, please forgive me for not being up to date with everything!!

Thank you for understanding, and please know that I'm trying my hardest! Thank y'all for sticking around, even when I'm not able too.

XOXO

Jewelry in July Winners!!!

2012-08-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

Okay so I've been really busy lately, but I'm finally getting around to this! I'm sure you've all been waiting and going crazy with the suspense!!! WELL, here are the winners for all the giveaways, YAY!!! I've sent you all emails :)

Busy Beedz: Jessica Sebastian

Shay Designs: Amy Bateman

Living Out Loud Jewelry: Lynne Foster

Sassy Lemonade: Sarah Chandler

This Enchanted Pixie: Penny Hyde

Vintage Rose Jewelry: Carla Geates

Treena Bean: Tabitha Swain Klucking

When Shutters Click: Karrie Smith

Adie's Lovelies: Abbigayle Rashae

FemmePetal: Mellissa Plowman

Pure Trinkets: Jamie Brooke

Jewelry by Sebastian Design: Ali Mills

Solo Artworks: Jill Schlegel Snethen

DondaLee's: Marty

Jewelry in July - Jessica from Sebastian Design

2012-07-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

Today's featured jeweler is one of my close personal friends! Jessica from Jewelry by Sebastian Design!

I took some photos of her and her adorable daughter Ellie in exchange for some advertisement (this was right after I made my Facebook and was trying to jump into everything, so the fact that she trusted me enough to take these photos for her means so much!), and we've been close friends ever since!

When I was looking for a present for my sisters bridal shower, I went to her! Isn't this keychain just the cutest? The charms say...

"Since 2008" (when they started dating)

"5-10-12" (they're wedding date)

"Sabra" "Steve" "Ekins" (their names)

and the charms were my sisters wedding colors

Jessica took what I described and made it come to life! I loved it, and my sister did as well!! It's always on her keys now!

When I wanted to get my Dad something personal for Fathers Day, I went to her! She's just amazing!

But enough from me, here's the fabulous Jessica herself to tell you about her shop!

I've never really been one for mission statements.

But when my jewelry business really started to take off and I was having to make decisions about work, family, self, friends, church, and a million other things, my husband would ask me, "What are you trying to accomplish?" The truth is, I had a vague idea of what I wanted to do, but no specific, concrete goals. So, I decided to do an exercise {not that I was going to keep it} and create a mission statement.

The result was amazing!

In writing down and visualizing what I wanted for myself and for my family, so many priorities suddenly fell into place. To anyone who is considering starting a business venture, I strongly recommend creating a mission statement that can guide you and direct your choices. It doesn't have to be complicated. For me, the more simple, the better. Mine is only a few lines long.

The purpose and mission of Sebastian Design is to:

-Create jewelry that is beautiful, affordable, and quality

-Provide myself a creative outlet

-Supplement the needs of my family

-Donate a portion of profits to charity

-Share the spirit and message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

It isn't much, but it has helped me immensely so many times. Any time a question arises and I'm not sure what to do, I turn to my mission statement and it helps guide me. I definitely feel every business owner should have one!

Facebook | Shop

I have several of her pieces, and I adore them! This is my favorite that I own....

I just love love LOVE it!!!

Today Jessica is giving away this double bronze square necklace!

This beautiful custom necklace includes a double square hand stamped metal tag, your choice of charm, chain, and Swarovski. You can choose a quote, name, multiple names, or an initial; I never charge more number of characters stamped!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jewelry in July - Paige of Eloping Designs

2012-07-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today I have Paige as our featured Jeweler, and I'm super excited about it! We were partners for a project called Christmas in July, and she sent me the most fabulous package!! She's amazing!! And SO patient -- I've been totally out of it this last month, and she hasn't gotten upset!

Hello readers of Hidden Beauty Photography! My name is Paige and I blog over at Eloping Stethoscope where I talk about newlywed life, nursing school with some DIYs, recipes and general silliness thrown in.

