tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58771784479443413202024-03-18T07:27:49.688-05:00lil Mop Topbabies, crafts, & moreJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01150675847667108201noreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-44289411598631304942014-11-20T07:00:00.000-06:002014-11-20T07:00:09.402-06:00Recent Photo FavsI thought today I would share some of my favorite photos for the past couple months. I have really enjoyed working on my photography skills and I love to look back on my photos of my sweet boys often. And guys, I am itching for a new camera! For now my little Rebel will have to do.<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-91033364643122381422014-11-19T15:49:00.000-06:002014-11-19T15:49:00.259-06:00Another photo shootOk, so on my last post (which was forever ago!) I said I wasn't going to do another photo shoot. Well, apparently I lied because I did another one for a friend last night. She wanted a Christmas card picture but I talked her into letting me do storytelling photos first. I only took pictures for about 45-60 min so there weren't a ton, but it was pretty fun. I liked how most of the pictures came out and this is more my speed than posed photos. So, maybe, just maybe, I will really start doing this next year as a business. We will see. But for now, I wanted to share some of my favorite photos!<br />
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-59954952029515416652014-09-01T12:48:00.000-05:002014-09-01T12:48:06.317-05:00My first (and only) photo sessionMy friend convinced me to take her family photos for her the past weekend and I thought I would share some of my favorites. I enjoyed taking the pictures but I am not sure doing this as a mini-job is something I really want to do. So this may be my one and only 'session' outside my family. ;) Hope you enjoy!<br />
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-82167558799541623902014-08-19T05:03:00.000-05:002014-08-19T05:03:19.903-05:00Triangles, Diagonals, and Patterns in CompositionHow is everyone doing? Hanging in there? Well, today is our last day of composition and the rest of the month will be easy breezy! Today's focus will be on adding triangles and diagonals in your photos to make a stronger composition and more interest in the photo. This may be tricky at first but really my favorite pictures just have these elements without me trying. Remember I don't do posed pictures because I don't know how to pose people and my little kiddos don't hold still for more than 2 seconds. All but one of the following examples were not 'posed' so you can see that it is possible to get the shapes in the photo without forcing it. If I get a triangle in my photo, then it is by chance, but it looks good!<br />
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Here are some examples of triangles in my photos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3RjyamXMJTwhiwer4ZpQRY9wNU2b5MOpnJRZ_yZZhabpp0R5W7Qzy84KKA0TDDDjHjtOeJ8zGI16kjV6yn_MWMlStWEBCFG6lYEu-7OJl8-PWyYSURguUzLkHSIl9afwI9-3rckttd7s/s1600/triangles5+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3RjyamXMJTwhiwer4ZpQRY9wNU2b5MOpnJRZ_yZZhabpp0R5W7Qzy84KKA0TDDDjHjtOeJ8zGI16kjV6yn_MWMlStWEBCFG6lYEu-7OJl8-PWyYSURguUzLkHSIl9afwI9-3rckttd7s/s1600/triangles5+copy.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORX7MQwIvSia4ul6AaCjAbHXKBllt2sJ2THhEkXEmB1LSG1AgQ4Mbw8x5wvSEGybSYZvVaQLbsYU84HLove94vCBgdKPrMOKfKQD506X_L4iCr8saokNpCalQMpQqqPYYXkqe2GT4aWAS/s1600/triangles56+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORX7MQwIvSia4ul6AaCjAbHXKBllt2sJ2THhEkXEmB1LSG1AgQ4Mbw8x5wvSEGybSYZvVaQLbsYU84HLove94vCBgdKPrMOKfKQD506X_L4iCr8saokNpCalQMpQqqPYYXkqe2GT4aWAS/s1600/triangles56+copy.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
Similarly, diagonals can enhance the composition of your photo. Here are two examples.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6B1x8TOrJJH-LTVNN0uvEgrTKZ8G0x_NtKMEMS__-aYdJJ3VFGX6MrnM90j7KrVlVBBGjve2VCLQPMGniKXJ_gVAnaR1XROAbNiCGobawcg6A04Xo6ayIUwaEZauqifWY5sYa36tIOeF/s1600/diagonal1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6B1x8TOrJJH-LTVNN0uvEgrTKZ8G0x_NtKMEMS__-aYdJJ3VFGX6MrnM90j7KrVlVBBGjve2VCLQPMGniKXJ_gVAnaR1XROAbNiCGobawcg6A04Xo6ayIUwaEZauqifWY5sYa36tIOeF/s1600/diagonal1+copy.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxJupQlWcLwgWA6_ShVucQEgLxN_dGzgpPfa_2aQ9BoKzcLXs56eLiv26SIFCxwsp1Hw9FExrBL9c36SVEADbIxL65_NL8BjRVIZml9-HXMDnYWAoWWAjukBJJId0h9GxnKuB7GY0-XeH/s1600/diagonal2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxJupQlWcLwgWA6_ShVucQEgLxN_dGzgpPfa_2aQ9BoKzcLXs56eLiv26SIFCxwsp1Hw9FExrBL9c36SVEADbIxL65_NL8BjRVIZml9-HXMDnYWAoWWAjukBJJId0h9GxnKuB7GY0-XeH/s1600/diagonal2+copy.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy1BvV1aAFpWHiNpWc3nY8M3vzpcIPDK-OOeb-vM8M4bE6zs2wJbc7CY1VqRIf9AEu-ZeYkjQ2eOm18pGFcbr3AFH7WTvvVH8sLIii4cxc-5fhYomDntyLb8vUYAKzSr7LbHz3bo2Kzt8/s1600/diagonal3+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxy1BvV1aAFpWHiNpWc3nY8M3vzpcIPDK-OOeb-vM8M4bE6zs2wJbc7CY1VqRIf9AEu-ZeYkjQ2eOm18pGFcbr3AFH7WTvvVH8sLIii4cxc-5fhYomDntyLb8vUYAKzSr7LbHz3bo2Kzt8/s1600/diagonal3+copy.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lastly, finding patterns or repetitions can have an impact on your photos, especially if the pattern breaks in the photo. For example, in this photo I took with my camera phone (which is HORRIBLE and my pictures are always awful using it!), there is a pattern of the buckets in the playroom. John's cute little body tucked in the space breaks that pattern and gives interest to the photo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmN7RR6HGnA-60dko1OARsFL5PAFHhkg2ntjA61KMSAofc0EbP5GGCS9B4xixmSlhYyfM2qSSJMK88SdZpGr5IrVGS-O9WMTVLuRQN4brihTtnoWa0FGqXX8oJmtCjGfuIvOH4Mm3kEQ_9/s1600/10259177_10203342609701215_802589827355795736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmN7RR6HGnA-60dko1OARsFL5PAFHhkg2ntjA61KMSAofc0EbP5GGCS9B4xixmSlhYyfM2qSSJMK88SdZpGr5IrVGS-O9WMTVLuRQN4brihTtnoWa0FGqXX8oJmtCjGfuIvOH4Mm3kEQ_9/s1600/10259177_10203342609701215_802589827355795736_o.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
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YOUR challenge is to practice looking for triangles, diagonals, and patterns when taking photos. Share your favorites with the rest of us!<br />
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For those smarty pants among us, challenge yourself by finding as many triangles as you can in one shot. Or find triangles and diagonals in subjects you normally don't shoot (nature, architecture, pets, etc). Find triangles in the shadows. Be creative!<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmHaOHhbkafu4NCGkqIPY9B7mDPlUfQQgik_0yzCfo8hBkCSt6HbEBGknr21FUtH2ERUVaFlaocoCY2ytrUjgjaCaGxc8C005Twciry5eRvahyphenhyphenLBKspAlMR_BkjANLtHkXCBUCMy7uDje/s320/sig.jpg" /></center>
Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-1625801948711526992014-07-31T22:29:00.003-05:002014-07-31T22:29:34.313-05:00August Challenge- PhotographyHi everyone! I am thrilled you are joining us in this month's challenge. My goals for this month is to introduce you to shooting in manual (for those of you who have that capability with your camera), learn to play with natural light, learn some basics of composition to enhance your photos, embrace photographing your every day life and not a posed fantasy world, and to spark a little creativity in your photographs. Not too much of a tall order in just a short 31 days! :) Hopefully everyone can learn even a smidge about photography...even those of you who solely use a cell phone for their photos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zNwwUTqIGMuC_iGEPHikpFe6AYIwSZ1rTVzIZ_oqRgHWGFmmGOd5AenfODrI3dn_xSuNyu5lED2p-SKYVm8p5-_svD05GJPMEsrKVEAXfpTxnmCadsmp3YcyHBgjYEuqkfmMSRJCe6JY/s1600/IMG_9596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zNwwUTqIGMuC_iGEPHikpFe6AYIwSZ1rTVzIZ_oqRgHWGFmmGOd5AenfODrI3dn_xSuNyu5lED2p-SKYVm8p5-_svD05GJPMEsrKVEAXfpTxnmCadsmp3YcyHBgjYEuqkfmMSRJCe6JY/s1600/IMG_9596.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Think your kids won't sit still long enough for photos? No problem! I don't even know how to do posed photos. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOq4FitVyzlmZHpN0KgjMX3VwWHQedqBXBMd87SFvy2Fpl2BkM9h4oYJJg0VCYrTheItj9AI2AQaPt1p-UxwZv-8L2b6CS3qAXANwlWoqC5OK9e9LxS0ihFTwQ6Z7_K6sbm0kJ0on41Xi/s1600/IMG_9625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOq4FitVyzlmZHpN0KgjMX3VwWHQedqBXBMd87SFvy2Fpl2BkM9h4oYJJg0VCYrTheItj9AI2AQaPt1p-UxwZv-8L2b6CS3qAXANwlWoqC5OK9e9LxS0ihFTwQ6Z7_K6sbm0kJ0on41Xi/s1600/IMG_9625.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a quick overview of the month's plans. You are welcome to go at your own pace since I know we all have busy schedules. Please post photos and questions in our Facebook group page so we can see how you are doing, give praise, and offer constructive criticism!</div>
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DATE</div>
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TOPIC</div>
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Fri, Aug 1</div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Introductions <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/shooting-in-manual-indoors.html">Sat Aug 2 *</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/shooting-in-manual-indoors.html">Shooting in manual - inside the house</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Sun, Aug 3 </span></div>
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Practice/Share</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/playing-with-light.html">Mon Aug 4 *</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/playing-with-light.html">Playing with light inside</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/shooting-in-manual-outdoor.html">Tues Aug 5 *</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/shooting-in-manual-outdoor.html">Shooting manual - outside the house</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Wed Aug 6</span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Practice/share<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/auto-focus-vs-toggle-focus.html">Thurs Aug 7 *</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/auto-focus-vs-toggle-focus.html">Auto focus vs toggle focus</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/cropping-photos-and-rule-of-thirds.html">Fri Aug 8 *</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/cropping-photos-and-rule-of-thirds.html">Cropping, rule of thirds</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Sat Aug 9</span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Practice/share<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Sun Aug 10</span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Practice/share<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/framing.html">Mon Aug 11 *</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/framing.html">Framing</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Tues Aug 12</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Practice/share<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Wed Aug 13</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Practice/share<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://shooting%20at%20different%20angles/">Thurs Aug 14 *</a></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://shooting%20at%20different%20angles/">Shooting in Different Angles</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Fri Aug 15</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Practice/share<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Sat Aug 16</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Practice/share<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/leading-lines.html">Sun Aug 17 *</a></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/leading-lines.html">Leading lines</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Mon Aug 18</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Practice/share<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Tues Aug 19</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Practice/share<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/triangles-diagonals-and-patterns-in.html">Wed Aug 20 *</a></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/triangles-diagonals-and-patterns-in.html">Triangles/diagonals/patterns</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Thurs Aug 21</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="background-color: white;">Practice/share</span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Fri Aug 22</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Back to school photos<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sat Aug 23</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Photo shoot somewhere fun</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sun Aug 24</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Natural smiles</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mon Aug 25</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Self Portrait/mom in picture</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tues Aug 26</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Self portrait/mom in picture</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/photo-challenge-telling-story-without.html">Wed Aug 27 *</a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/07/photo-challenge-telling-story-without.html">Photos without faces to tell story</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Thurs Aug 28</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
‘love’</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Fri Aug 29</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
‘home’</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sat Aug 30</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Picture at 10am</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.25pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sun Aug 31</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 202.5pt;" valign="top" width="338"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Significant other </div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
*these dates have a hyperlink to a post with information.<br />
<br />
As you can see the bulk of the learning will be the first half of the month and the creativity portion will be the second half of the month.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvA2m5Lwqf0r7_l7qjuyU5vQrAfAVIJiGJ0D1MEFhdgx5mMcG69xRKbWNKHe8uqpmPL69MVEK626x_HjanF_gHKR6fr8P8LKGW83CnM7IPHSDbTtIKQJIdoiley-ihptrCTUc0NX7P1Gv/s1600/IMG_9951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvA2m5Lwqf0r7_l7qjuyU5vQrAfAVIJiGJ0D1MEFhdgx5mMcG69xRKbWNKHe8uqpmPL69MVEK626x_HjanF_gHKR6fr8P8LKGW83CnM7IPHSDbTtIKQJIdoiley-ihptrCTUc0NX7P1Gv/s1600/IMG_9951.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Again, thanks for joining us and I am eager to see everyone's photos this month!<br />
<br />
Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
<br />
<center>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmHaOHhbkafu4NCGkqIPY9B7mDPlUfQQgik_0yzCfo8hBkCSt6HbEBGknr21FUtH2ERUVaFlaocoCY2ytrUjgjaCaGxc8C005Twciry5eRvahyphenhyphenLBKspAlMR_BkjANLtHkXCBUCMy7uDje/s320/sig.jpg" /></center>
Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-73261137792750959642014-07-31T22:24:00.000-05:002014-07-31T22:25:39.732-05:00Shooting in Manual- IndoorsHi everyone! Welcome to the August Challenge: Photography! Now that we know each other, we are going jump right into the hardest part of the month: learning how to shoot in manual. The rest of the month will be downhill from here. :) If you have a point and shoot camera, then today will not really apply to you. Of course, feel free to read along! If you use an iPhone to take most of our photos, then maybe some of this will help when you can change some of your settings. (This is a total guess though since I don't have an iPhone! ha!) Personally I have a low end dslr- Canon Rebel T3. I don't know much about any other cameras so you will most likely need your camera manual to find the buttons we are using today or do a quick search online.<br />
<br />
First, switch your camera to M for manual. On my camera is it the round dial at the top where you have all the choices for different shooting mode (Automatic, Av, Tv, etc). Hopefully this will be the last time you ever touch that dial and keep it on M forever!!! Also be sure to turn off the flash. If you are shooting during the day then you should be able to set your camera that you don't need the flash. I haven't used my flash since I turned the camera to Manual about 1.5 years ago.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now that we are shooting in manual, we have three ways to control the lighting in the camera. I am just touching on the basics as I understand it. So there is probably more to it than we are going to discuss, but at least it is a good starting point!<br />
<br />
Below is an example what your screen might look like on your camera. The top row here are the three things are looking at today: Shutter speed (ex 1/100), aperture (ex: F5.6) , and ISO (ex: 200).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmWkyr35kVc/TeL_NviTF7I/AAAAAAAAAbc/MqI-bCwffVE/s1600/Canon%252520EOS%252520600D%252520shooting%252520information%252520and%252520menus%25255B9%25255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmWkyr35kVc/TeL_NviTF7I/AAAAAAAAAbc/MqI-bCwffVE/s1600/Canon%252520EOS%252520600D%252520shooting%252520information%252520and%252520menus%25255B9%25255D.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
1. <b><u>Shutter Speed (SS</u></b>): This is how quickly the camera takes the picture. You can hear your camera click as it takes a photo. The longer the click, the slower the shutter speed and vice versa. This is shown as a fraction on your camera (1/100, 1/300, etc). So an example of a slow shutter speed would be 1/50 and a fast shutter speed would be 1/2000.<br />
<ul>
<li>The faster the camera takes a picture, the less light will hit the camera. The slower the camera takes a picture, the more the light will hit the camera. Think of elevator doors closing. If they close slow, lots of people can get in. If they close super fast, very few people can get in. This is the same thing with shutter speed and light.</li>
<li>The faster the camera takes a picture, the less blurry the photo. So if your child is moving quickly, you will need a higher SS to keep it from being blury.</li>
<li>The more light you need, the lower you will need your SS so that way the camera has more time to capture the light.</li>
<li>When inside photographing my kids who move a lot I try not to go below 1/125 otherwise the photos will tend to be blurry.</li>
<li>Remember that YOU can make the camera move when taking the photo which means the picture can be blurry. So try to be as steady as possible when shooting with a lower shutter speed. If you are using a really low shutter speed, use a tripod or set the camera on something (like a counter) to keep it from moving.</li>
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Here is an example of where the dial is to change the shutter speed. Yours may be in a different spot so if you don't find it check online or use your owner's manual. Once you find it, practice changing the shutter speed and taking random pictures to see what it does. (We will get into more practice of how to know where to set it later down in the post).</div>
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2. <b><u>ISO</u></b>: kind of like an internal light to help in low light situations. You can up the ISO if the photo is coming out dark, however the higher the ISO, the more 'grainy' the photo will become. You will want to keep the ISO as low as possible but I have found there are just simply times when I have to put my ISO as high as it can go (and even then it isn't high enough!). The below camera example shows that the top arrow button is used to access and change the ISO. Again check your manual if you can't find your button. :) Practice changing your ISO and taking random pictures to see the affects of different ISOs.<br />
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3. <u><b>Aperture (f-stop)</b></u>: The opening in the lens for the light to go through. This is shown on your camera like f/2, f/3, etc. or F2, F3 (like in the above example)<br />
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<li>The smaller the aperture (ex: f/2), the more light will come through. The larger the aperture (ex: f/11) the less light will come through.</li>
<li>The f-stop also narrows in the focus and sharpness on the photo. So if you shoot with a low aperture, then there will be a smaller area in your photo that is in focus (more out of focus background/foreground). If you shoot with a higher aperture, then there will be a larger area of the photo in focus (not as much of a blurry background). This means you need to be careful that if you shoot with really low aperture, the whole body may not be all in focus. This is not necessarily a bad thing but just keep that in mind if you are wondering why only part of your kiddo is in focus or maybe just one of the two kids in the photo are in focus.</li>
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This may be harder to find on your camera because I think to access the aperture on some cameras you have to hold down a button and turn the dial at the same time. For example, on my camera I hold down the Av button (the top button where the trash can is on the above picture) and then turn the dial that I use to change my shutter speed).</div>
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Confused yet?! :) Don't worry!</div>
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So if you haven't already, I want you to play around for a minute with those three settings before we continue. Take a picture of anything (it can be the wall) with the highest ISO and then the lowest ISO. Note the differences. Do the same with the aperture and the SS. Just get used to changing those settings before we even move onto setting the camera for a particular situation. If you have a zoom lens, then changing the zoom may allow you to change the settings more.</div>
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Ok, so now that you know how to change each of those three settings, let's figure out how to set the camera to take photos! It is a nice balance of all three settings to get the picture just right. :) We will focus on indoors only today. I know that most photographers really LOVE the outdoors for pictures because of all the natural light, but I am a realist. I am inside a lot with the boys so I need to be able to take pictures of us inside doing our daily thing.<br />
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<b><u>Taking photos INSIDE</u></b>: I ask myself a couple questions. Is my subject moving? (which is almost always answered with a yes!) Do I have a lot of natural light? (ie am I near a window) Do I have one person in the photo or more than one person? Do I want the whole photo in focus or do I want a bit of a blurry background?<br />
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So here is my process as I take photos.<br />
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1.First and foremost I need to make sure I have enough light (which we will talk more about in a couple days). If possible, turn off the lights and pull up all your blinds/shades to get in natural light. Then take your photos near the windows or open doors if possible.<br />
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2. I always start my SS at 1/125 when inside since the boys are always moving (I need to minimize motion blur but let in lots of light). Once I have the rest of my settings punched in, then I can take a test shot to check my SS based on how close I am to a window or open door. If the window is letting in a ton of light and the boys are really close the window then I may need to up the SS to keep the photo from being too bright. If we are further from the window then I mostly keep it at 1/125.<br />
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3. Then I set my aperture. If I just have one kid in the photo then I set it around f/2. However, this is because I usually don't have a ton of light (I need a smaller aperture to let in more light). So this could change for you depending on how fancy your camera is and what kind of lens you are using. If I have more than one kid in the photo then I bump it up to f/3ish so they can both be in focus and increase the aperture if I have more people in the photo. (This may also be limited by your lens. Some lenses won't go that low with the aperture).<br />
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4. Lastly I set the ISO since I want that to be my last resort for adding in light. I start with 400 inside the house and bump up from there if needed. And since my camera doesn't handle low light well, I usually have to bump it up.<br />
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Here are some examples of photos I have taken around the house and the settings. Yours could be quite different based on what kind of camera you have and the lens you are using. But at least you can see some examples.<br />
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1. Boys in the bath: taken around 6:30 at night, only lit from window (no lights on in the bathroom)<br />
ISO 800, f/3.5, 1/200<br />
The bathtub helped reflect some light on their faces (not a ton though!), the SS was high enough to keep out most of the motion blur, and the aperture was high enough to keep everyone in focus and still let in enough light.<br />
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2. Matthew sleeping in John's doorway:<br />
ISO 6400, f/2, SS 1/60<br />
I had to turn on the bathroom light to get more light in here for this photo and still I had a really hard time getting the camera to focus. Matthew obviously isn't moving so I set the camera on the floor to keep it steady and lowered the shutter speed and aperture to let in as much light as possible. Not the best possible quality photo but pretty good! Notice since it has a low aperture, the foreground (the carpet) and the background aren't in focus.<br />
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3. Matthew's hair cut- the whole wall of the shop to Matthew's left was windows and they had lights on.<br />
ISO 800, f/3.5, SS 1/200<br />
I needed the SS high enough to keep out motion blur and I wanted the aperture a smidge higher so that way the background wasn't blurred out.<br />
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4. Thomas near the windows in the kitchen and I think I had the back door open to let in light in the front right of him.<br />
ISO 1600, f/2.8, SS 1/125<br />
Since he wasn't facing the windows I had to bump up the ISO. If I had him facing the windows I probably would have been able to lower the ISO a bit since there would be more light on him.<br />
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So, now it is time for you to practice, practice, practice! It takes a while to remember how all the settings change and how they affect each other. Take a bunch of pictures but try not to get frustrated. Plus remember that my examples are with lenses I bought and not the lens that came with my camera thus your numbers may not be exactly like mine. I will share pics on facebook with my kit lens so I can join in on the sharing fun! Also remember that once you get the feel for your own house then you probably will know what the settings are without a lot of guessing and checking. Notice my settings aren't drastically different in my house from location to location, especially the SS, so it just minor changes as we move about.<br />
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So once you get a photo that looks properly exposed (not too bright and not too dark) then share it on facebook. I don't care if it is a photo of a stuffed animal since it makes things less complicated that good ol' teddy isn't moving. I would love to see how you are doing!<br />
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For those pros out there, we would love to see a share with your settings too and any tips you might have for the newbies!<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-74554219855602401982014-07-31T22:16:00.002-05:002014-07-31T22:25:39.736-05:00Playing with LightI hope everyone has started to get the hang of changing up the settings on their camera to shoot in manual. It takes lots of practice so keep up the good work! Today we are going to play with different light around your house. Just like yesterday, make sure your flash is off, even if you are using a point and shoot.<br />
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Natural light (ie the sun) is going to be the best light. That means if you are in your house the natural light will be coming in from windows and doors. If you are taking photos inside, turn off the lights and open up the blinds/shades to let in the natural light. (If you are using a point and shoot then you may need the extra light from light bulbs but try without the lights to see what happens!) Then place your subject near the light source. Try point their face (if you are using a person as a subject) toward the light to get the sparkle (catch light) in their eyes.<br />
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How do you do this with moving little kids? Well, my kids rarely sit still long enough for a posed picture. So I try to get them to play near a window or the door (assuming it isn't the baby who will run outside if the door is open!). Then I can take pictures of them in nice light while they are playing. I am also known to bribe with treats/rewards if I really want a picture of something special.<br />
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These two pictures below are Matthew and John looking out the window in our kitchen. I am pretty sure I gave them a reward (like a cookie) if they sat for 5 photos. (not that this was something special but I wanted to practice that day!) These pictures aren't particularly exciting, but it is good practice anyways!<br />
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In this photo below, notice I opened the door here to let more light on Matthew while was playing a game. This room is a bit darker so I tried to direct the light onto him. It kind of gives him a neat glow on the side of his body.<br />
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This cute picture of Bella twirling is obviously next to lots of windows.<br />
