Friday, December 23, 2011

Fridays Finds~

We bake & decorate sugar cookies every Christmas.  I went overboard this year again with a double batch so we decided to use only the biggest cookie cutters as decorating was going to be a task!  We added neon blue to the frosting colors and they look beautiful!
we always do a couple of star trees

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Heard this clip the other morning about last minute appetizers, they sound easy & good. 

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Leaving this last blog before Christmas with one of my favorite holiday songs~

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Happy holidays to you & your family!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Fridays Finds

I can't believe this year is almost over!
I found this site with the 45 most powerful images of 2011. 
It really was an incredible year across the world.
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I don't watch a ton of tv, but I am an avid Today Show watcher. 
They did a video of highlights for 2011.

Fun, interesting show with a great bunch of hosts!
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Lastly, here one of my favorite ornaments from our tree.  We bought this 10+years ago at Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas NV.

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Fridays Finds~

Do you have a photographer on your Christmas list this year?
If so check out Photojojo for some fun ideas
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Headed out to the holiday parties and not sure about the hostess gift?  Here are some ideas.  I love the personalized stationery!
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I buy and dring eggnog around the holiday season every year and am always on the hunt for different eggnog mixers.  Here are a few I found.
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Have a great weekend!  We will be breaking out the big jackets & UGG boots this weekend for our cold blast here in southern Arizona.

Pay it Forward contes winner session

Back in the spring I held a "Pay it Forward" contest.  Winner would receive a session for free along with a dvd of images.
Daniel Hughes was the winner and we were able to shoot his family session right before Thanksgiving.
His girls are adorable and all were troopers despite the cold Tucson morning. 
This one is the family portrait that everyone has a version of and I always like, but it usually doesn't make the Christmas cards~

After a moment that image turns into

Hughes family I hope you enjoy your images and of course "Pay it Forward"  It was a true please to meet you.
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Friday, November 25, 2011

Fridays Finds~

Black Friday shopping is earlier & earlier. 
This year I think I had emails two days ago that said the specials were already available.  We did our share online today and after two years of black friday online shopping I can happily say I am done with the parking space fights and the pushing/shoving mall lines.  Happy Shopping!
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Looking for some fun ideas to shoot Chase Jarvis has a couple -
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The National Geographic site has great free computer wallpapers - check them out at
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Friday, November 4, 2011

Fridays Finds

Canon just announced their new high end digital video camera.  $20,000 for the camera alone.  Wow!!
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I have been doing a little more on Google+ and am looking forward to meeting fellow Google photogs to hang out & shoot the 2011 All Souls Procession downtown on Sunday evening. 
(If you are interested in shooting with us let me know and I will pass on the meetup info).
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Blurb has these planners and I love them.  I use the ipad for my planner, but think I will make a couple of these for gifts and maybe a few to show clients. 
(if I have had a session with you and you want one or you would like one with other images from my portfolio let me know).
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Have a great weekend & all you in Tucson get ready we might actually be into winter as of tomorrow!!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Fridays Finds~

I have been on Google+ for a week or two now and really need to figure out what I am doing.  Are you active with Google+?  Do you have any helpful tips?  Link to me- Amanda on Google+ .  I have no posts yet but have managed to upload a few pictures and add some people to circles. 
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As the holidays kick off here are some ideas for the photographer on your list.  These are from a last year list but are still great ideas!
Photographer Christmas Ideas
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Posting this image as it is the view a couple of yards from our RV this weekend.  Yes, we are officially kicking off "dune season" at the Imperial sand dunes outside Yuma - Plank Road area to be exact.  Anyone else out here?
And just off in the distance

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We don't get alot of trick or treaters through the camp but, we are well armed with Halloween candy - any excuse to buy the Huge bag of chocolate!!