BUT I'm not here to talk about that today.

When I'm not being a wife to my husband or a nurse, I like to make jewelry.

In fact, I just opened my own shop called "Eloping Designs."

I started making my own jewelry a couple of years ago for many reasons. One was to have a creative outlet and another was because it was always so hard for me to find great, affordable jewerly.

Rather than talking your ear off, let me just show you some of my designs.

These are some of my bracelets. See, I have tiny wrists so it's really hard for me to find bracelets that fit me. If you have tiny wrists, my shop will be one of your best friends, but don't worry, I still have some bracelets that are longer for all your lucky people that don't have wrists that are smaller than a toothpick (okay, not literally!)

These are some of my favorite earrings. Like with bracelets, it was hard for me to find earrings that worked for me so I started making them!

Finally, here are some of my favorite necklaces. I love to make these style necklaces right now, so you'll definitely be seeing them alot!

All of these and more are available RIGHT NOW in my shop at very affordable prices! My pledge is to always provide quality, affordable, handmade jewelry.

My shop is still very new, so I'd love it if you'd stop by! Let me know at paigers91@gmail.com what your favorite piece is!

As a bonus, I'm going to give Hidden Beauty readers a 20% off discount until July 31st! Just use the code "Hidden" to redeem your discount!
That is the biggest discount I've given since the grand opening of my shop!

Hope to see you there!
Twitter // Pinterest // Blog Lovin’ // Facebook // Blog // Eloping Designs

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Jewelry in July - Joanne from Vintage Rose Jewelry

2012-07-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Who else is excited for another day of Jewelry in July?! I totally am!!! Oh my gosh, no joke. I have no words for how much I love Vintage Rose Jewelry!!!

Aren't all those pieces amazing?! And, that's just a small, tiny portion of what she has available! And yes, it's all that gorgeous!
~~~
Hi there! My name is Joanne & I'm the person behind Vintage Rose Jewelry.

I'm an English artist and I work from my studio on the Cornish coast by the sea.

I have been happily making and selling my art and jewellery for more than 20 years now. My painting has been my main focus until just last year, when I decided to open my Etsy jewelry shop and start selling online. But I have always loved jewelry - I love buying it, I love wearing it, & I love making it - and so my art is taking a back seat for a while so that I can spend more time creating with gems and jewels!

My inspiration comes mainly from nature. I live by the sea and walk in nature everyday, soaking up the atmosphere - the colors & the light.

My surroundings always seem to find their way into my creative expressions - whether via an idea, a color or a texture. I am also very inspired by the raw materials that I use - gemstones, glass and crystal, shells, stones and feathers.

I make all my jewelry with the utmost care and attention to design and detail. Through both my art and my jewellery I really hope to bring an enhancement of inspiration and joy to my customers.

You can find more of my work here:
Etsy Shop | My Website | My Blog | My Facebook Page
~~~
If you haven't checked out, visit her shop now! Why? Because Joanne is giving away any item up to $60 to one very lucky person!! Yes, you read that right. Go get looking and figure out what you'd want!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If the item is less than $60 in value, no change is due.
If the winner would like to choose an item, or a combination of items, that amount to more than the $60 giveaway value, then a Paypal invoice for the extra amount due will be sent to the winner via email. The items will be shipped as soon as the invoice has been paid.
Once the winner has chosen, Rachel will contact them via email and connect them with Joanne. After that, once they have chosen their item/s, please let Joanne and/or Rachel know in writing by providing the item 's full title and link. The item will then be removed from the shop and sent to winner.

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Jewelry in July - Dondi from DondaLee's

2012-07-22T23:03:00.000-07:00

I've been excited about every single jeweler this month, and I'm especially excited for today... Why? Because I've been a huge huge fan of Dondi for a while! I found her on the sidebar of a blog, and as soon as I opened her shop, I was in love! I couldn't keep myself from returning to her shop over and over! Dondi is so so talented! Because I love pictures, here's some of my favorites from her shop...

