Monthly Archives

December 2014

    Photography

    Uppin’ That #selfie Game

    December 29, 2014

    While cruisin’ arount Pinterest this morning, looking through all the photography tips and tricks, I came across a pin entitled:

    101 Extraordinary Self-Portrait Ideas to Spice Up Your Facebook Profile

    It intrigued me. While “spicing up my facebook profile” is not my primary concern, I was interested in seeing other photographers’ “selfies.” (Check out the link above).  Being overly self critical, it’s not often I take (or anyone takes) a photo of myself that I deem “post-worthy.” “DELETE!!!!” I usually scream.

    I would like to be able to take better photos of myself for my blog. Looking through the photos, I thought- “ok- I have the tools to do this, too. I can at least get one decent shot.”  1. I have a camera. 2. I have a tripod. 3. I have a self timer. “What the hell. . .” I thought. I’m going to give it a whirl.

    I went upstairs to my make-shift studio (a spare bedroom) and set the tripod up in the window seat. I cant stress enough how much easier taking photos can be when you have NATURAL LIGHT!!! ( I took these at about 2:30 in the afternoon, next to a West facing window). Find a window! I am embarrassed to admit that I don’t know how many photos I took- because I deleted them as I went. Sneering at a lazy eye here, growling at my nose in others. I’m willing to bet I took at least 50? And out of those 50 I only “approved” three. WAH WAH WAH. . .

    Anywhoo- here they are:

    Canon Rebel T3: 50 mm f 3.2, ss 1/100, ISO 200

    Canon Rebel T3: 50 mm f 3.2, ss 1/100, ISO 200

    I did minimal adjustments in Lightroom 5. I did a teensy bit of eye enhancement and and upped the exposure to 1.10. I also added a tad of airbrushing in Picmonkey. Pick monkey is uber user friendly and I like to use it for portrait “touch ups” on the face. Of course you can use lightroom or photoshop, but if you’re a beginner I think Picmonkey is an easier route.

    I also found  a link on Pinterest for 100 Free Presets, from Camera Stupid, that I’ve been playing with. I used them on these photos.

    I’ve really been eyeballing the packages from Pretty Presets for Lightroom. Literally drooling. It’s like any minute, I’ll give in and press the button! Has anyone purchased from them? What are your thoughts?

    50 mm, f 3.2, ISO 200 ss 1/100

    50 mm, f 3.2, ISO 200 ss 1/100

    selfie 3 Obviously, the composition on this last photo isn’t great. I just wanted to see if I could actually use the self time and produce some results that I liked. All in all, I think I’m slowly but surely improving- and having fun along the way!

    Until my next camera project, bloggin’ friends. . .

    xo Kelli

  • Photography

    Inside the Studio 2014: A Holiday Recap

    December kicked off my first real efforts at photography- and I have to say- not too shabby! I’ve learned a lot about lighting, composition, and the ins and outs of my camera itself. I…

    December 26, 2014
  • Eat

    Balsamic Parmasean & Portobello Risotto

    The holidays are finally here, and while I didn’t have to commit to whippin’ up the whole dinner spread (we have too many places to go),  I like to have several options up my…

    December 24, 2014
  • Eat

    Garlic and Ginger Mongolian Beef With Snow Peas

    Friday night, I decided to stay in and cook dinner for the bf and my parents. Bf requested Mongolian beef- similar to that of PF Chang’s. So I scoured the internet, and added a…

    December 15, 2014
  • Hot Buttered Bourbon Cake
    Eat Recipes

    Hot Buttered Bourbon Cake

    *This post is sponsored by West Fork Whiskey. All opinions are my own.   Let’s start this post off by saying, I am a dessert maker, not eater. While I enjoy dessert, I just…

    December 12, 2014
  • Eat

    Ancho Chile Bacon Candy

    One word. Orgasmic. All I can say is, I had a pound of bacon for dinner tonight and I’m not ashamed. If you love bacon, this is a must try. If you don’t love…

    December 4, 2014