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I opened the blinds all the way up on the window to my right in this photo. It puts a nice light on us as John reads to me. (You can see the left side of the photo is brighter than the right due to where the light source is).<br />
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John and my dad are next to the windows in my kitchen for this photo. So they are being lit from the front and the side. I also like that because of the light we can see their reflection in the table.<br />
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This photo of Thomas is in the living room without a ton of light. So notice how his face is kind of perpendicular to the window (one side of his face is light more than the other). He still has nice sparkly eyes since he is toward the window. You can put the subject in a spot where it is lit but the light falls away quickly to make it a dark background. Garages are actually a good place for this because if you put your subject close to the light (the edge of the garage) then the background will be dark, thus hiding all the junk in your garage. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgaRieRI4bIfPAPooSmxtdL68yW-L_-1HtB9ne6XUQuioT3pMLL2BLZaTG4ZawfITMqecjbnPwDg-oieX80cRINp9WvwJ5CE2HfYNDYM0n4SyUoEx6WpkjqESCxBRqlrhbsI_7p9LIlqu/s1600/IMG_9364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgaRieRI4bIfPAPooSmxtdL68yW-L_-1HtB9ne6XUQuioT3pMLL2BLZaTG4ZawfITMqecjbnPwDg-oieX80cRINp9WvwJ5CE2HfYNDYM0n4SyUoEx6WpkjqESCxBRqlrhbsI_7p9LIlqu/s1600/IMG_9364.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This one of Thomas is in the same room as the photo above but just closer to the window and a different angle so the light is hitting him a little different.<br />
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In the photo below, Matthew is in the same room as Thomas was in above. He is pretty close to the window but hiding behind the chair. I took the photo through the chair legs and you can see how his cute little tushie is lit up.<br />
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You can also do the opposite of making the background dark. If you shoot up against a window, it will 'blow out' the background and you can't see any messiness outside the windows like in the the below photo of John by the window. If you have a point and shoot, this won't work well because it will be more of a silhouette photo, but that can be cool too.<br />
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So YOUR challenge for today is go through your house and notice where the light is hitting. (Of course, this will change throughout the day!) Look for bright spots on the floor or shadows. Are there any neat places to take pictures where there would be good lighting? Places maybe to avoid? Which rooms have lots of light for nice bright photos and which rooms may have lower light for darker or dramatic photos? Are there any locations where there is lots of reflected light (like maybe a kitchen with white cabinets). Then try to take some pictures of your kids, or still life if you don't have cooperative kids handy, and see what light looks best, which way should they turn, what is more dramatic, what looks bad, etc. This is also perfect for practicing setting the camera for manual! :)<br />
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For those of you who are advanced participants, try to go out of your comfort zone in your house. Find new places to shoot, dramatic light (maybe striped light through blinds or dappled light), etc. Or try to use unique artificial light (ex: ipad light, light from an open fridge door, computer screen) if you have natural light down pat. Or for a bigger challenge, try to make the shadow the subject of your photo.<br />
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I am eager to see what everyone comes up with on facebook!<br />
<br />
Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-28670331471210377052014-07-31T22:12:00.000-05:002014-07-31T22:25:39.717-05:00Shooting in Manual - OutdoorHi there photographers!!! I hope that we are starting to get the hang of switching up the settings on our cameras around the house. Remember, it takes time to get quick at it but I promise that you will get faster and be able to change the settings before your kid runs off to the next part of the house!<br />
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Since we talked about shooting indoors last time, today we are going to practice shooting in manual outdoors. (If you have a point and shoot, this may not apply much to you but please feel free to practice taking pictures outside to see what your camera can do!) All the settings still change the same way, but now you will typically have much more light than you do indoors. You probably had low shutter speed, low aperture, and high ISO inside. The opposite will be a good starting point for taking pictures outside; high shutter speed, can do a higher aperture if you want, and lower ISO.<br />
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Quick Reminder from yesterday:<br />
1.SS- higher makes the picture darker, lower makes the picture brighter, need higher for more movement<br />
2. Aperture- higher makes the picture darker, lower makes the picture brighter<br />
3. ISO- higher makes the picture brighter, lower makes the picture darker<br />
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If you are outside, lots of people aim for 'open shade'. This is where you are in the shade (duh!) but you still can get nice light on the people's face and catch light in their eyes. So you can sit towards the edge of the shade under a tree, for example, and still face the sun without squinting or having harsh light then it would likely be a pretty picture. However, probably like your kiddos, mine aren't inclined to play nicely in pretty positions in open shade all the time. So you need to be able to take photos anywhere outside.<br />
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Using the same thought process as last time when we discussed indoor photos, let's practice outdoor photos!<br />
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1. SS: I usually start around 1/500 depending on the time of day and if I am in the shade or not.<br />
2. Aperture: I still like to use low aperture b/c I like blurry backgrounds. But you can bump this up especially when shooting a lot of people in the frame.<br />
3. ISO: If it is during the bright part of the day I start at 100. If it is towards the end of the day I start at 400 since it will be getting darker the longer I am outside.<br />
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Here are some outdoor examples.<br />
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1. Thomas playing in the fountains: Definitely not open shade, but this was in the morning around 10am.<br />
ISO 200, F3.5, 1/4000<br />
Low ISO since it was bright outside and high SS since it was bright<br />
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2. John at the ballpark. This was open shade since we were in the shaded part of the stadium.<br />
ISO 800, F4.0, 1/640<br />
SS is lower than the previous picture since this wasn't as sunny being that we were in the shade and this was about 6:00 p.m. However, the SS is much higher than when I was taking photos inside since I don't need as much light in my camera when I am outside.<br />
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3. Playing at the lake. Not open shade, morning sun.<br />
ISO 200, F4.0, 1/2000<br />
Since it was bright out, high SS helps keep too much light from entering the camera.<br />
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4. Boys at the lake: Not open shade, morning sun. However, if the hat were big enough, and we were facing the sun, it could put some shade on Matthew's face and create open shade.<br />
ISO 200, F3.2, 1/1250<br />
Again, lower ISO since we are outside without shade to block the sun, and higher SS to take a faster picture to block out more of the light.<br />
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5. Thomas playing during 'golden hour' which is the 2 hours before sunset. You can see how pretty the light is coming through the trees behind him.<br />
ISO 1600, F4.0, 1/800<br />
He is facing away from the sun so that is why I upped the ISO. I probably could have also lowered the SS to help let more light in the camera instead of upping the ISO.<br />
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6. John and Matthew in the garage. Remember last time I said that you could take pictures the edge of your garage and most of the clutter would be hidden? Here is an example of that! Their faces are lit since they are right at the edge of the garage so they are also in open shade.<br />
ISO 800, F2.2, 1/1000<br />
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7. Large family at the beach:<br />
ISO 400, F4.5, 1/500<br />
This one is back lit which is more tricky. I raised the aperture since I have several people in the picture. It was at night so I left the ISO at 400 so I wouldn't forget to change it as it got darker.<br />
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A couple notes:<br />
-Taking pictures at noon is not a great idea because that will be harder to do. If possible you might avoid that.<br />
-Taking pictures early in the morning (as the sun is coming up) and at the end of the day (as the sun is setting) will give really pretty light. Those are my favorite times to take pictures (although not always opportune times with little kids and work schedules!) If you are hiring someone to take your family photos, be sure to get those time slots to get the prettiest pictures.<br />
-Since your SS usually will be high, your photos shouldn't be too blurry due to movement. This means that you should be able to catch your kids as they are running and still get a great photo!<br />
-Since I am still pretty new, there are times we are playing outside and it is bright and I can't see my screen very well and I can't seem to get my settings right and, and, and, and....then I just put the camera down and forget about it. Unless it is a birthday party or something important, then it isn't worth the frustration to me. I will just try again later. No big deal!<br />
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Time for you to go outside and practice! Practice finding shady spots and sunny spots so you can change up the settings. Try facing your subject towards the sun to get the catch lights in their eyes. Also practice putting the subject several feet away from the background (ie the wall, fence, bushes, etc). This will change the depth of the photo too. Share some of your favorite shots, even if they aren't perfect!<br />
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Experienced photographers- feel free to share tips or more info on facebook. Perhaps you can try some new photos outside over the next couple days: new locations, a garage photo shoot, taking a wide angle if you usually use narrow. Maybe take photos of of an activity outside that is usually done inside (ex: bubble bath, eating breakfast). Take a photo of outside nature or pets if you usually take a photo of people. Take a photo of a small toy in random open shade locations (mailbox, anyone?).<br />
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Next time we will talk briefly about focus points. See you then!<br />
<br />
Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-7228295774851143962014-07-31T22:10:00.000-05:002014-07-31T22:25:39.728-05:00Auto Focus vs Toggle FocusOne thing I was always frustrated with on taking photos was the focus. Actually, I still get frustrated with that and am rarely 100% happy with my focus. However, what I found to be the most helpful thing is to use the toggle focus feature on my camera. Instead of using the auto-focus where the camera picks what it thinks should be in focus (don't tell me what to do, Mr. Camera!!), this is where YOU select where the focus will be.<br />
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Here is an example of the focus points that would show up on your camera. Yours could have more points than this example. Either way, you would select the one that is on your person's eye and the camera should focus on that point. May sound hard to do but once you get quick at changing that it isn't that hard to do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/T3/ZVFAF.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/T3/ZVFAF.GIF" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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For more explanation, go to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/squares.%20http://snapsort.com/video/BNS9bGOLaRs/Canon-T5i-T4i-SL1-Focusing-Squares-Tutorial-Training-Video">THIS </a>link to a super short video on selecting the focus. </div>
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Key things to remember:</div>
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1. Press the shutter release halfway to focus on the subject.</div>
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2. Change the focus point if necessary.</div>
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3. Take the photo by pressing the shutter release all the way.</div>
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Be careful with the 'set and recompose' idea from the video because if your aperture is low, then you will get a blurry picture. So use that with caution!</div>
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Other people swear by back button focusing, but I have not been able to get the hang of that. <a href="http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/how-to-use-back-button-focusing-tutorial/">HERE </a> is a link for more info on that method of focusing in case that method works for you.<br />
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Today's challenge is to practice taking photos by toggling focus points or back button focusing. Share your favorite photos!<br />
<br />
Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-85114513087403486282014-07-31T22:09:00.000-05:002014-07-31T22:25:39.748-05:00Cropping Photos and Rule of ThirdsSo let's chat about cropping. Sometimes you just need to crop a photo to make it look better for a variety of reasons. The main idea to go by is the Rule of Thirds (ROT). To save myself from reinventing the wheel, here is a link from <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/2012/07/rule-of-thirds-photography-composition/">I Heart Faces</a> which explains what that is. Go ahead...read it...I will wait for ya...<br />
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When shooting, you can try to take the original photo with the ROT in mind, but I am not good at all with that. And my kids move too fast. So sometimes I get it right in the camera. However, being that I am more of a 'take lots of photos and hope something turns out' type of person, lots of times I need to crop.<br />
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So if you have a program to edit photo, then you will need that. I use Lightroom but that isn't free. A free program that might work for you guys is <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">PicMonkey</a>. I haven't played with it much but from what I can see it will at least crop your photos!<br />