Yes, this is my short list. It's so hard to narrow it down!

Isn't her work just gorgeous?! I love it all!!
~~~

Hi, y'all! My name is Dondi and I'm the southern gal behind everything "DondaLee's". My jewelry-making journey started when I began making funky, bright and sparkly cowgirl jewelry to sell locally. Eventually, I started making vintage and shabby chic inspired jewelry with lots of antiqued brass, charms and bright colors.

My style, while always evolving, has always focused on COLOR, whimsy and femininity.

Right now, I'm focusing on jewelry for bridesmaids- which is really fun! In my shop you can find a variety of paper goods, party supplies and jewelry- I have a hard time sticking with just one thing! =) I hope you find something to suit your fancy!

I also have a sale going on in my shop right now too! It's in honor of "Christmas in July"...Just use the coupon code, "XMASINJULY" at checkout and get 25% off your entire order! (Offer expires 7/25/13)

~~~
Isn't she fabu-freakin'-lish?!
The Sherbert Rose- Shabby Chic Cameo Flower Earrings are actually the what caught my eye and led me over to her shop...

....and Dondi is giving away one pair! AH! How lucky are you guys??

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jewelry in July - Alex from Busy Beedz

2012-07-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am, as always, super psyched about today's featured jeweler!! She was actually going to be one of the very firsts, but she got married and was on her honeymoon!!! Common, who can get upset over someone missing a little blog date because of a conflict with their honeymoon? I saw pictures, and Alex was a super super gorgeous bride!!!

Anyways... I have Busy Beedz on here today! And yes, you really do need to click that link because it will be totally worth it. Why? Well, here's a little preview with some of my favorites....

~~~

Busy Beedz was originally opened in 2003 and purchased by a mother-daughter team, Alex Bittner and Mari Jost in 2011, when the business was moved to its current location at 2809 Lincoln Avenue. We specialize in custom-made jewelry, including fresh water pearls, semi-precious stones, glass, sterling silver, 14K gold filled findings, and thousands of loose beads.

Customers can attend jewelry-making classes for the novice to experienced beader {Okay I have to butt in here and say... I wish that I could attend one of em. That's all.} or purchase already made jewelry. We have an in-store selection of pre-made jewelry to fit any occasion, such as weddings and proms. We have experienced beaders to help you create your own piece, design a unique piece for you, or teach you how to create your own designs.

Additionally, Busy Beedz carries a line of children’s clothes and hair accessories that can be custom embroidered by co-owner Mari Jost. Our website includes an online shop that allows our customers to purchase some of their favorite items directly from our website and shipped right to their home.

In our store, we have an entire wall dedicated to strands of fresh water pearls, semi-precious stones, and glass. We also carry sterling silver and 14K gold filled findings as well as thousands of loose beads. The popular Lenny and Eva sentiment bracelet line is also sold in our store, along with a line of custom embroidered children’s clothes.

Website | Facebook | Email

~~~

Today Busy Beedz is giving away this gorgeous necklace and earring set!!!

And no, I'm not jealous.... at all.... yes I am.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jewelry in July - Natalie from When Shutters Click