Have a great weekend & be safe!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Fridays Finds~

The big news for Canon owners is regarding the new Canon EOS-1DX.  It is out of my price budget currently but you never know :)
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Thanks to Andy over at Afair Technologies for reminding me about Helldorado Days down in Tombstone.  We are tied up this weekend but have been before and had so much fun!  If you can get down there I would recommend it.
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Lastly, sharing from Popcorn Pixels over on facebook

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Have a great weekend!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Fridays Finds~

Can you really take a blurry image and "fix" it on the computer?  According to Adobe you will be able to
I don't know how well this is going to work but it is interesting.
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Does anyone else find it odd that so many designers are in local superstores?  The latest is
I like the lower prices at the superstores, but shouldn't they just have them everywhere they carry the designers line?
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This is my blog so I think I can "go off" on the new bank debit fees.  Really, aren't people struggling enough already.  Do they need to completely nickel & dime the public? 
I use a credit union so currently don't have such fees, but it is incredible that banks think people will stay with them when they are adding additional fees. 
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And now for the battle that is going on at our house.  
Gizmo our Yorkie loves that the front door is open more now since the weather is cooler.  He loves to watch the birds & bunnies.

but, the new kitten Ophelia is trying to take over the door area
I am not sure who will win the battle.
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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Molly Lyn 6 months

Molly Lyn tried to be so serious but every once in awhile she would break out with her beautiful smile! 
At 6 months she already is "model" ready and what a good girl,  hardly a cry and up for any wardrobe and set changes.
Thank you Amanda for allowing me to play with and capture Mollys' 6 month old pictures.




My personal favorite from this session ~


Easy to tell why Molly is so pretty~

And lastly, a possible grouping idea for images from Mollys session~
1-24x30, 1-10x15, 1-12x15 canvas wrapped

To view the complete gallery click below

Friday, October 7, 2011

Fridays Finds~

I am still saddend by the passing of Steve Jobs.
  I think it is because I use my ipod regularly, love my ipad and wonder what else there might have been? 
I have listened to him speak and his words really hit home. 
My favorite excerpts and things I am really trying to take to heart~

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” -Steve Jobs-Stanford University commencement address , June 2005.


“We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life. Life is brief, and then you die, you know? And we’ve all chosen to do this with our lives. So it better be damn good. It better be worth it.” -Forbes

"… You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life." -Stanford University commencement address , June 2005.

"stay hungry, stay foolish" -Stanford University commencement address , June 2005. 


And now we will all watch the new iphone come out and know that it has his final fingerprint on it.
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Friday, September 30, 2011

Fridays Finds~

October is almost here and the triple digit temperatures are hopefully done for the year.  In southern Arizona this is the best time to get out and about!
Yesterday kicked off Octoberfest and it will run all weekend.  Check it out
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This is the first year for the Marana Pumpkin Patch.  I have heard there is alot to do there and it will be fun for the whole family.
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Lastly, I really think I need some beach time SOON!! until then this will have to do
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Jackson Riley 8 days old

What a good, beautiful little boy I was blessed to shoot! 
Jackson Riley 8 days old

His family is from Georgia and are big Georgia Bulldog fans.  This warrants a special place in my gallery for this shoot as I attended UGA many years ago!

Mom called him "monkey" so we had to shoot this
(sock monkey hat from Smash and Chuck etsy )

And lastly my favorite from the shoot
(stocking hat from Behind the Zoom photography prop stop)

To view the complete gallery click on link ~

Friday, September 23, 2011

Fridays Finds~

Facebook is shaking things up for sure!  I am still working through all the changes.  From what I am reading and seeing it seems that FB controls what shows up on your news-feed via their algorithm formula. It means if you post a comment or like posts then most probably you will see future posts from that person/business. However, if you are a silent reader and do not comment or like any posts you will no longer see that person/business in your news-feed. So don't forget to "Like" or comment on posts!
 (So useful to know this for business pages, pass it on and spread the word ♥).
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Fall is in the air! 
I came across this site of great photography tips for shooting fall colors - I love the reflection of the lake!
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Also for fall enjoy this free desktop wallpaper
Mt. Lemmon, Arizona