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So, as you saw in the I Heart Faces link, you can crop so that you have your focal points at the intersection points. Most of the time I crop as a 4x6 since that is how I will print most pictures. I can't always get it to be PERFECTLY lined up with ROT but I get it as close as I can and call it a day.<br />
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However, you can also crop as a square crop. This is good for symmetrical photos. For example, this one of Thomas is a square crop because it symmetric down the middle vertically. (Do you remember your geometry?!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeLTKKjkarCZrl5M5C7olRVFrwKgJ2s7uRuQePFn8dFgt_u9PjbizhhAbwODkHgOugPiKqltCb1_dw459-UfZ2Qyy-vHTjLrUuaSGNvMLeimzMOsQXZ_xw62bwbec8omvIfCrMK-Q8ZYy/s1600/IMG_0811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeLTKKjkarCZrl5M5C7olRVFrwKgJ2s7uRuQePFn8dFgt_u9PjbizhhAbwODkHgOugPiKqltCb1_dw459-UfZ2Qyy-vHTjLrUuaSGNvMLeimzMOsQXZ_xw62bwbec8omvIfCrMK-Q8ZYy/s1600/IMG_0811.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
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I also cropped this one that Allison took of the cousins as a square crop because the leading lines of the railings made it seem more symmetrical to me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3qVm6KOx3gJlOjM2F-YwwND7DtsCMrK1Sak-RnAVyn67-7dnhwVHlQSFxdeESSSTFiXR4IOP5TREy9oSyhc6Z2HbI2uTh0INMepMwXhZQwln_6eHXM_i8KU4MkA-cZiE6IHv7aUpbmxz/s1600/10264743_10201418412616170_8062625102324508646_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3qVm6KOx3gJlOjM2F-YwwND7DtsCMrK1Sak-RnAVyn67-7dnhwVHlQSFxdeESSSTFiXR4IOP5TREy9oSyhc6Z2HbI2uTh0INMepMwXhZQwln_6eHXM_i8KU4MkA-cZiE6IHv7aUpbmxz/s1600/10264743_10201418412616170_8062625102324508646_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember that just because you took the picture horizontally, or in landscape, doesn't mean the crop has to stay that way. You can crop it vertically and see if you like that version better. For example, I cropped this image of the three boys three ways:<br />
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horizontally:<br />
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vertically:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjU1L33A9QwQx6UElxIsC79JEQU9Oq0iKNYBKcjhVhLbFBibQDdiWno7PWIfY2bKTDSwvMbFxWOfaYAUHrS4LmTo9jw2q0IvgvKrS2uL9Sx8T4o4gFEJr05wA2cnT5529T_SHJ37XCtx6/s1600/IMG_8860-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjU1L33A9QwQx6UElxIsC79JEQU9Oq0iKNYBKcjhVhLbFBibQDdiWno7PWIfY2bKTDSwvMbFxWOfaYAUHrS4LmTo9jw2q0IvgvKrS2uL9Sx8T4o4gFEJr05wA2cnT5529T_SHJ37XCtx6/s1600/IMG_8860-4.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
square<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEceOdsGKX5AsIg_GH_gknlqzrj1T3Q_IQMi5kFhNe3vuqEEqF4prFbTWbiJnEIh0Od-EyvQD3caJ88VW6Fsc4ucKLog6LyNzxGzsEKSX3UACoWW35Lo5-ZNPIxCI9WIkoBsAez3_x8K6/s1600/IMG_8860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEceOdsGKX5AsIg_GH_gknlqzrj1T3Q_IQMi5kFhNe3vuqEEqF4prFbTWbiJnEIh0Od-EyvQD3caJ88VW6Fsc4ucKLog6LyNzxGzsEKSX3UACoWW35Lo5-ZNPIxCI9WIkoBsAez3_x8K6/s1600/IMG_8860.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like the horizontal one best and almost hate the vertical crop (unless I was super awesome at photoshop and could take out the other boys' chopped arms and even then I don't think I would like it). So know you have options even if they don't all look great. :)<br />
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The last thing to remember is not to awkwardly crop off body parts. If you have a full body photo then be sure not to crop off toes, finger tips, etc. Here is a diagram of acceptable crop lines (green) and lines to avoid (red). (via <a href="http://petapixel.com/2011/09/29/crop-guidelines-for-portrait-photography/">PetaPixel</a>)<br />
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Of course after you know the 'rules', then you are free to break them. I have seen lots of photographers who like to center their subjects or crop at 'unacceptable' locations. That is cool, too. I just think it is important to practice a bit of the ROT and cropping, then decide what you like better later for your own personal style.<br />
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YOUR challenge now is to take pictures keeping the ROT in mind. Then play with cropping to see if your photo looks better with a horizontal crop, vertical crop, or a square crop.<br />
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If you are well versed in the ROT, try to take photos of something you don't usually photograph. If you usually photograph your children, try to practice ROT with objects or nature instead. If you typically photograph landscape, try your hand at photographing people or animals. Street photography anyone?! I find myself always photographing in landscape so I am going to try to work on forcing myself to take more vertical portrait photos.<br />
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Share some of your favorites on our group page on facebook!!<br />
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-74630640320509743262014-07-31T22:06:00.000-05:002014-07-31T22:25:39.740-05:00Shooting at Different AnglesWhen I took an online class on composition, my favorite tip was shooting at different angles, especially in terms of cutting out parts of the background to make a cleaner picture. There are three ways you can photograph someone: from below, from above, and straight on.<br />
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<i><u>From below gives a feeling that the subject is bigger, bolder, stronger, dominant, etc</u></i>.<br />
I LOVE this one of John at his t-ball game when I shot from below. He looks like a powerful player here!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sPSRT7BOhFRrHZ_-5F8Ud7vqV8VWZ5lmpP4CBI2fLC8HIjafbNi9qNioE2pNBNe9xMIZ56GeJr9hTCGKzYWxXgXLvzPz5GL80h7Xj34ATFKymkNxaDzVqCVwesKMw7jOtpYwRQH_0_rm/s1600/IMG_9850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sPSRT7BOhFRrHZ_-5F8Ud7vqV8VWZ5lmpP4CBI2fLC8HIjafbNi9qNioE2pNBNe9xMIZ56GeJr9hTCGKzYWxXgXLvzPz5GL80h7Xj34ATFKymkNxaDzVqCVwesKMw7jOtpYwRQH_0_rm/s1600/IMG_9850.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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Tyler looks extra manly in this shot. :) This also helps to make sure the horizon line, or the line of the back of the lake, doesn't cross with Tyler's head which would make it look awkward.</div>
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This is one of my favorite photos of Matthew when he was dressed up as Superman. This angle again helps to make him look bigger and stronger...just like Superman! Notice shooting from below also cuts out the house next door and tree from around Matthew's face which minimizes distractions in the photo.<br />
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Shooting from below here helps cut out the messiness of the background and Thomas' face is now in sky rather than with the trees and buildings around the face.<br />
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<i><u>From above gives a feeling that the subject is smaller, meeker, more vulnerable, etc</u></i>.<br />
Even though this photo of Bella is just a smidge above her, the angle accentuates her tiredness in this photo from her aunt's wedding. She was worn out!<br />
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In this photo of Thomas, we were playing on a see-saw at the park. I stood on the see-saw to take this photo from above which cuts out the background of the park and instead puts a cool textured background.</div>
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This is another example of how shooting from above cuts out the background. You would never know Emma and Lilly were at the boys' baseball games here! Instead you see their sweet love for each other!<br />
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My husband took this photo from above and I love how small John looks here with me.<br />
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This shot from above is so sweet of Bella and my mom and gives a tenderness to the photo.<br />
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Everyone looks so small against the large lake in this photo from above.<br />
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John looks small here and I will remember how he was a typical boy playing in the mud when he was a little boy.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEygI2GqUbpiTjx6SnYTRxdrtkXnm7QA9ZtNHlf6SSn8vLu0PC0UCyggDnawjXnkSS4AgoTm2jWixVZLy8Z4NoHkveveBcCtVKln_8WXh8LjkWrBtkReuiqns9BSaUkyhl-gPWHuzK-_LD/s1600/IMG_9829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEygI2GqUbpiTjx6SnYTRxdrtkXnm7QA9ZtNHlf6SSn8vLu0PC0UCyggDnawjXnkSS4AgoTm2jWixVZLy8Z4NoHkveveBcCtVKln_8WXh8LjkWrBtkReuiqns9BSaUkyhl-gPWHuzK-_LD/s1600/IMG_9829.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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John looks so sweet and innocent here, and again the messy house is cut out of the background without even having to clean!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtFXwltG_iK30240OJsEXWXDhN1bKG_VntSc-1O8pUvHlTydYTPhuooBdiZUh-0hr0gn0xxPA8V6j2eEmCy8R7D3lcz-2ujxUosWSifkfNS8z_4KWOHuh64KfSjzUy4diXffNG_Xc-et-/s1600/IMG_9875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtFXwltG_iK30240OJsEXWXDhN1bKG_VntSc-1O8pUvHlTydYTPhuooBdiZUh-0hr0gn0xxPA8V6j2eEmCy8R7D3lcz-2ujxUosWSifkfNS8z_4KWOHuh64KfSjzUy4diXffNG_Xc-et-/s1600/IMG_9875.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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<i><u>Taking the photo straight on gives a sense of intimacy, connection to the subject, and you are looking into their world.</u></i><br />
I like these as 'observing' into the world of my kiddos and our family. Brad took this one during my Mother's Day breakfast in bed.<br />
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Here is Matty B in his cool shades and we are connected to him since we are eye level with him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NlT3Nkeo59jt8vqHhyphenhyphen0Vp0IKH6pdjoroM0glFFXFiBuTQfgsC8I_zVJo9wt5Pa1WXzFcQkOwllo49-GcdrlznMzGs5YIcvH9DMgTxM1p35qXR-qUGs59CtlxnyuuVys6FfakU8f9DbtG/s1600/IMG_9104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NlT3Nkeo59jt8vqHhyphenhyphen0Vp0IKH6pdjoroM0glFFXFiBuTQfgsC8I_zVJo9wt5Pa1WXzFcQkOwllo49-GcdrlznMzGs5YIcvH9DMgTxM1p35qXR-qUGs59CtlxnyuuVys6FfakU8f9DbtG/s1600/IMG_9104.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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A sweet shot of Emily and Emma is eye level and you can see their love here!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAUH1m-YMm38e9U01UrEypOSVKaL-MsqqV9WqSCOqzTi7BVQcnCa_91jHXXIJ_rY7c1dSPTinVprNAG9XMv5d9M01esSD8jWhvmGXelG0UtjA4XEOYGEKh_9AMBsLqDDgOP51U2XDK9qf/s1600/IMG_9109-2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAUH1m-YMm38e9U01UrEypOSVKaL-MsqqV9WqSCOqzTi7BVQcnCa_91jHXXIJ_rY7c1dSPTinVprNAG9XMv5d9M01esSD8jWhvmGXelG0UtjA4XEOYGEKh_9AMBsLqDDgOP51U2XDK9qf/s1600/IMG_9109-2-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Matthew is again connected to us by shooting him at eye-level.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-yRv9ycp2IfL-7PwmeTEcfo4_v4iRl6vhmYkfn7nuUb3FejANEkEif1GccuenZMu86Db4Dy9bQia0MmC1zzCeOojPsVLJslQN0In599ZpJOYhDbPWuv1tezi07RRFrb1QUh9pZkSW7Vf/s1600/IMG_9209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-yRv9ycp2IfL-7PwmeTEcfo4_v4iRl6vhmYkfn7nuUb3FejANEkEif1GccuenZMu86Db4Dy9bQia0MmC1zzCeOojPsVLJslQN0In599ZpJOYhDbPWuv1tezi07RRFrb1QUh9pZkSW7Vf/s1600/IMG_9209.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since I took this photo from outside the room, we are observing the boys in their world as they play with the ipad in the morning in my bed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu78Os7ohAqg-VB6MDu6oKpl45vCKcnVXWYtBsrelCj3hUSF5hot8XgXGnU6xHcKYaHQWs07t5JDWSd4EKxK26Rlwaiq1bsJP6kY_IaP1717vMpeAb0dDdufjtFNhf9cAWhpCt0dUHuU4B/s1600/IMG_9860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu78Os7ohAqg-VB6MDu6oKpl45vCKcnVXWYtBsrelCj3hUSF5hot8XgXGnU6xHcKYaHQWs07t5JDWSd4EKxK26Rlwaiq1bsJP6kY_IaP1717vMpeAb0dDdufjtFNhf9cAWhpCt0dUHuU4B/s1600/IMG_9860.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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YOUR challenge for today is to practice shooting at different angles. Try the same pose from all three angles (if you can do it before your toddler runs away!). See if shooting at different angles cuts out messy backgrounds. Stand on a chair or lay on the ground if you need to.<br />
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If you need more of a challenge for angles, try to take photos with dramatic angles. Try shooting from directly above (like bird's eye view) or directly below. Or perhaps shoot in an angle that you don't typically use to go out of a comfort zone.<br />
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I can't wait to see what you come up with!<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmHaOHhbkafu4NCGkqIPY9B7mDPlUfQQgik_0yzCfo8hBkCSt6HbEBGknr21FUtH2ERUVaFlaocoCY2ytrUjgjaCaGxc8C005Twciry5eRvahyphenhyphenLBKspAlMR_BkjANLtHkXCBUCMy7uDje/s320/sig.jpg" /></center>
Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-30799682042595383612014-07-31T22:04:00.000-05:002014-07-31T22:25:39.721-05:00FramingHi everyone! We are movin' and groovin' right along with our photography challenge. I am loving all the photo shares!<br />
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Today is going to be a fun day and I know you are going to love it. We are continuing our discussion of composition with ....wait for it...Framing!<br />
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So, this is exactly as what you think it might be: framing your subject in the photo. This will add interest to the photo and make a stronger statement. You can get as creative as you want in where you find frames in the world around you. Here are just a couple examples I have.<br />
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1. Matthew is framed by slide. Don't mind the finger and toe chop though!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYbDrBNcZ0_Ff8gbYdgSZlrHJaPRzoiNks19O6w9CTkLZWG31IXAyUxZlpudcQFavXXjD88OVCEzKJyaNX5BfMIMZjk7YetxGhGfC32RR7uB0PXLXZI1fCSkwvXvGkkJb7yTWpbixDE-m/s1600/IMG_1084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYbDrBNcZ0_Ff8gbYdgSZlrHJaPRzoiNks19O6w9CTkLZWG31IXAyUxZlpudcQFavXXjD88OVCEzKJyaNX5BfMIMZjk7YetxGhGfC32RR7uB0PXLXZI1fCSkwvXvGkkJb7yTWpbixDE-m/s1600/IMG_1084.jpg" height="449" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. I love this one of Thomas at his first baseball game. I feel like he is framed by the people next to him.<br />