2012-07-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Who loves photography?? Well uhm, if for some freakishly weird reason you said NO, let me ask you... do you like photos? I'm pretty sure everyone has said yes by now. SO you should all be as psyched for today's jeweler as I am!! Say hello to Natalie!!!
~~~
When Shutters Click Gifts offers jewelry, cards and accessories featuring original photography by Natalie Woods.

Natalie picked up her first camera at the age of 15 and became instantly enthralled with capturing moments. Using both film and digital formats, she enjoys expressing herself and her view of the world through her images.

After taking workshops and self-teaching, she opened a successful photography business at the age of 20 and ran it for three years under When Shutters Click Photography. While mostly providing wedding & portrait photography, she was also able to experiment on her own projects and work with local artists, such as rapper The Mighty Apos on his album cover (film shot pictured below) and more.

In July 2011, Natalie decided it was time to shift her focus to health, family and friends and put her portrait photography business behind her. After some thought and a few months off Natalie decided to mix her two loves, photography and crafting, to create beautiful pieces that would feature both new and old photographs. While still being able to focus on the important things, this shop allows her to photograph at a slower pace, experiment and continue sharing her work with others.

On top of creating one of a kind pieces with her own work, Natalie also offers custom pendants, featuring your own photographs of kids, pets, family, etc! Enter below to win one, a $20 value, for yourself!

Facebook | Shop | Website | Twitter | Pinterest
~~~
AND in addition to the giveaway, use the code hiddenbeauty in Natalie's shop to get 15% off your purchase!! OMG!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jewelry in July - Shannon from Sassy Lemonade

2012-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to one of your new favorite jewelers.... Sassy Lemonade!!! Don't believe me?? Well, here are a few of my favorites from her shop.....

If that doesn't convince you ~~you're a freak~~ then I just don't know what will. Uhm.... Maybe a little treat from Shannon?

Hey there! I'm Shannon and addicted to all things Sassy Lemonade. Sassy Lemonade will be turning 1, August 1st Woohoo! I feel very Blessed for all the Support I have had along this Journey. You will find me every chance I get putting something together for the Shop. Come by and say Hi let me know Rachel sent you.

Shop | Facebook | Blog | Twitter

Oh did I mention something about a treat...?
Today Shannon is giving one lucky person the chance to win a $20 credit that can be used towards anything in her shop!!! Lucky being the key word? I think so!!! I'm totally jealous. Looking at her shop makes me need some nautical themed jewelry... Hehee!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jewelry in July - Sally from Living Out Loud

2012-07-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

While looking for jewelers for my Jewelry in July features, I just love love to look through shops on Etsy.... I look through the home page features, I look under the jewelry category, I look under lists, etc... And I always find so many I love! One day I was looking, and I found a little shop called Living Out Loud. And my jaw dropped! I was stunned by the gorgeous elegance of the pieces! So I went to the facebook provided to contact Sally, and I was so so happy when she agreed to be featured! So, here she is!
~~~
I have always been fascinated by jewelry since I was a little girl. My wonderful grandma would come visit us from Iowa every so often, and I fondly remember her loud red lipstick, her loud happy voice, and her loud jewelry. This is one of the reasons I named my jewelry line “Living Out Loud Jewelry.” It’s for people who don’t worry about what’s popular or “in” right now…we wear what we want because we like it! After all, the secret is to enjoy being ourselves…whoever that may be!

I love to create custom jewelry for bridal parties…matching Swarovski crystal colors on the beautifully detailed beaded bracelets to the color of the bridesmaid dresses. Coordinated, sparkling bracelets and earrings make a wedding (and wedding photographs) even more beautiful and memorable!

I also create wonderful double wrap French bracelets, beadweaving smaller pearls together for a very Parisian chic look!

In addition, I love the Boho look and have many bohemian styled bracelets in my shop as well!

Please check out my eclectic jewelry shop and thanks for reading about me and one of my passions!
~~~
Isn't her work just gorgeous? I can't imagine the time each piece takes!!
Today, Sally is going to give one of you a bracelet. What bracelet you ask? Why, any bracelet in the shop! How excited is this??
This giveaway is only open to US Residents please!