Gallery link to download full size (you can right click in this gallery to save or print)
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Have a great weekend!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Friday Finds~

Free Entrance in National Parks.  Plan a getaway and save some $$.  Or if one is close enough have an afternoon getaway or shoot!  Check out the dates at the following link
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I think everyone has probably tried to take a photo of someone "holding the sun" or something similiar.  I came across this site with a ton of images with unique/funny angles.  This might be a fun personal project for next year?
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Today kicks off Octoberfest on Mt. Lemmon!  A scenic drive up the mountain and you actually see the Fall season!  Leaves changing, cool temps, add in some food & dancing all that makes for a great outing.
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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Jace & Dominic 9 days old

When I heard Katrina & JayD were expecting twin boys I was so excited for the newborn shoot!
Jace & Dominic were so good.  Jace is a natural model already.  Dominic was so curious and tried his hardest to stay awake the whole time. 
Congratulations Katrina & JayD - your boys are truly adorable!

almost time
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Dad is oversees currently but sent these two outfits and I had two crochet beanies that seemed to match perfectly!
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Caught a sweet little dream smile
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"Two Peas in a Pod" crochet set by Briar Rose Crafts and Things a great place for unique items!
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Click below to see the complete gallery~





Friday, September 9, 2011

Fridays Finds~

As we remember the events that took place on 9/11 this weekend I wanted to share a link to 9/11 Tribute photos 
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And a look at a photographer that was allowed to capture the rebuilding


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Friday, September 2, 2011

Fridays Finds~

I found this link through another site and love the fun items~
Check out this Polaroid Picture Frame and Mirror -great idea for your photog friends/family Christmas stocking.
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The Boston Globe section the Big Picture has unbelievable photos from hurricane Irene
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Are you on twitter?  Behind the Zoom photography is on twitter @behindthezoom - stop by and say Hi
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HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY LABOR DAY HOLIDAY!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Fridays Finds~

This past week has been about organizing and making my workflow easier both professionally and personally.

I have mentioned the ipad before and I am really trying to make it work more and less "Angry Birds".
I discovered an app Keynote...yes, I know many already have it but I am a little behind on the apps.  I love it! 
I am working on a power point presentation for photography clients that showcases different options for wall displays of thier images.
For real estate clients, my go to when needed listing book- which has been a large leather covered binder that has info on everything from my marketing samples to our company history -200+pgs- is now also going into a power point presentation.  
Power Point presentations easily file share through Keynote over to the ipad!  (I tried it with a couple of slides already).
Talk about lightening my load and moving into the "tech age".
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Also, I know late to the game but Google Calendar - where have you been & why didn't I use you before?  My calendar - business & personal, my daughters calendar - school & sports, my husbands travel calendar all uploaded to same spot and synced to phone, ipad, laptop without me hooking them up and syncing! 
What a timesaver for me~

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And lastly not straying far from the Angry Birds but adding to "family time" I added a scrabble game.  (if you add it let me know & we can play in between working:)  I can consider it family time because my teen daughter has the same app on her Android phone.  We have been playing scrabble lately - kind of an interesting take on family game night. 

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The Keynote app was $9.99, Google Calendar is free and Wordfeud is free

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Quiche

This post is for me to take a moment to talk about Quiche, not quiche you eat but Quiche aka Kiwachinina and to remember her side kick Milton aka Milton Burro.  Quiche is the little bay mare that I have had since 1985 when she was 6 months old.  Yes, that makes her 26 going on 27 yrs old!  Milton was a year when I got him and he was with us 22 years. 

Georgia winters - they were so wooly & little!

After the move to Arizona - Great buddies!

Over the years Quiche has given experienced riders, kids & friends  fun & memorable rides!
She always knows when it is time to "babysit" and when she can "play & test your attention". 
She has carried me, my husband, my brother, my sisters & their kids, my daughter, neighbor kids, friends and now kids of some of those kids, heck, I think my mom even rode her once.
Nowadays she eats alot of carrots & apples and hasn't had a saddle on her in over 2yrs thanks to a bum knee.  But, two weeks ago she took Brody - my neices son - for a ride around the property.  She loved it as much as he did!


