Traveling Minstrel

Some days it seems like all of my creative juices have dried up and on other days, I am overflowing with ideas and techniques I want to try. This particular Photoshop class came at a great time. I had been scouring the internet for more resources and learning outlets. Lo and behold, of course I find exactly what I am looking for on Adobe.com. Now this is the FIRST place I tell my students to go after they have completed the Photoshop tutorials that come with the software, but even for seasoned professionals like myself there is always more to learn and Adobe has it all. They never stop learning themselves and sharing! Many of their database/knowledgebase is free too!

Equine Success

As I get deeper and deeper into technology, I find I am using photography as part of my web design and now VIDEO! My good friend Bonnie Rachel runs an equine therapeutic riding center called Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center. I designed their website and added the video presentation I also created for their marketing materials. You can view it on the “About Us” page of the website. Bonnie’s passion is helping others and she has really touched the lives of those she serves at the center. Michael, pictured at left during a riding session this past fall, took home several medals from the Georgia State Special Olympics Equestrian events in which he participated. Check it out. If you would like to donate your time, talent or make a monetary donation, you can contact Bonnie at equiskepr243@yahoo.com.

Creative Photography class at AASU

Another CP class has ended and it amazes me how much information these adults (and younger) are able to absorb in such a short period of time. Their work improves tremendously as the course progresses and it is fun to see the “ah ha” moments when they finally get some of these complex photographic ideas/theories.

The last field trip was the most exciting as we worked on panning. A local marathon was about to take place in Forsyth Park and it provided some great subject matter for our experimentation with shutter speed. Using a combination of manual and shutter priority settings they were able to stop action, create the bridal veil effect and understand the limitations of their equipment.

There is no way I can impart more than 20 years of photographic knowledge and experience in 10 hours of class lecture, field trip adventures and critiques, but I think that many of them are well on their way. Without an understanding of basic photographic principles, there is no way they can fully comprehend their manual nor their automatic settings. I hope I have been able to convey knowledge and inspire them to continue to create!

Auction success

The Mardi Gras auction at SFCCS went great last night. I think, by far it was the best event we have had. The entertainment by the Ben Tucker Trio was, as always, exceptional; let’s not forget how terrific VIP Entertainment was also.  Our guest emcee/host Sonny Dixon was HILARIOUS! I must say that all of our guests seemed to be having a great time and really enjoyed the evening. The food was terrific, too. Jambalaya and Crab Imperial…appetizers that were tantalizing…beer and wine…what more could you want for $20??

The selection of auction items were great too. My matted prints went for $170 and the portrait package went for $68 (this really shocked me). There was jewelry galor (I really wanted the Mardi Gras Mask pendant that was donated by The Treasure Chest) vacation packages, gift certificates LOTS more in between. I would suggest putting this annual event on your calendar for next year!

Creative means to an end

Today was a rush of activity…I love working in the media center at SFCCS and seeing all the students, seeing what they are reading and answering their questions. Today was catch-up day though and I spent the morning shelving books and checking out those students who were able to come to Media. As the day wore on, I began talking to our IT guy, Jef. He has the ability to make everyone laugh with him AND at him sometimes. We began talking about computers, tech/geek stuff and such…so what’s so creative about that? Well, I contract with his company FGS Computer Services to create simple websites for his clients. I have been working on the first one for a few months off and on for James Smith Drywall Unlimited. Check it out and let me know what you think. As I get more inspired I am going to update the FGS website and my own website which is now hosted with Comcast. Ultimately, I will have my own domain! Does that make me a dominatrix??

Great new site…

I have got to say I LOVE the internet. It is full of people with a vast amount of knowledge. Of course, you can’t believe everything you see and read but for the most part, people are willing to share their time and experience with the world. Good case in point- Radiant Vista. “The Radiant Vista is a creative community of inspiration, passion, and grace. Together we pursue our dreams and explore our endless potential.”

Their Photoshop Workbench is bursting with videos that show you “how-to” do almost anything with your photos. Now, I have years of experience with Photoshop but this site makes me feel like an imbecile! They have really stretched the envelope with being creative. I am a purest though. With a strong photojournalism background, I do not advocate some of the extreme changes that can and are made to photographs (hence why you cannot believe everything you see).

Here is an example of changes I made to a photo using the portrait video…

Auction and Art

Ah, yes the frustrations of trying to buy supplies locally has ruined me again. There seems to be a distinct lack of choices here for making life as a professional easier! No wonder I have become the web order queen. Some of my favorite spots are B&H Photo, Boyd’s Imaging and Light Impressions. When I go looking for supplies, I need them. I rarely plan ahead (I know, I know). Thankfully though Michael’s still carries my stand-by frames that are quick and easy and cheap. Most people will re-frame anyway to match their decor or existing frames so cheap is the best route…I’m sorry, amke that INEXPENSIVE because these frames are pretty well made for what you pay! anyway, this is just one of the three Savannah historic landmarks that I am donating to be auctioned off for the St. Frances Cabrini Mardi Gras Auction. It features live music by the Ben Tucker Trio and Sonny Dixon as the guest auctioneer. Tickets are still available and can be bought at the door, so come on over! I will also be donating a Portrait Package which includes an on location session with me, a set of proofs and an 8×10 enlargement. Here is a sample of one of my recent portraits…Ian is my husband’s newest addition to his side of the family. He is ADORABLE! I will blog more on this shoot later as I was thrilled with the new set-up I used.

ST. FRANCES CABRINI MARDI GRAS AUCTION

Sat., February 2, 2008

11500 Middleground Rd.

Tickets: $25 at the door ($20 prior to event)

See you there!

Hello world!

Wow, a new forum for my creative juices. I am very excited about this new blog. Techno geek that I sometimes am, I still wait to jump in on ocassion. Surprised? don’t be. I am a mix of contradictions, just ask my family. Just a few words about me…I love to create. I think that is just one way we are made in God’s image. Creating to me is as necessary as water and food. Prevent me from creating and I will go insane and take everyone with me. There are some days it is a very short trip!