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3. The boys are being framed by the water.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocrw9ICE87vgGTJyD1tJPfxNfarciPBJx1tln-Gx2YKadVzdNPMKZ_MQ3NoGvqGAoMHD-_8KgQyjeLKKYJDqtp1F3PeRoEGBt2XV22bP0kNwejgj-FCETH0RhFNT9qT41z_s1zUuQHquV/s1600/IMG_0893-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocrw9ICE87vgGTJyD1tJPfxNfarciPBJx1tln-Gx2YKadVzdNPMKZ_MQ3NoGvqGAoMHD-_8KgQyjeLKKYJDqtp1F3PeRoEGBt2XV22bP0kNwejgj-FCETH0RhFNT9qT41z_s1zUuQHquV/s1600/IMG_0893-2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. The girls are framed by the door and fridge (even though Emma's arm looks like it is chopped weird).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXZD_-jdBERQFkMyyun4ZWXX-k4hlNWQQQV4a1TzLSyxXnbIH1i-mEN3UEjS73YxxzpEhU99A-4xmLH-5KS6jjFZbKVvGC8EH0l2nl48PCBNNPKdc2eDukgrynQxdFeALkj4MQvTUlSfK/s1600/IMG_2072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXZD_-jdBERQFkMyyun4ZWXX-k4hlNWQQQV4a1TzLSyxXnbIH1i-mEN3UEjS73YxxzpEhU99A-4xmLH-5KS6jjFZbKVvGC8EH0l2nl48PCBNNPKdc2eDukgrynQxdFeALkj4MQvTUlSfK/s1600/IMG_2072.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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5. This is one of my current favorites. Bella and Lilly are framed by the legs of the lifeguard stand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXXWV2T0uM3JvvlXH9VhkFzY5Hh6NwsSVp5iUOfMFHRF_MHnUVXCsAXLIhVp3duxhAqOWGAE_gwVB3nNy78Z0XHuOMga6TnMoUmilfVdDYukwN62okCxChPY45QsrpA2V65tHMxWQ-i-E/s1600/IMG_2159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXXWV2T0uM3JvvlXH9VhkFzY5Hh6NwsSVp5iUOfMFHRF_MHnUVXCsAXLIhVp3duxhAqOWGAE_gwVB3nNy78Z0XHuOMga6TnMoUmilfVdDYukwN62okCxChPY45QsrpA2V65tHMxWQ-i-E/s1600/IMG_2159.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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6. Thomas and Bella framed by legs of the stand again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQOPGcVXLDIeiINjD9HFY2HyPdPnPfJzJl6U7TZBhfKYq9HerHs6RbsSqbxt0pE0ddUWtHfinR1ez1ByklHih9-PT3eVQphZdlNpnQUElp53y9SXj9Y3-BoPNWkdwSO55jhv1eFFEq1nx/s1600/IMG_2172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQOPGcVXLDIeiINjD9HFY2HyPdPnPfJzJl6U7TZBhfKYq9HerHs6RbsSqbxt0pE0ddUWtHfinR1ez1ByklHih9-PT3eVQphZdlNpnQUElp53y9SXj9Y3-BoPNWkdwSO55jhv1eFFEq1nx/s1600/IMG_2172.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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7. John is framed by the window.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCa3Ilx_2oAsQUiZI9zp8E0e5yj7ZuctVV296cCPDVVjyGza-KqDPwX74n5o7zaxtGnwSSV02BrP6C_-4jF03HjxpLkFdNcV2qrtawYbHY0On8-DSXZohmAhqCChomaQcRp7QfTICxHxO/s1600/IMG_9455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCa3Ilx_2oAsQUiZI9zp8E0e5yj7ZuctVV296cCPDVVjyGza-KqDPwX74n5o7zaxtGnwSSV02BrP6C_-4jF03HjxpLkFdNcV2qrtawYbHY0On8-DSXZohmAhqCChomaQcRp7QfTICxHxO/s1600/IMG_9455.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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8. Matthew is framed by window lines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREYryErsYdxROFYQqu2fXa55URkiBt2NJ9HcXNwP3EhGqgSNFP-Mwe33E9l73e7JR0bVyFcyD1b0fU-XZQ5NzwYzPDAPRqrJurxd0GO8Nagg8c1HJzKhiDF2vevphKgTHmyMLo7Qtyj_s/s1600/IMG_9578-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREYryErsYdxROFYQqu2fXa55URkiBt2NJ9HcXNwP3EhGqgSNFP-Mwe33E9l73e7JR0bVyFcyD1b0fU-XZQ5NzwYzPDAPRqrJurxd0GO8Nagg8c1HJzKhiDF2vevphKgTHmyMLo7Qtyj_s/s1600/IMG_9578-2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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9. Thomas is framed by the dugout lines. This would have been better if I could have gotten more of the lines in there to make the complete frame, but oh well. Such is life!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4Jiwn_CjdrRU_Dob4rBjv-4oEWlYFf6clsdEo2fQLA1i85Ffu6q0SByPvMEm1jxCLrS2ugngTBr8BdbspUz55IBLil2dKSw_T2gwdXFUp1dPOX30l9vX6D7NNLWPkinO0kaAXlC4pPqy/s1600/IMG_9803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4Jiwn_CjdrRU_Dob4rBjv-4oEWlYFf6clsdEo2fQLA1i85Ffu6q0SByPvMEm1jxCLrS2ugngTBr8BdbspUz55IBLil2dKSw_T2gwdXFUp1dPOX30l9vX6D7NNLWPkinO0kaAXlC4pPqy/s1600/IMG_9803.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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10. John is framed by the door.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsyySYA5jhE-XNol2EetHVq4TPeVyGMpwQer3-ZsGIV9_32AlNH3HJZtFUvuSdwvKuFP1Fm-annXSyFOxPYv_IKa-o6idpw0709QyM4Ndp3a4TO9Bie8En2cbWp1JF56Y8Fecc2_VZMjR/s1600/IMG_9852-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsyySYA5jhE-XNol2EetHVq4TPeVyGMpwQer3-ZsGIV9_32AlNH3HJZtFUvuSdwvKuFP1Fm-annXSyFOxPYv_IKa-o6idpw0709QyM4Ndp3a4TO9Bie8En2cbWp1JF56Y8Fecc2_VZMjR/s1600/IMG_9852-2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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11. Boys are being framed with door to room and the edge of the picture.<br />
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12. Thomas in his crib with shoe is framed with door and wall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1R1tthnuU_saESnNhZUJp_qkkjoy9nJ90ZHtbhU5ZJMhqp9YzxhveuvW48cmBkfNIWvOyY6dT9cPuKig2Fqd7561AP68dC5W9tY40NgSmW73XJobHXXph0oqP9CGYtMBqZZxEMM2g0sv/s1600/IMG_9893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1R1tthnuU_saESnNhZUJp_qkkjoy9nJ90ZHtbhU5ZJMhqp9YzxhveuvW48cmBkfNIWvOyY6dT9cPuKig2Fqd7561AP68dC5W9tY40NgSmW73XJobHXXph0oqP9CGYtMBqZZxEMM2g0sv/s1600/IMG_9893.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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13. Thomas is framed by older brother's legs.<br />
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So you can use whatever you want for frames. Not all pictures will be perfect and that is ok. I am sure you will love them even with their imperfections.<br />
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YOUR challenge is to find the frames are you are taking photos. When I first learned this I thought it seemed so easy but it takes practice to get your squirmy subjects framed. Post some of your favorite frames.<br />
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For those experienced photogs, how creative can you get with your framing? Try to find the most unusual frame you can think of when photographing today. Or perhaps a frame within a frame photo. I don't usually frame with the edge of the camera frame (like in example 11) so I am going to try more of that today!<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-9864474762956147972014-07-31T22:01:00.001-05:002014-07-31T22:25:39.752-05:00Photo Challenge- Telling the Story Without FacesToday's creativity challenge is to tell the story without using faces. Here are some examples I had but I am excited to try this out with more purpose!<br />
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1. Fun after the rain<br />
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2. Easter Egg decorating<br />
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3. Going to the Movies<br />
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4. Easter egg hunt<br />
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5. Baby's First Sno cone<br />
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6. Rain Shower Fun<br />
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7. Baby Toes Exploring the World Outside<br />
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8. Bath Time.<br />
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9. Nap Time<br />
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So, let's see your creative side shine!<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-69484981672932271062014-07-28T13:52:00.001-05:002014-07-31T22:25:39.725-05:00Leading LinesWe are continuing our composition fun by talking about leading lines today. This one still tends to throw me for a loop on what is a leading line and what line apparently 'leads the viewer out of the picture'. Umm...that may be too artsy fartsy for me, so I will share what I understand about leading lines!<br />
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As you might assume, leading lines lead you to the subject of the photo. Your eye naturally follows lines thus the importance for them in terms of composition. This could be quite literal lines (ie paths, walkways, railings, etc) or a bit looser in the term (ie a row of people in movie theater seats, a line of bushes in the backyard, etc). So here are some examples of what I have found in my photos.<br />
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1. Thomas at the game: there is a line of seats leading up to where he is sitting.<br />
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2. The counter is a leading line over to the guys.<br />
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3. The lines of the railing, chairs, and the stairs are leading lines.<br />
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4. The shoreline of the lake is a leading line that leads us to Thomas and Brad.<br />
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5. I think John's arm is a leading diagonal line to the egg that he is handing to Thomas. Thomas' gaze is also leading line the photo.<br />
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6. The counter is a leading line to John. Maybe? A stretch? Not sure...<br />
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7. The path is a leading line, vanishing point and a curved line all wrapped up in one! This path is about as 'S' curved as I have in my batch of photos, but S curves add drama and impact to a photo.<br />
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8. The railing on the pier are vanishing points and lead to Thomas. Notice I centered him here since it is a pretty symmetrical photo. Vanishing points are like a path that seems to vanish towards the back of the photo since you can't see the end of the path.<br />
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9. I consider the ramp of the stand a leading line to our family. Again, maybe a stretch??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr8Yus12aM4Tc_MuT-oe7nLffKjhx7jAerOAd7Ew8gt-yJr8uyfcW4yPHezvD07xtwsqek8EzHVdynhIvQk04GLmik3v9rLpZcjo17MUQf2gW-0iHc2So0wWbY1Xapg6GK8mWFwVF1rKI/s1600/IMG_2241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr8Yus12aM4Tc_MuT-oe7nLffKjhx7jAerOAd7Ew8gt-yJr8uyfcW4yPHezvD07xtwsqek8EzHVdynhIvQk04GLmik3v9rLpZcjo17MUQf2gW-0iHc2So0wWbY1Xapg6GK8mWFwVF1rKI/s1600/IMG_2241.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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10. I submitted this photo for a class and was told the lines of the hats and lines of the gloves/hands are leading lines to Matty B. I will take it! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLnDrqntxEG6EwEMNTE3PSHwJiJekLJNDM27mTQyZhwtIie8gcP69zNFnB96D7FS7GzcpZTVHh82XoUcIQUUEFhNEMZrNrijI_2GtYl06V1hFAbHzGIPtAi6WGtrllH-R9rxT2JyIL9Mw/s1600/IMG_8437-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLnDrqntxEG6EwEMNTE3PSHwJiJekLJNDM27mTQyZhwtIie8gcP69zNFnB96D7FS7GzcpZTVHh82XoUcIQUUEFhNEMZrNrijI_2GtYl06V1hFAbHzGIPtAi6WGtrllH-R9rxT2JyIL9Mw/s1600/IMG_8437-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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11. To me, their arms and gazes in the below picture lead to what they are looking at (a map).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAR5UAo6Oye2ZCTNRDequR9PrLLdlpwX-vc8W2ln38DSNqKIWbZiy0HjgPimY7NDZYMkZKW1RnV8JBWuQCN6IqTvNE_i5KvHG3k6HSSibABLttXEq1SYCbynGRmGC6Xruecx_0cruppda4/s1600/IMG_8653-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAR5UAo6Oye2ZCTNRDequR9PrLLdlpwX-vc8W2ln38DSNqKIWbZiy0HjgPimY7NDZYMkZKW1RnV8JBWuQCN6IqTvNE_i5KvHG3k6HSSibABLttXEq1SYCbynGRmGC6Xruecx_0cruppda4/s1600/IMG_8653-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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12. The train tracks lead right up to Matthew. Note I took this picture from below which cuts out the background from being around Matthew's face!<br />
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13. The shoreline (FULL of sea weed!) leads us to Lilly and Tyler on the beach.<br />
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14. The edge of the fountain leads us to the kids playing.<br />
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15. The water is a leading line to John.<br />
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Leading lines of course aren't limited to people as subjects. <a href="http://imagecomposer.wordpress.com/composition-principles/leading-lines/">This link</a> has some wonderful examples of leading lines found just about anywhere.<br />
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YOUR challenge is to find leading lines as you practice taking photos. Post some of your favorites so we can ooh and aah over them!<br />
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Seasoned pros can challenge yourself to find leading lines in the world around you without adding in people or kiddos. Where can you find leading lines in nature, architecture, etc.? Let's see what you can find!<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-14977998886012741622014-06-06T13:54:00.002-05:002014-06-06T13:54:44.107-05:00Why I love 'Lifestyle Photography'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you may know, I am starting taking up a a new obsession: photography. I have always been drawn to lifestyle photography rather than posed shots. Luckily for me, this style seems to work much easier for me and my main subjects: three squirmy boys. I have no clue how to pose people and I want to document our every day lives, not some posed 'cheese' shots. </div>
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So I thought I would share some of my recent favorites and why this works for me.</div>
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1. <u style="font-style: italic;">Showing off my kiddos in action</u> I certainly don't have a knack for getting my kids to sit in one spot for more than two seconds. So it is much easier for me to photography the fun things we do. Blowing bubbles outside was one of our 'summer bucket list' items and I love this one of Matty B.</div>
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We had a pretty good rainstorm a couple weekends ago and thankfully there was no lightning. So it was a perfect time to whip out the umbrellas and rainboots for a little fun in the rain. I didn't have the camera out at first since it was impromptu (we were actually waiting for friends to come over at any minute!) but I am glad I grabbed the camera to take a couple shots of Thomas who is still too young to understand how an umbrella works.<br />
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I was able to have John stand still for about 30 seconds to get this picture. Miracles do happen!<br />
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We took the boys to the lake near our house last weekend to play before dinner. I actually didn't like any of the pictures I took and decided to edit this one anyways since 'going to the lake' was on the bucket list. After I cropped and edited I decided I liked it after all. :)<br />
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2. <u style="font-style: italic;">Even 'staged' shoots aren't posed.</u> I set up these ottomans in front of the window one morning because I had just read about back lighting and wanted to practice. So even though it was staged, I just sat back and took photos as Thomas explored. Some of the pictures from this morning are now my favorites!<br />
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3. <u style="font-style: italic;">Kiddos don't always cooperate!</u> I tried the same staged photo session with Matthew and it didn't go as planned. Instead of sitting on the ottomans, he hid from me most of the time, thinking it was a fun game. So instead of getting frustrated, I took photos of what was happening- a little boy hiding from his mommy! I love the ones of his cute tushie and toes peeking out from being the chair.<br />
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I was still able to get on shot of him with a nice natural smile, albeit a slightly out of focus one.<br />