Here is hoping for many more years to enjoy carrots & apples.  Maybe even a few more special rides!
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Friday, August 19, 2011

Friday Finds~

I have always said that even though we live in the desert we are truly water babies at heart!  Below are a few sites I have found with stunning images from surfing to diving~

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This next link goes to a photographer that made a decision in her business that really stands out~read her blog post for details.
I admire her and hope that if I ever come across something similiar I too say "no"  as I also believe "mean is ugly"

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HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Silhouettes

This is one of my favorite silhouettes.
Taken just after sunrise at the Imperial Sand Dunes outside Yuma Arizona.  It was a little windy and our last day there but my husband indulged me in a morning shoot, we rode out past the camps and found this perfect spot. 

Post processing was in Lightroom & Photoshop - mainly just
conversion to black/white, brought up the blacks and softened the footprints across the dunes.

Rock the Shot August Photo challenge

Rock the Shot


Friday, August 12, 2011

Friday Finds~

This week I haven't been as active on the web, but, I did run across two posts that gave me thought.

&

It seems that we forget to realize & appreciate where we are and all  we have done to get there. 
And I firmly believe that it is always good to root for the other guy ~ there is plenty to go around.
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last post for today is a site that raises money each week for a different cause.  I like that principal and love to see thier "check pictures"  I have one of the tees from a couple of weeks ago - if you order they run a tad small but are good quality/fitted and heck a great way to donate to something important to you.
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Friday, August 5, 2011

Fridays Finds~

I have been using my ipad more & more.  I know I don't even get close to using it to its full potential!  If you have one you may be interested in subscribing to receive this  email with helpful & useful ipad tips (free subscription).  Do you use an ipad?  Any must have apps you can share?
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I shoot a Canon (love saying that :) and have for many years.  I don't know about the others but Canon has a tremendous amount of information on thier website.
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I listened to a couple of speakers this past week lined up by Sarah Petty's Joy of Marketing regarding building your business, marketing, branding, posing & lighting.  Really alot of great information!  Perfect time for me as I am working on re-organizing, new logo and a few other ideas.  Check out her site for valuable marketing info.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Fridays Finds~

In a previous post I talked about Google+.  I am still on the fence, however,  I did get an invite and registered.  I think you need quite a bit of time to work through what it is and how it all works. 
Here is another article - Scott Kelby is a source I trust-
Are you on Google+?  what are your thoughts?
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This is great - when I was a kid we used cards & dominoes to build these crazy walls that we would tip and watch fall, it was fun to see how creative we could get.  We didn't hold a candle to these guys!
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And finally for this week - I can't say how crazy my family is for...

SHARK WEEK

starting Sunday evening!
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Friday, July 22, 2011

Fridays Finds~

Happy Friday!!
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I have ordered glasses from this company in the past. 
I kept one pair, returned another.  Great customer service, easy ordering and returning.  They do specials on facebook all the time-
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I have this on my ipad and really love it.  The description reads -Moodboard is the bestselling app for creating mood and inspiration boards on your iPad. Each board is a blank canvas for organizing the things that inspire you. Add photos, text, color swatches, and special elements to your boards, then share them with friends and colleagues, anywhere, anytime.  Great for keeping my ideas together and organized!  I also do a vision board with it. 
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On Fridays when I go to publish this blog I am usually listening to the Today Show on tv.  They have a Friday summer concert series that I like.  A taste of different music live outside the studio. 
Here is the schedule link
Next Friday - Journey -
I went to a handful of concerts back when and they were one of them.  Looking forward to seeing/hearing them on Friday.


Monday, July 18, 2011

Newborn Model

Looking for one more newborn model. Do you know someone expecting or with a newborn less than 10 days old in the Tucson/Marana area? Have them email Amanda@behindthezoom.com for a possible free shoot!!




