Photo A Day May

Have you seen the Photo A Day challenges over at Fat Mum Slim?

{click here for post}

I am sooo excited to be participating in May! I will be sharing the photos on my Facebook page and post them often as well.

Are you up for the challenge?

Photos: Dandelions

Today I'm joining a photo contest over at Laura's blog. The theme is "From a low angle".

 The first photo is my entry. I am addicted to dandelions! There are too fun to photograph.

:)

linking to:

{Guest Post} Laura from Our Reflection

Today I'm so excited to introduce to you Laura, in case you haven't already seen her amazing blog!

Laura will be sharing some tips on photography. Being a photographer herself, she really knows her stuff!

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Hello! I’m Laura from Our Reflection. I’m super excited about being guest a guest today. 

A little about me. I’m a full-time working mom of two amazing daughters and an admirable, encouraging husband who are my life. I am, regrettably, a bit addicted to social media. I have a constant connection Facebook and Twitter wherever I am. I love Starbucks, the colors pink and yellow, mountain biking, and listening to the piano. My new addition seems to be blogging!

When I’m not working my 8-5 or being “mommy”, I’m a lifestyle photographer based out of Monterey, California. In my mind, I am ALWAYS thinking about photography. It never ends. My brain takes snapshots everywhere I go. My photographic passion is people. Couples, families, and children. Nothing brings me more joy than capturing those unforgettable moments that will be treasured for a lifetime. Check out my photography page by clicking here.

Today I wanted to share with you some of my fav's and helpful tips when taking portraits.

1) Time of day. Its all about lighting. The best pictures will be taken the 2 hours after sunrise and the 2 hours prior to sunset. This gives everyone that natural "glow."

2) Don't go crazy buying expensive equipment but do invest in a DSLR camera. They're not to expensive these days and worth every penny. {I'm a Canon girl myself.}

3) Keep your camera with you at all times. I'm one for spontaneous photos. The ones unplanned are always the best.

4) What should I wear in my portrait? I get asked this question all the time. The clothes a person wears has a big impact on the end result of the photo. They need to be comfortable. If they feel awkward in their outfit or environment, you won't capture them looking like themselves. 

5) Don't be afraid to experiment. If you're using a digital camera, the cost of errors are free. Go crazy - you might end up with one you really love.

I hoped this help you feel more comfortable with your camera. I love questions or comments so please feel free to drop me an email. 

Come and and say hi anytime. 

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These are great, Laura! I love all of your beautiful photos.

Be sure to check out Laura's:

{Blog} {Facebook} {Twitter} {Bloglovin'} {Pinterest} {Hello Cotton}

Huge Group GIVEAWAY!

I am so happy to announce my first GROUP GIVEAWAY!!!

The best part is, there will be 10 winners! That means 10 times the chance to win!

And, if you have a blog, then you are in luck! Most of the prizes are ad space.
But of course, there are some supplies, accessories, and more!

Thanks to all of our lovely contributors! You can find each of their sites in my sidebar - be sure to check them out.

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Want to know what you could win?

One lucky winner will receive...

A $30 shop credit to Splash of Color by Moonlight!

{Website} {Facebook}
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Another lucky reader will win...

A 150x150 ad space on Miss Information!

{Blog} {Facebook} {Twitter} {Google+}
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The third winner will win...

An adorable Saturday Tote Bag from Applestone Drive! ($15 value!)

{Blog} {Shop} {Facebook} {Pinterest}
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The fourth winner will receive...

A 250x150 one month ad space from Bear Rabbit Bear! ($5 value)

{Blog} {Facebook} {Twitter} {Google+} {Pinterest}
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Another extremely lucky winner will receive...

A 300x175 ad space for one month on Imprintalish! ($10 value)

{Blog} {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Bloglovin'} {Google+}
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The sixth lucky winner will win...

A 150x150 ad space on One Artsy Mama!

{Blog} {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Bloglovin'} {Twitter}
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Another lucky, creative winner will receive...

A mystery box of craft goodies from All Things Blogs!
It might include:
Shells, fabric leaves, corks, bells, glitter, etc.

{Blog} {Bloglovin'} {Hellocotton}
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The next lucky winner will win...

A 250x150 medium ad space on The D.I.Y. Dreamer for May! Trust me, you want to be on this gal's sidebar! ($5 value)

{Blog} {Facebook} {Twitter} {Pinterest} {Bloglovin'}
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And finally, the last TWO winners will win..

Two pairs of earrings each from me! You can see each prize below...

{Facebook} {Bloglovin'} {Pinterest} {Google+}
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Just some details and rules:
Be honest! Only hit "enter" if you have done what is says to do. No cheaters allowed!
 Please play fair, I don't want to delete your entry.
If you aren't honest about the first mandatory entry (following A Creative Cookie), any following entries will be deleted.

If you win ad space but do not own a blog, you may either donate that ad spot to another blog/shop of your choice or a new winner may be chosen.
(Only the first option applies to winner of One Artsy Mama's ad space)
If you win an ad space and own a blog but the blog doesn't fit the standards of the item contributor, a new winner will be chosen.

Winners of my earrings, All Things Blog's craft supplies, and Saturday Tote must have a US shipping address.

Giveaway will end on May 6th, 2012. Winners will be announced shortly afterward and emailed.

Will you be a lucky winner?
Click through the jump to view and enter below!