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I feel like I have found what style photography works best for me and I love it!<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-65339015683245754162014-05-29T20:49:00.002-05:002014-05-29T20:51:46.569-05:00House to Home Part III: The PlayroomToday I am sharing my third edition of the House To Home Series. Don't think I forgot about it! :) I took these photos in Feburary (before taking my composition photography class so please forgive the weird photos!) so I figured it was high time to do the blog post.<br />
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I posted about the makings of the playroom <a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2012/08/playroom.html">HERE</a>. These pictures are the updated, and mostly finalized, room.<br />
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Thomas' name made the wall on the left side of the room! We hooked up an extra TV for John's party and just left it there. I think we watched a movie once since then in there but I can see the appeal for when the boys are older and we make this room more geared toward a media room!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_msXYdrzfUpqAsW80Pf0Oln7AqS7gS1TLv5EQPvLsoUMac3L_0NaQafjMht2PzZe44GOYnyqTW7PRFeB0YzkGgmeRgLJVKsKkuwZPkHNDD8y9OyeY5vGLakE68eicIVWIs3oHek4aKJp/s1600/IMG_0224-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_msXYdrzfUpqAsW80Pf0Oln7AqS7gS1TLv5EQPvLsoUMac3L_0NaQafjMht2PzZe44GOYnyqTW7PRFeB0YzkGgmeRgLJVKsKkuwZPkHNDD8y9OyeY5vGLakE68eicIVWIs3oHek4aKJp/s1600/IMG_0224-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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Seriously- these types of signs are so easy and cheap to make.<a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2011/09/subway-art-present.html"> I have posted about them several times</a> on the blog because I make them so often!<br />
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The buckets and drawers have been labeled and are still organized. The boys know exactly what toys go in which bucket or drawer which is so helpful when it is time to clean up. (look how small T Bone looks here!)<br />
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One of my favorite new additions is this play table. I was really wanting a bigger table to easily fit the three boys. Also I wanted any cousins or friends be able to join in on the fun. However tables at places like Pottery Barn are way out of my small budget. So I improvised!<br />
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I found a kitchen table on craiglist for about $20. It was almost the same dimensions as a Pottery Barn table with the except of the height. Hand Dandy Brad sawed a couple inches off each leg and now we had a great sized table. Add a coat of a paint, a couple coats of poly to keep the paints/markers/crayons from staining it and we have a cheap and perfect play table! I absolutely love it!<br />
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The boys have a ton of dress up items. I always thought dress up was a 'girl' thing but boys love to dress up like super heroes, cowboys, firefighters and the like. So I hung up hooks for the hats and masks. Walmart had these cute chevron laundry baskets which we use to corral the clothes.<br />
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You can see in the above photo that we took the doors off the frame. We had double doors and they just seemed to be in the way. So we took them off, painted over the hinge space and stored the doors in the attic.<br />
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Lastly I whipped up some window drapings. This is actually left over fabric from when<a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2010/06/hoo-hoo-has-new-duvet.html"> I made John's duvet cover</a>. Obviously taking a quick glance at these bad boys will show they aren't professional looking. I kind of made it up as I went along but they do the trick of finishing off the window. I made the ties into small bows which look like bow ties...perfect for a boy's playroom! Fun Fact: Brad and I call this couch the 'magic' couch because within seconds of sitting on it we are fighting to stay awake. It puts us to sleep EVERY TIME which is not ideal when supervising children.<br />
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If you notice we have one of those 'teacher' calendars in which you can change the dates. John LOVES this thing! He went through a phase where he would take the wall calendar from his room and rearrange the numbers to fit each month of the year. Sounds so boring to me, but he loved it, and then memorized all kinds of stuff about days, dates, when months started, when they ended, and taught himself patterns. So, this purchase from the dollar spot at Target has been a dollar well spent!<br />
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The boys have enjoyed the playroom and I am glad it is all finished up! However, I do already have the layout ready for when it makes the transition to a media room...a couple years down the road...<br />
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-42064362641793705812014-05-15T19:57:00.001-05:002014-05-15T19:57:39.247-05:00Composition Class Photo FavsSo I realize I haven't posted recently. Life tends to get in the way of that sometimes, right? Well, last month I took a composition photography class through <a href="http://www.clickinmoms.com/">Clickin Moms</a>. I love taking these classes and are kind of my new obsession. I shared my<a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/02/photo-favs.html"> favorite photos from when I took the class</a> on how to use Lightroom so I thought I would share my favs from this recently learning adventure.<br />
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I read a tutorial this week on taking photos in your garage so I tried it this morning before the boys went to their last day of preschool. I love how it turned out!<br />
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I love this photo of my sister and my nieces after their ballet recital.<br />
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So, have you found a theme that I am a sucker for black and white photos?! :) Thanks for looking at my pictures- I am loving taking photos and trying to learn more about it each day!<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-28078570842857045402014-03-14T13:04:00.001-05:002014-03-14T13:05:25.659-05:0030th Birthday Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My youngest sister, Emily, turns the big 3-0 this month. Along with my other sister and mom, we tried to think of something fun to do for her birthday. Way back when I turned 30, they made me a<a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2010/09/30th-birthday-book.html"> book of letters from friends</a> which was so sweet! We threw Allison a surprise dessert party for her 30th birthday. Being that Emily's husband is throwing her a party already, we racked our brains for something special to do for Emily. We decided upon a surprise girls' night out- pedicures, shopping, dinner, drinks, and a night at a hotel. Super fun, right?!<br />
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In order to have this pulled together in a way that makes sense, Al and I made up '30 things to do in 30 days before you turn 30'. It worked perfectly because we had the surprise night exactly 30 days before Em was to turn 30.<br />
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We started with a lunch at Allison's to celebrate Em's and my dad's birthday. This is nothing out of the ordinary so Emily didn't suspect a thing. In fact, when we gave her the list for her present, with the note 'we will cross off at least 5 things from your list today', she was quite confused!<br />
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Thankfully my mom made her a little certificate listing out what we were doing, which is when it finally clicked in her cute little brain. </div>
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Her hubby had her bag packed in the car ready to go so we took off for a girls' day right after lunch. First stop was pedicures. </div>
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What is a girl's day without shopping? and price checks? </div>
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We got all dolled up at the hotel before a nice dinner out in Fort Worth. </div>
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After dinner we checked up the newly updated Sundance Square, braved taking a picture in the fountains, and got drinks at a local bar. That's right folks, we went to a BAR! And stayed out until TEN PM! How crazy are we when we don't have kids with us?! :) </div>
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So, perhaps we were all asleep by 10:30. Whatevs. However, we were also all awake at 3:00 am when a guy in a nearby room was not too happy with his girlfriend and was shouting at the top of his lungs. I felt like I was back in college again with all the crazy drama! :)</div>
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In the morning we headed back to my mom's house where my dad had a yummy breakfast waiting for us: donuts, corn muffins, pancakes, and bacon. T<span style="text-align: center;">he table was set and everything, perhaps proving my dad is a lot of time on his hands how that he is retired. :)</span></div>
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We had a great time with the four gals. I hope Em enjoyed her special day...and she completes her '30 to do in 30 before 30'! </div>
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Happy Birthday, Em!!! I love you!<br />
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-83589170143750814892014-03-04T21:23:00.000-06:002014-11-08T20:45:41.607-06:00House To Home - Part IIWelcome back to my mini series, <i>House to Home! </i>I am sharing how my house has changed up in the past 18 months since moving in. Today I will be showing of my living room, which is still a work in progress. Well, the whole house is a work in progress, but I digress. <i>In case you missed the post about the formal living room, you can check it out <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/01/house-to-home-part-1.html">HERE</a>.</i><br />
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Here is what the room looked like for a couple months after moving in. Notice the fall decor on the mantel which means we had been living in the house for at least fives months here. Some of the challenges of this room: SUPER tall ceilings (goes up to the 2nd story), one HUGE TALL wall (where the TV is on the left), SUPER tall windows (ie no buying premade curtains at the store without spending a small fortune).<br />
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Now, several (SEVERAL) months later, the room is almost put together!<br />
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The biggest change was getting a large entertainment center to take up that expansive wall. I searched high and low for an entertainment center that was large enough to fill up the space and I was dead set on it being white. Apparently this was a tall order for pre-made furniture. We ended up having to get this piece custom built and I absolutely love how it turned out. (Plus it sounds fancy to say 'I had this custom built'.)<br />
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I used a local carpenter, Wayne Fiorenza, of <a href="http://www.fiorenzacustomwoodworking.com/">Fiorenza Custom Woodworking</a>. Guys, this man is a saint. He was so patient with me as we designed this up, gave me different mock ups, and patiently changed them to meet my specific requests. He even bought a new router tip so he could make the doors exactly how I wanted them. I could not wait until it was here (hello...toy storage!!!) and it was bigger and more gorgeous than I expected! This bad boy came in three pieces and they assembled, bolted, and screwed it all together. Not only does it fit all our needs (having display area and lots of storage), but it totally changed the whole look of the room. Love, love, love this thing!!<br />
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My sister helped me shop and accessorize and I finally finished up the last pieces yesterday. Are we feelin' the horse head?! That was my big find yesterday! I am hosting a party at my house soon so Al will be over here to help edit this down to make it look extra nice.<br />
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I mean, guys, look how tall this thing is!<br />
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The other thing that I love in this room are my window treatments. Like I mentioned, the windows are extremely tall. Nothing at the stores came in this length unless I wanted to pay the big bucks. And I mean $500 a panel kind of big bucks. Um. No. So, instead I bought these panels from Ballard Design. I bought two in the longest length they had and then bought a third panel to sew onto the bottom to lengthen the drapes. Well, let me amend that statement. My wonderfully talented mother-in-law sewed them for me. For some reason I can not match up a pattern to save my life so Diana saved the day! Unless you are looking for the seam, you would have no idea these are actually two panels joined together. I think we got the drapery rods at Home Depot. Again, I couldn't find a rod that would extend the length of all three windows, but I like how the two separate ones look.<br />
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Above the couch I used old picture ledges from Pottery Barn to create a small photo gallery. I remember buying these ledges on sale when I was in college. If you can believe it, that was over 10 years ago! Goes to show you shouldn't throw anything away because you never know when you might use it again. Anywho, I LOVE pictures so they are all over my house. I probably have too many displayed but I don't really care if I am breaking a big design no-no. (Is it a faux paux???)<br />
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I also picked up a basket yesterday for my blankets. If I am sitting on the couch, 9 times out of 10 I have a blanket on me. Even in the summer. In Texas. In 100 degree heat. So I snagged this beauty to keep the blankets corralled and not pulling on the curtains too much.<br />
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The last thing that needs some attention is my mantel. I have yet to find good 'non seasonal' mantel decor for the house. I grabbed two topiaries yesterday and have commissioned my dad to making a really cool wood artwork. Then I just need to take down the shutter, throw up some framed photos (breaking a possible faux paux again!) and I will call it a day. Then maybe in 10 years I will redo the 90's fireplace surround. Right after I get to my hardwood floors. And after I win the lottery.</div>
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Just in case you wanted a peak at what is in my entertainment center, here ya' go:<br />
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-Baskets of kid toys, a couple games, and a couple puzzles. The other million pieces of kid paraphernalia is upstairs in the playroom or in their bedrooms. However, when we didn't have toys downstairs the kids were always getting in trouble because they had nothing to do. The entertainment center really helped store toys so they can play while I am 'cooking' and 'cleaning' (which really means checking facebook).<br />