Friday, July 15, 2011

Fridays Finds~

Starting out this post with info on Google+.  I wasn't quite sure what it was/is and kept getting asked on sites to "click" on the Google+ to share the article/post I was reading.  Then I thought is this something I need to be part of like facebook or twitter?  I am still not sure but did come across this article that makes me step back and say no ~
Google+ photographer info
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I stop into this site for great photography tips and vendor sites
Rock the Shot
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A couple of  Fridays ago I posted about St. John USVI and Jost Van Dyke BVI.  This video is filmed in that area and is a great summer song!

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Sunday, July 10, 2011

Arianna Lucia

She arrived 10 days before her shoot and truly is as
beautiful as her name.
Mom said she was normally sound asleep by then but today she was wide awake and going to stay awake
as long as possible!
  After a little wait she gave in and fell into a happy slumber. 
Every once in awhile a smile would cross her little face. 
Thank you Lisette for allowing me to "play" with & photograph your little Arianna Lucia. 
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she was always pointing this finger!
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Love this crocheted ear flap from:
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To see her complete gallery click on ~
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Friday, July 8, 2011

Friday Finds~

This is the Friday Finds post but I just had to mention & share an image from a newborn session with happy - beautiful 10 day old~
Ms. Arianna Lucia

(post with more to follow next week)


And now on with the "finds"

IPhone SLR mount.  I am not sure why you wouldn't just get a dslr and lens if you are carrying this around anyway?
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Mobile Me - find your iphone also works with ipad. 
I have been carrying my ipad more and more lately and love this app.  Please don't ever let me leave it somewhere but if I do at least this might help find it.
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I am using Drop Box alot lately.  Upload to them and you can access those uploads from - ipad, phone, laptop, friends computer, everywhere I seem to be I can get to those files.  2GB is free!
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Friday, July 1, 2011

Fridays Finds~

This site is one I love to visit.  I have a free screensaver on my laptop from here & each week I pop in to see the photo of the day.
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I met this local photographer/artist on facebook
and am in awe at her creative & beautiful Smoke Art. 
My favorite so far is the blue & green seahorse (#8 in the gallery).
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Get your vacation fix with a peak at a tropical webcam. 
This one is located on St. John Spice building and views
the Ferry dock, St. John, USVI. 
I pop in here to look for my mom or Paul as they are coming and going.  (their sailboat is moored to the right of the building) and they often ride the ferry over to St. Thomas.

This next one is from the Soggy Dollar Bar over on Jost Van Dyke, BVI - a great place to hang, swim and snorkel!

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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Looking for Models~

I have been acquiring some newborn props and am calling out for a couple of models. Do you know someone expecting or with a newborn less than 10 days old? Have them email Amanda@behindthezoom.com for possible free shoot!!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Fridays Finds ~

This week I have continued to work on acquiring some newborn props and am very excited to put them to use! 
More to follow in upcoming weeks but I can say for sure these will be fun, a little different and simply adorable!
(Do you know someone expecting?  Have them email as I am looking for models - free shoot)!

On to Fridays Finds~

Wow, I wish my local Fry's would come up with this! 
QR code grocery shopping with delivery

Go Tesco!!
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LYTRO the camera you can focus after you take the picture - this has been all over the internet this week.  Very cool idea.  I'am anxious to see responses from some actual users
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My online site is through Smugmug and I love them! 
You are able to use templates or work your way through some advanced customization with the help of the Dgrin forum.  Online ordering for clients is easy and secure.  I have the choice of two labs for printing and the freedom to set up each gallery individually.  There are many more perks, feel free to check them out and save $5 if you subscribe!

Interested in a website? You can save $5 on a SmugMug subscription! It's simple: enter ilbcnu@att.net or Ct6BUoeWFKkjw in the 'Referred by' field on the signup form. 
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Friday, June 17, 2011

Fridays Finds

This week had me running- work, volleyball practice,
dr. appointments and a dentist appointment. 
I did manage to get the camera bag cleaned out and organized.
Oh and on top of that I tried to teach myself crochet! 