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Jewelry in July - Tricia from Mama Marchand's Nest

2012-07-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you've been around the blogging world for a while, then chances are you already know today's featured jeweler! I have the lovely Tricia from Mama Marchand's Nest here! YAY! I just love her jewelry, and I'm positive you will too! These are some of my favorites from her shop :)

I seriously can't get enough of that adorable little owl necklace!!! It's the cutest owl ever!!

~~~

Hi, there! I’m Tricia and I blog at Mama Marchand's Nest. I’m a part-time working mama (but not for long!) who is head over heels for the hubs and loves being a mama to our daughter who I call N on the blog.

I started my blog three years ago, before I really knew what blogging was - I just wanted a place to write! It picked up speed in 2009 when we found out we were pregnant with our daughter, as a way to keep long distance friends & family updated on our life. Now? It’s a huge passion of mine and gives me my own space to share my thoughts on the trials and blessings of mamahood, marriage, and lessons I’m learning in this crazy life.

I love all things handmade and handcrafted, yoga, chai, reading, trying new recipes, traveling, tweeting, and blogging, of course. I own an Etsy shop, Mama’s Nest Designs, and it's filled with handcrafted jewelry made with new and upcycled materials. I also have weekly specials, called Mama's Flash Deals, on my Facebook page - every Thursday night at 9 pm EST!

Jewelry in July - Nicole from Solo Artworks

2012-07-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

As always, I'm super excited for today's featured jeweler! I don't remember how I found Nicole from Solo Artworks, but I'm so so happy that I did!! She's so talented, and I adore her jewelry!! Plus, she's the sweetest lady!! Here she is to tell you about her shop :)

~~~

My name is Nicole Smith and I've had a love affair with jewelry-making for as long as I can remember. I've been making and selling jewelry for over 20 years, with my start back in the grade school fundraising bazaar! My focus has shifted over the years from hemp and clay, to intricate bead-weaving, to wire work, chainmaille, and metalworking with diamonds and gemstones. I do all my work from my home studio and I have an eight-month-old son keeping me very busy lately so I've shifted my concentration again, to crystals, gemstones and cold connections, rather than blowtorches, chemicals and hammers.

My favorite items to make are custom pieces, such as wedding band sets, bridal jewelry, mother's pieces and whatever my customers can dream up. My best selling earrings this year are ones that were requested to look like grape clusters, since our local Columbia Valley Washington wine industry is booming!

They were so popular, I immediately had requests for them in other colors, and a whole line of these darling earrings was born, in a rainbow of colors.

A lot of my newest work can be found on my Etsy shop while my rings and fine metal work can be found in stores in Tri-Cities, Washington. You can also keep updated of new designs, musings, and even free giveaways on Facebook and Twitter.

~~~

Isn't she so talented?! Make sure you head over to her shop to see the beauties that aren't featured!!!

And, because you guys are super spoiled (you're welcome!) Nicole is giving away a pair of these earrings in the winners choice of color!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jewelry in July - Polly from This Enchanted Pixie

2012-07-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm super excited about today's jeweler!! I am super in love with her boho style!! Plus, she's a darling!!! So here's Polly!!!

~~~

Hey there! My name is Polly, I'm a thirty-something full time mama, I live with my love in the hills and valleys of North Wales with our three home-schooled daughters. I blog daily over at This Enchanted Pixie about our life, my crafts and a little inspiration. I also design and create handmade, bohemian jewellery which I sell in my shop of the same name.

I've always made things for as long as I can remember - I was that kid who spent whole summers making friendship bracelets! And the teen who created new clothes out of vintage pillowcases and sheets.

I just relaunched my shop after a revamp - 'This Enchanted Pixie' is a unique, bohemian line of hand made jewellery and accessories. The style is inspired by my love of a free-spirited lifestyle - sand in your toes, smiles, sunshine, salty hair and sand everywhere. Each piece is hand crafted by myself and is a one of a kind treasure. The 'This Enchanted Pixie' brand evokes a carefree spirit, and encourages the wearer to be an individual.

I'd love for you to stop by and see my full line of jewellery - you can save 20% with coupon hiddenbeauty until the end of July!

I'm also giving one of you lucky guys the chance to win this pair of beautiful earrings : Skye - turquoise peace beads hang below amethyst chips on bronze ear wires. approx length 1 1/2". If you'd like to win them, enter below!!

~~~

Dude. I totally want those earrings. Super fab!!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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