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-Kid books, library books, more assorted toys<br />
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-DVDs and CDs, burp cloths, and two random books. You can see that I was given the gift of storage with the entertainment center! I still have lots of space to fill up.<br />
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-'My' cabinet filled with camera stuff, pictures and the printer/printer supplies for printing my Etsy orders. Boring.<br />
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This is the view when I am standing in the kitchen. Pretty soon I will have a couple bar stools at the counter and I can't wait! You can see those in my kitchen reveal. :)<br />
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So, if you made it this far into the post, thanks for stopping by and taking a look into my decorated living room! And in case you thought 'How in the world does Jen keep that room clean with three kids and still has time to check Facebook?!'. I most certainly did NOT <i>throw </i>all the extra baby toys and 'upstairs toy's that made it downstairs into the entryway so I can take pictures. I instead placed them there carefully. </div>
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-14222497970585630382014-02-20T13:32:00.000-06:002014-02-20T13:32:08.065-06:00A Day in the LifeAs most of you know, I am a stay at home mom to three precious boys: John who is 5, Matthew is 3, and Thomas is 1. I tried to document one of our days through pictures (and text!). I picked a random day since our schedules are pretty varied depending on the day being that John and Matthew are in preschool two days a week. So, this day in the glamorous life of Jen was on Wednesdy February 19, 2014.<br />
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...and here we go...<br />
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7:00<br />
I got to sleep in today!! I try to wake up at 4:30 to hit the gym and shower before Brad leaves for work, but Wednesdays are my days to sleep in. Thankfully ALL sweet boys also slept until 7 which doesn't always happen. However I did wake up with a headache so I took care of that before getting T Bone.<br />
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John waited for me to change Thomas' diaper by reading one of the baby books. I am so proud of John because he is teaching himself to read so I don't doubt the could read that whole book by himself!<br />
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I often find Matthew at the top of the stairs when he wakes up. He takes a while to get moving when he wakes up so he is usually lounging for an extra couple minutes.<br />
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T Bone flipped through a book after a diaper change. He is now getting into books which I love! He will bring me books to read which is similar to John when he was a baby.<br />
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<br />We head downstairs and the first place Thomas heads is the pantry. He knows where the good stuff is!<br />
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Our usual breakfast is french toast (the egg free kind since John is allergic to eggs) or a whole grain waffle with yogurt. Thomas also has fruit.<br />
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While the boys finish up breakfast I try to clean up the kitchen. Notice the word 'try'. Doesn't always happen especially on a day that they boys go to school and we are more rushed. One thing that never fails to baffle me is how many kid cups we go through in a day. Usually the top rack is full of kid cups!<br />
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Mr. Messy helps me switch out laundry after breakfast. He loves to help me but I am sure this will be short lived and he will follow in his brothers' footsteps in the laundry department.<br />
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8:30<br />
A little play time before getting dressed. T Bone and John had 'races' on the donkey and a rocking horse while Matthew drove his car 'to Walmart to get a potato'. Haha!<br />
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9:00<br />
Today is Aunt Allison's birthday so we call to say Happy Birthday (since she didn't answer her facetime call!). We decide Matthew is feeling well enough, and the weather is holding out, so we make plans to meet her and my other sister at the park. We are so lucky that all three of us sisters are stay at home moms, have kids the same age AND live near each other. We try to meet up every Wednesday so the kids can play and the moms can try to have an adult conversation. Anywho, this means we actually have to get dressed so we can pack up and head out!<br />
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10:20<br />
We make it to the park. Yes, it takes us about an hour to get 4 people dressed, pack up our bags and pack lunch for the park. Thomas is probably the easiest baby ever EXCEPT when it is time to get dressed. I think he gets jealous of the attention I am giving John and Matthew so he wants to be held or get in my lap the WHOLE TIME I am getting the boys dressed. Makes things a tad more difficult! But, we made it!<br />
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My dad is retiring next month and happened to be home from work. So he came along to play at the park with his favorite grandkids!<br />
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12:00<br />
However, Grandpa did not pack his lunch (not surprising to me!) so we all went to Central Market for lunch instead. I hadn't been there before and they actually had good food and a big playset for the kids to play.<br />
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1:30<br />
T Bone crashed in the car on the way home and stayed asleep as I put him in his crib. I really wanted to do some work on the computer so I broke my 'No iPad Wednesday' rule and let the boys play for a little while. They did not complain...and actually were a little surprised. John said it must be a special day. :)<br />
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2:30<br />
I finally fold the crap load of laundry piling up in my dining room. The boys actually helped me sort and match socks which was a HUGE help!<br />
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4:00<br />
T Bone wakes up so Matty B reads while I change yet another diaper. (Matty B got a little messy when he went to the bathroom thus the no-pants attire!)<br />
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We put away Thomas' laundry while we are in his room. And by 'we' I mean 'I'.<br />
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4:30<br />
In the playroom and I think 'Ok, Brad will be home soon. This is the home stretch!'<br />
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5:15<br />
Brad gets home right as Thomas is getting fussy from being bored, hungry, and thirsty all at the same time. Since we are having burgers for dinner, we hang out outside while Brad grills. Of course, this is the best time for some races and luckily Batman joined in for the fun!<br />
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Thomas learned how to climb the ladder to the playset and today was the first time he realized how fun it was to go down the slide...over and over and over again. Easy for Brad but I am too short to help Thomas at the top of the slide. Guess I need to get a stool for over there now!<br />
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6:00<br />
We head inside for dinner and then go upstairs to put away laundry in John and Matthew's room. We also try to pick up their rooms a little but didn't quite get finished.<br />
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6:50<br />
Bubble baths for all three boys!<br />
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See, Thomas is the sweetest baby ever! Always giving me hugs! (don't mind my crazy hair...it was SO humid outside and that really messes with my curly hair!)<br />
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This is Brad's fake smile because he is about to kill me at this point. Apparently I didn't fill him in on my picture documentation of our day so he thinks I am just taking pictures for the fun of it. :)<br />
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And my picture taking isn't helping in this situation: a squirmy upset baby who needs a diaper and pajamas!<br />
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7:30<br />
T Bone is asleep. The boys watch a show with milk and a cookie.<br />
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8:30<br />
John and Matthew are asleep and amazingly they didn't get out of bed once beforehand. They must have been worn out!<br />
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9:30<br />
Brad and I finished up watching Jimmy Falon which we dvr'd. (I needed a break from Breaking Bad which I CAN NOT get into...and we are in the 3rd season!) So we head to bed. Before get comfy under the covers, I set out my gym clothes so I can wake up at 4:30 the next day to work out before I start another crazy day with the boys.<br />
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And there, in all its glory, is a somewhat typical day at home with the boys. I love these days even when we go through the spectrum of laid back to crazy all in one day (sometimes in a span of one hour!). Man, writing it all out makes me feel tired thinking about our day!<br />
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-39966602265054204292014-02-20T05:00:00.000-06:002014-02-20T05:00:12.519-06:00Healthy Eating for Busy Moms- Guest Post!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-highlight: white;">Healthy Eating for Busy Moms</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Everyone
wants to eat healthy, but most of the time this never really happens. Unhealthy
foods have been widely commercialized, making it readily available and cheaper
than natural food products. Most of us fall into this trap because of hectic
schedules, which leave us minimal time to prepare healthy home cooked meals.
Moms, in particular, are considered one of the busiest people on earth,
especially if they also have a job outside of the home. They usually fall into
routines where taking care of themselves goes way down on their to-do list.
Here are several strategies that can help mom’s make a sensible, healthy diet,
while juggling household chores, family activities and career.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Make a menu plan</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Meal
planning is one of the best ways to keep track of you and your family’s daily
food intake. This can give you the time to research healthy recipes and list
all the necessary ingredients for purchase at the store. It helps keep grocery
shopping efficient, which cuts down on unplanned shopping trips. Additionally,
having a meal plan can also help in avoiding unhealthy take out food and
expensive dining out.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Do not skip breakfast</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">This is
probably the most common rule everyone should follow. Skipping breakfast is a
big no-no, especially for busy moms. Breakfast is, after all, the most
important meal of the day for several reasons.
It allows you to maintain proper </span>weight, it <span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">keeps you nourished early in the
day, and it controls and improves your mental performance. Some people assume
that skipping breakfast means less calorie intake, but this is not an effective
strategy. Breakfast-skippers are more prone to eat more at lunch and throughout
the day, and this will cause more unwanted calories. Most moms, especially
working moms, tend to skip breakfast because of so little time and too many
activities. One of the best strategies to avoid skipping breakfast is to cook
extra meals during dinner and reheat them the next morning. Oatmeal with fruit
is also one of the easiest breakfasts you can make, especially if you only have
a few minutes to spare.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="Normal1" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Make ahead healthy snacks</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Normal1" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Most of
the time, snacks are the culprit behind unhealthy eating because they are
readily available and cheap; however, it also plays an important role in
avoiding hunger pangs and overeating. Juggling housework and taking care of the
kids can be strenuous, especially if hunger gets in your way; however, most
snacks that are readily available and cheap are unhealthy. There are numerous
snacks that are healthy and filling, but sometimes it takes too much time to
prepare them. It’s best to prepare your snacks beforehand so you can use the
extra time for other chores. Healthy snacks include trail mix, almonds, fruits,
cereal, yogurt and oatmeal.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Stock healthy frozen foods</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Normal1" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Most
families depend on unhealthy take out food because of insufficient time to shop
and prepare home cooked meals. One of the best ways to ensure your family is
eating healthy is stocking your freezer with healthy foods that can last
longer, without compromising quality. Some of the healthy food choices that you
can freeze include fruits, soups, breads, sauces, vegetables and meat.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Normal1" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Avoid artificial sweeteners</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Normal1" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Artificial
sweeteners are an attractive substitute for sugar because of low or zero </span><a href="http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/adhd-children-whats-latest"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; mso-highlight: white;">calorie </span></a><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">content; however, these can
trigger cravings and hunger that can result in overeating and unhealthy food
choices. If you want to stick to healthy eating, try to incorporate natural
sweeteners instead of artificial sugar substitutes. Natural sweeteners include
honey, molasses, maple syrup, date sugar and agave nectar.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Normal1" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Exercise daily</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Normal1" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Exercise
is probably the most neglected routine for all busy moms because they think it
requires too much time, which they don’t have. This is definitely one of the
wrong notions about exercise. A 30-minute exercise daily can do wonders for
your body as well as your mind. If you can’t do it in one go, you can divide
your fitness sessions it into 3 sets of 10-minute workout throughout the day.