Winding down for a quiet Fathers day weekend.  
Below are the "finds" I came across this week
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I have an ipad (1st edition).  I do use Contract Maker and Square and love them!  The one I don't have that really sounds interesting is M.I.C CF Card reader / Apple SD/Card Reader
I may be ordering this in the near future to give it a try.
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My next find is Photgrapher Cafe
They have some great templates!  I just downloaded the Modern Bright Holiday Card Set (won it free in a drawing they had) and am very excited to work up some cards with my images.
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And finally - a favorite reminder video



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Happy Fathers Day weekend!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Fridays Finds~

This week I came across a few sites/items of interest!


This site has so much stuff at great prices.  I have been stocking up!  First order over $25 -you get free shipping. 
Shipping was fast and delivered to my door.
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Saw this on an Adorama ad very interesting and affordable.  Don't know anyone with it yet but if you try it let us know!
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Wall Display Guides
(click on affiliate link to right)
These are incredible for photographers to showcase images and how they may look.  I have used these in the past and they really help to show size scale and grouping possibilities - check out an old example I have below~ (have I shot you and you need fresh ideas?  let me know and I can work up a few groupings with your images).
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Parker is turning 1!

This past weekend I was able to spend some time shooting Parker and his parents at a local park. 
What a trooper he is.  Arizona afternoons in June are Hot. 
Last Sunday was no exception with the truck temp. reading 102! 
Parker is so good natured he went through his 1yr old shoot like a pro!  Hats off to mom who also handled the heat as she is due in December.  (Speaking of hats - love Parkers matching hat)

Thank you Jodi & Casey, Parker is truly a delightful little boy and shooting him was a pleasure!
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Friday, June 3, 2011

Fridays Finds

Starting a new Friday posting- Fridays Finds.
I am all over the internet as well as in and out of local stores each and every week.  I come across some of the most useful, crazy, fun, unique items and want to share some of those things~

This item is in honor of upcoming Fathers Day ~ my husband is the proud owner of multiple Leatherman tools!  This one has now become his favorite ~


These are the cutest rompers I have seen!  My daughter is too old now but had I seen them when she was younger I would of had her pictures done in them for sure.


These two crocheted newborn hats I couldn't resist and ordered for future newborn shoots.  (Should receive in a month or so- if you have a newborn and would like a shoot using these email me)!


Last item for today are these lip balms.  We have almost all the flavors and love them. They are cute, work great and go on nice!
(we found them at our local Walgreens but I believe Target and grocery stores also carry them.  The yellow has SPF)



Wednesday, June 1, 2011

The Winner of the Pay it Forward free 2hr session~

Random.org picked a winner this morning Daniel Hughes!
Daniel wrote ~ I would use it to capture the the up close and personal moments of our family life with my overworked, beautiful wife, my twin daughters Mikayla and Felicity (one who has special needs), and my newest daughter Trinity.

Then I would send prints to family and friends...... in Southern California that we miss so much!

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Congratulations Daniel!   Email me and we can work out the details on your free 2hr session!

Thank you for all the entries and in the Paying it Forward spirit - All entries can book one session anytime untill Dec 31, 2011 with a 25% discount! (limited to availability).

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Pay it Forward

Today is Pay it Forward Day!

 I am paying it forward by giving away one 2hr lifestyle session.
To enter visit my facebook site http://www.facebook.com/behindthezoomphotography  comment on the post that is about pay if forward day answering "how would you use your free session" 
 enter yourself or pay if forward for someone you know!
Feel free to share this with your friends & family so they can enter!
 
More info on lifestyle session can be found here
http://amandag.smugmug.com/gallery/5717670_JnpKd
Enter until May 31, 2011 - Winner announced June 1st, 2011- Winner selected by random drawing -Session will need to be completed by Dec 31, 2011 and must take place in Tucson AZ area


Good Luck! and Pay it Forward!