There are other activities that can be considered as workouts, including
running or playing with your child, pushing a stroller or washing the car.
Exercise can also aid in relieving stress, anxiety and depression. It also
helps in pumping up your endorphin count, resulting in a feel-good sensation
that improves the overall mood for the whole day. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Normal1" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Sleep more</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Normal1" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">We all
know that most moms are sleep-deprived because they have too many things to do
with so little time. Getting 5-6 hours of sleep a night can be considered a
luxury, but this is definitely not enough. Middle-of-the-night awakenings
because of an infant or toddler can be difficult, but there are some ways to
maximize the few hours of rest you can squeeze in. Some tend to catch up on work
when the kids are sleeping, but taking a nap at the same time may benefit you
more than slaving away at chores that can be done later. It’s a good idea to
dim the lights when a nap is available, or a soothing bath can also help relax
your mind and your body. Avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol a few hours before
bedtime, as this can also cause sleeping trouble at night.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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on Healthline, visit</span></i><a href="http://www.healthline.com/"><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-highlight: white; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></i></a><a href="http://www.healthline.com/"><i><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-highlight: white;">http://www.healthline.com/</span></i></a><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-highlight: white;">. </span></i></div>
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-42499708889124782282014-02-18T11:47:00.000-06:002014-02-18T11:47:06.271-06:00Photo FavsLast week I finished up a 4 week online photography class. This course taught me the basics of editing using Lightroom, which I got for Christmas. I really enjoyed the class and it was a good way to continue<a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2014/01/investing-in-me.html"> investing in myself</a>. I still have a ways to go in regards to photography, but I thought I would share some of my favorite photos from the past month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEKtXc940HhLOGoS4mrTm8Gk67_79Vg0NleXNYvzpTTjqRjnD88Z7hVAJYSELAq38mSKnvMcBjFwb7dR2l3vjd224dy8m2sURaZNYkSkzZK47dJpVwLbr33G6YR2AufSflyz9NvRDIEzS/s1600/rollerskating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEKtXc940HhLOGoS4mrTm8Gk67_79Vg0NleXNYvzpTTjqRjnD88Z7hVAJYSELAq38mSKnvMcBjFwb7dR2l3vjd224dy8m2sURaZNYkSkzZK47dJpVwLbr33G6YR2AufSflyz9NvRDIEzS/s1600/rollerskating.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a><br />
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By the way, did you notice the I was in TWO pictures! It is so hard to get pictures of me because I am the only who takes pictures but I am so happy my hubby snapped a shot or two of me. I am completely hooked on photography classes so now I need to save up so I can take my next class. My goal is next year to be brave enough to try out the Clickin' Moms conference!! :)<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-70904576747748317542014-02-13T11:38:00.002-06:002014-02-13T11:38:45.654-06:00A Baby Valentine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we all know, Valentine's Day is tomorrow. We met up with Thomas' playgroup today and I realized that I should probably bring a little something for his first group of friends on Valentine's! So I whipped up these little tags this morning, bought some Yogurt Melts at store on the way to playgroup, and put them in a baggie with the note attached while sitting in the car in front of the host's house. Talk about waiting until the last minute! </div>
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These were super easy to make (remember, I did this in the car!) and the kids loved them. Of course, they are only 13 months old so they are easy to please. Here is a blank one if you would like to make some just in the nick of time. </div>
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Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day tomorrow!<br />
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-60486774314728321772014-01-14T06:00:00.000-06:002014-01-14T06:00:11.677-06:00Thomas' Dapper First BirthdayIf you heard a loud weird noise two weekends ago, it was me crying as I threw my last 1st birthday party. T Bone turned one December 26th so I waited until after the holidays to have his birthday party. We decided to invite just family this time around and this was one of my favorite parties to date! I found <a href="http://www.ashleygainblog.com/vendors-we-love/featured-a-dapper-first-birthday-party-my-sweet-roman">this super cute dapper party</a> and used it as my inspiration. I am using the term 'inspiration' rather loosely and perhaps copied some of her party verbatim. That is how much I liked it!<br />
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I whipped up these cute invitations on Photoshop. Sure, it isn't fancy with gold foil, but it did the trick.<br />
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I am so glad I put 'best party dress requested' because that gave us full reign to dress to the nines (or at least dressed up more than usual!). I was also so happy to see that my family participated in getting dressed- lots of dresses, suits, and even a tux! I bought Thomas a suit from Walmart and each of the older boys get dress pants from Walmart that were on clearance for $5! I bought them a new dress shirt from H&M and they were quite handsome. I bought bowties from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySweetPeaCouture?ref=l2-shopheader-name">My Sweat Pea Couture Boutique</a> and they are the CUTEST bowties! I love these photos of the boys getting all dressed up for the party. Of course, the birthday boy was not cooperating for pictures at this point.<br />
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When the guests arrived upon red carpet, each kiddo could pick out a bow tie or hair bow. <br />
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I printed out pictures from each month and displayed them. I really don't like how this turned out but left it anyways. </div>
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The food display was largely made up of desserts,which is totally my kind of food display! Who needs 'real' food at a party? I am all for filling up on cupcakes and candy! I tried to find candy with gold wrappings- rolos, reece's, gummy bears, and twix. Don't worry though- we did have ham, potatoes, and green beans for those 'health conscious' people. I won't name names on who insisted on not eating cake for dinner...<br />
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Like I said, I LOVE that the guests dressed up! When else would I get to dress T Bone in a baby suit and when would my dad wear a tux to a 1 year old's birthday party?! I got a new outfit and Brad even went to the store ON HIS OWN ACCORD and shopped for a new outfit for himself! I was thoroughly impressed with him and he looked so handsome!</div>
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After playing outside for a little bit, (yes, it was a gorgeous January day in Texas!), we played a round of 'Pin the Bow Tie on Thomas. Even some of the adults played too!<br />
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By far the highlight of the evening was our dance party. I had some fun music playing all night but we crammed into the living room, cranked up the music and had an old fashioned dance party. I loved it and so did the kids! My niece Bella kept asking me to turn the music back up later on so she could keep getting her groove on. We played freeze dance and then took turns doing our best 'sassy dance walk' across the floor. I think burning those calories totally cancels out eating cupcakes for dinner, right?</div>
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I have said it before, and I will say it again, I really think our 'family only' parties tend to be my favorites. They are somehow more laid back but still just as action packed as when we invite all our friends. I think it is just more fun to party it up with my favorite people.</div>
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I think Thomas enjoyed his Dapper First Birthday party...perfect for my handsome dapper baby!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">If you missed any of my other favorite parties, you can check them out here:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2012/08/surfer-dude-party.html">Surfer Dude Party</a></span></i></div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-cookie-milk-birthday-party.html">Christmas Milk & Cookies Party</a></i></div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-cars-3rd-birthday-party.html">Cars</a> Party</i></div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.lilmoptop.blogspot.com/2011/01/dinosaur-birthday-party.html">Dinosaur Party</a></i></div>
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Please be a fan of lil Mop Top on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lil-Mop-Top/253187968027361">facebook</a>!! I link up to <a href="http://lilmoptop.blogspot.com/p/where-i-have-linked-up.html">these</a> parties!
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5877178447944341320.post-57677937436474629292014-01-07T06:00:00.000-06:002014-01-07T06:00:07.142-06:00Investing in MEI have been wanting to write up a little post about my weight loss over the past year. Before I do so, I am going to share a piece of a conversation I had with my dad this past weekend. We were talking about my new photography 'skills' (or lack thereof) and he asked if I was going to take classes. I told him there was an online class I wanted to take but it was $300. I said that I am not trying to make photography my profession (EVER) and just wanted to take nice pictures of the boys. So it was hard to justify spending money like that 'just to take pictures of the boys and family'. He said<i> 'Well, you are investing in yourself and that is always a good thing. Your art can always be improved'. </i><br />
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Investing in myself. Hmm...isn't that always a hard thing to do? Doesn't it seem like sometimes you invest time, money, love into your kids, spouse, family, home, friends but you put yourself last in line? I always feel guilty for doing things for myself whether it be buying a new outfit, a new pair of shoes, or taking a photography class (which I did about 9 months ago and loved it!). Even when I started working out again after having Thomas I felt guilty for having to take the boys to the gym with me so I could work out. Shouldn't I be spending those hours with the boys? Not dumping them off somewhere so <i>I</i> could work out?<br />
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So I am glad my dad gave me that reminder of <i>investing in myself</i>. It doesn't have to always be by spending money, but it is nice to invest in myself in order to make me a better Jen, a better mom, an improved wife and daughter, and simply a happier person.<br />
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How does this relate to my weight loss? Well, let's back up about 12 months. I had my sweet T Bone on December 26. Here I am in my huge, swollen, and chubby glory the day before he was born. You can barely see my eyes because my cheeks were so chubby they swallowed up my eyeballs!<br />
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So while I didn't realize I was '<i>investing</i>' in myself per se, I joined the gym last March. I finally could start working out after having Thomas and he was old enough for me to take him to the daycare room. For some reason something clicked with me and I decided to also eat better. I gave up Coke (I haven't had one since MARCH!) and for a couple months I only had a 'cheat' day on Saturday when I could have my sweets and desserts. The rest of the 6 days were limited to healthy snacks and healthier meals.<br />
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However, it was still hard to get myself to the gym. Between preschool, naps, nursing T Bone, have to make reservations in advance to get Thomas in the daycare room, and wanting to take the boys somewhere fun rather than the gym and ultimately not being happy with the service in the daycare room, I was only going about once a week. Through only diet did I lose the last of those pesky baby weight pounds.<br />
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The biggest change I made was in October. I was done nursing Thomas which meant I didn't have to be home when he woke up in the morning (or didn't have to pump when I woke up...I HATE pumping!). So I decided I would just try to work out at 5am so I could be back home and showered before Brad had to leave for work at 6:30. So that means I set my alarm for 4:30 am the next morning and as I fell asleep I thought 'Ha! Yeah right! I will never actually get up and make it to the gym'.<br />
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Well, folks, I made it to the gym by sheer miracle. I not only made it to the gym, but I enjoyed getting up early and getting my workout out of the way before anyone woke up. I enjoyed being showered before anyone woke up. And this routine stuck with me and I have been working out at 5am ever since...and making it to the gym on average of 3-4 times a week. There is a 5am core/ab class that I take twice a week that helps force me to get my butt to the gym...and my lovely c-section abs are trimming up!<br />
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Sure I want to fall asleep by 1:00 in the afternoon, but it is worth it. I feel so accomplished on those mornings when I workout before the sun is even up. And I can tell a huge difference in my body (duh) for adding in those workouts.<br />
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Since Thomas was born about a year ago I have lost about 55 pounds. I usually will blow it off saying 'well, most of that is just losing the weight from being pregnant' because I was one of those lucky pregnant people who gained a crap load of weight. But you know what, not everyone loses their baby weight. And not everyone loses their baby weight and then some. So for whatever reason I had those 55 pounds to lose, I lost them. I had to work hard to lose them, too. In case you didn't realize, having three c-sections take a toll on your midsection! Even though I lost the pounds, my body isn't the same and my stomach is one big gross flabby mess. So I am still working hard to fix that. I am still working hard to lose those 'happily married' pounds I gained before the babies were born.<br />
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Bottom line is I am proud of how far I have come so far, I am committed to <i>investing in myself</i> to continue losing weight and know because I am <i>investing in myself</i> I will be healthier and happier (and the bonus being thinner too!) More importantly I found a way to invest in myself in a way that didn't take away time from being with my sweet babies before they are all in elementary school (and eventually get married and leave me forever, but that is jumping ahead a bit!). I can sacrifice a smidge of sleep for a couple years to fit in a workout without sacrificing the fun times I have with John, Matthew, and Thomas during the day. Changing my schedule to workout at the crack of down was the biggest and most impacting change I made last year and I am thankful I did it!<br />
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What are you doing to invest in yourself? What do you hope to change in your life to make that happen?<br />
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Jen @ lil Mop Tophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01553255997211787278noreply@blogger.com4